Yes, you can drive to Zion National Park, but access changes by season and which part of the park you want to reach

Zion National Park sits in southwestern Utah near the town of Springdale, about 40 miles northeast of Las Vegas. You can drive your own car to the park entrance and into much of it, but the most famous section — Zion Canyon — operates under a shuttle system from late March through November. During those months, private vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, the 6-mile road that leads to trailheads like The Narrows and Angels Landing. From December through mid-March, you can drive that road yourself.

The park has two other main areas you can reach by car year-round: the Kolob Canyons section in the northwest corner, and the Kolob Terrace Road, which branches north from the main highway before you reach the canyon. Neither requires a shuttle, and both offer hiking and scenic views without the crowds.

Key Takeaways

  • Private cars can enter Zion National Park year-round, but the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive requires a shuttle bus from late March through November.
  • From December through mid-March, you can drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive yourself without using the shuttle system.
  • Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace Road are accessible by private vehicle throughout the year without shuttle restrictions.
  • You must pay the park entrance fee at the south entrance station, and shuttle rides are included with your park pass during the shuttle season.

Driving to the park entrance and paying the fee

The main route to Zion is Utah State Route 9, which connects to Interstate 15 near the town of Hurricane, Utah. From Las Vegas, take I-15 north for about 40 miles, then head east on Route 9 toward Springdale. The drive from Las Vegas takes roughly 90 minutes to two hours depending on traffic.

You will pass through the town of Springdale just before reaching the south entrance station. This is where you pay the park entrance fee. As of 2024, the fee is $35 per vehicle for a seven-day pass, $30 for a motorcycle, or $20 per person if you are on foot or bicycle. The pass covers all passengers in your vehicle and is valid for seven consecutive days. You can also purchase an America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80, which covers entrance to all U.S. national parks for one year.

The entrance station is open year-round. During peak season (spring and fall), lines can be long, especially mid-morning through mid-afternoon. Arriving early or late in the day typically means shorter waits.

The shuttle system during peak season (late March through November)

Once you enter the park during shuttle season, you must leave your car in one of the parking areas near the visitor center or in Springdale. The shuttle system is free with your park entrance fee. Buses run frequently — typically every 6 to 15 minutes depending on the time of day and season — and take you along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive to trailheads and viewpoints.

The shuttle has two routes. The red route runs from the visitor center up the canyon to the Temple of Sinawava, the end of the road and the starting point for The Narrows hike. The blue route connects the visitor center to Springdale, so you can park in town and ride into the park if you prefer. Parking in Springdale is often easier to find than parking at the visitor center, though some Springdale lots charge a fee.

Shuttle season typically begins in late March and runs through November, but exact dates shift slightly each year based on weather and staffing. Check the National Park Service website or call the park directly before your visit to confirm the current shuttle schedule.

Driving the canyon road yourself (December through mid-March)

From December through mid-March, when the shuttle system is not running, you can drive your own vehicle on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. This 6-mile road is one-way heading north, starting from the visitor center area and ending at the Temple of Sinawava parking area. The drive takes about 30 minutes without stops, though most visitors pull over at several scenic overlooks.

During winter, road conditions can change quickly. Snow and ice are possible, especially at higher elevations and on shaded sections of the road. The park may close the scenic drive temporarily if conditions become unsafe. Check current conditions with the visitor center before driving, and bring chains or all-terrain tires if snow is forecast.

Parking at the Temple of Sinawava lot fills up, especially on weekends. If you cannot find a space there, you can park at earlier pullouts and walk or hike from those locations. The visitor center parking area is usually less crowded than the canyon lot.

Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace Road — year-round driving options

If you visit during shuttle season and want to drive your own car, the Kolob Canyons section in the northwest corner of the park offers a scenic alternative. This area is about 30 miles from the main south entrance, accessed via I-15 north and a short drive east. A 5-mile scenic drive loops through red rock formations and connects to several short hiking trails. There is no shuttle system here, and parking is usually available.

Kolob Terrace Road branches north from Route 9 before you reach the main park entrance. This road climbs through forest and offers views of the Kolob Canyons from a different angle. It is a narrow, winding road that takes about 45 minutes to drive one way, and it closes in winter due to snow. The road is open roughly May through October, though dates vary by year. Check with the park before driving it in late fall or early spring.

Accessibility for visitors with mobility limitations

The visitor center, restrooms, and several scenic overlooks along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive are wheelchair accessible. The Riverside Walk, a paved 2-mile trail near the Temple of Sinawava, is also accessible and does not require hiking boots or special equipment.

During shuttle season, the buses have wheelchair lifts and designated spaces for visitors using mobility devices. You can board at any shuttle stop. If you have questions about accessibility, ask at the visitor center when you arrive, or call the park ahead of time.

Visitors with mobility limitations who cannot use the shuttle can request a special-use permit to drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during shuttle season. You must obtain this permit at the visitor center or by calling ahead. The permit is free and is intended for people with documented disabilities that prevent them from using public transportation.

What to know about parking and vehicle size restrictions

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive has restrictions on vehicle size. Vehicles longer than 40 feet, including RVs with tow vehicles, are not permitted on the scenic drive. Vehicles between 25 and 40 feet need a special permit, which you can obtain at the visitor center. Oversized vehicles can park at the visitor center and use the shuttle, or explore Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace Road instead.

Parking at the visitor center lot fills quickly during peak season. If you cannot find a space, use the Springdale parking areas and take the blue shuttle route into the park. Some Springdale lots are free, while others charge a small fee. The town of Springdale has several parking options, and shuttle buses run frequently between Springdale and the park entrance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive through Zion Canyon in my RV?

RVs longer than 40 feet are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Vehicles between 25 and 40 feet need a permit from the visitor center. If your RV is too large, you can park it at the visitor center lot and use the shuttle, or visit Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace Road instead, which have no size restrictions.

What happens if I try to drive the canyon road during shuttle season?

Park rangers stop vehicles at a checkpoint and direct you to parking areas. You will not be allowed to drive the scenic drive itself. You must use the shuttle system or obtain a special-use permit if you have a documented disability that prevents shuttle use.

Is the road to Zion open in winter?

Yes, Route 9 leading to the park entrance is open year-round. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open to private vehicles from December through mid-March. Kolob Terrace Road closes in winter, typically from November through April, depending on snow conditions.

How far is the drive from Las Vegas to Zion?

The drive is approximately 40 miles and takes 90 minutes to two hours from Las Vegas, depending on traffic and which entrance you use. From the Las Vegas Strip, add another 15 to 20 minutes to reach I-15.

Do I need a reservation to enter Zion by car?

No reservation is required to enter the park or drive to the south entrance. However, during peak season, the visitor center parking lot may fill up by mid-morning. Arriving early or parking in Springdale and using the shuttle can help you avoid parking delays.