Navigating Zion National Park can be tricky, but the shuttle system makes it much easier for you and your family to get around! The Zion National Park shuttle system is composed of two main lines– the Springdale Shuttle which gets you to the main entrance of the park and the Zion Canyon Shuttle which takes you through the park. Read on to discover the ins and outs of each one!
The Springdale Shuttle
The small town of Springdale, UT sits just outside the national park. Since parking usually fills up before 8 AM at Zion, many people must park throughout Springdale and then walk, bike, or take the shuttle to the park entrance. It’s approximately 2.8 miles from the first stop (Majestic View Lodge) to the last stop just outside Zion’s entrance. You’ll find plenty of parking lots and roadside parking available, and you should expect to pay about $20 to park.
Springdale Shuttle Stops
- Zion Canyon Village
- Cafe Soleil/ Thai Sapa/ Cliffrose Lodge
- Whiptail Grill/Flanigan’s Inn
- Desert Pearl Inn/Canyon Ranch Hotel
- Bumbleberry Inn/Zion Pizza & Noodle Co.
- Hampton Inn/Holiday Inn Express/Bit & Spur
- Driftwood Lodge/Quality Inn & Suites
- Silver Bear Enterprises/Park House Cafe
- Majestic View Lodge
The Zion Canyon Shuttle
Once you deboard the Springdale Shuttle, you can pay the entrance fee at Zion Canyon Village, then walk over to the Visitor Center to catch a shuttle headed into the park. Also at the Visitor Center are access points to the Pa’rus and Watchman Trails.
Zion Canyon Shuttle Stops
- Zion Canyon Visitor Center
- Zion Human History Museum
- Canyon Junction – connected to the visitor center via the Pa’rus Trail
- Court of the Patriarchs – a beautiful scenic viewpoint
- Zion Lodge – access the Sand Bench and Grotto Trails; it’s also the only place for lodging and food inside the park.
- The Grotto – access trailheads for West Rim Trail, Angels Landing, Emerald Pools, and the Kayenta Trail at this stop.
- Weeping Rock – access the Weeping Rock Trail, East Rim Trail, Observation Point, and Hidden Canyon at this stop.
- Big Bend – another incredible scenic overlook
- Temple of Sinawava – access trailheads for the Riverside Walk and the Narrows at this stop.
Here are a few more basic things to note about the Zion National Park shuttle system:
- Both Springdale and Zion Canyon Shuttles are FREE.
- You do not need a reservation or ticket to ride the shuttle.
- The shuttle service runs daily from March to November (refer to the NPS website for the most up-to-date shuttle times and schedule).
- Shuttles typically arrive every 10 to 15 minutes.
- Bikes and strollers are allowed and must be placed on the bike rack at the back of the shuttle (no fat tire or e-bikes).
- Pets are not allowed on the shuttle, except for service animals.
- The main road (Zion Scenic Drive) within the national park is closed to private vehicles when the shuttle operates.
- Roads you can access with a personal vehicle include Zion-Mt Carmel Highway (Route 9), Kolob Terrace Road, and Kolob Canyons Road.
Where to Stay
You won’t find better places to stay near Zion National Park than our comfortable and spacious vacation rentals, with options from 1 to 14 bedrooms! Enjoy onsite resort amenities like pickleball courts and pools, as well as properties with private hot tubs and pools, games, and more. No matter the size of your group, you can enjoy the comforts of home combined with the luxuries of a modern vacation home that’s just a short drive from all the fun things to do in the national park. Our reservations team is happy to help you find properties that are close to Zion, and you’re guaranteed to get the best price when you book directly with us!
Now that you know more about the Zion National Park shuttle system, you’re better prepared to explore and experience the natural beauty of the area’s red rock canyons and cliffs! Start planning your adventure by browsing our Southern Utah vacation rentals to find the best property for your next trip.
