ST. GEORGE — With winter now in the horizon, Zion National Park is amid seasonal shifts.
Every year, the National Park Service adjusts shuttle schedules and campground availability to reflect the seasons. Here is what you need to know to plan your visit this fall or winter, according to a press release issued by the park service:
Fall personal vehicle access in Zion Canyon began Monday
- The last day of fall shuttle service in Zion Canyon and Springdale was Sunday.
- As of Monday, visitors now can drive personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
- Plan for limited parking; when parking in Zion Canyon is full, the park service may temporarily close the road.
Shuttle service resumes Dec. 23 – Jan. 1, 2023
- Shuttle service will resume in Zion Canyon and Springdale starting on Dec. 23 for 10 days.
- During these 10 days, visitors cannot drive personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
Winter personal vehicle access in Zion Canyon starts Jan. 2, 2023
- The last day of winter shuttle service in Zion Canyon and Springdale is Jan. 1, 2023.
- Visitors can drive personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive starting on Jan. 2, 2023.
- Plan for limited parking; when parking in Zion Canyon is full, the park service may temporarily close the road.
Shuttle service resumes in spring
- The park service will resume shuttle service in spring and will share specific dates in 2023.
Fall and winter camping
Watchman Campground is open year-round, and you can make a reservation up to six months before your visit online or by calling l-877-444-6777. Plan ahead and make arrangements for where you will stay before you get to the park.
South Campground and Lava Point Campground are closed for the season.
Visitor Center and Wilderness Permit Desk hours
Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyons Visitor Centers
- Open 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. every day through the fall and winter.
Wilderness Permit Desks
- Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk: Open 8-10 a.m. and from 3-4:30 p.m.
- Kolob Canyons Wilderness Desk: 8 a.m. to noon and from 1-4:30 p.m.
Need to know
No matter when you visit Zion, plan ahead by checking for updates online.
Pack your patience while we complete a drainage improvement project near the park’s south entrance. While work is happening, one lane is open into the park, and one lane is open out of the park. This work is scheduled to be complete in spring 2023.
- Whether you ride a shuttle or drive your own car in Zion Canyon, be prepared for crowds.
- Parking fills early year-round.
- Watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists if you are driving.
- Stay on trails and avoid walking in the road.
- Ride your bike on the road or the Pa’Rus Trail. Bicycling is not allowed on any other trails in the park. If you are riding in the road, you must stop to let buses pass you.
- The park service may temporarily close roads if traffic is congested or there is nowhere for drivers to park.
In general, fewer people visit Zion on weekdays than weekends. Consider arriving early or after 3 p.m. to avoid the busiest times of day.
Plan ahead and prepare
If you cannot park in Zion or if all of our campsites are full, research nearby communities and public lands to learn about other recreational activities and lodging. Always recreate responsibly and respect private owners’ property and facilities.
Follow Leave No Trace practices everywhere in the park and be sure to pack out all your trash.
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