The Zion Canyon shuttle system is the lifeline of any visit to the park’s main canyon. During shuttle season — typically late February or March through late November — private vehicles are not permitted on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and the free shuttle is your only way to reach most major trailheads. Understanding how the system works, where to park, and when to arrive will make or break your Zion experience. If you are planning your first visit, pair this guide with our Zion First-Timer Guide.
Shuttle Season Overview
The mandatory shuttle season typically runs from late February or early March through late November. Exact dates vary year to year and are announced by the National Park Service in January. During this period, the six-mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive from Canyon Junction to the Temple of Sinawava is closed to all private vehicles. The only exceptions are guests with reservations at Zion Lodge (who receive a road access pass) and visitors with accessibility needs.
The shuttle is completely free — your park entrance fee covers unlimited rides for the day. Shuttles run from early morning until evening, with the first bus departing around 6:00-7:00 AM and the last return bus leaving the Temple of Sinawava around 7:15-8:45 PM depending on the season.
The Two Shuttle Routes
Route 1: Springdale Town Shuttle
This line runs through the town of Springdale from its southern end to the park entrance at the visitor center. It is especially useful if you park in town or stay at a Springdale hotel. The Springdale shuttle has nine stops along the main road, and you can board at any of them. It connects to the Zion Canyon shuttle at the visitor center.
Hours: Typically starts around 7:00 AM and runs until 9:30 PM in peak season. Frequency is every 10-15 minutes.
Route 2: Zion Canyon Shuttle
This is the main in-park shuttle running from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava. It makes nine stops along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, each serving different trailheads and viewpoints. During peak hours, shuttles depart every 4-7 minutes. You can hop on and off at any stop throughout the day.
All 9 Zion Canyon Shuttle Stops
Stop 1: Zion Canyon Visitor Center
The starting point for all canyon shuttles. The visitor center has a bookstore, ranger desk, restrooms, water refill stations, and a large parking lot (fills by 9:00 AM in peak season). Pick up trail maps and check conditions here before heading into the canyon.
Stop 2: Zion Human History Museum
A small museum covering the cultural history of Zion, from the Southern Paiute people to Mormon pioneers. Free admission. This stop also serves as access to the Pa’rus Trail, a flat 3.5-mile paved path that is one of the only trails open to dogs and bicycles.
Stop 3: Canyon Junction
This is where the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive begins and connects to the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway (UT-9). Access point for the Pa’rus Trail and a good starting spot for photography of the canyon entrance. No major trailheads.
Stop 4: Court of the Patriarchs
A short 50-yard walk from the shuttle stop leads to a viewpoint of the three towering sandstone peaks named Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. One of the park’s most photographed scenes. The viewpoint requires no hiking and is wheelchair accessible. A great five-minute stop on any itinerary.
Stop 5: Zion Lodge
The park’s only in-park lodging facility, with the Red Rock Grill restaurant, a gift shop, and restrooms. This stop is the trailhead for the Emerald Pools Trail system (lower, middle, and upper pools). It is also an alternative starting point for the Kayenta Trail, which connects to the Grotto.
Stop 6: The Grotto
The primary trailhead for Angels Landing via the West Rim Trail. Also provides access to the Kayenta Trail connecting to Zion Lodge and the Emerald Pools. Restrooms and a picnic area with shaded tables are available here. This is one of the busiest stops in the park — Angels Landing permit holders should plan extra time.
Stop 7: Weeping Rock
Named for the natural spring that seeps through the cliff face. The short Weeping Rock Trail (0.4 miles RT) leads to an alcove with hanging gardens. This stop also serves as the trailhead for the Observation Point via the East Rim Trail and the Hidden Canyon Trail. Note: trail closures due to rockfall are common at this stop — check current conditions.
Stop 8: Big Bend
A dramatic river bend with towering canyon walls on both sides. No major trailheads, but this is an excellent viewpoint and one of the best spots in the park for spotting California condors soaring above the cliffs. Rock climbers heading to routes on the canyon walls often start here.
Stop 9: Temple of Sinawava
The end of the line. This stop is the trailhead for the Riverside Walk, a 2.2-mile paved, ADA-accessible trail that follows the Virgin River to the entrance of The Narrows. Restrooms are available. This is the last shuttle stop, and buses return to the visitor center from here. In peak season, there can be standing-room-only conditions on the ride back in the afternoon.
Parking Options
Zion Canyon Visitor Center Parking Lot
The main lot holds approximately 450 vehicles and fills early. In peak season (April-October weekends), expect it to be full by 8:00-9:00 AM. On holiday weekends and October fall color weekends, it can fill by 7:00 AM. Once full, rangers will turn vehicles away and direct you to Springdale. Overflow parking is available adjacent to the lot on the south side, but it too fills quickly.
Springdale Parking
When park lots are full, your best option is parking in Springdale and riding the town shuttle to the visitor center. Options include:
- Springdale town shuttle stops: Limited free parking at some stops, first-come first-served.
- Private paid lots: Several private lots in Springdale charge – per day. They are located along Zion Park Boulevard and are well-signed.
- Hotel parking: If you are staying in Springdale, park at your hotel and walk or ride the shuttle. Most hotels are within a mile of the park entrance.
Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway (East Side) Parking
If you are hiking the Canyon Overlook Trail, the small parking lot at the east end of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel has only about 15 spaces. It fills extremely early — arrive by 7:00 AM or earlier. Overflow vehicles park along the shoulder of UT-9, but spaces are limited and rangers may ticket illegally parked cars.
Off-Season Driving
During winter months (typically December through February), the shuttle does not operate and the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open to private vehicles. This is one of the biggest perks of a winter visit — you can drive to any trailhead, park at the Grotto or Temple of Sinawava, and start hiking without any shuttle logistics.
Note that the Kolob Terrace Road and sections of the Kolob Canyons road may close in winter due to snow. The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway (UT-9 through the tunnel) generally stays open year-round but may have temporary closures during heavy snowfall.
Pro Tips for the Shuttle System
- Arrive before 9:00 AM in peak season. This is the single most important tip for any Zion visit. Shuttle waits go from two minutes to 30+ minutes between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
- Ride to the last stop first. Board the shuttle at the visitor center and ride all the way to the Temple of Sinawava (stop 9). Hike the Riverside Walk or enter The Narrows, then work your way back down-canyon, hopping off at stops along the return.
- Afternoon rides are less crowded. Most visitors head into the canyon in the morning and leave between 2:00-5:00 PM. If you can tolerate the afternoon heat (spring/fall only), entering the canyon at 2:00 PM means shorter waits and emptier trails.
- The Grotto to Lodge trail is better than waiting. If the shuttle line at the Grotto (stop 6) is long after your Angels Landing hike, walk the flat 0.5-mile Kayenta connector to Zion Lodge (stop 5) and catch a shuttle there instead. The line is almost always shorter.
- Pack light for the shuttle. Large backpacks and oversized gear can make the standing-room rides uncomfortable. Bring a daypack, not a 60-liter backpacking pack, for shuttle-accessed day hikes.
- Check the schedule. Shuttle frequency varies by season. Peak summer runs every 4-7 minutes. Shoulder season may run every 10-15 minutes. First and last bus times shift with daylight — check the NPS website or the visitor center bulletin board for current times.
Accessibility
All shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible with ramps and designated spaces. The Riverside Walk (from stop 9) and the Pa’rus Trail (from stop 2) are paved and ADA-accessible. Visitors with mobility disabilities who cannot use the shuttle may request a scenic drive access pass at the entrance station. See our Accessible Greater Zion Guide for complete details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Zion shuttle really free?
Yes. The shuttle is included with your park entrance fee ( per vehicle, per person walk-in). There is no separate shuttle ticket or reservation required. You simply board at any stop and ride as many times as you want throughout the day.
Can I drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive myself?
Only during the off-season (typically December through February) when the shuttle is not running. During shuttle season, the scenic drive is closed to all private vehicles except Zion Lodge guests and visitors with accessibility passes. You can always drive the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway (UT-9) through the tunnel, which is a separate road.
What if the parking lot is full when I arrive?
Turn around and park in Springdale. Several private paid lots (-35/day) are available along Zion Park Boulevard. Then ride the free Springdale town shuttle to the visitor center, where you connect to the in-park shuttle. Alternatively, if you are staying in St. George or Hurricane, arrive earlier the next day.
How long does the full shuttle loop take?
A one-way ride from the visitor center (stop 1) to the Temple of Sinawava (stop 9) takes approximately 45 minutes without getting off. The round trip is about 90 minutes if you stay on the bus the entire time. Most visitors hop on and off, spending hours at various stops.
Can I bring a stroller on the shuttle?
Yes, but strollers must be folded and stored. The buses accommodate folded strollers, but space is limited during peak hours. Soft-structured baby carriers work better for the shuttle and most trails. See our Zion with Kids Guide for more family tips.
