Zion National Park
Zion National Park is two hours west of Page, Arizona, and it feels like a different planet. Where Page is red sandstone, dry air, and open desert, Zion is green canyon walls, hanging gardens, and the constant sound of running water. The Virgin River has carved a 2,000-foot-deep canyon through Navajo Sandstone, creating a landscape of waterfalls, slot canyons, and vegetation that has no business thriving in the desert. It is the most visited national park in Utah and one of the most popular in the country.
For Page-based travelers, Zion is a long but achievable day trip — roughly 2 hours each way on Highway 89 to Highway 9 through Mt. Carmel Junction. The challenge is not the drive; it is the crowds. Zion receives over 5 million visitors per year, and the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles from March through November. During those months, you must ride the park shuttle, which means waiting in line, riding on a schedule, and sharing the experience with hundreds of other people.
Getting There from Page
From Page, take Highway 89 west for roughly 75 miles to Mt. Carmel Junction, then turn south on Highway 9 toward Zion's east entrance. The drive passes through the Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel — a 1.1-mile tunnel drilled through solid sandstone in 1930 — and descends switchbacks into the canyon. Total drive time is roughly 2 hours. There is no public transportation from Page to Zion.
Alternatively, some visitors approach from the south via Highway 89A through Kanab and Colorado City. This route is slightly longer but avoids the tunnel and offers different scenery.
Entrance fee: $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, or use your America the Beautiful pass. The fee is collected at the entrance stations on Highway 9 (east) or Interstate 15 (south).
The Shuttle System
From March through November, private vehicles are prohibited on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive beyond the Zion Lodge. All visitors must use the free park shuttle, which runs every 5–10 minutes from the visitor center to nine stops along the canyon. The shuttle is efficient but crowded. In summer, waits at the visitor center can exceed 30 minutes, and the shuttles are standing-room-only.
From December through February, the shuttle does not run and visitors can drive their own vehicles up the scenic road. This is the best time to visit if you want solitude and the freedom to stop where you choose. The tradeoff is cold temperatures, possible snow, and some trail closures.
Springdale shuttle: The town of Springdale, just outside the park's south entrance, runs a free shuttle that connects to the park shuttle at the visitor center. If you are staying in Springdale, you do not need to drive into the park at all.
Trails and What to Do
Angels Landing
The most famous hike in Zion — and one of the most famous in the national park system. Angels Landing is a 5.4-mile round-trip trail that climbs 1,500 feet to a narrow sandstone fin with 1,000-foot drops on both sides. The final half-mile follows a series of chains bolted into the rock. It is not technically a climb, but it is exposed and terrifying for anyone with a fear of heights.
Permit required: Since 2022, Angels Landing requires a permit obtained through a seasonal lottery. Day-before permits are available via Recreation.gov for $6 per application. Seasonal permits are drawn months in advance. Without a permit, you can hike to Scout Lookout — the viewpoint just before the chains — but cannot proceed to the summit.
Who should skip it: Anyone uncomfortable with exposure, steep drop-offs, or chain-assisted scrambling. Children under 8 are not recommended. The trail is genuinely dangerous — multiple fatalities have occurred.
The Narrows
The Narrows is a hike through the Virgin River itself, wading through knee- to waist-deep water between canyon walls that rise 1,000 feet overhead. You can hike as far as you want and turn around — the full top-down route is 16 miles and requires a permit, but most day hikers go 2 to 4 miles upstream from the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop and return.
Gear: The water is cold — 40–60°F depending on season. Neoprene socks and a walking stick are essential. Rentals are available in Springdale. Dry bags protect electronics. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory — no flip-flops or sandals.
Flash floods: The Narrows closes when the Virgin River flow exceeds 150 cubic feet per second or when flash flood warnings are issued. Check the park's current conditions board before attempting this hike. Do not enter if rain is forecast anywhere in the watershed.
Riverside Walk
A 2.2-mile paved round-trip walk from the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop to the entrance of The Narrows. The trail follows the Virgin River through a narrow canyon with hanging gardens, waterfalls, and views of the canyon walls. It is wheelchair-accessible and suitable for all ages. This is the best option for visitors with limited mobility or young children.
Emerald Pools
A 3-mile round-trip hike to a series of pools fed by waterfalls. The Lower Pool is an easy 1.2 miles. The Upper Pool adds a steeper climb. The trail starts across from the Zion Lodge shuttle stop. Good for families who want a moderate hike with a water feature.
Observation Point (via East Mesa Trail)
The classic Observation Point trail from Weeping Rock was closed indefinitely after a 2019 rockfall. The alternative is the East Mesa Trail, which approaches from the east side of the park outside the main canyon. The hike is 7 miles round-trip with 700 feet of elevation gain. The trailhead is on a rough dirt road that requires high clearance. This route offers the same iconic view of Zion Canyon from above without the rockfall danger.
Canyon Overlook Trail
A 1-mile round-trip trail near the east entrance tunnel that offers a dramatic overlook of Zion Canyon. It is short, relatively easy, and requires no shuttle. The trailhead is on the east side of the Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Parking is limited — arrive early. This is the best bang-for-buck viewpoint in the park.
Practical Information
- Best time to visit: March–May and September–November. Summer is crowded and hot. Winter is quiet but cold.
- Shuttle season: March–November. No private vehicles on the scenic drive. December–February: drive your own car.
- Food: The Zion Lodge restaurant and cafe are open year-round. Springdale has multiple restaurants outside the south entrance. There is no food at the east entrance.
- Gas: Fill up before entering the park. The nearest stations are in Springdale (south) and Mt. Carmel Junction (east).
- Cell service: Spotty inside the canyon. Verizon works at some shuttle stops. Do not rely on real-time navigation.
- Pets: Allowed on the Pa'rus Trail and in campgrounds only. Not permitted on other trails or in the canyon.
- Accessibility: The Pa'rus Trail and Riverside Walk are paved and wheelchair-accessible. The shuttle is accessible. Most other trails are not.
How to Combine with Nearby Attractions
- From Page: Zion is the standard Day 3 option on a three-day Page itinerary. Leave Page at 6:30 a.m., arrive by 8:30 a.m., hike until mid-afternoon, and return by 5:00 p.m.
- Bryce Canyon: Bryce is 1.5 hours from Zion via Highway 9 and Highway 89. Combining both in one day from Page is not realistic — each park deserves a full day.
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes: A state park 30 minutes from Mt. Carmel Junction with sandboarding and ATV rentals. A possible add-on if you leave Zion early.
- Grand Canyon North Rim: The North Rim is 2.5 hours from Zion via Highway 89A. Some visitors stay near Zion or the North Rim and split time between the two.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Zion National Park from Page, Arizona?
Approximately 120 miles and 2 hours by car. Take Highway 89 west to Mt. Carmel Junction, then Highway 9 south through the Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel to the park's east entrance.
Can you do Zion as a day trip from Page?
Yes, but it is a long day. Plan for 4 hours of driving and 5 to 6 hours in the park. Leave Page by 6:30 a.m. to avoid shuttle crowds and maximize hiking time. If you want a relaxed experience, stay overnight in Springdale.
Do you need a reservation to enter Zion National Park?
No. Zion does not require advance reservations for day use. However, Angels Landing requires a permit obtained through a lottery. The Narrows may close due to high water or flash flood warnings — check current conditions before your visit.
What is the best hike in Zion for first-time visitors?
The Riverside Walk is the best introduction — easy, paved, and scenic. For a moderate challenge, Emerald Pools offers waterfalls without the exposure of Angels Landing. Canyon Overlook is the best short trail with a big view. Angels Landing is only for those comfortable with heights and chain-assisted scrambling.
Can you drive through Zion National Park?
From December through February, yes — private vehicles can drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. From March through November, no — you must use the free park shuttle. Highway 9 through the Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel is open to private vehicles year-round.
Is Zion National Park crowded?
Yes. Zion is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Summer and holiday weekends are extremely crowded. The shuttle lines, trail congestion, and limited parking can be frustrating. Visit in winter, early spring, or late fall for a quieter experience.
What should you wear to Zion National Park?
Closed-toe shoes with good grip for all trails. If hiking The Narrows, rent neoprene socks and a walking stick in Springdale. Layers — the canyon is cooler than Page in summer and colder in winter. A hat and sunscreen for exposed trails.
Can you visit Zion and Bryce in one day from Page?
Not realistically. Each park deserves a full day. The drive between them is 1.5 hours, and combining both would mean 7+ hours of driving from Page plus minimal time in each park. Choose one per day, or extend your trip.
Where should you stay near Zion?
Springdale, just outside the south entrance, has the most lodging and dining options. Zion Lodge is the only lodging inside the canyon. For Page-based visitors, staying in Page and doing Zion as a day trip is common but tiring. Consider staying near Zion on Day 3 of your trip if you have flexibility.
For a complete three-day itinerary including Zion, see our three days in Page guide. For lodging options near Zion, see Zion National Park hotels. For other day trips, visit day trips from Page.
For tours that combine Zion with Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, and the Grand Canyon in a single guided trip, see multi-destination tours.
Zion Hotels, Tours & Things to Do
Lake Powell Taxi Services
Private Tour | Custom Options Available | Native (Dine) Operated | Family-Friendly
Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites
Zion National Park | Great Location | Free Breakfast | Hot Tub | Pool
East Zion Experiences ATV Slot Canyon Tour
East Zion: Full-Day Canyoneering Adventure
Guided Slot Canyon Trips
East Zion: Half-Day Canyoneering Tour
Guided Slot Canyon Trips
The Red Cliffs Lodge Zion, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Pet-Friendly | Free Breakfast | Pool | Hot Tub | Great Location | Zion National Park
Bumbleberry Inn
Zion National Park | Pool | Hot Tub | Hotel Bar | Restaurant on Site | Great Location
Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Zion National Park 3-Day Tour
Tours from Las Vegas
3-Day National Parks Tour: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley and Grand Canyon
Tours from Las Vegas
Peekaboo Slot Canyon
Guided Slot Canyon Trips
SpringHill Suites by Marriott
Zion National Park | Great Location | Pool | Hot Tub | Free Breakfast | Pet-Friendly
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