Things to Do in Zion National Park for First-Time Visitors

Bike the Pa’rus Trail or Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

Biking is one of the best ways to experience Zion, especially during shuttle season. The Pa’rus Trail is the easiest place to start thanks to its paved surface, gentle elevation changes, and beautiful river views.

Bicycles are also allowed on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. While private vehicles are generally not permitted on this road during shuttle season, cyclists may continue to use it alongside shuttle buses. Riders must safely pull over and stop whenever a shuttle approaches from behind.

If you don’t have your own bike, several outfitters in Springdale rent traditional bicycles and e-bikes. E-bikes have become especially popular because they allow visitors to cover more ground while making Zion’s gradual elevation changes easier to manage.

Take in the Views Along the Virgin River

The Virgin River has shaped much of Zion’s dramatic landscape, and spending time along its banks is one of the park’s simplest pleasures.

Riverside Walk provides one of the easiest ways to experience the river while offering beautiful canyon scenery. The Pa’rus Trail also follows sections of the Virgin River and includes plenty of opportunities to stop, enjoy the scenery, and take photos.

If you plan to enter the water, always check current conditions first. Flash floods can develop quickly in canyon environments, especially during monsoon season, making water levels and currents dangerous with little warning.

Camp Inside Zion National Park

Camping inside Zion gives you easy access to the park and makes it much easier to start exploring before the biggest crowds arrive.

Watchman Campground sits near the South Entrance and the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. It’s open year-round and is often the first choice for first-time visitors because of its convenient location near the shuttle system.

South Campground is also located near the South Entrance and operates seasonally. It offers another convenient option within walking distance of the visitor center.

Lava Point Campground is a smaller, more primitive campground located along Kolob Terrace Road, about an hour from Zion Canyon. It operates seasonally and offers a quieter camping experience than the campgrounds near the main canyon.

Reservation windows, campground availability, and seasonal closures can change from year to year, so confirm current information before finalizing your travel plans.

Where to Stay Near Zion National Park

If camping isn’t your style, Springdale is the most convenient place to stay. Located just outside the South Entrance, the town offers hotels, restaurants, shops, and easy access to both the Springdale Shuttle and the Zion Canyon Shuttle.

Staying in Springdale also lets you leave your car at your hotel and use the shuttle systems instead of searching for parking inside the park.

Zion Lodge is the only lodging located inside the national park. If staying within Zion is important to you, reserve your room as early as possible because availability is limited.

Travelers looking for additional lodging options or lower prices may also want to consider nearby La Verkin or Hurricane. While you’ll spend more time driving each day, these communities often offer more availability and competitive rates. If you’re comparing hotels, activities, and daily plans, my free Travel Planner can help you organize everything before your trip.

Tips for Your First Visit

Know Before You Go

You don’t need a reservation to enter Zion National Park or ride the Zion Canyon Shuttle. You’ll simply pay the applicable entrance fee or use a qualifying federal recreation pass.

Some activities do require advance planning. Angels Landing requires a permit through a lottery system, and certain backcountry hikes and canyoneering routes also require permits.

Entrance Fees

Most visitors entering in a private vehicle pay the standard vehicle entrance fee, while lower-priced options are available for visitors entering on foot or by bicycle. If you plan to visit multiple national parks or other federal recreation sites within a year, the America the Beautiful Pass may offer the best value.

Always verify current entrance fees before your trip since they can change.

Shuttle System

The Zion Canyon Shuttle operates during much of the year to reduce traffic inside Zion Canyon. During shuttle season, private vehicles generally cannot drive on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

The shuttle is free and does not require a reservation. Springdale also operates a free shuttle that connects hotels, restaurants and parking areas with the park entrance.

During busy seasons, using the shuttle is often faster and far less stressful than trying to find parking inside the park.

Parking

Parking fills quickly during spring, summer and fall, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving before 8 a.m. usually gives you the best chance of finding parking inside the park.

If parking areas fill up, you’ll likely need to park in Springdale and use the pedestrian entrance or the shuttle system.

Best Times to Visit

Spring and fall are often considered the best times to visit Zion thanks to comfortable temperatures and ideal hiking conditions.

Summer offers the longest days for hiking and sightseeing but also brings intense heat and the largest crowds.

Winter is much quieter and can be a great time to visit if you don’t mind cooler temperatures. Depending on weather conditions, some trails, campgrounds, and services may have seasonal closures or limited availability.

Plan Your Zion National Park Adventure

Zion isn’t the kind of park you’ll fully experience in a single day, and that’s part of its appeal. Prioritize the activities that interest you most, start early whenever possible, and leave time to simply enjoy the scenery.

Whether you’re hiking, biking, driving through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, or relaxing beside the Virgin River, your first visit will give you plenty of reasons to start planning your next one.