Draft guide. The official facts below are researched and sourced. Our firsthand sections (campground verdicts, scores, tips) are still being written from our trip notes. Firsthand words so far: 0/150, scores pending.
Our visit
- When did you visit Zion (month/year), how many nights, and was it tent, trailer or no camping?
- One or two sentences: what kind of trip was it, and who is this park perfect for?
Status
Is Zion open right now?
Open, 1 closure inside the park as of Oct 29, 2026 (from active NPS alerts; updated daily)
- Park ClosureWatchman Trail closed The Watchman Trail is closed pending repairs.
- InformationPlease park legally and responsibly Zion has limited parking. Once parking spaces in Zion are full, visitors should park in Springdale. Please park only in designated spaces. Vehicles parked outside of designated spaces are subject to citation and towing. details
- CautionToxic cyanobacteria in rivers, streams, and pools Do not submerge your head in or drink instream water in Zion National Park. details
- InformationAngels Landing Pilot Permit Program All hikers need a permit to hike Angels Landing. Learn why you need a permit and how to get one using the link below. details
- CautionLarge vehicle restrictions on Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway Vehicles that exceed length, width, height, or weight limits cannot travel between Canyon Junction and the park's East Entrance. See the current limits on the page linked below. details
This is our daily read of the official alerts, not an official status. Confirm on nps.gov current conditions before you drive.
What changed for 2026
Entry: No. No timed entry or vehicle reservation is required in 2026. NPS says no reservation, permit or ticket is needed to enter the park or ride the shuttle, only the entrance fee or a valid pass. Angels Landing (chains section) and wilderness/canyoneering trips need separate permits. Last verified 2026-10-28 · nps.gov
Fees: Private vehicle $35 (valid 1-7 days, non-commercial vehicle with 15 or fewer seats). Motorcycle $30. Per person on foot or bicycle $20 (age 16+; 15 and under free). Zion Annual Pass $70. America the Beautiful passes: resident annual $80, non-resident annual $250, senior annual $20, senior lifetime $80. Military, Access, 4th Grade and Volunteer passes are free. Nonresidents age 16+ pay an extra $100 per person on top of the standard entrance fee; this is waived with an Annual or America the Beautiful pass. The entrance fee applies even when only passing through. 2026 free-entrance days for US citizens and residents: Feb 16, May 25, Jun 14, Jul 3-5, Aug 25, Sep 17, Oct 27, Nov 11.
- Oversize vehicles banned between Canyon Junction and East Entrance; tunnel escorts ended. Since June 7, 2026, vehicles over the size or weight limits may not drive any part of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance, not just the tunnel. The former tunnel permit/escort option was eliminated as of that date. Oversize vehicles must enter and leave through the South Entrance (Springdale). Last verified 2026-10-28 · Large Vehicles - Zion National Park (NPS)
- No timed entry or shuttle reservation. No reservation, permit or ticket is needed to enter the park or ride the shuttle. Only the entrance fee or a valid pass is required. Last verified 2026-10-28 · Zion Canyon Shuttle System (NPS)
- Scenic Drive shuttle-only in season. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles during shuttle season, including before the first and after the last shuttle. Exceptions: Zion Lodge and Canyon Trail Rides guests with reservations, and some visitors with medical needs (special permit from the Visitor Center). Last verified 2026-10-28 · Zion Canyon Shuttle System (NPS)
- $100 nonresident fee. Nonresidents age 16 and older pay a $100 per-person fee in addition to the standard entrance fee. It is waived for holders of an Annual or America the Beautiful pass. Last verified 2026-10-28 · Fees & Passes - Zion National Park (NPS)
- Angels Landing permit required. A permit from the seasonal or day-before lottery is required for the chains section beyond Scout Lookout. Day-of permits are not issued. Last verified 2026-10-28 · Angels Landing Hiking Permits (NPS)
- Narrows closures. The Narrows closes to all travel when river flow is above 150 cfs, or when a Flash Flood Warning is issued. After a warning it stays closed for at least two hours after the warning is lifted. Last verified 2026-10-28 · The Narrows (NPS)
- Trail closures near Weeping Rock. The East Rim Trail is partly closed by a large rockfall near Weeping Rock, and Hidden Canyon is closed. Observation Point can be reached only by hiking in from the east. Last verified 2026-10-28 · Current Conditions - Zion National Park (NPS)
- Fire restrictions. Fireworks are always prohibited. Fires are never allowed in the Zion Wilderness; only gas or liquid-fueled stoves may be used there, and further restrictions may apply depending on wildfire risk. Last verified 2026-10-28 · Current Conditions - Zion National Park (NPS)
When to go
Best months: October (draft score, David & Keri reviewing) · Best parks by month
Official data, not firsthand- Overall: The park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. NPS says campgrounds are full almost every night from mid-March through late November, and reservations are required. Last verified 2026-10-28 · nps.gov
- Spring: Shuttles start running in early spring. Snowmelt can push the Virgin River above 150 cfs, which closes The Narrows, and the water is often high and cold in winter and early spring. Last verified 2026-10-28 · nps.gov
- Summer: Most Narrows hikers go in summer and early fall, when the water is lowest and warmest. Flash floods are more frequent during monsoon season. Summer daytime temperatures near the South Entrance often exceed 95°F (35°C), and there is little shade. Last verified 2026-10-28 · nps.gov
- Fall: The shuttle runs through late fall: in 2026 the Zion Canyon Line runs 7:00 am to a 5:00 pm last departure from Oct 25 to Nov 28, with no service from Nov 29 to Dec 25. Fall weather is more stable, but days are shorter and Narrows water is colder. Last verified 2026-10-28 · nps.gov
- Winter: Kolob Terrace Road and Lava Point Road are usually closed by snow from fall into spring, and Kolob Canyons Road often closes in winter. The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway can close for snow, ice or rockfall. South and Lava Point campgrounds close for winter; Watchman stays open. Last verified 2026-10-28 · nps.gov
- Winter: Holiday shuttle service runs Dec 26 to Jan 2 (8:00 am to a 4:30 pm last departure from the Visitor Center). Outside shuttle season, private vehicles may drive Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Last verified 2026-10-28 · nps.gov
- What month would you go back to Zion, and why?
Is one extra day worth it?
- How many days did you spend in Zion? What would one extra day buy you (a hike, a sunrise, an area), or would you spend that night at another park instead?
Camping in Zion
Each campground shows the official details (Official data, not firsthand) and, where we stayed, our “We Camped Here” verdict.
Watchman Campground
Next to the South Entrance (Springdale side)
Official data, not firsthandGenerators are not allowed. Senior/Access lifetime passes may get 50% off one campsite (not group sites). The Recreation.gov site list shows 184 sites, but no total is published. Facility phone (435) 772-7622.
Last verified 2026-10-28 · recreation.govWe Camped Here: our verdict
Awaiting David & Keri’s notes: did we camp here? If yes: best loops/sites, what rig really fits, our two scores (1–10), and “skip it if…”. If not, this will say “We hiked it, didn’t camp.”
South Campground
Next to the South Entrance, along the Virgin River
Official data, not firsthandGenerators allowed only 8:00-10:00 am and 6:00-8:00 pm. Maximum stay 14 days. Recreation.gov lists standard non-electric sites, 18 walk-to sites and 4 group sites (124 total in the list).
Last verified 2026-10-28 · recreation.govWe Camped Here: our verdict
Awaiting David & Keri’s notes: did we camp here? If yes: best loops/sites, what rig really fits, our two scores (1–10), and “skip it if…”. If not, this will say “We hiked it, didn’t camp.”
Lava Point Campground
Kolob Terrace Road, about 1 hour's drive from Zion Canyon
Official data, not firsthandPrimitive sites with a pit toilet, picnic table and bear box. Weather on Kolob Terrace Road changes rapidly in spring and fall. The campground cannot be part of a wilderness backpacking itinerary.
Last verified 2026-10-28 · nps.govWe Camped Here: our verdict
Awaiting David & Keri’s notes: did we camp here? If yes: best loops/sites, what rig really fits, our two scores (1–10), and “skip it if…”. If not, this will say “We hiked it, didn’t camp.”
Rig fit: RVs and travel trailers
Official data, not firsthand- Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway (Canyon Junction to East Entrance, including the tunnel): single vehicles: Maximum length 35'9" (10.9 m), width 7'10" (2.39 m), height 11'4" (3.45 m), weight 50,000 lbs. Measurements include mirrors, tires, AC units, bike racks, satellite dishes and other add-ons. Vehicles over any limit may not drive this section, enforced since June 7, 2026; tunnel escorts are no longer offered. Last verified 2026-10-28 · nps.gov
- Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway: combined vehicles (truck plus trailer, motorhome plus toad): Maximum total length 50'0" (15.24 m). Trailer no longer than 26 ft (7.92 m), measured hitch to rear axle. Width 7'10", height 11'4", weight 50,000 lbs. Last verified 2026-10-28 · nps.gov
- South Entrance access for oversize vehicles: Oversize vehicles get turnaround instructions at the entrance and may not go past Canyon Junction. Allowed exceptions at the South Entrance: the large-vehicle lot at Zion Canyon Visitor Center (if space), Zion Lodge with a reservation, Scenic Drive during the shuttle off-season, and camping at Watchman or South Campground. Last verified 2026-10-28 · nps.gov
- Alternate routes for oversize rigs: To Bryce Canyon via Highway 20 north of Cedar City: about 150 miles and 2.5 hours (63 miles and about 42 minutes longer). To the Grand Canyon North Rim via Highway 59 toward Jacob Lake: about 128 miles, just over 3 hours (23 miles and about 10 minutes longer). Last verified 2026-10-28 · nps.gov
- Watchman Campground loops: Vehicles 19 ft and over are not permitted in non-electric Loops C and D. Electric Loops A and B are 30-amp, with a few 50-amp sites. Generators are not allowed. Last verified 2026-10-28 · recreation.gov
- Zion Canyon Scenic Drive: Closed to private vehicles during shuttle season. Visitors who exceed size or weight limits or have medical needs may get a special permit at the Visitor Center. Last verified 2026-10-28 · nps.gov
- What did you tow or drive here (trailer length + tow vehicle)? Any tight turns, grades, tunnels or lots to warn people about? Where did you leave the trailer while sightseeing?
Hike permits & lotteries
| Permit | How | When | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angels Landing permit (seasonal lottery) Last verified 2026-10-28 · nps.gov | Apply on Recreation.gov (permit 4675326), ranking up to 7 days and times or date ranges. Results are emailed after the issue date. The confirmation email serves as the permit. | Mar 1-May 31 hikes: apply Jan 1-20, issued Jan 25. Jun 1-Aug 31: apply Apr 1-20, issued Apr 25. Sep 1-Nov 30: apply Jul 1-20, issued Jul 25. Dec 1-Feb 28: apply Oct 1-20, issued Oct 25. Windows open at 8 am MT and close at 11:59 pm MT. | $6 non-refundable application fee (covers up to 6 people), plus $3 per person if selected. The per-person fee is refundable if cancelled at least 2 days before the hike. |
| Angels Landing permit (day-before lottery) Last verified 2026-10-28 · nps.gov | Apply on Recreation.gov (permit 4675325) the day before the hike. All applicants in the window have equal odds. | Apply 12:01 am-3:00 pm MT the day before the hike; results sent after 4:00 pm. | $6 application fee plus $3 per person. All fees are non-refundable and the permit cannot be changed. |
| Subway (Left Fork) and Mystery Canyon seasonal lottery Last verified 2026-10-28 · home.nps.gov | Online seasonal lottery ranking up to 4 dates. Results are emailed on the 27th, and winners must claim the reservation on Recreation.gov within 2 weeks. Unclaimed spots are released on the 15th of the following month at 10 am MT. | Jan-Mar trips: apply Nov 1-25. Apr-Jun: Feb 1-25. Jul-Sep: May 1-25. Oct-Dec: Aug 1-25. | $6 non-refundable application fee, plus $10 per person (refundable) |
| Canyoneering and top-down Narrows advance reservations Last verified 2026-10-28 · home.nps.gov | Recreation.gov advance reservations for canyons other than Left Fork and Mystery. Canyons not in the reservation menu need an in-person permit. | Opens at 10 am MT on Dec 5 (Jan-Mar trips), Mar 5 (Apr-Jun), Jun 5 (Jul-Sep) and Sep 5 (Oct-Dec). Bookable until 5 pm MT the day before the trip. | $6 non-refundable reservation fee, plus $10 per person (refundable) |
| Daily lottery and walk-in (Left Fork, Mystery, top-down Narrows) Last verified 2026-10-28 · home.nps.gov | Daily lottery: one application per person per day, listing up to 4 canyons. Walk-in: unclaimed daily-lottery spaces at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Desk the day before the trip. | Lottery applications accepted 12:00 am-3:00 pm MT two days before the trip; drawing at 4:00 pm MT. | $6 non-refundable, plus $10 per person (refundable) |
| Overnight wilderness (backpacking and climbing bivouacs) Last verified 2026-10-28 · nps.gov | Advance reservation on Recreation.gov, or walk-up in person at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Desk the day before or day of the trip if space remains. The reservation holder must pick up the permit; allow at least 20 minutes and bring vehicle details. | Opening dates for overnight reservations are not stated on the NPS wilderness permit page | $20 per permit (non-refundable), plus $7 per person per night (refundable) |
| The Narrows bottom-up (to Big Spring) Last verified 2026-10-28 · nps.gov | No permit required for the bottom-up day hike from the Temple of Sinawava to Big Spring (strenuous, 10 miles round trip). The 16-mile top-down hike from Chamberlain's Ranch requires a wilderness permit and your own shuttle to the trailhead. | Closed when flow is above 150 cfs or during a Flash Flood Warning | none for bottom-up |
- Did you apply for any permits/lotteries here? What worked, and what would you tell a first-timer?
Where to stay & what to do in town
Springdale, UT
Adjacent; the South Entrance and Pedestrian Entrance are on the north end of town
Gateway town with lodging, restaurants and the Springdale Line of the park shuttle.
Mt. Carmel Junction, UT
13 miles east of the East Entrance via State Road 9
East-side junction town; oversize vehicles cannot drive from here into the park through the East Entrance.
St. George, UT
St. George Regional Airport (SGU) is 49 miles from the park
Nearest regional airport city, with full services; SunTran's Zion Route runs from St. George through Hurricane.
Cedar City, UT
Kolob Canyons entrance (I-15 Exit 40) is 17 miles south of Cedar City; Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC) is 60 miles from the park
Regional city with full services, near the Kolob Canyons section of the park.
Popular guided tours nearby
- Guided Narrows hikes with gear rental (drysuits, canyoneering shoes, hiking sticks) from outfitters in Springdale
- Guided canyoneering and rappelling trips outside the park or with permits
- Horseback rides from Zion Lodge (Canyon Trail Rides)
- E-bike rentals and guided bike tours on the Pa'rus Trail and Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
- Jeep and UTV tours of nearby BLM land, e.g. East Zion and Hurricane areas
- Scenic helicopter or airplane tours over Zion from nearby airports
- Day trips to Bryce Canyon or slot canyon tours on the east side (Kanab/Page area)
- Where did you stay or eat outside the park that you would recommend (or avoid)? Any must-do in town?
David & Keri’s hot tips
- 5–10 quick tips only someone who has been there would know (parking, timing, a trail, a mistake to avoid).
What we’d do differently
Wrong entrance, wrong month, a missed shuttle, too few nights: the honest list.
- 1. …
- 2. …
- 3. …
Sources & corrections
All official facts on this page were last verified 2026-10-28 against the linked National Park Service and Recreation.gov pages. Park rules change; confirm before you go.
Where sources disagree
- Tunnel escorts: the NPS Large Vehicles page (updated Sep 2, 2026) still mentions a 'current tunnel pass/escort system' with one-way traffic. RV Life (updated Jun 8, 2026) and the Recreation.gov South Campground notice say escorts ended and size/weight enforcement began June 7, 2026. NPS Current Conditions confirms large vehicles are not allowed between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance.
- Campground fees: an NPS news release (Dec 4, 2023) set Watchman electric at $45, Watchman non-electric at $35, South at $35 and Lava Point at $25, effective 2024. A third-party blog lists the same rates as taking effect July 1, 2026. Current nps.gov and Recreation.gov pages fetched did not show nightly rates, so confirm at booking.
- South Campground status: third-party guides disagreed on whether it was closed for rehabilitation in 2026. A National Parks Traveler item (May 27, 2026; it could not be fetched, HTTP 503) reported a May 29, 2026 reopening. Recreation.gov now lists bookable sites with an early-March to end-of-October season. NPS says only that it 'closes seasonally'.
- Lava Point: third-party sources list a 2026 season of June 3-Oct 4 and a 19-ft vehicle limit on the access road; neither appears on nps.gov. A Recreation.gov POI listing says no reservations are taken, while NPS says it is reservable 14 days ahead.
- Site counts: Recreation.gov site lists show 184 (Watchman) and 124 (South) entries including group and walk-to sites. Neither nps.gov nor Recreation.gov publishes an official total, so sites is null.
- Current conditions
- Shuttle schedule
- Large vehicles
- Angels Landing permits
- Canyoneering permits
- Campgrounds
- Official NPS site
Spot something out of date? Tell us and we’ll fix it and log the correction. Photos: NPS Photo / Shane Carte; NPS Photo / Jesse Nelson; NPS (NPS, public domain).