That ticketed entry, which I had to endure for my March 2021 trip when things were just beginning to reopen? A major pain in the ass. Glad they've 86ed it.
Really helpful video. We're staying in Duck creek village, utah next September for 8 days as a base for visiting Zion and Bryce on our vacation from Scotland. Thanks for posting.
Where is the sign indicating if the parking lot in Zion is full? Would we have to drive through Springdale to see the sign then go back to Springdale if the lot is full? Thanks
Yes that’s true and I know that but I wanted to point out another way for the cars to get into Zion. It would be helpful to your viewers to add that info. Watchman is right across from the Visitor Center as is the shuttle system station. Zion has probably the worst campground of any national park I’ve been to but it is clearly one of the best parks for awe and wonder in the entire system.
In Zion's FAQ section about the shuttles, it says: "From mid-February through late November access into Zion Canyon is by shuttle bus only. All shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible. Use of personal vehicles is restricted to those individuals requiring additional vehicle supported medical devices, those unable to ride the shuttle for medical reasons, or when the shuttle bus cannot accommodate the individual due to weight or size restrictions. The shuttle lift has a combined weight limit of 600 lbs and cannot accommodate chairs larger than 45" long or 25" wide. A special permit for personal vehicle use up-canyon must be obtained from the visitor center information desk." Here's another point of reference for you: www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm
Very informative. I am surprised to see the bus trains. It's illegal for persons to ride in a towed vehicle. I can't do it with my travel trailer, how come Zion gets away with one bus towing another bus? I assume there are people in the towed vehicle.
If my family rents bikes, what happens when we reach one of the trails? Do we just leave the bike at the start of the trail and grab them when we’re coming back?
Question. We always use car to store a cooler of water bottles and use that to keep refilling our backpacks. What do we do at this park in regards to that? Are there water filling stations at each shuttle stop maybe?
The Springdale website says rates are much cheaper than you said in the video. Have they raised the rates and not posted the new rates on the internet?
Can you just take the views from the shuttle and not get off? Or just get off for enough time to take a photo and catch the next shuttle? What are the times in between?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on any trail (other than the Pa'rus Trail), wilderness areas, on shuttle buses, or in public buildings in Zion. www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/pets.htm
Loving all your videos as our family is planning an epic 20 day adventure in Utah/Yellowstone this June! I've read that the Zion shuttle doesn't stop at every stop coming out of the canyon. Is that true? For instance, if we go back to the river walk first can we then board the shuttle and exit at the Lodge or will the shuttle go all the way back to the Visitor's Center?
Mmmmm, I don’t think that’s correct. The shuttle stops st all the stops on the way up and the way back. However, some stops are closed right now. Also, they sometimes have a bus that stays in the canyon. It is called the circulator bus. It doesn’t go back to the visitor center and it also skips some stops depending on the direction. So that’s probably what you’ve heard about.
You are correct - partially. When it's crowded, especially late in the afternoon yes, they will skip stops, but walking to the next stop is no big deal unless you have limited mobility.
What about after shuttle hours? Can you drive up the canyon shuttle route after the last shuttle of the day or is it still closed the whole shuttle season?
You go to Zion often it looks like. I was looking for the hours of the shuttle in late September. The park website only lists hours from May until Sept 18th. Any guess on hours after the 18th? How early do they start after the 18th?
Yes you can drive on the main roads but they will close Zion Scenic drive if too many cars are on it. They will allow more cars in once others leave but they don't let you form a waiting line.
So im going last weekend of July/ first week of August. I get there July 28 and im driving from California and plan to get there around 10am and staying in springdale. Do you recommend i take the springdale shuttle to the zion shuttle and do the scouts overlook hike that day, and the narrows the next day? Or should i just wait until the next morning and do the narrows first thing AND then do the scouts overlook hike right after?
Either option will work. I'd probably split the two up. Do the Narrows the first day and then do Scouts Overlook the second day so you can get an early start and try to beat some of the heat. As for riding the Springdale shuttle, if your lodging is between shuttle stops 1 - 3 (maybe 4), it will probably be quicker to walk to the entrance. By the time the shuttle gets to those stops, it's often full already.
Three of the easiest hikes are the Riverside Walk, Watchman Overlook, and Lower Emeral Pools trails. There is also Checkerboard Mesa that is fun for kids. Check out our video Three Things to do at Zion with Kids: th-cam.com/video/RnNOob6OJJw/w-d-xo.html
Great video! Question, I am visiting Zion in a few weeks and staying just outside the East Entrance to the park (about a 2min drive). Will I be able to pay for entrance/access the shuttle system from the east entrance? Or should I just get up early and drive UT-9 to the visitors center and park there? Thanks in advance, you've got yourself a new subscriber!
You’ll have to pay to enter (or show your pass) when you enter the east entrance. Then you’ll need to drive to the main visitor center and park, or park in Springdale and enter again. Then catch the shuttle. Thanks for subscribing!
The shuttles accommodate wheelchairs and there are some wheelchair accessible trails, including riverside walk (1/2 way) and lower emerald pools. See this for more www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm
If I park in the Zion np, I will pay $35 for a vehicle, do I also need to pay $20 per person ? If I park in Springdale, I pay for parking in Springdale and also paid $20 per person? I have 4 people.
If you park in Zion NP, you will pay $35 total (for your vehicle including passengers) to enter. You do not have to pay an additional $20/pp. If you park in Springdale, you will pay for parking, roughly $25 for the day and from our understanding, you will also need to pay $20/pp to enter (15 and under are free). Another option is to buy an America the Beautiful Pass, which is good for one year to enter any national park. This pass will allow 4 adults to enter for free. Here is a link to this pass: usparkpass.com/?msclkid=fcc5c616756c1b2b5edca20eac43a794&UPP_ATB%2FNP&Bamerica%20the%20beautiful%20pass%5D&America%20the%20Beautiful%20Pass
@@WereintheRockies is the ticket to go inside the Zion np $20/pp good for one day only? I planned to go 2 consecutive days. Thank you for your respond.
We are going to Zion in October (third weekend...fall break...yikes!). If we are parking in Springdale, at what point do we purchase our entrance pass? Thanks!
The Zion front gate begins where Springdale ends. If you're new to Springdale, it's a long stretched town with its own shuttle system. Keep your car parked at the hotel or VRBO, catch the Springdale Shuttle to the Zion front gate, and start catching Zion Shuttles up the canyon floor. I was just there on Oct 11th. Trees should be colorful by now. If you have time, go to Kolob Canyon, Pine Valley, Snow Canyon. Get a slice of pie in Veyo, UT. Eat breakfast at the Bear Claw in St. George.
Don't think like a tourist. Zion is a disaster. Park in Springdale and ride the shuttle like a NY subway. Lotta fun. Or, you can drive your car, pay $35 entry fee and wait in line to go through the tunnel, drive to Mt. Carmel Jct. (which is pretty cool), turn around and pay $ 35 again to go back through the tunnel. Sure, it's a great place to go once, but after that I would opt for the overlooked and just as incredible State Parks of Utah that are not crowded.
Thanks for watching! To clarify for the viewers, the entrance fee needs to be paid whether you walk in or drive in. There is no way around that. If you do drive in, yes, you can drive through the tunnel and drive back but you do not have to pay the $35 again. Your pass allows unlimited access to the park for 7 days.
Had the worst experience using the in park shuttle. The kids organizing the lines prier to entering the shuttle were extremely rude and condescending. Yelling at people like they were drill sergeants and treating people like cattle. Made me hate the park..Haven't been back since.
Springdale is absolutely beautiful 0:32
That ticketed entry, which I had to endure for my March 2021 trip when things were just beginning to reopen? A major pain in the ass. Glad they've 86ed it.
Have a trip in about a month, this video help my every question.
Glad we could help. Enjoy!
Thanks. We're seeing Zion and Bryce for the first time this week and wondered how best to see the area with minimum of hassle. Video was very helpful.
We have a lot of helpful information/articles on our website: wereintherockies.com/
Shuttles are alright, but I had a much better experience renting an e bike for the day and using that to get around to all the different trails.
eBikes are amazing!! Glad it worked for you.
Thanks! Hope to get there in the not too distant future. It looks amazing.
Good luck!
Thank you. You were the most informative of all videos I have been searching through.
Glad it was helpful!
Really helpful video. We're staying in Duck creek village, utah next September for 8 days as a base for visiting Zion and Bryce on our vacation from Scotland. Thanks for posting.
You're welcome. We hope you love it as much as we do.
Going in September! Thanks for the video!
Great info.
Everyone on TH-cam talks about there trip etc. But no one shares about where to park your car , etc.
Thanks for the great info.👍
We aim to help people with all aspects of their trip so I'm glad we could provide you with helpful information.
Where is the sign indicating if the parking lot in Zion is full? Would we have to drive through Springdale to see the sign then go back to Springdale if the lot is full? Thanks
No, right as you come into town
I was going to ask about biking but you already covered it.
I have a camping reservation for several nights. This would allow me to drive into the canyon and park at my campsite.
Yes, but then you’ll still need to shuttle to the main stops!
Yes that’s true and I know that but I wanted to point out another way for the cars to get into Zion. It would be helpful to your viewers to add that info. Watchman is right across from the Visitor Center as is the shuttle system station. Zion has probably the worst campground of any national park I’ve been to but it is clearly one of the best parks for awe and wonder in the entire system.
The shuttle system in Zion National Park is GREAT.
It allows the park to control the flow of visitors in the park and prevent crowding.
Thanks a lot. I am going to Zion this June. It’s really helpful
Have a great time!
Matt - please elaborate about using the shuttles in an electric wheelchair. Thanks. John Fifield
In Zion's FAQ section about the shuttles, it says:
"From mid-February through late November access into Zion Canyon is by shuttle bus only. All shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible. Use of personal vehicles is restricted to those individuals requiring additional vehicle supported medical devices, those unable to ride the shuttle for medical reasons, or when the shuttle bus cannot accommodate the individual due to weight or size restrictions. The shuttle lift has a combined weight limit of 600 lbs and cannot accommodate chairs larger than 45" long or 25" wide. A special permit for personal vehicle use up-canyon must be obtained from the visitor center information desk."
Here's another point of reference for you: www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm
Very informative. I am surprised to see the bus trains.
It's illegal for persons to ride in a towed vehicle. I can't do it with my travel trailer, how come Zion gets away with one bus towing another bus? I assume there are people in the towed vehicle.
Amazing VIDEOOOOO. I WILL LOOK AT ALL OF THEM!
Thank you for sharing all your knowledge and information! Very informative video!
You’re welcome!
Great video!Thanks 👍
Wow never knew you could walk in. Ace report.
Thanks!
Best!! Thank you!! Very helpful info
If my family rents bikes, what happens when we reach one of the trails? Do we just leave the bike at the start of the trail and grab them when we’re coming back?
Yes, there are bike racks
So helpful!
Question. We always use car to store a cooler of water bottles and use that to keep refilling our backpacks. What do we do at this park in regards to that? Are there water filling stations at each shuttle stop maybe?
Yes, each stop. We recommend just bringing a water bottle or camelback and filling it up when you get off the shuttle!
@@WereintheRockies thank you for the response!
Adventure in Every Direction you can also find water fountains as well as a Spring Water Source Water filling system at the Narrows Bus Stop!
You red to said that people should get a pass it will be easier
The Springdale website says rates are much cheaper than you said in the video. Have they raised the rates and not posted the new rates on the internet?
I'm sure the rates fluctuate, depending on the time of year. Glad they seem to be cheaper.
No shuttle when we were there
Shuttles generally run March-October and even in between on holidays. When were you there? Just curious
Can the shuttles accommodate strollers? We have a 2 year old and just want to do the scenic route and maybe get out a couple view points
If you're stroller is compact, you should be fine. If not, you could probably put it on the bike rack.
Great video. I'm wondering what I'm going to do with my dog. Are dogs allowed on the shuttle?
Thanks! I don't believe dogs are allowed on the shuttle. I think the only trail they are allowed on in the park is the Pa'rus Trail.
Great tips!
Can you just take the views from the shuttle and not get off? Or just get off for enough time to take a photo and catch the next shuttle? What are the times in between?
Yes you can do both. During the busy season the shuttles come every 5-10 minutes
I wonder the shutter allows small dog in back pack?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on any trail (other than the Pa'rus Trail), wilderness areas, on shuttle buses, or in public buildings in Zion. www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/pets.htm
If you want to do a lot of hikes and you ride an e-bike into the canyon, is there a place to lock the bikes at the trail heads?
Yes, at all the main stops
Loving all your videos as our family is planning an epic 20 day adventure in Utah/Yellowstone this June! I've read that the Zion shuttle doesn't stop at every stop coming out of the canyon. Is that true? For instance, if we go back to the river walk first can we then board the shuttle and exit at the Lodge or will the shuttle go all the way back to the Visitor's Center?
Mmmmm, I don’t think that’s correct. The shuttle stops st all the stops on the way up and the way back. However, some stops are closed right now. Also, they sometimes have a bus that stays in the canyon. It is called the circulator bus. It doesn’t go back to the visitor center and it also skips some stops depending on the direction. So that’s probably what you’ve heard about.
@@WereintheRockies Thank you so much for the reply! I was thinking that couldn't be right and thankful to hear from someone who has been there!
You’re welcome!
You are correct - partially. When it's crowded, especially late in the afternoon yes, they will skip stops, but walking to the next stop is no big deal unless you have limited mobility.
Thank you !!
Can I park my car in Majestic lodge or any other springdale shuttle stop lodge’s parking lot? Although I am not staying there.
I'm not 100% sure about Majestic Lodge but many places allow parking for a fee.
Where do I park the car if I am going to use the shuttle from Springdale?
You can park on the streets and pay the parking fee at the meter.
Do you have to wait in line with your car for the park, if you want to go to your reserved site in Watchman Campground?
Yes, you do
What about after shuttle hours? Can you drive up the canyon shuttle route after the last shuttle of the day or is it still closed the whole shuttle season?
I believe it is closed to private vehicles the entire shuttle season.
thanks for video
can we drive directly to Temple of Sinamawa or should take shuttle. we are visiting on Nov 20
Check the official national park page for the most current information: www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/zion-canyon-shuttle-system.htm
You go to Zion often it looks like. I was looking for the hours of the shuttle in late September. The park website only lists hours from May until Sept 18th. Any guess on hours after the 18th? How early do they start after the 18th?
They seem to change the hours all the time and based on the seasons, so I always just check prior to visiting.
During the off season when the shuttles don’t run, can you drive an RV on the main roads to each spot?
Yes you can drive on the main roads but they will close Zion Scenic drive if too many cars are on it. They will allow more cars in once others leave but they don't let you form a waiting line.
@@WereintheRockies Thank you! Is there RV parking at each spot during the off-season or is it just first come first serve?
So im going last weekend of July/ first week of August. I get there July 28 and im driving from California and plan to get there around 10am and staying in springdale. Do you recommend i take the springdale shuttle to the zion shuttle and do the scouts overlook hike that day, and the narrows the next day? Or should i just wait until the next morning and do the narrows first thing AND then do the scouts overlook hike right after?
Either option will work. I'd probably split the two up. Do the Narrows the first day and then do Scouts Overlook the second day so you can get an early start and try to beat some of the heat. As for riding the Springdale shuttle, if your lodging is between shuttle stops 1 - 3 (maybe 4), it will probably be quicker to walk to the entrance. By the time the shuttle gets to those stops, it's often full already.
@@WereintheRockies ok thanks, i might just leave the night before to try and get there earlier.
I know there are some hikes that are hard but are there any kid friendly trails?
Three of the easiest hikes are the Riverside Walk, Watchman Overlook, and Lower Emeral Pools trails. There is also Checkerboard Mesa that is fun for kids. Check out our video Three Things to do at Zion with Kids: th-cam.com/video/RnNOob6OJJw/w-d-xo.html
Very helpful.
Glad to hear!
but WHY would you want to use a ahuttle if you have a car? can you explain??? probably seems obvious if you've been there already
Because the main road is closed to cars. It’s not an option! Thanks for asking and I apologize if I didn’t make that clear
Amazing video!!!!!
Thanks!!
What about private shuttles?
I'm not sure if private shuttles are allowed on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
Great video! Question, I am visiting Zion in a few weeks and staying just outside the East Entrance to the park (about a 2min drive). Will I be able to pay for entrance/access the shuttle system from the east entrance? Or should I just get up early and drive UT-9 to the visitors center and park there? Thanks in advance, you've got yourself a new subscriber!
You’ll have to pay to enter (or show your pass) when you enter the east entrance. Then you’ll need to drive to the main visitor center and park, or park in Springdale and enter again. Then catch the shuttle. Thanks for subscribing!
This was exactly my question! Thanks for asking first
Can wheelchairs use the shuttle? Any suggestions for how to see Zion in a wheelchair.
The shuttles accommodate wheelchairs and there are some wheelchair accessible trails, including riverside walk (1/2 way) and lower emerald pools. See this for more www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm
Do you have a make reservations for the shuttle into Zion?
No! Just show up. :)
Does Zion offer primitive campsites for travelers/ people exploring the park?
Here's an article we wrote that will help you: wereintherockies.com/zion-national-park-where-to-camp-glamp-or-boondock/
If I park in the Zion np, I will pay $35 for a vehicle, do I also need to pay $20 per person ?
If I park in Springdale, I pay for parking in Springdale and also paid $20 per person?
I have 4 people.
If you park in Zion NP, you will pay $35 total (for your vehicle including passengers) to enter. You do not have to pay an additional $20/pp. If you park in Springdale, you will pay for parking, roughly $25 for the day and from our understanding, you will also need to pay $20/pp to enter (15 and under are free). Another option is to buy an America the Beautiful Pass, which is good for one year to enter any national park. This pass will allow 4 adults to enter for free. Here is a link to this pass: usparkpass.com/?msclkid=fcc5c616756c1b2b5edca20eac43a794&UPP_ATB%2FNP&Bamerica%20the%20beautiful%20pass%5D&America%20the%20Beautiful%20Pass
@@WereintheRockies is the ticket to go inside the Zion np $20/pp good for one day only? I planned to go 2 consecutive days. Thank you for your respond.
We are going to Zion in October (third weekend...fall break...yikes!). If we are parking in Springdale, at what point do we purchase our entrance pass? Thanks!
Right at the walk in entrance booth that I showed in the video!
@@WereintheRockies Thank you! We cannot wait!!!
The Zion front gate begins where Springdale ends. If you're new to Springdale, it's a long stretched town with its own shuttle system. Keep your car parked at the hotel or VRBO, catch the Springdale Shuttle to the Zion front gate, and start catching Zion Shuttles up the canyon floor. I was just there on Oct 11th. Trees should be colorful by now. If you have time, go to Kolob Canyon, Pine Valley, Snow Canyon. Get a slice of pie in Veyo, UT. Eat breakfast at the Bear Claw in St. George.
@@elli003if I don't have a hotel in Springdale, are there other places to park? Can I just pay a hotel whatever parking fee?
This time of year you can just drive. It is easy.
Yes, going in the off season has its perks.
Don't think like a tourist. Zion is a disaster. Park in Springdale and ride the shuttle like a NY subway. Lotta fun. Or, you can drive your car, pay $35 entry fee and wait in line to go through the tunnel, drive to Mt. Carmel Jct. (which is pretty cool), turn around and pay $ 35 again to go back through the tunnel. Sure, it's a great place to go once, but after that I would opt for the overlooked and just as incredible State Parks of Utah that are not crowded.
Thanks for watching! To clarify for the viewers, the entrance fee needs to be paid whether you walk in or drive in. There is no way around that. If you do drive in, yes, you can drive through the tunnel and drive back but you do not have to pay the $35 again. Your pass allows unlimited access to the park for 7 days.
It’s always full.
Go early spring or late fall and it's much better
❤❤❤
You should tell people to get pass it will be easier
National Parking Lot.
Had the worst experience using the in park shuttle. The kids organizing the lines prier to entering the shuttle were extremely rude and condescending. Yelling at people like they were drill sergeants and treating people like cattle. Made me hate the park..Haven't been back since.
Shoot, we're sorry you had a bad experience but you should give the park another chance!
So many mask wearing people. All that beautiful sunlight and fresh air going to waste. smh…..
This was a few years ago. Masks are not required now.
Don’t use the shuttle system. Rent an e-bike.
e-bikes are so much fun. Glad it worked out for you
We plan to do that next week.