Hours & Seasons
Services and facilities in Zion National Park maintain seasonal schedules in order to balance the increased crowds and congestion during the summer with the empty roads and campsites in winter.
2012 Zion Shuttle Rides
Organization: AllZion.com
Date: 04/01/2012 update info
Time: 6:00:00 AM - 11:00:00 PM
Event Cost: Free
Venue: Zion to Springdale in Zion National Park,UT
Contact: Zion National Park
Email:
Website: nps.gov/zion
Event Details:
Introduction
In 1997 visitation was 2.4 million and increasing. The shuttle system was established to eliminate traffic and parking problems, protect vegetation, and restore tranquility to Zion Canyon.
The Springdale Shuttle stops at six locations in Springdale. The Zion Canyon Shuttle stops at eight locations in the park. The transfer between loops is made at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. You may get on and off as often as you like. Riding the shuttle is free.
2012 Shuttle Season
In 2012 the Zion Shuttle System will begin operations in Zion Canyon and the town of Springdale on April 1 and will run through the end of October 2012.
How to use the shuttle
Avoid parking hassles. Parking is limited inside Zion. You may park in the town of Springdale and ride the town shuttle to the park. Look for the ''Shuttle Parking'' signs throughout town. If you are staying at a lodge or motel, simply leave your car there and ride the town shuttle to the park. The parking lot at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center commonly fills by mid-morning. Tune your radio to 1610 AM for additional information. Click here for a map of Shuttle Stops in SpringdaleTake Your Time
Buses run frequently throughout the day, as often as every seven minutes. You do not need to rush to catch one. Take your time to plan your visit. Use the exhibits outdoors and the information inside at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to make the most of your time. Ranger presentations at the Zion Human History Museum are a great way to learn more about the park before you ride the shuttle up canyon. The bookstore has maps and publications that can augment your visit.What To Bring
For a day trip on the shuttle, you should take:Water/Snacks-Walking Shoes/MapSunscreen/Hat/SunglassesCamera/BinocularsDress for the weather and bring everything you need for a day in the park.Be sure to bring your Interagency Pass or Park Entry Receipt for re-entry into the park.
PleaseNo eating or smoking on the busBeverages other than water are not allowedPets are not allowed on the shuttle busesFree buses run from early morning to late evening as often as every seven minutes.
Buses are wheelchair accessible.Times and intervals change with the seasons. Current schedules are posted at each shuttle stop, the Visitor Centers, and in your park guide.
The average wait for a shuttle bus is fifteen minutes or less. The wait is usually shorter during
peak hours. The summer shuttles run at thirty-minute intervals from 9:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
In November, an optional Zion Canyon Shuttle will operate each Saturday and Sunday from
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with expanded service during Thanksgiving weekend
- Both Zion Canyon Visitor Center and Kolob Canyon Visitor Center are open year round.
- Zion Human History Museum is closed during the winter months.
- Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles from spring to fall, when the Zion Shuttle System runs the route.
- Kolob Terrace Road is regularly closed during winter due to snow and ice.
Zion National Park generally boasts hot summers and mild winters, with unpredictable weather during spring and fall. The most popular time to visit is summer and fall, when the temperatures are hot, but consistent.
The park is open all year, but museums and offices change their hours based on season. The longest hours are, unsurprisingly, during summer when crowds peak. Many offices close or hold shorter hours during winter, when there are fewer visitors in general.
Visitor Centers
- Zion Canyon Visitor Center - Open daily, except Dec. 25th. Summer hours: 8am - 8pm; Fall hours: 8am - 6pm; Winter and Spring hours: 8am - 5pm.
- Backcountry Desk at Zion Canyon Visitor Center - Summer hours: 7am - 8pm; Spring and Fall hours: 7am - 6pm; Winter hours: 8am - 4:30pm.
- Kolob Canyon Visitor Center - Open daily, except Dec. 25th. Spring and Summer hours: 8am - 5pm; Fall and Winter hours: 8am - 4:30pm.
- Backcountry Desk at Kolob Canyon Visitor Center - Summer, Spring and Fall hours: 8am - 5pm; Winter hours: 8am - 4:30pm.
- Zion Human History Museum - Open daily, closed November to March. Summer hours: 9am - 7pm; Spring and Fall hours: 10am - 5pm.
Campgrounds
- Watchman Campground is open year-round, but only takes reservations from March to November.
- South Campground is only open during the busy season, from March to November.
- Lava Point Campground is open from June through October, depending on weather.
Transportation
- The Zion Shuttle System runs from early morning to late evening during the spring, summer and fall.
- Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is regularly closed from spring to fall, starting at the junction with Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and ending at the terminus at Temple of Sinawava. During the winter, when the Zion Shuttle System is not running, the road is open to general traffic.
- As only the first 14 miles are plowed, Kolob Terrace Road can be closed in winter due to snow and ice. During this time, it will normally be open to snowmobilers, skiers and hikers.
- Due to the fragile, shifting nature of the sandstone, repairs and maintenance occur regularly, so be sure to check with the park office for updated information about construction and road closures.
Contact Information
- Phone (Information) - (435) 772-3256
- Phone (Watchman Campground Reservations) - (877) 444-6777
- Phone (Backcountry Information) - (435) 772-0170
- Fax - (435) 772-3426
- Mail
Zion National Park
Springdale, Utah 84767
