Zion National Park shuttles begin 2025 seasonal service in March
Feb 12, 2025, 7:00 AM | Updated: 10:30 am
FILE: An electric shuttle at the Temple of Sinawava at Zion National Park. (Colton Johnston, National Park Service)
(Colton Johnston, National Park Service)
SALT LAKE CITY — Zion National Park shuttles begin seasonal service on March 2, carrying park visitors to destinations throughout the scenic landscape.
The National Park Service said it adjusts the schedule yearly, reflecting different seasonal needs.
FILE: Visitors board a shuttle at Zion National Park on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. (Ravell Call, Deseret News)
Zion National Park shuttles run through spring, summer, and fall, during which the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles.
Passengers can ride the shuttle for free and do not need tickets or reservations. However, park rangers will check season passes or entry receipts upon entry, so visitors should make sure to have them.
Visitors outside of the park can access shuttle busses in Springdale, so as to keep more cars out of the park. These busses will stop at nine locations which will help visitors reach the park’s pedestrian entrance.
Outside of the park, Zion National Park shuttles arrive at stops roughly every 10- to 15 minutes. Within the park, they arrive every 5- to 10 minutes.
Current Zion National Park shuttle schedules can be found on the NPS website.
Zion National Park shuttles provide access throughout the park
According to the NPS, Zion National Park shuttles began operation in 2000. They’ve helped to reduce parking and traffic congestion, while also protecting the vegetation within the park.
In 2017, the park recorded over 6.3 million shuttle passengers.
FILE: A shuttle carries visitors in Zion National Park on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. (Ravell Call, Deseret News)
Zion National Park shuttles can be used to hike some of the park’s trails, including Angels Landing and The Narrows. Before you board the shuttle bound for hiking trails, check the park map so you know where to get off.
Per the NPS, a one-way shuttle ride to the Temple of Sinawava, the furthest point on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, is 45-minutes long.
Parking lots often fill up, regardless of the season. So it is recommended that you arrive early in the day to secure a spot. Alternatively, the NPS recommended arriving after 3 p.m.
Be prepared, plan ahead
Before you arrive, check the park’s website or tune your radio to 1610-AM for updates and information.
When riding the Zion National Park shuttles, you will need to alert the driver where you’d like to be dropped off. Per the park’s website, drivers do not always stop at every area — they’ll continue driving if nobody is waiting to get on or if the bus is full.
Pets, eating, and smoking are not allowed on the shuttle. Water bottles must have a lid.
Finally, the NPS recommended planning ahead. If you miss the last shuttle of the day, or it is full, you will need to walk back to your vehicle or to the Zion Lodge, where the front desk can connect you with after-hours ride options. The walk could be over eight miles, depending on where you’re at in the park.
Alternatives, and information for bicyclists
If you aren’t interested in riding the shuttle, the NPS said you can also ride a bicycle on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. However, bicycles are not allowed on any of the trails except for Pa’rus, which is located near the visitor center.
Bicycle racks are available at each shuttle stop.
When Zion National Park shuttles are following, bicyclists must pull over. The NPS also requires them to ride a single file on the right side of each road.
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, Kolob Terrace Road, and Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive, remain open to private vehicles.
Related: Hiker found dead in Zion National Park, investigation ongoing
