News Release

2025 Winter Schedule and Thanksgiving Weekend Expectations in Zion National Park

Shuttle busses run for a few days around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: November 28, 2025

Contact: Zion News Desk, 435-772-0162

SPRINGDALE, Utah — Winter is just around the corner in Zion National Park! Every year, the National Park Service (NPS) adjusts shuttle schedules and campground availability to reflect the seasons. Here is what you need to know to plan your visit as we get closer to winter:   

Thanksgiving Weekend  

Holiday weekends are busy in Zion. To help everyone enjoy their time in the park, visitors should anticipate the following: 

• Lengthy waits to board park shuttles in Springdale and Zion National Park.  
• Long lines at entrance stations, visitor centers, restrooms, and trailheads.  
• Heavy traffic in Springdale and throughout the park.  

Fall shuttle service ends Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025 

• Private vehicles can access the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive from Monday, Dec. 1 until Monday, Dec. 22.  
• Plan for limited parking; when parking in Zion Canyon is full, the NPS may temporarily close Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.  
• If parking is unavailable at your desired location, be prepared to park at an alternate location and adjust your plans accordingly.  
• Park only in designated parking areas. 

Holiday shuttle service begins Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025   

• Shuttle service will resume in Zion Canyon and Springdale from Tuesday, Dec. 23 through Saturday, Jan. 3. 
• During these 12 days, private vehicles cannot access Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. 
• If parking is unavailable at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, be prepared to park in Springdale.  

Holiday shuttle service ends Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026   

• Private vehicles can access the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive starting Sunday, Jan. 4. 
• Plan for limited parking; when parking in Zion Canyon is full, the NPS may temporarily close Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.   
• If parking is unavailable at your desired location, be prepared to park at an alternate location and adjust your plans accordingly.  
• Park only in designated parking areas.  

Shuttle service resumes in spring   

The NPS will resume shuttle service in spring of 2026. We will share specific dates once they are available. 

Camping 

• Watchman Campground is open year-round, and you can make a reservation up to six months before your visit at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. The campground can fill up quickly, especially on holiday weekends. Be sure to make arrangements before you get to the park. 
• Lava Point Campground is closed for the winter season. 
• South Campground remains closed for construction. 

Visitor Center and Wilderness Permit Desk hours  

Zion Canyon Visitor Center 

• Open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. every day through the fall and winter.   

Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk 

• Open 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
• Closed from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

Kolob Canyons Visitor Center 

• Open 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. 
• Closed from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. 
• Obtain wilderness permits at the Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk. 

We post updates on the park’s operating hours and seasons webpage when hours change.

Temperatures are falling 

Check conditions if you plan to be outside. Air temperatures are near freezing at night, and water temperatures are consistently below 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the Virgin River Narrows. Check the forecast and dress in layers to stay warm. 

Plan ahead and prepare  

Whether you ride a shuttle or drive your own car in Zion Canyon, be prepared for crowds. 

•  Parking fills early year-round.   
• The NPS may temporarily close roads if traffic is congested or if there is nowhere for drivers to park.  
• Watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists if you are driving.   
• Stay on trails and avoid walking in the road.   
• Ride your bike on the road or the Pa’rus Trail. Bicycling is not allowed on any other trail in the park. If you are riding in the road, you must stop to let shuttles pass you.   
• In general, fewer people visit Zion on weekdays than weekends. Consider arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the busiest times of day.    

Help us keep Zion beautiful throughout the holiday season: Follow Leave No Trace practices everywhere in the park and beyond. Be sure to pack out all your trash.  

www.nps.gov/zion

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.