News Release

Winter facility and shuttle schedules at Zion National Park

Traffic at the south entrance of Zion National Park

NPS / Jonathan Shafer

News Release Date: November 27, 2023

Contact: Zion News Desk, [e-mail], 435-772-0162

SPRINGDALE, Utah – The seasons are changing 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: 

 
Fall personal vehicle access in Zion Canyon starts Monday, November 27, 2023 

• The last day of fall shuttle service in Zion Canyon and Springdale was November 26. 

• Visitors can drive personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive starting today, November 27. 

• Plan for limited parking; when parking in Zion Canyon is full, the NPS may temporarily close the road. 

 
Shuttle service resumes Friday, December 22, 2022 – Sunday, December 31, 2023 

• Shuttle service will resume in Zion Canyon and Springdale starting on December 22 for 10 days. 

• During these 10 days, visitors cannot drive personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. 

 
Winter personal vehicle access in Zion Canyon starts January 1, 2024 

• The last day of winter shuttle service in Zion Canyon and Springdale is December 31, 2023. 

• Visitors can drive personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive starting on January 1, 2024. 

• Plan for limited parking; when parking in Zion Canyon is full, the NPS may temporarily limit access. 

 
Shuttle service resumes in spring 
The NPS will resume shuttle service in spring. We will share specific dates in 2024. 
 
Fall and winter 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 l-877-444-6777. Plan ahead and make arrangements for where you will stay before you get to the park. 
 
South Campground and Lava Point Campground are closed for the season. 
 

Visitor Center and Wilderness Permit Desk hours 

Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyons Visitor Centers 

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

 
Wilderness Permit Desks 

• Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk: Open 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

• Kolob Canyons Wilderness Desk: Closed for the season. Get permits at Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk. 
   

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

Big Bend (shuttle stop 8) is temporarily closed due to construction.  

In order to accommodate larger, electric shuttle buses that are scheduled to enter service in 2024 and to resolve significant cracking in concrete on the edges of the paved area at Big Bend, the National Park Service is completing construction at Big Bend. While work is happening, the paved area at the shuttle stop is fenced closed. Depending on the availability of materials and winter weather, the park plans to reopen Big Bend in Spring 2024.  
 
 
Whether you ride a shuttle or drive your own car in Zion Canyon, be prepared for crowds. 

• Parking fills early year-round. 

• 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 trails in the park. If you are riding in the road, you must stop to let buses pass you. 

• The NPS may temporarily close roads if traffic is congested or there is nowhere for drivers to park. 

• In general, fewer people visit Zion on weekdays than weekends. Consider arriving early or after 3 p.m. to avoid the busiest times of day. 

 
Plan ahead and prepare 
If you cannot park in Zion or if all of our campsites are full, research nearby communities and public lands to learn about other recreational activities and lodging. Always recreate responsibly and respect private owners’ property and facilities. 
 
Follow Leave No Trace practices everywhere in the park and beyond; be sure to pack out all your trash.