Wilderness Transportation

Reaching the wilderness of Zion National Park typically requires long drives, long hikes, or both.

NPS Photo

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

A number of wilderness hikes begin in Zion Canyon. During much of the year, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is only open to shuttle busses. The shuttle route starts from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and ends at Temple of Sinawava (by the Virgin River Narrows). Visit the Zion Canyon Shuttle System page for schedules and information.

When shuttles are not in service, private vehicles can drive and park along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. During these times, parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Other Park Roadways

Private vehicles can drive on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, Kolob Terrace Road, and Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive. For wilderness activities that do not require a permit, parking is typically available on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to park safely and legally at all times.

Parking for Wilderness Permit Holders

Wilderness permit holders may park overnight at trailhead(s) located along roads that are open to private vehicles, or at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
⚠️ Make sure that your blue tag with your Wilderness permit number is clearly visible on the dashboard of each of your vehicles before you begin your trip.

Hiker Shuttle Services

Commercial taxi and recreational shuttle services can be hired to provide point-to-point pick-up and drop-off at designated parking areas, pullouts, and developed areas within the park.

• All services must have a current Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) with Zion National Park. Search online for authorized services.
• For through hikes, we recommend using these services to get to your starting point and then hiking back to your car.

Hitchhiking

It is occasionally necessary for park visitors to solicit transportation from others in order to reach their destination and in order to transit the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. In order to provide for this transportation need and the safety considerations associated, hitchhiking is allowed only in established roadside pullouts.

Bicycles

Bicycles are not permitted in the Zion Wilderness. Bicycling is only permitted on park roadways and the Pa’rus Trail. All other park trails, offroad areas, and the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel are closed to bicycles.

ATVs, UTVs, and OHVs

Use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), or utility task vehicles (UTVs) is prohibited within Zion National Park.

 

Wilderness Permits

 

Directions to Chamberlain's Ranch

Permit holders for the top-down Virgin River Narrows must start at Chamberlain’s Ranch. Chamberlain's Ranch is a private ranch outside Zion National Park. Please respect private property.

Reaching the trailhead requires a 1.5 hour drive from Zion Canyon along paved and dirt roads. The dirt roads are passable for normal cars only when dry. When wet, roads may be impassable even for four-wheel drive vehicles. Snow closes the road in winter.

Directions are as follows:

• From the park's East Entrance, drive 2.5 miles east on Route 9. Turn left on a paved road and continue 18 miles to a bridge that crosses the North Fork of the Virgin River. Turn left beyond the bridge and drive three-quarters mile to the trailhead at Chamberlain's Ranch.
• There may be a gate that you will need to close behind you, follow the direction of posted signs.
• There is a pit toilet at the trailhead just before the road crosses the river. Park here.
• To begin your hike, cross the river and follow the road for approximately 3 miles. Enter the river at the end of the road just past the old cabin.
• Note: Overnight camping is not allowed at the trailhead.

 

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  Wilderness Information

  Planning and permits for backpacking, canyoneering, and other Wilderness trips.

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  Make planning simple!

  Information Guides

  Park information guides contain everything you need to plan your trip. Includes hiking, camping, maps, travel, and more.

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  Directions

  Zion National Park is located on State Route 9 in southwest Utah.