Zion is where most people fall in love with the Southwest. The canyon walls rise 2,000 feet straight up from the valley floor in shades of burnt orange, cream, and deep red. The Virgin River cuts through the bottom. The light changes everything — what looks dramatic at noon looks otherworldly at sunrise.

Most visitors spend one day. One day is not enough.

Getting there with an RV

The main entrance to Zion is through the town of Springdale, Utah on Highway 9. This approach is straightforward for all RV sizes.

The east entrance via the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel is a different story. The tunnel is 1.1 miles long and requires a special traffic control procedure for vehicles over 7'10" wide or 11'4" tall — which includes most RVs. You'll need to pay a tunnel fee, and NPS rangers will escort you through with oncoming traffic stopped. It adds time but it's manageable. Check current requirements at the park website before you arrive.

If you're towing a vehicle, unhitch before entering the tunnel.

The shuttle system

From late March through early November, private vehicles are not permitted on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. You park at the campground or visitor center and take the free NPS shuttle. This is actually a good thing — the canyon is quieter and more enjoyable without bumper-to-bumper traffic.

The shuttle runs from sunrise to after dark during peak season. Know your stop numbers before you board — the drivers announce them but the canyon goes by fast.

The hikes

The Narrows — The signature Zion experience Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous depending on depth and water levelDistance: Up to 16 miles one way, most day hikers do 2–4 miles

You hike up the Virgin River through a slot canyon that narrows to 20 feet wide in places with walls rising 1,000 feet overhead. The water is cold, the light is extraordinary, and the experience is unlike any other hike in the national park system.

What you need to know:

• You will be in water. Depth ranges from ankle to chest depending on season and recent rainfall
• Rent waterproof dry pants, neoprene socks, and a walking stick from the outfitters in Springdale — Zion Outfitter and Zion Adventure Company both rent full kits. Don't skip this.
• Check flash flood forecasts before you go. The NPS posts daily conditions at the trailhead. If there's any upstream rain in the forecast, postpone.
• The bottom-up route starts at the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop. Walk the 1-mile Riverside Walk to the end, then enter the river.
• Spring has the highest water levels and coldest temperatures. Summer is warmer but flash flood risk is higher. Fall is the sweet spot.

Angels Landing — The famous exposed ridge Difficulty: Strenuous Distance: 5.4 miles round trip Permit required

The last half mile to the summit follows an exposed sandstone ridge with chain handholds bolted into the rock and 1,000-foot drops on both sides. The views from the top are extraordinary — the entire Zion Canyon spread below you in every direction.

A permit is now required for the chains section. Apply through Recreation.gov — permits are released on a rolling 3-month window and go fast. The hike to Scout Lookout just below the chains section does not require a permit and the views are nearly as good.

Not for anyone with a fear of heights. Genuinely.

Canyon Overlook Trail — Best bang for minimal effort Difficulty: Easy to moderate Distance: 1 mile round trip

Starts from the pullout just east of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel and delivers panoramic views of lower Zion Canyon in about 30 minutes. One of the best short hikes in the park. Go at sunrise if you can — the light on the canyon walls in the first hour of the day is spectacular.

Emerald Pools — Best for families Difficulty: Easy to moderate depending on which pool Distance: 1.2 to 3 miles round trip

Three pools connected by trails of varying difficulty. The Lower Pool is the easiest — a 1.2-mile round trip on a paved trail that ends at a grotto with a waterfall dripping from above. The Upper Pool requires more effort but fewer crowds. Best in spring when the falls are running strong.

Weeping Rock Difficulty: Easy Distance: 0.4 miles round trip

A short paved trail to an alcove in the canyon wall where water seeps through the sandstone and drips continuously — hence the name. Hanging gardens of ferns and wildflowers cling to the wet rock. One of the most unusual and beautiful spots in the park for minimal effort.

Observation Point — Best views in the park Difficulty: Strenuous Distance: 8 miles round trip via East Mesa Trail

The views from Observation Point look straight down onto Angels Landing from above — most people who've done both say this is the better view. The East Mesa Trail approach from the east entrance is easier and less crowded than the traditional route from the valley floor. Requires driving to the east entrance — plan accordingly.

The drives

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive The main road through the canyon, running 6.2 miles from the visitor center to the Temple of Sinawava. During peak season you ride the shuttle — during the offseason you can drive your own vehicle. The canyon walls on both sides are genuinely staggering. Every pull-off is worth stopping at.

Zion-Mount Carmel Highway Highway 9 through the park from the south entrance to the east entrance. The switchbacks climbing out of the canyon on the east side deliver increasingly dramatic views with every turn. Stop at the Canyon Overlook trailhead. Continue east through the tunnel and the landscape shifts dramatically — from red canyon walls to slickrock plateaus dotted with hoodoos. Completely different terrain from the canyon floor and worth every mile.

Springdale

The town directly outside the south entrance is one of the best gateway towns in the national park system. Small, walkable, and genuinely good.

Zion Outfitter and Zion Adventure Company — both rent Narrows gear and offer guided canyon tours. The staff know the park intimately and give honest condition reports.

Oscar's Cafe — the best breakfast in Springdale. Get there early or expect a wait on summer mornings.

Bit & Spur Restaurant — the best dinner option in town. Mexican food with a serious tequila selection. The patio has views of the canyon walls.

The Zion Canyon Brew Pub — cold beer and pub food after a long hike day. The patio views make everything taste better.

Practical notes

Timed entry is required. From late April through early October, a timed entry permit is required to enter Zion between 6am and 5pm. Reserve on Recreation.gov before you arrive — walking up without a reservation during peak hours will turn you away at the gate.

Arrive early. The first shuttle of the day is the best shuttle of the day. Trailheads are quiet, parking is available, and the canyon light in the first two hours is exceptional. By 10am the most popular trails are crowded.

Heat is real. Summer canyon temperatures regularly exceed 105°F in the valley floor. Carry minimum one liter of water per hour of hiking. Hike early or late. The Angels Landing chains section in full midday sun is genuinely dangerous.

Cell service is limited inside the canyon. Download offline maps before you arrive. Gaia GPS works well for trail navigation without service.

Where to stay

See our full guide to camping in Zion and the surrounding area — from the best NPS sites inside the park to full-hookup options in Springdale.

Best RV Campgrounds near Zion National Park →

Gear for Zion

• Water pressure regulator — campground hookups vary in quality. Best RV Water Pressure Regulators →
• Bug spray — mosquitoes along the Virgin River in summer. Best Natural Bug Sprays for Camping →
• Leveling blocks — Watchman Campground sites are uneven. Best RV Leveling Systems →
• Portable power station — for sites without hookups. Best Portable Solar Kits →

Part of the Southwest RV Road Trip

Zion is stop one on the ultimate Southwest loop. See the full route — Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon.

The Ultimate Southwest RV Road Trip →

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