Zion National Park
Zion Canyon's 2,000-ft Navajo Sandstone walls — the Narrows, Angels Landing, and a shuttle-only scenic drive.
Distance
165 mi
Drive time
~165 min
Route
I-15 N from Vegas to UT-9 E at Hurricane → Springdale (south entrance)
Best window
April–May and September–early November for the best balance of weather, water level, and crowds
About Zion National Park
Zion National Park is in southwest Utah, about 165 miles and 2 hours 45 minutes northeast of Las Vegas via I-15. The signature Zion Canyon — 15 miles long, walls of 2,000-ft Navajo Sandstone in red, cream, and pink — is reached through Springdale at the south entrance. From early spring through late November the canyon scenic drive is closed to private vehicles; you ride a free shuttle bus from the Visitor Center. The big-name hikes are The Narrows (wading the Virgin River through a slot canyon) and Angels Landing (chain-aided ridge scramble, now permit-required). A 12–15 passenger van is ideal for a group — fits any Zion lot, and the long pre-dawn departure for Angels Landing is much easier with one vehicle.
Why it's worth the drive
- Zion Canyon — 15 mi of 2,000-ft sandstone walls reachable via the shuttle from the Visitor Center.
- The Narrows — wade up the Virgin River through a slot canyon with 1,000-ft walls. Bottom-up day hike doesn't need a permit, just dry suits / canyoneering boots from Springdale outfitters.
- Angels Landing — chain-aided ridge scramble with the most famous summit view in the park. Permit required (NPS lottery) since 2022.
- Free Zion shuttle — runs the full scenic drive every few minutes; no private cars March–November.
- Springdale gateway town — every restaurant and outfitter you need at the south entrance.
Things to do
What groups actually do at Zion
The Narrows (bottom-up)
Day-hike up the Virgin River from the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop — no permit needed, just rent dry pants/bibs + canyoneering boots from a Springdale outfitter (Zion Adventures, Zion Outfitter).
Angels Landing (permit required)
5 mi round trip with the final 0.5 mi a chains-and-ridge scramble. Apply for the NPS permit lottery (recreation.gov) — seasonal lotteries plus day-before lottery.
Emerald Pools Trail
Easy 1.2-mi loop or 2.5-mi full loop — multiple waterfalls and pools. Best beginner-friendly hike, family-friendly.
Canyon Overlook Trail
1 mi round trip to the best overlook in the park, on the EAST side of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel — bypasses the shuttle, drive directly.
Zion Scenic Drive shuttle
Free shuttle from the Visitor Center runs the canyon's 6 mi every few minutes. Hop off at any of the 9 stops. No private vehicles March–November.
Sunset on the Watchman Trail
3 mi round trip to a sandstone overlook with the Watchman peak and Virgin River below — best at sunset, starts behind the Visitor Center.
Kolob Canyons section
Separate, less-crowded northwestern section of the park, accessed off I-15 (no shuttle). 5-mi scenic drive with the Timber Creek Overlook at the end.
Group + van tips
Driving a 12-15 passenger van to Zion
- Park at the South Campground / Visitor Center lots in Springdale — fits any van size but fills by 8 AM in peak season. Backup: Springdale free shuttle from anywhere in town to the south entrance.
- Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel: vehicles wider than 7'10" or taller than 11'4" require a $15 tunnel permit and a traffic escort; a standard 15-passenger Sprinter does NOT need this, but a Transit High-Roof or RV does — check height before you leave.
- The Narrows: water level + temperature is everything. Spring snowmelt closes it; summer-fall is prime. Always check the NPS Narrows status page that morning.
- Angels Landing permits: apply at recreation.gov seasonal lottery (3 months ahead) OR the day-before lottery (open midnight, results 4 PM). No permit = no Scout Lookout to summit.
- Plan an overnight in Springdale for an actual hike — round-trip same day from Vegas is doable but you sacrifice all the best light.
Visitor Center lot fits a 15-passenger Sprinter but fills early. Springdale's town-wide free shuttle is the backup.
When to go
Best time to visit
April–May and September–early November for the best balance of weather, water level, and crowds. Summer is hot (95–105°F) but tolerable in the canyon shade. November–February are quietest and most beautiful but cold (Narrows usually closed for winter flow). Avoid Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends — Visitor Center lot is full by 7 AM.
Need a van for the trip?
Our Las Vegas fleet of 12-15 passenger Sprinters and Ford Transits delivers to Harry Reid International (LAS), every major Strip resort, and downtown / Fremont hotel doors.
See Vegas vansZion FAQ
How long is the drive from Las Vegas to Zion?
About 165 miles and 2 hours 45 minutes via I-15 N to UT-9 E at Hurricane, ending in Springdale at the south entrance. Add 30+ minutes on summer weekend mornings.
Do I need a permit to hike the Narrows?
No — for the bottom-up day hike from the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop, no permit is needed. A permit IS required for the top-down, full-canyon overnight. Rent dry pants and canyoneering boots from a Springdale outfitter before you go.
Do I need a permit for Angels Landing?
Yes — since 2022, the final chain-aided ridge section of Angels Landing requires a permit, allocated by lottery at recreation.gov. You can hike to Scout Lookout (the saddle below) without a permit.
Can I drive my own van into Zion Canyon?
No — from March through late November the Zion Canyon scenic drive is closed to private vehicles. You ride the free NPS shuttle from the Visitor Center. The east side of the park (UT-9 to Mt. Carmel Tunnel, Canyon Overlook trailhead) is always open to private vehicles.
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