Getting to Zion National Park is relatively easy. The closest commercial airport is St. George (SGU), and their daily flights connect directly to major hubs or with a quick connection in Denver, Dallas, Phoenix or Salt Lake City.
Drivers and road trippers will easily access the beauty and remoteness of the park quicker than you’d guess. Interstate 15 and Interstate 70 will connect you from all across the United States.
St. George Regional Airport (SGU) – only 45 minutes from Zion National Park – offers direct flights to and from:
Alternatively, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS) offers a wide array of flights, as does Salt Lake City International Airport. Once you land, you can make the two-hour drive north from Vegas or four-hour drive south of Salt Lake on I-15. From Vegas, you’ll pass through scenic desert canyons speckled with Joshua trees, and check three states off your visit list before arriving in Greater Zion. From Salt Lake, you’ll gradually trade scenes of the Wasatch Mountains for red rock canyons as you head toward southwest Utah.
Whether you’re road-tripping or flying into the area, you’ll likely be driving to Zion National Park. This is where it’s important to know of Zion’s three separate sections.
If you’re staying in Springdale at the mouth of Zion National Park, you’ll simply be able to jump on the town shuttle and be taken to the Main Canyon. If you opt to stay elsewhere in Greater Zion, a short commute will likely be required.
Zion National Park has three sections: Canyons, Kolob Terrace, and the Main Canyon. Sections are defined by the road access to them. All sections of the park require visitors to have a park pass – even if you don’t go through a checkpoint – regardless of whether you enter in your vehicle, on a bike, or on foot.
Main Canyon (Zion Canyon) – The main and most popular section of the park is accessed from State Route 9. That’s heading eastbound from St. George or Cedar City or westbound when coming from the Bryce Canyon National Park. When you envision a visit to Zion National Park, the famous scenery from the Main Canyon is likely what comes to mind. Two of the country’s most iconic hikes (Angels Landing and The Narrows) are accessed via the Main Canyon, along with other incredible trails. Due to high visitation rates, it is the only part of the park that runs a shuttle to accommodate more visitors and ease traffic.
Kolob Terrace – Kolob Terrace is accessible from Highway 9 via Kolob Terrace Road, near the small town of Virgin. Home of the famous Subway Hike, Kolob Terrace is approximately 20 minutes away from the Main Canyon. Most of the hiking trails in this section are long, backcountry hikes that are best-suited for advanced hikers with wayfinding skills. The scenic drive on Kolob Terrace Road is a breathtaking experience, especially during the fall months.
Kolob Canyons – This upper section of Zion National Park is located off of Interstate 15 at exit 40, near New Harmony. Sometimes referred to as Kolob Fingers, it is approximately one hour away from the Main Canyon entrance. Double Arch Alcove on the Taylor Creek Trail and the scenic lookout from Timber Creek Overlook Trail at the end of the road are the highlights of this section of the park.
