Getting Around Home Getting Around Roads in Zion National Park There are two main roads in Zion National Park that are accessible to private vehicles: Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and State Route 9. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a road that stretches approximately eight miles from the intersection of State Route 9 (SR-9) to the Temple of Sinawava, passing by Zion Lodge, the only lodging in the park. It provides various access points to some of the best hikes in Zion National Park – including Angels Landing, Emerald Pools, The Narrows, and more. This road is often only accessible by the Zion Canyon Shuttle. State Route 9 is another one of the roads in Zion National Park. It is the main road through the park and takes private vehicle drivers through the historic Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel with access to the Canyon Overlook Trail. It connects the South and East entrances of the park. Driving in Zion National Park Visitors often ask if cars can drive in Zion National Park, and the answer is … yes, but restrictions apply. Private vehicles are only allowed onto Zion Canyon Scenic Drive when shuttles are not running, which is a very limited time frame – typically late fall through early spring, with specific dates varying from year to year. But, for the majority of the year, the shuttle is the best (and only) way to travel. At any time of the year, private vehicles can drive through Zion National Park and the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel on SR-9; however, the road is susceptible to congestion and the tunnel has restrictions for oversize vehicles. Winter road conditions may also warrant temporary closures. The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel will be closed to oversized vehicles beginning in mid 2026. More information soon on alternative routes. Parking in Zion National Park Parking spaces inside the boundaries of Zion National Park are extremely limited, therefore never guaranteed. If you want to try your luck, arrive early for the best odds of finding a spot in the Visitor Center parking lot – just don’t be too disappointed if you turn up empty-handed. Parking in Springdale, the town immediately adjacent to the south entrance of the park, is reliable with paid parking lots and spaces available virtually everywhere through town. With the help of the Springdale Shuttle service, you are only a maximum of 15 minutes away from the pedestrian entrance to Zion National Park no matter where you are in Springdale. The time (and sanity) you save is well worth the money you pay for a parking space. The Zion National Park pedestrian entrance is found in Zion Canyon Village, a public plaza with access to parking, adventure outfitters, groceries, and some of the best adventure-fueling food in Springdale, Utah. When it comes to getting into the park, the pedestrian entrance is the easiest way. It is a literal bridge that crosses over the Virgin River to the entry gate, where you will pay your pedestrian entrance fee (which is cheaper than the private vehicle fee), walk in, and find yourself only a few feet away from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and first shuttle stop in the park. Limited pull-outs and parking lots are found along SR-9, leading through the historic tunnel. The views along the route are incredible. Observe all signage and park only in designated areas for your safety and the preservation of the park.
