While Zion National Park spans 229-square-miles (590-square-kilometers), all of the main attractions—such as Angel's Landing, The Narrows, and Zion Lodge—are located along the 6.3-mile (10-kilometer) Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. When the shuttle is running, no personal cars are allowed on the scenic drive, so you can park at the visitor center or in the town of Springdale and catch the shuttle. From the shuttle, enjoy the views and hop off at any of the nine stops along the way. On-board narration offers details about the passing sites. If visiting in the winter, you can drive the route yourself.
The most common way to travel the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is on the free shuttle bus, but you can also make the trip on your bicycle or by car (if visiting in the off-season). Transportation is usually included on guided tours from nearby cities such as Las Vegas. The start of the scenic drive is 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) east of Springdale on Highway 9.
To take advantage of the park shuttle, visit March–November. If you would rather take your own car into the park, plan a winter trip. Either way, arrive early in the morning to minimize the crowds and maximize your time in the park.
If you are visiting during the busy season and want to avoid waiting in line for shuttles, try cycling the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Set off early in the morning before the shuttle buses start for the day. That way, you don’t have to worry about sharing the road with buses and can get into the park before the crowds.
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