Auto Touring Zion National Park

Zion National Park is split into three different sections: Zion Canyon, Kolob Canyons, and Kolob Terrace. Each section of the park allows visitors to view unique landmarks and to experience the beauty of the park.

It is not possible to drive directly from one section to another. The terrain is just too rough. To move between the sections you've got to drive out of the park and then around to another access point. The main access roads are described below.

Zion Canyon is the main destination for most tourists. It is located along Utah Route 9 about 60 miles south from Cedar City, via I-15 and Hwy 17. Within Zion Canyon visitors can find popular hikes including The Narrows, Emerald Pools, Angels Landing, and Weeping Rock, as well as many photography opportunities around these areas.

Hwy 9 is the major road that cuts through the southern part of the park and provides access to many popular attractions:

• Park's Entrance at Springdale - This is the main entrance for most tourists. Visitor Center - The visitor center is located just inside the park, off Hwy 9. Campgrounds - South Campground and Watchman Campground are both located near the south entrance of the park.
• Museum - Located one half mile north of the park's south entrance, the Museum is open 10 am to 5 pm daily, with longer summer hours.
• Mile-Long Tunnel - Along UT Hwy 9 visitors will find the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel located between the main canyon and the East entrance of the park. This 1.1 mile long tunnel is an engineering masterpiece.
• Checkerboard Mesa - Located near the Park's East Entrance, this mountain is a geologic curiosity. It is made of sandstone that was deposited in cross patterns, so its face does resemble a checkerboard. It is very scenic. Trails beginning here take hikers to vistas overlooking the east-central portion of the park.
• Park's East Entrance - This entrance is about 11 miles northeast of the South Entrance, also on Highway 9. It is convenient for visitors coming via Hwy 89.

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
This is the main road that travels up Zion Canyon from Hwy 9. Private vehicles are not allowed on this route between from mid-March through October - visitors must ride the park shuttle (unless they are staying at Zion Lodge). The shuttle is free and convenient; it runs every few minutes and stops at all main points along the Scenic Drive. It takes a minimum of 90 minutes for a round trip loop through Zion Canyon. Some of the main stops the shuttle makes include:

• Court of the Patriarchs - These photogenic pinnacles can be seen from the Scenic Drive and are major landmarks in Zion National Park. Be sure to take the short walk to the viewpoint where you can photograph the towering patriarchs.
• Zion Lodge/Gift Shop/Restaurant
• The Grotto - Here you will find a picnic area and the trailhead for the Angels Landing hike.
• Weeping Rock - Trailhead for the short, enjoyable Weeping Rock hike, where you can view the lush hanging gardens.
• Temple of Sinawava - Gateway to the Narrows

Kolob Terrace Road
This road runs from the town of Virgin up to Kolob Reservoir, cutting in and out of the park. It is a very scenic drive into the mountains, through lush forest, with classic Zion scenery all along the way.

The Terrace rises to over 8000 feet in elevation and the road is steep and windy. Zion's famous Subway semi-technical slot canyon route is found in this area, along with other stunning routes like the Right Fork of North Creek.

Trailheads and turn-offs include:

• Right Fork Trailhead
• Grapevine Trailhead
• Left Fork Trailhead (Most Subway hikes end here)
• Wildcat Trailhead (Most Subway hikes begin here)
• Lava Point (Spectacular birds-eye views out over Zion's backcountry)
• Lava Point Campground (Primitive camping)
• Kolob Reservoir (Located just outside the park)

Kolob Canyons Road
This steep, winding mountain road provides access to the northwestern portion of the park. It offers a Visitor Center, trailheads, viewpoints and a picnic area.

The Kolob Canyons Road begins at I-15 (Exit 40), about 90 minutes from the Park's south entrance. Popular hiking trails located here including Kolob Arch, Northgate Peaks, Timber Creek, North Fork Taylor Creek and many others. Kolob Arch is the second-largest natural arch in the world.