Which Entrance Is Best For Zion National Park

Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is known for its stunning red rock formations, canyons, unique geological features, and even death-defying hiking trails. However, with multiple entrances to the park, it can be challenging to decide which one to use as a starting point for your adventure.

Worry no more. In this article, we will explore the different entrances to Zion National Park and provide recommendations on which one might be the best fit for your trip. Additionally, we will provide information about the operating hours of the visitor centers within the park to help you plan your visit accordingly.

How Many Entrances Does Zion National Park Have?

For starters – Zion National Park has three main entrances: the South Entrance, the East Entrance, and the Kolob Canyons Entrance.

The South Entrance is the most popular entrance and is located in Springdale, Utah. The entrance provides access to Zion Canyon, the park’s most popular area, and is open year-round.

The East Entrance is located in the town of Kanab, Utah, and provides access to the east side of the park, including the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and the Zion Tunnel.

The Kolob Canyons Entrance is located on the northwest side of the park and provides access to the remote and less-visited Kolob Canyons area.

What Are the Best Entrances for Zion National Park?

So, which entrance is best for you? It depends on what you want to see and do.

If you want to experience the most popular area of the park, the South Entrance is the best option. It provides access to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which takes visitors through the heart of Zion Canyon, with stops at popular destinations such as the Zion Lodge, the Emerald Pools, and the Weeping Rock. Keep in mind that the South Entrance can get crowded, especially during peak season, and you may have to wait in line to enter the park.

If you want to explore the less-visited areas of the park and avoid crowds, the East Entrance and the Kolob Canyons Entrance are good options. The East Entrance provides access to the east side of the park, including the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and the Zion Tunnel. The Kolob Canyons Entrance provides access to the remote and less-visited Kolob Canyons area, with hiking trails and scenic drives that offer stunning views of the red rock formations.

However, all three entrances are worth visiting, and the best one for you ultimately depends on your interests and itinerary. Do you know where you’ll be flying into to? If not, check out our guide on the best airports to fly into for Zion National Park.

How Early Can I Enter Zion National Park?

Zion National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, good for 7 days. You can enter the park at any time, but some roads and trails may be closed due to weather or other conditions.

If you plan on visiting one of the park’s five visitor centers, here are their operating hours:

Visitor Center	Hours	Notes
Zion Canyon Visitor Center	8:00am – 5:00pm	Year-round
Kolob Canyons Visitor Center	9:00am – 5:00pm	May-October
Cedar City-Brian Head Tourism Bureau	9:00am – 5:00pm	Year-round
Springdale Visitor Center	8:00am – 7:00pm	April-October
St. George Visitor Center	9:00am – 5:00pm	Year-round