Zion National Park

About Zion National Park

Zion was designated Utah's first national park in 1919, protecting 229 square miles of canyon country carved by the Virgin River out of cream and rust Navajo sandstone. The main canyon, accessed via Springdale, is the headline destination — Angels Landing, the Narrows wade up the river, and Emerald Pools are the marquee hikes. A Vegas-based day trip is doable but long. Drive 2.5 hours each way via I-15 to the Springdale visitor center, then ride the mandatory shuttle (March–November) up Zion Canyon. Angels Landing requires an advance permit lottery; the Narrows requires a partial wade — Zion Adventure Company in Springdale rents the dry suits and water shoes. $35 vehicle pass, valid seven days. Crossing into Utah moves you into Mountain Time (one hour ahead of Pacific) seasonally. Plan a 12-hour day at minimum from a Vegas hotel.