Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FEES
Entry into the park (for up to 7 days), which includes unlimited use of the
shuttle bus, costs $25 per private vehicle (car, pickup truck, van, or RV); $12 per
individual ages 16 or older on motorcycle, bicycle, or foot. Oversize vehicles are
charged $15 for use of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel on the east side of the park (see
“Regulations,” below).
Backcountry permits, available at either visitor center, are required for all
overnight hikes in the park as well as for any slot canyon hikes. Permits cost $10
for 1 or 2 people, $15 for 3 to 7, and $20 for 8 to 12 people. Camping in Watchman
and South campgrounds costs $16 per night for basic campsites and $18 to $20 per
night for sites with electric hookups (located in Watchman Campground); camp-
sites in the small, primitive Lava Point Campground are free.
REGULATIONS
The 1-mile-long Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel is too small for two-way
traffic that includes vehicles larger than standard passenger cars and pickup
trucks. (See “Historic & Man-Made Attractions,” later in this chapter.) All vehicles
over 7'10" wide (including mirrors) or 11'4" tall (including luggage racks and so
forth) must be driven down the center of the tunnel, and therefore all traffic from
the opposite direction must be stopped. These oversize vehicles must pay a $15 fee,
which is good for two trips through the tunnel during a 7-day period. Drivers pay
the fee at the entrance stations. All vehicles over 13'1" tall and other particularly
large vehicles are prohibited from driving anywhere on the park road between the
east entrance and Zion Canyon. Call the park headquarters if you have questions
about accessibility for your vehicle.
Bicycles are prohibited in the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, the backcountry, and on
trails, except the Pa'rus Trail. Feeding or disturbing wildlife is forbidden, as is van-
dalism and disturbing any natural feature of the park. Pets, which must be leashed
at all times, are prohibited on all trails (except the Pa'rus Trail, where leashed pets
are permitted), in the backcountry, in public buildings, and on the shuttles.
Backcountry hikers should practice minimum impact techniques and are pro-
hibited from building fires. A limit on the number of people allowed in various
parts of the backcountry may be in force during your visit; prospective back-
country hikers should check with rangers before setting out. You can purchase a
backcountry permit at the visitor center the day before or the day of your trip,
and reservations for permits can be made in advance through the park's website,
www.nps.gov/zion, although they must still be picked up in person at the visitor
center.
Zion National Park
