
4.8
7 of 43 Best Attractions in Zion National Park

The majesty and sheer beauty of the cliffs. As another reviewer wrote, everything that can be said about this magnificent drive has been said. JUST GO!!

New amazing views around every corner. Plenty of pullouts to stop and take pics and enjoy the scenery. Definitely take the time to do this if you are anywhere near the area.

Every direction you look at, you'll see something worth taking a picture of. The shuttle run quite frequently and all the drivers are very friendly and welcoming. But still be prepare to wait in line for 45 minutes in the morning.
Zion is a very hot and dry place during the summer time. Bring and drink lots of water.

What no one tells you:
Unless you’re in the Visitor Center parking lot at 7am, you need to pay to park in Springdale ($20+) and ride the city shuttle to the park, enter the park, then catch the shuttle for the Scenic Drive.
The shuttles are fast and come often, but parking in Springdale was a bit confusing and was only until 4pm, so we felt we had to be on a shuttle out by 3pm to move the car. That might not be the case, but as I said, parking was confusing!
The Scenic Drive is nice and being able to hop off and on the bus is convenient.

We absolutely love this park and will definitely be back. But the staff at the gate are not friendly and even if you are driving through for one hour it will cost the same as a one week pass. WTF? We got there right before the sun was setting to be greeted by unhelpful staff wanting $35 to get in. She couldn’t care less about her job.

Made unfortunate mistake of visiting Labor Day weekend. So many people! Drive is great but start with shuttle tour. Good signage on drive.

I highly recommend coming into Zion National Park from the East and doing the Scenic Drive. The drive was awe inspiring and we loved every twist and turn. There were a lot of opportunities for photographs. My husband would have been find driving down the scenic drive and that being his exposure to the park! We chose to stay at the lodge though and our family of four stayed one night. What a beautiful park!

The scenic drive is along the tram route. Everything in Zion is stunning. Jaw dropping beauty at every stop. Love it here. Next time we will bring our bikes and ride the route. The tram has bike racks to make this option easier.

By taking the scenic route you will see a great deal of magnificent sights as well as have the opportunity to explore specific areas that strike your fancy.

The scenery is just spectacular and the brief commentary about the history surrounding each stop is excellent. My only complaint is that we were there during Spring break and every bus was jammed packed and standing room only so it was difficult to see almost anything along the way unless you disembarked at each stop, which is what we did. But, we loved the Shuttle system, which is much safer than allowing cars in the park.

With the shuttles being so busy and with difficulty getting shuttle tickets, we opted to rent bikes (regular bikes). It was our favorite thing we did while in Ziion. The ride was less than 20 miles round trip and not difficult at all. The views were unbelievably gorgeous.
The only thing that made it so we didn't enjoy as much, was the number of e-bikes that were rented and the people using them that likely rarely bike and didn't use trail or passing etiquette. I would say rent a regular bike, enjoy a slower ride, and soak up the views!

We entered the park from the east entrance and were greeted by wildlife along the road before we ever entered the park. There is a $35 dollar fee to enter the park, so I recommend that you buy a yearly pass of if you are a Sr., buy the lifetime pass before you travel to the national parks. The drive features canyons of multi colored rocks and peaks that give off various colors depending upon where the sun is at the time you are at that pull off. Stop at all of the pull offs on your drive if there is parking available. We stopped at all of the viewing areas on the rt. side of the road going into the gorge and then drove back out of the gorge and stopped at all of the pull offs as we returned out of the gorge. There is a 3/4 mile tunnel that is very narrow that you must drive through to get to the gorge itself. After exiting the tunnel, there is 10-15 min. of driving down the side of the gorge with no guard rails. A bit scary but at slow speed, it was not to bad. Every american should see this national park. It is that good.

My husband and I took a tour bus that drove us through the park. It is absolutely gorgeous and amazing to behold throughout the entire trip! Sites you will never forget. Breathtaking beauty!

I’m not sure I closed my mouth for the whole drive. It was truly gasp-worthy. Be sure to have a driver who’s not afraid of drop-offs! Some areas are extremely steep and narrow.

You jaw is permanently dropped during your drive. I have never seen a more beautiful place anywhere on earth. I've been in the alps, the Rockies, the Mediterranean and the Adriatic coast but this is what heaven must look like. Its is inspiring, amazing, overwhelmingly beautiful. You will never regret coming here ever.

The view itself is beautiful, but expect traffic jams on your way through the park, especially in front of the tunnel. That itself took us about 30 minutes with just few cars in front of ours.
Another thing is that the road is pretty long without that many stops on the way. So it's not possible to change direction in the middle - it's better to get to the road's end and turn around there.
In any case, the views are amazing. I especially liked those at the part of the road between the park's entrance and the tunnel, the opposite entrance than the one from a town where the visit center is located.

Really scenic drive. Enjoyed looking at the amazing cliffs and colors. We were able to drive our own car since my wife is disabled. You can get a special permit at the Welcome Center.

We left Kanab, Utah and drove into Zion from Rt 89 N and then took 9 West. What beautiful, awe inspiring scenery. We just couldn't get enough of the beauty! Highly recommended

Took the shuttle, which stops en route to various hikes/viewpoints. Really helpful staff, efficient service. Used it several times and a great way to see the sights without the hassle of driving and stopping

This is a great way to see the park. Hopefully you will get a driver who will explain things along the way, but it's not guaranteed. Heading up canyon, sit on the side behind the driver for the best views.

Don’t underestimate this scenic drive. There are so many places to pull over and hike. We pulled over to explore a waterfall and found a beautiful pool. Zion Park itself is great but also capitalize on the scenic drive. We

In December, part of the park is closed and some we couldn't do because the water was too cold. So we enjoyed the Scenic drive.

Writing a review on Zion National Park is like a broken record.....Beauty, WOW moments, amazement and a hundred more adjectives......just make every stop and soak in what you see.

We visited Zion Canyon Scenic Drive with my family. Everyone was in awe of the scenic overlooks and miraculous landscapes! The pictures do not do it justice.

We’re traveling cross country with an infant and a large coonhound. From what I understand there aren’t dog-friendly trails, and it likely might have been too treacherous with the baby in her carrier, so we drove the scenic drive. It was lovely. If you’re a passenger prone to car sickness, don’t forget your Dramamine. The road curves a bit.

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a must! There are plenty of overlooks to stop at for all your photo taking needs! Just beautiful!!

Actually the drive is prettier than the park. Driving it from both directions you will be amazed at the beautiful scenery

The Canyon Scenic Drive was quite interesting. Being from Arizona, the rock formations reminded me of Sedona, but on a higher level. Scenic drive winds up roads , around hairpin turns, and offers many places to pull off. Also part of this scenic hihway has a narrow 2 lane road through a tunnel with periodic openings that offers views to the rocks. Don't miss the Cherboard Mesa, an interstinbg rock formations that has many cracks and crevices to due to cold and freezing water at times during winter and spring thaws.

This drive is very, very slow, which may frustrate those in a hurry to get to the main part of the park. However, your patience is amply rewarded with spectacular views at every turn. The term "scenic drive" fits this perfectly. Just relax and enjoy.

Photos of any kind do not do this park justice. Even if you're not a hiker the drive through is a must. So awe inspiring and the tunnel is not for the feign of heart.

Wonderful, exciting, geologically interesting and possibly one of the most beautiful places we've been int he states

We planned our trip at the right time! Not very crowded and were able to drive the scenic drive without having to ride the shuttle bus everywhere inside the park. Beautiful drive along the river.

Simply put, the best place to stay and Park is in Springdale. It's a lovely little town with plenty of places to stay and eat. We walked into the park as it was less than a mile to the entrance. The scenic drive is by shuttle bus only during certain summer months. It's fine since there were plenty of buses running constantly and plenty of seats. This way you can enjoy the scenery and take pictures. Remember to park in Springdale. There are free shuttle buses in town with clearly marked bus stops. Once in the park use the PARKS buses to clearly marked points along scenic drive.

Fantastic drive from Vegas with great hiking available if you like! Make sure to stop at the casinos in Mesquite, fun and local with a real old Nevada charm. It’s an easy 2 to 3 hour drive to Zion, depending if you stop along the way. If you like desert vistas with canyons this is for you.

A must do! The views were breathtaking. Every turn was more exciting than the one before. Highly recommend.

We took the shuttle from Springdale to the visitors station and then took the shuttle into the park. There were several places to get off the shuttle and explore and it was never more than a 5 minute wait to catch the next shuttle. We only have 1/2 a day to explore so we didn't get to explore any of the trails but with that said, we still enjoyed the breathtaking views along the shuttle route. A must see if you are in the area.

To take the scenic drive, you must board a free shuttle at the Visitor Center. Many of the popular hike are along the scenic drive. It goes all the way back in the valley to the beginning of the Narrows. You can also ride bicycles to access the scenic drive. If you stay at Zion Lodge, it is along the scenic drive, and you will be allowed access while staying there. I recommend at least riding the shuttle. Better yet, get out and walk a trail or two! Beautiful area.

We came in to Zion from Page-Kanab towards Zion Park. First Stop at Checkerboard Mesa, followed by a mile-long Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel with series of switchbacks on the way till you reach National Park Centre. It is an excellent Scenic drive and gives a lot of Photo Purities. Would recommend entry from this side to the Park than the normal Springdale side entry.

I decided to take a detour after leaving the Grand Canyon North Rim on my way to Las Vegas and drove north to Mount Carmel before turning left and driving through the national park. Normally I would be annoyed at paying another $35 for another trip through a park but this was one of the best driving experiences I have ever undertaken.
The only time I could compare this to was when I used to drive through the alps when my daughter was younger. From the moment you enter the park you drive through a narrow road passing lots of hikers on the way. Half way through there is a tunnel so expect a queue there. But once out the other side there is a slow winding drive downhill to the canyon floor and through the basin to the visitors centre. wherever you look the views are breathtaking and not to be missed. It was late morning when we got there so we decided not to take the trip to Angel's Landing. But the buses were already packed with tourists so we would have had to wait a long time.
I don't know which is the best way to drive this but whichever way you go the scenery is wonderful.

Most of the year, this is a road you can’t drive your own vehicle on unless you’re staying at the Zion National Park Lodge! The road winds along the Virgin River beneath towering cliffs and buttresses of stupendous sweep and colour. The free shuttle bus from the park main visitor centre just north of Springdale Utah goes to the end of the canyon and back all day affording convenient access to each of the trailheads. Helpful taped interpretation/narration aids visitor’s appreciation of this amazing park and the road you’re on.

Wonderful scenic drive. Best viewed at sunrise or sunset! Curvy roads and traffic can be heavy. Be patient and pull over for photos!

Difficult to find anything original to say because previous reviewers have basically said it all. This is an awesomely beautiful place. The scenery is stunning. The history is interesting. The tram is not as crowded in the am as later in the day. Can be exceptionally busy with long wait at Visitor Center but never had to wait at any of the other stops.

The is a beautiful drive as you approach and enter Zion NP. The driver needs to concentrate on the road however. There will be delays in getting down. Be patient.

We got to ride the road via bicycle and car and by bike was surely the best! (Note you cannot bike though the tunnel so you have to get a ride with a vehicle through the tunnel). Best time to do this is Fall (mid-late October) and see the color changes!

We came from Bryce Canyon and drove through the park to our accommodation.
Great view, but slow traffic at mid September (still high tourist season).

And I do mean "Gorge"! The scenery here is special, and there is so much packed into a short drive. If you are in the area, go!

Absolutely beautiful! It feels like everyplace you look is a new place to take a picture! We rented e-bikes because we didn’t want to mess with the overcrowded shuttles. Biking the canyon is the way to go with 360 degree views that you can’t see from the shuttle and also being able to stop and look at anything we wanted. We enjoyed our hikes we did but they definitely get over crowded, so our favorite part was the solitude of biking.

Such a nice park. We visited this national park in winter, so there was a lot of snow. Most trails were closed. Shuttle bus didn’t operate, because of the season. Visitors center was open, even while the shutdown was effective.
You can drive with your own car the same route that the shuttle will drive. There a lot of pull outs to stop and take photos or enjoy the views.
Snow plowing is active and you can easily drive through the end of the road. From there you can walk the trail. It’s slippery and wet, but when careful you can make it.
Also the thruway is open and well maintained in winter. Amazing views underway and a lot places to stop. Snowplows are active here to. And most part of the road is free from snow and ice.

We went to the end of the Scenic drive by shuttle bus and walked back to the visitors center, about 8 miles. This was pretty nice. You see a lot more when you walk it.

Beautiful drive, you have to pull over every now and then to take pictures. I drove all the way to an area called the hogback.

According to the National Parks Service website, "From March through November, access to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is by free shuttle bus only. Private vehicles are allowed to access the Scenic Drive only when the Shuttle System is not in operation" (if you're staying within the canyon, you are allowed to drive to the lodge/cabins, otherwise you have to park at the visitor center at the South Entrance and take the shuttle in). However, a lot of people consider the entire drive from the East Entrance through the park tunnel and to the South Entrance (which you can use your own car for) all a part of the drive instead of what is just at the bottom of the canyon.
I actually visited in March 2018 and got to see snow within the park - this just added to the already awe-inspiring views. Thank goodness I was driving out of the park (from Springdale, through the tunnel and out the East Entrance) early on a Sunday morning so I could go really slow in order to take everything in.

WOW WOW WOW !!!!!. We have traveled the world,this drive and view were amazing.We took so many pics and will remember this drive for ever. We were at Bryce canyon the same trip and it was nothing compared to Zion.

Take your time and drive slow not to miss anything. Plenty of places to stop and take in the scenery and take photos.

We decided to rent bikes to ride up the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. We rented at Zion Adventure Co, and decided to go for the electric bikes since we had hiked Angels Landing that morning, and we were pooped! From Springdale, you proceed through the main park entrance, and must pay the fee or show your pass. The first two miles are on the paved Pa’rus Trail, then you bike the rest of the canyon on the Scenic Drive. Shuttle buses are not allowed to pass a bike, so you must pull over to the shoulder every time bus comes up behind you, so it can pass. This does not apply if the bus is going the opposite direction. Seeing the canyon at a slower pace was wonderful, as was being able to stop and explore whenever you want. Crowding was not an issue at all. The road was fairly level, and I think a regular bike would have been fine too. We had never ridden electric bikes before, and it was a kick! It took us about 3 hours to ride all the way to the end and back, with plenty of time for exploring.

Perfect. We forgot about the government shut down and headed towards Zion National Park from Las Vegas on December 27th. This was our second time going but this time it was even better because of the shut down. No entrance fees, no traffic, just wonderful. Drove from one side to the other and than turned around back to Las Vegas. First time we went there was about 2 hours of traffic just for all the cars stopping to pay the entrance fee.

Zion canyons are beautiful and amazing and the scenic drive provides you with a summarized version of the canyons. Explore it further through numerous hiking options available, from beginner to expert level.

Well worth the time to take the buses along the Scenic Drive and stop at the stops to take in the amazing views

The greatest thing the Americans have done is preserve their natural wealth wherever possible. This park is a testimony of that. Loved every bit of the drive.

Beautiful scenic drive thru Zion. We took our car up the tour road and the views were unbelievably beautiful! We then took the bus. There was many great stops to do easy to difficult hikes. Definitely recommend!!

This is one of the all time best drives in the country and I never get tired of it. The cliffs and colors are magnificent. Take this route instead of the interstate if you can afford the time.

We entered the east entrance on a Sunday at about 9 AM. Five minute wait for the line of traffic to enter the park. The drive is amazing, interesting, spectacular. Numerous places to pull off of the road for out-of-the-car solemn views. With the restrictions on riding the park shuttles, this is the best way to view the beauty of the park.

You must ride the free Zion shuttle to access this scenic drive. It leads to many of the beautiful trails in the park. It is a must do. We rode this route twice, two days in a row. Do it!

Absolutely breathtaking ride through this National Park. Even if you don't get out of your car for anything here, it's well worth it!

One of the most breath-taking places I have ever visited. Mountain goats came right up to the window of our car and the sunset against the colored sandstone provided the photographic opportunity of a life time. I highly recommend it.

The drive is beautiful, however, it is a 2 lane road so traffic can be a big headache. Luckily for us, it was okay 3 times we drove on the scenic drive. There is plenty to do with stops. We saw people going out and walking towards rocks for pictures.
Although nothing can describe once you are in the canyon, this drive is a good way of getting you ready for all the beauty about to come :)

A wonderful drive through the Zion canyon, lots of places to stop and take photos. You can drive so far then catch the free shuttle to the end of the park.

My husband and I visited the Mighty 5 National Parks in Utah, the Grand Canyon and Mesa Vera on a trip in September 2023. Zion is a beautiful park,
but it was not our favorite. If you are in the area it's definitely worth visiting, but Bryce Canyon National Park and Capital Reef were even more profound experiences for us. Bryce Canyon is unlike anything that we had ever experienced before. It's hard to believe that you are actually seeing what you are seeing! Capital Reef is also breathtaking although it appears to be not as well funded as the other parks. The park ranger at Capital Reef told us that the number of visitors has really increased in the past two years. The roads need to be widened and better maintained and the road into the Gorge really needs attention. But, don't let that discourage you from visiting this breathtaking park. Your vehicle will get pretty dusty going down into the Gorge, but it is an experience not to be missed!

So many must-dos at Zion and this is one. It is a slow drive with many people doing the same thing but that allows the driver to enjoy the magnificent scenery as well. Traffic is held up from time to time to allow campers to get through tunnels. Enjoy this short journey like no other.

The canyon is beautiful. The bus ride up is both mandatory and free for better and worse.
If you are short on time, take the canyon ride, but if you have a couple of days, ask a local, or a ranger, what else there is to do in the park.

The scenery is spectacular and should not be missed. Even the kids were impressed and kept saying how amazing the views were.

We loved this drive. You go through tunnels, steep edges, and take in panoramic views. There are many areas to pull off for photos and several hiking trails.

Not only is this a visually stunning drive, but you may very well spot small groups of Bighorn Sheep on the way. They come right up to the road and graze on the shrubbery. Not to be missed, my wife and I did this drive 3 times on our way to East Mesa Trail, Canyon Overlook and Bryce Canyon. Go slow and drink in the view!

Was travelling with small group touring company Travel Dream West and they knew all the great hiking spots away from the crowds and also to view the most impressive areas. We picnicked by the river in Zion itself which was also tranquil. I’m sorry I am not sure of hiking gully but had many Rick hew water holes and deer.

And early in late in the day. It changes colors and depth of perception that just had us in awe. Keep an eye out for critters also..

we went early and already the streets were lined in Springdale with every available place literally for miles already taken where you park and take a shuttle. There was no parking to be had and i suspect people must have come in the dark at 6 am in order to get a parking place in order to take the shuttle. We did not have time to wait till it was less busy say in the evening. Not sure you can even go in less busy times without the shuttle but the shuttle is the only way to see this place so we watched it on you tube instead and did the other two zion scenic drives where were not involving shuttles the Kolob one and the mt carmel one both well worth doing for sure. Maybe we get to do this at a less busy time in November

Did the drive on way back to Vegas on the north rim. Only issue I had is could use another day here. Will be back

Up, around and through the canyon! The views are stunning and the road is winding. The tunnel is a mile long and has restrictions on length and height. During the daytime hours it's one lane through the tunnel for large RVs.

By taking the free shuttle you can see and stop at the many places along the canyon in Zion. You'd spend hours..days here...I just was here for 2 days and just wasn't able to see it all.
Angels Landing, the Narrows, Weeping Rock..are among the famous stops...

The highway is Hwy. 9 between Mt. Carmel and Zion National Park. More switchbacks than you can count, a long tunnel, heavy traffic and even a herd of big-horns. Exciting - especially at dusk!

Parking at the visitor center is limited but if you persevere you can get a spot. Springdale parking had lots of pay meters. Only way to see the park is the shuttle. No cars allowed and only access to views of the canyon.

One of the most scenic road in the world. Drive through and stop at a few view points. As there maybe thunderstorm, so did not do the trail.

After waiting for 2 hours to enter the park due to a rock fall this drive was the most exciting of the whole road trip including the Tioga Pass! How an Earth they built this road is a mystery, the twists and turns and the tunnels in the mountain sides were jaw dropping. Unfortunately we only had half a day in the park, next time we’ll book in for a few days.

Unless you take the bus. There is not much of a scenic route you can traverse on your own. Be prepared to sit on a crowded bus.

If only we could stay in the park for a couple of days... We were on the road trip to Page, Arizona from Vegas so we only saw the edge of the park along the way. We drop the scenic byway, stopped several times for picture taking and to let the animals pass. My kids enjoyed seeing the hawks and bighorn sheeps.

Stunning! Amazing! Hard to believe this is in the US. Goooooooo, the drive is stunning. You can get out for photo ops throughout your journey or stay in the car. Perfect for all ages. ;)

This is a spectacular drive that takes you through all kinds of scenery. Lots of pull outs and also hikes along the way if you're inclined. Not much in the small towns so best to take lots of water and a picnic lunch.

These canyon walls do look like medieval or Gothic churches. I always thought mountains are beautiful when build with volcanic rocks, but sedimentary ones can be very impressive, too! Buses run frequently, wait for the good seat by the window, and enjoy! Ideally, take two trips - in the morning and in the afternoon, you'll see very different pictures.

I have visited Zion twice but I've probably driven this about a dozen times just because it's beautiful. Take your time and pull off at the side areas to enjoy the views!

one of the things that makes this and many of America's national parks so amazing is that you can enjoy it from the car if you choose. The only problem with that is that if you're alone you will crash while admiring the do inspiring beauty. For that reason, I parked, got out, and hiked a bit.
I only wish Zion National Park had an audio tour app for your phone.

Who needs the movies to entertain? with geological wonders surrounding the car, it’s difficult to keep your eyes on the road. An amazing beautiful place.

We've visited several National Parks and Monuments. This one takes the prize. Our heads were on a swivel. Fortunately, we were on a bus tour so we could take in all the sights.

What a place .Easy access on the shuttle buses. Super views and great color. Stayed in town for two days and used the free shuttle buses everywhere. Never moved the truck once.

One of the most scenic drives in the world, where you can admire mother’s nature at its best, in combination with a great tunnel built with ingenuity 100 years ago

This drive was our first look at Zion Canyon. Wow! Jaw dropping scenery. I had no idea this place was so beautiful. Loved it, hairpin turns and all!

Well worth the many thousands of miles to get here!
Words fail me...awesome, spectacular, big, wow, wow and wow...

While in Zion, you must do this drive. It is really beautiful with lots of great views. I thought we would need to pay a fee to pass through everytime but I don't think we did. As long as we had a park pass, we were good to go.

It was way more convenient than I was expecting. Even through there were lots of people, the tram capacity kept up nicely. Never had to wait more than a few miniutes.

We drove from Las Vegas to Page AZ so on our way we decided to go through Zion Canyon. What a smart choice as the scenery is breathtaking. A must do! Make sure you hike the canyon overlook trail to get the best views.
Mahalo!!!

This was such a fun tour! The scenery was beautiful, and the tour guide was a great people person. This was for sure the highlight of the trip!

Our trip to Zion was in the off peak season, so we had very few people in the park. The scenic drive in Zion is most definitely one you must take if you are visiting the park as it covers a vast portion of the park and you can see the beauty of this park.

Great drive on the way from Zion to Bryce, it was gorgeous, truly! Definitely check it out on your way out of the area.

This park was amazing. Everything was so scenic. I loved that they had bus transportation through the park.

I visited in on a Thursday and Friday in early December and enjoyed being able to drive the route. The park as not very crowded, so it was easy to find parking at the stops along the way. I really enjoyed watching the sunrise light up the park.
There were several signs stating the drive would close if parking was full. On my second day, Rangers did have everyone stop along the route to discuss where people were headed.
If you are going to visit the park on multiple days or visit other parks during the year, highly recommend getting an América the Beautiful Pass.

We drove from Bryce Canyon to Zion. The route had unbeleivable scenery before we even reached Zion. We climbed to the top of the overlook. Having already seen the video on YouTube I wasn’t sure if it was for me as it looked scary. It was one of the easiest climbs of our holiday. The view at the top was fantastic. You look down at the road that runs though the park. It was easier and quicker going down and there were lots of small children on the trail. This was the highlight of the park for me.

We experienced Zion Canyon Scenic Drive two ways.
Day One, we boarded the park shuttle (see my review, "The devil is in the details") at Zion Canyon Visitor Center and rode it the length of Zion Canyon Scenic Drive to the farthest-north stop, Temple of Sinawava, where we hiked Riverside Walk (see my review, "Adventure enough for me"),
Day Two, we hiked Pa'rus Trail from Zion Canyon Visitor Center to Canyon Junction (see my review, "Have lower Zion Canyon to yourself"), then kept walking along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive until we got to Court of the Patriarchs (see my review, "Beware the false Patriarch"), where we boarded the park shuttle and rode to Zion Lodge.
At peak times of the year, the scenic drive is open only to park shuttles, cyclists and hikers -- mostly shuttles with a sprinkling of cyclists and very few hikers.
Day One, we strained to see out the windows on the crowded shuttle and actually saw very little of Zion Canyon as we rode through it. (TIP: Get a seat that faces forward, not sideways, and sit by the window.) It IS a very efficient way to move up and down the canyon without pedaling or walking.
Day Two, we had the canyon to ourselves even more so than on Pa'rus Trail. Had to step to the side to avoid passing shuttles, but otherwise didn't see anyone until we approached a shuttle stop. This is a great way to experience Zion Canyon: walking along the roadside, cliffs above you, Virgin River flowing by just below.

Lots of wildlife at dawn and dusk. Turkeys, quail, deer, elk and squirrels. Best photos between 9am-3pm. Get there early like before 8am or you’ll have to walk up or use the shuttle. It was unbelievable how even off season this was still true.

We had a perfect day, 60degrees and fine. Set off from Kanab and parked in Springdale and shuttled to the Park. We had an America the Beautiful Pass so easy entrance. We took the Shuttle to each stop and explored the various trails. Most were quite easy to moderate and really managed fine.
We spent the day in the Park and came refreshed and so happy we came. Plenty of places to access.

It is simply amazing just knowing that this was all caused by what seems to be a small river. Even more amazing is that the Virgin river is still carving away at the earth carrying tons of rocks and dirt away yearly.

and we only had a day (minus the 3 hour drive from Vegas)...don't do this to yourself!
We got the park brochure, hopped on the shuttle and worked out a plan to do several short, easy, scenic hikes. So, if you can hike without stopping to admire scenery, take pictures, read signage, take more pictures, spot deer and other animals, watch climbers etc. well then maybe you can do a hike in the time specified in the brochure, but then what's the point? We saw only a bare fraction of this spectacular park but it was enough to know we have to make it THE destination for a much longer visit.

We took the free shuttle to the Sinawava Temple at the end of the route and walked our way back taking the shuttle between stops a couple of times . The walk through The Grotto is worth doing . Some of the trails were closed due to previous heavy rainfall but there was still plenty of good walking . Photos were better mid day once the sun had got over the canyon walls . Impressive landscape .

Breath taking scenic drive which is completing the your in the park with its different stations. The tracks on the scenic are hard and long.

Not only is this shuttle service for free but you get cool drivers that tell you everything about the region. You can see everything from the shuttles. Absolutely worth seeing all 8 stops. Listen carefully to the recordings on the way in.

Great drive with beautiful scenery, rock formations etc. It may take awhile if there is construction or lots of traffic, however we were there on a relatively slow day for Zion. The rock formations and changing seasons were incredible! This drive takes you to the checkerboard mounds, which are worth seeing as well as the drive through the tunnels. Lots of history in the construction of the tunnel at the visitor center and museum. A narrow and windy road, take your time and ENJOY!

Highway 9 is the major road providing access to Zion National Park. From the west, you access the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive or Byway at the intersection of Highway 9 and I-15, about nine miles east of St. George, Utah. It winds past the park's visitor center and museum and past many famous Zion landmarks. It provides access to Zion Canyon and then goes through the park's mile-long tunnel. It cuts through the park's Checkerboard Mesa area and then ends on the east side of the park, at Highway 89, at Mount Carmel junction. Open year-round, the 54-mile trip takes about 1 1/2 hours. A fee is required to drive through the park. The byway parallels the Virgin River in many areas. Near I-15, it provides access to Quail Creek and Sand Hollow State Parks. It cuts through the towns of Hurricane, Virgin, Rockville and Springdale before entering the park. Near Rockville, it provides access to Grafton, a famous ghost town and photogenic site that was featured prominently in the movie "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." Remember Paul Newman's famous bike ride with Katherine Ross in the farmland? And the signature song "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head?" Many people explore Zion National Park and then drive the byway as they continue their trip, heading to Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon or other area attractions.

We took the scenic drive in coming from AZ. WOW is all I can say. Pure beauty, only God could create We enjoyed this view better than the shuttle ride view. Amazing colors, everywhere. A must do while in Zion.

his is beautiful drive and the road is really good so it is also a relatively easy drive. There aren’t that many places to park and get out. Due to knee problems I do not hike so I am grateful, but the drive in itself is also an experience. So if you get the chance it is well worth the $35 to drive through.

Make time to do this when in Zion.
You can take a shuttle or (what I recommend) a bike. We rented e-bikes and took them up and down the trail. Took about 35-40 min each way. All the major trailheads for Zion (except one) are along this drive. Using the shuttle to get to them is not bad at all (they come frequently and aren't overly crowded and take about 45 min one-way). If you can, though, I'd recommend biking as you get a better sense of the views, which are just incredible, magnificent, stupendous, etc. It is an unbelievable way to experience the park. Stop off at whichever trails you want (there are places to lock up your bike at each stop), and there are even a few unmarked spots you can find as well.
You can also put a bike on the shuttle (they have racks on the front). Since the ride upcanyon is more uphill while the ride downcanyon is more downhill, you can have the shuttle do the work of getting you/bike up and then coast down.
This can also take as long as you want-- you can bike up and down in about 1-1.5h depending on how fast you go; you can stop frequently and take a couple hours; or you can do a bunch of hikes and spend all day!

We took a day trip out of Vegas to Zion National Park. We had forgotten our Park Pass at home but when I asked the rangers what it would have cost (0) if I had my pass, they scanned my drivers license and gave me a one year pass for $20 instead of the full $35. They were very accommodating. Even if I paid the $35 it would have been well worth the money. The view from the Canyon floor is just unbelievably beautiful. We’ve been to the Grand Canyon and actually thought that this was a more amazing place. The rock formations and spires were breathtaking. When I posted pictures to FB, my friends all added hiked that we should have done. We were short on time so we didn’t get a chance to explore very much. It was a 2:45 minute drive from Vegas. Remember that Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon are both within striking distance as well!

The Zion Shuttle that starts at the Visitor Center will take you on the scenic drive. There are 9 stops on the Shuttle so you will be able to see most of the scenic sites. They would not allow cars to drive this while we visited. You can take one of the electric bike tours on the scenic drive.

We took Route 9W to get over to Panguitch which is where we would be staying to tour Bryce canyon the next day. This is known as the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and was very scenic indeed. If you are going to do Zion, I would highly recommend taking this drive as well. Words just can"t describe the beauty.

The drive in from the west is completely and totally stunning. Just before you hit the tunnel you will see cars parked on the road. To the right as you are driving towards the main canyon is a trail that is about an hour's hike. It isn't easy or always comfortable for those who aren't experienced. It can be wet and slippery sometimes too but it ends at the most stunning view of the canyon you will ever get to experience. There is only one way in and one way out. Don't miss it.

Getting tickets to on the shuttle was a pain however we didn’t need it to get some amazing pictures. Driving through Zion was absolutely amazing and totally breathtaking. There are a lot of places to pull over to take pictures. Don’t let not getting shuttle tickets ruin your trip because there is still so much more to see without it.

Exactly what the name states. A very amazing scenic drive throughout the park. The tunnel drive was cool but expect long lines for that

This is the most popular road in the Zion national park, as most of the attractions are along this road, you can drive your own car up to the "canyon junction" point, then you need to take their shuttle bus to go further north to other points in summer time, you may drive through the whole drive in non-peak season where shuttle bus service is not provided.

We were at park during covid, shuttles were not running! We drove in late afternoon, hiked the narrows trail until reaching the water. Sun was setting on rocks, crowds were few. It was soo awesome that no words can describe. As sun sets the colors on rocks are In describable!

Fantastic scenery that cannot be adequately described. When others describe scenery elsewhere in strong terms, it results in an inability to describe Zion. This time, we took relatives from Europe along for their first trip in the canyon and they are truly speechless. They ask why would Americans go to Europe when we have this(?) It isn't possible to describe it well. Bottom to top over 3000 ft and some places 4,000 vertical feet in a narrow slot canyon of orange/red rock. Timelessly, Ever-Stunning.

make sure you are good driver, and take your time specially during the rain. Lots of stops on the way to pull over and take pictures.

Not in the park. So beautiful. Great spots to get out and look out at view. Mule deer. Be sure to climb Zion Overlook after the tunnel.

We stayed 2 nights in Springdale so had a full day in Zion. Highly recommend getting the shuttle bus into Zion and then the shuttle around the Canyon. We went to the end and made our way back,, after deciding which trails to do. Being fairly unfit, there are plenty of easy ones to take, giving you beautiful scenery but we did make Watchman Trail which is noted as "moderate", I found it hard but then Im not a hiker, but stick with it, the views at the top are to die for and the sense of achievement fantastic.

Words can not describe the beauty of the Canyon. It was a hot and busy day. Bring lots of water and be prepared to stand in line during peak season. Reminded me of Disney lines waiting for the shuttle.
Was super hot day, pushing 100 degrees. When we left at 4:30 it was feeling a little better and the crowds were much less. Since it doesn't get dark until after 9 I would plan on doing this trip again starting around 4PM. Cost's $20 to park for the day outside of the park and shuttle in. After 4 there should be enough parking you can save $20.

We were in awe of the beauty of this place....so amazing and beautiful. Take the free shuttle and enjoy the view.
So many trails to take.

The scenic drive is most excellent! The tickets are very hard to get, but it is well worth the effort. There are nine stops; we stopped at the lodge for lunch and walked the Riverwalk at stop nine. I wish I had at least three days to spend there. Highly recommend!

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is the main route to the major sights in Zion National Park. During most of the year, because of the amount of visitors, only the Zion Shuttle is allowed on the Scenic Drive. The shuttle departs from the visitor center and is very convenient. It can be crowded at times and there can be lines for the shuttle.
Having said all of that this road is amazing. It goes right through the heart of Zion Canyon and the views are terrific. It passes by major points of interest including Angels Landing.
Bicycles are allowed on the Scenic Drive throughout the year, but they must yield to the shuttles. There are facilities to rent bicycles in Springdale, just outside the park entrance.

Lots to see from the car. You drive through majestic canyons up steep switch backs through tunnels. You rock climbing sheep and goats and if you drive far enough even Buffalo.

Views in this park are outstanding! It’s like being down in the Grand Canyon. We entered from Kanab and drove to visitor center. There are several areas to pull over and take photos. The tunnels are amazing. Hop on the free shuttle for a lift to several stops. Easy hikes and more challenging ones for those experienced. Shuttle service very efficient running in both directions every 15 minutes or less. Planning on returning again in the future.

I did not have plans to go there but by accident I chose a different road on the way from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas. What a lucky circumstance! I will definitely go there one more time during spring or summer to get on trails and drive more through the park.

The rock formations stand large, strong and command presence. So very unique in the layers of colors and movement of lines. The 1.1 mile tunnel built in the 1930s is quite impressive. 2 driving lanes bored straight through this very hard solid rock. Incredible engineering in the 30s. Many pull outs to view sites and hike the trails. Beautiful day.

If I had to skip any of the parks it would be this one - or I'd go off season so I could drive it myself and stop where/when I want.

Zion Park is incredibly beautiful. We arrived at noon on a Saturday in October. Traffic was very heavy. There was no parking available at the Visitors center as the lot was already full. We were told to park in Springdale and take the shuttle into the park. The line for the shuttle at the visitor center was ridiculously long.

Whether you are spending time at Zion or you can only drive through you have to drive route 9 and see this amazing park through the switchbacks and go through the tunnel. It is truly an experience. Give yourself at least an hour so you can take the various pull offs to get out and stand in awe of this amazing place.

The moment after we paid for entry, we were blown away by the natural beauty of this park and how absolutely stunning the drive was! Just a few minutes into driving and we saw so much wildlife and places to park and explore. Although the ranger at the ticket booth said the campsites within the park book up fast, he told us to go to the Watchman campsite to try our luck and poof, we were able to stay and see more sites! If you can, stay in the park or in nearby Springdale, at least for a day and take the free shuttle bus up to some of the main attractions. The Zion Scenic Drive is just the beginning!!

the best of the NP's in Utah for driving though. Views are stunning & unreal & the drive on a motorcycle words cannot describe. Just go there!!!

Zion is one of the most amazing national parks. The scenic drive is breathtaking and you can usually spot bighorn sheep along the road. I’ve been visiting Zion for over 10+yrs and still try to go back every chance I get. Springdale has great restaurants and a cute area to visit.

The drive is beautiful. We went horseback riding in the canyon with a guide. The ride was easy, horses were gentle the guide was knowledgeable

Zion Canyon Scenic Road is perfect for Sunday driving. Not good if you are in a hurry- but the park all around you is so beautiful that you should not be in a hurry anyway. Expect to see mule deer in the cottonwoods.

My wifew did a 1o day roadtrip Through parts of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, California and Arizona late sept/ early Oct. Our first nat park was Zioen, and we were a bit disappointed. Scenic with towering mountains yes, but crowded and narrow and not one of the highlights of our trip. it is worth taling the bus to the end station and back, doing some stops and taking some walks along the way.

And not in a bad way. Grand Canyon and Bryce will blue you away. I Went here with a tour group. While we saw the other nearby national parks from the top, this one was experienced from the bottom by the mountains and it was such a different experience. Easy hiking, great views. Perfect for family.i would have liked to start with this park. After GC and Bryce, I wasn’t that blown away. Had I started here, with no other parks to compare, I think I would have enjoyed it more.

The drive is a little unreal as it is hard to take in the mountains and the way they are formatted. Around every corner is something different and at the end of the journy you will just say wow !

For most of the year, Spring through Fall you can only view the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive by Shuttle Bus. The shuttle buses pick-up for free through out the town and the park. Cars are not allowed beyond Canyon Junction. Shuttle buses are free.

This is certainly the most amazing place in Utah and is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. The drive into the canyon is truly transcendent.

You must pay the entry fee to Zion National Park to do the scenic drive. But it was extremely worth it! Although we weren't able to do any hiking, we still got to see amazing sights during our own self paced drive through the park. I almost did not come because I was confused in the fact that I was told I had to use a shuttle, but if you do the scenic byway, you drive yourself, and there's so many pull outs to stop and look at the beautiful scenery!!!! We enjoyed ourselves so much! Highly recommend!

Let me start by stating this is not a negative review about Zion NP itself! We all know how stunningly beautiful Zion is. My problem is with the shuttle system. It is basically IMPOSSIBLE to get shuttle tickets on the Parks App, which is the only place that sells them. I logged on at exactly 9am on the day prior but all tickets were already sold out. So basically I booked a hotel (expensive!) in Springdale to be close to the Zion Canyon Drive but couldn't get on a darn shuttle in order to see it. They charge a $35 entrance fee at the East entrance knowing full well you most likely have no shot at seeing the best part of the park, which irks me. The only other options are walking or renting a bike, which is kind of hard to do with heavy camera gear in tow. As beautiful as Zion is, it's sort of like Disneyland. My advice is to head to Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Grand Staircase. Just as stunning scenery with no B.S. and no crowds.

The best day we have ever had in a national park. Great shuttles, staff and food. The Canyon takes your breath away.

So many complain about the shuttles and crowds - both of which are to be expected at peak vacation times, holidays, etc. However, we chose to go in early December and were rewarded by extraordinary views, enjoyed at our leisure - no traffic on the roads or on the trails. HEAVEN!
The shuttles quit running the end of November. After that, you can drive your own vehicle, park in many different areas and enjoy much solace along the hiking trails. Of course the weather is a gamble, but we had a week of mostly sweatshirt temps. One partial day of rain and one light snow day. Our only real disappointment was having the path to the Narrows closed - not because of ice on the path, but because of hanging icicles over the path...which can be dangerous if you are not paying attention.
The lodge was so quiet, comfortable and very clean. The dining room was pleasant but hit-or-miss on quality of food so we often chose to bring back meals from the nearby town. We booked our rooms during a July sale so saved about 30% on normal rates. The town is also delightful and friendly. We had nice chats with the folks in the rock shops and with local residents. Amazing photo ops everywhere.

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is spectacular! We drove through the south end of Zion three years ago and it was just a tease of Zion's beauty. We came back this year to take the whole park in and stayed in the Zion Lodge and enjoyed all the trails.
The Scenic Drive is great if you want to visit by car only too. The walls of the canyon are so breathtaking. Every time of the day show different beauty. As the sun rises, you see the canyon walls light up. As the sun sets, you see them turn more orange in color. A must see!

During the shuttle season it’s hard to get the full effect as the shuttles obstruct your view while inside. The best way would be to bike the road. A lot of people were doing that.
I am guessing once the shuttle stops running, the drive up would be great.
We did get shutting tickets for both days were were in this part of the park but I believe we gat them about a month out. They have limited seats on the shuttle right now for distancing.

Loved finding out about the history behind the Scenic Drive with the making of the tunnel and the windows within the tunnel. The views along the route were amazing and we took advantage of the pull-offs where you can stop, take some time to take in the surroundings and snap some pictures. I'd say this is a must drive!

We came in from the east entrance and were able to go thru the tunnel which is quite the experience, especially since we were in an RV-kinda scary but exciting all at the same time. We stayed in an RV park at the west entrance then took the shuttle back into Zion the following day. This is the most recommended way to see Zion, the shuttle. To really get a sense of all Zion has to offer, be prepared to spend some time there, like a week. We rushed thru it and didn't get a chance to soak it all in like we should have. There are 7 or 9 stops that the shuttle takes and we did them all in one day-way too much. So take your time and maybe only do a few stops in per day. Have lunch at the lodge and enjoy the beautiful settings all around you. Enjoy God's creation because it is absolutely beautiful.

We went on a small group tour of 11 people our driver wagner is very nice and careful,and our tour guide david is very nice and friendly as well they provided us snacks water and lunch,david showed us extra places that are as beautiful as the rest he take time to help us get the best picture perfect views he took our pictures as well as he also explain what kind of rock formations .the views are breathtaking,amazing,beautiful you must really go and see it to feel and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Best part of the trip was driving the switchback road up through the tunnel. On the other side, we saw a bunch of goats crossing the road. Very nice park and worth a day to visit. We did not try any of the hard trailn hikes - not enough time.

Simply awesome. The glory of geology, hydrology, cosmology, plate tectonics, the color spectrum, are on radiant display. Visit the wonderful and, as you can, hike and trek the park.

Beauty personified! We hiked here 3 days with one day for Angels Landing hike. We loved everything about this park except for walking in or trying to catch a bus in. Even with that, we would go again because there are so many hikes and adventures to be had.

Lots to do in the park. Lots to see. The drive alone is astounding. Didn't have time to climb or hike any of the trails but I will be be back for Angels Landing for sure

The Zion National Park is stunning with beautiful canyon landscape and well organised public transport along the scenic drive.

This is truly a stunning park to see. It was a very exquisite drive, up and down mountains. MUST see once in a lifetime!

A beautiful drive. You go through tunnels and see unbelievable cliff views. It’s a great way to see some of the park if unable to hike or if it is just too darn hot to hike.

We drove through Zion multiple times and there is SO much to see. There were goats and deer in the area, tunnels, spectacular views. Plan for plenty of time to pull over to take it all in

Visiting on a weekday makes touring this breathtaking National Park more enjoyable. Toured with our dog, in our Jeep, on a Monday and had no problems with parking and picture taking. Really needs to be on everyone’s bucket list!

This drive must do. It is beautiful, powerful, & colorful. Watch people when you are driving. People taking pictures not paying attention to cars.

The main scenic road is closed. You have to take the shuttle to get anywhere. The east entrance is open, and that is a nice drive, but its not the main part of the park. Its still gorgeous and all, but really can't compare to the other Utah parks and the scenic drives they offer, hence the lower rating

An awesome drive with great views, a long tunnel and unbelievable rock formations. It will appear at times you are driving on Mars. As you drive through the park the you follow the signs to the Scenic Drive then you can turn around and head back or it will take you to Bryce National Park which is only an hour away..

Wonderful place to take in the gorgeous diversified scenery of Zion. We came from the west through the tunnel and stopped, spent a couple hours taking it all in as we were saying goodbye to Zion and heading to Bryce. Trail had a couple narrow spots and a short moderate climb- views were great

The drive was beautiful, breathtaking at times. Nice drive and spots to pull off and take photos. Winter was nice time to visit.

This is one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S. Take your time and enjoy the beauty of this winding twisting road. Inspiring beauty around every bend. Canyons, red sandstone cliffs and mesas. Don't miss it!!

Creations unique beauty at every turn. Take your time, be patient with others, relax and you will be rewarded many fold

Breathtaking view. The drive was a little scary at times going up and down the mountains, but I would do it again!

This is a very scenic drive from when you enter the park in Springdale and up to the tunnel. There are a number of viewpoints which give you a sweeping view of the valley, although some of the pull-offs only have room for a couple of cars. The higher viewpoints give you a good view of how twisty and steep the road is. If the sun is high you get great colours in the rocks.

This is a must do when you are in the park.
We pulled over many times to check out the view points. It was beautiful.

We drove from the West to the East in our Motor home and car (we had to unhitch the car because we were too long for the tunnel). I can't tell you how amazing the drive was. Every turn was a new experience of beauty and grandeur. A MUST DO!!

The Canyon View Drive is awesome. Make sure to go on the Canyon View Overlook Trail. It's only half an hour one way and the pay off is more than worth it.

We rode this canyon and hiked up to Observation Point. Hike to the point was a moderate hike with some exposed areas bit nothing like Angels Landing. If you have severe fear of heights I wouldn’t recommended the hike.

The scenic drive was a great way to view the park. It is honestly one of the prettiest parks I have been to. The drive was easy and there were many places to pull over to take pictures and enjoy the view as well.

At my age I thought I was past being awe struck by anything. The scenic drive should be on everyone's bucket list. Beauty at every twist and turn!

After doing the narrows I was glad to see this part of the park. It was awesome. The drive is amazing with so many different rock formations and colors. We came across some big horns crossing the road that made it perfect.

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a beautiful drive if you take your time and stop to enjoy the sights. A bit of patience is needed to endure the summer traffic and other visitors.

Each Summer, I fly to a destination (California, Colorado, Canada, etc) and rent a motorcycle for 2 weeks. This past July (2018) I took my wife and we rode thru Zion's Canyon Scenic Drive. Probably one of the most spectacular rides we've been on (and we've been on plenty!!) Amazing to think water carved out this beautiful landscape!! You'll find yourself stopping many times for photos before you even reach the city of Springdale. FYI: If you want to hike & be within close proximity of the park & all it offers - stay in Springdale. Mount Carmel and all the beautiful hotels outside the park are a loooong way off.

We did the scenic drive several times. Absolutely gorgeous. The last time we did it we got stuck though in a torrential thunderstorm which caused the scenic drive to be closed. Mudslides and rocks were scary so avoid the drive in bad weather.

Amazing views. Lots of opportunity to hike or just enjoy the amazing views. Water is available at some stops to fill your personal water bottles.

Every inch is of scenery is beautiful from top to bottom. Make sure your camera is loaded and that you have your hiking boots.

Outstanding weather and great walking trails. The colors are outrageous. The scenery is just breath taking. I could not have asked the universe for more!

We had a rainy day. But that made it even better. The canyon had so many beautiful waterfalls. Most of the waterfalls are on this drive. It was rainy when we went into the tunnel and snowing when we came out up top. It was pretty magical.

We really enjoyed our three day visit to Zion in early May of this year. The weather was so comfortable and the crowds were less than summer months. We went of several of the easy hikes as I recently had a knee replacement but found them very enjoyable. The river had plenty of water and the canyons were green. We drove through the park to get to Bryce Canyon and then back again to get home through Las Vegas. We were pulling a 20 foot trailer which was no problem on the road or through the tunnels. We camped out of the park but the campgrounds looked very nice inside Zion and would try for those on another visit. The bus system is so convenient that taking a car in is not worth the effort. We purchased our senior lifetime park pass and are ready for future visits. The town of Springdale had plenty of nice restaurants, outdoor gear shopping, and most other things one might need.

The only way you could go on the scenic drive was via the shuttle. Being there in Covid times - did not want to get onto crowded bus so could not get to see it.

Views were amazing. We went during a warm spell at the end of February. We were able to drive our car on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive because the shuttles had not started yet. The road was not very crowded but parking spaces for trailheads filled up by 8 am. Desert Bighorn Sheep journeyed into the roadway without fear-so be prepared to stop!

The shuttles run for most of the year except end of Nov/Dec into some of Jan. If you simply ride the shuttle you can sit back and relax and enjoy the magnificent views around you. The line for the shuttle can get ridiculous in the summer, worth going during off seasons to save time. The entire shuttle ride is still about 1h15/1h30.

Driving through this park is truly memorable as there is so much natural beauty in the formation and colors of the landscape.
We stopped several times on our journey and learned the earlier we arrived the better off we were because the temperature was color, there crowd was smaller and it was easier to park.
This park has so much natural beauty to offer.

Great views driving by here many times on the way. This makes you feel small and insignificant. This is beautiful and you may also see goats and deer. Be careful not to hit people being dumb or the animals.

It is one of the most awe inspiring drives in the country. The sheer beauty of this place cannot be understated. Take a few days here to really appreciate the scenery.

There is much to do and many fine hiking trails in Zion, but the most spectacular way to get to know the park and get an overall feel for its magnificence is to take the scenic drive--about 16 miles. There is literally something astounding to see at nearly every twist and turn. If you are in the area, do not miss it.

We took the shuttle from the visitors center up the canyon to the end of the line, the Temple of Sinawava. About a total of 9 stops to the end of the line. Crews were paving the road, so there were delays, but we made it. Beautiful drive, beautiful October weather. The canyon is wonderful, surrounded by incredible mountains. Saw some blacktail deer. Saw several mountain climbers. From the Temple of Sinawava, we hiked the Riverside trail, an easy paved trail that runs alongside the Virgin river. About 1.5 miles long, ended at the mouth of The Narrows.

Driving through Zion NP - from one end to the other - is sooooo beautiful. The biggest challenge if you want to pull over is finding parking spot. :)

We went inJuly, a very hot month and I don't recommend it for everyone. Take water, some food and even some sugar if you are hiking. We took the Western tour by the free shuttle bus. We got out and took photos at each of the 9 stops and got back on the bus. We then went hiking back to Emerald Pools( stop no. 5) and back and it was well worth the heat to see it. I had been to Zion and the Western part years ago and was just as awed as before.
The Eastern part was a huge, amazing surprise. We were coming back from a Bryce Canyon to go to St. George, Utah were we had our hotel. We decided not to go by way of our GPS and ended up in the Eastern gate of Zion. We needed to go all the way through the park to get home so away we went on the Scenic Drive.
It was the best drive I've ever been on. The mountains and valleys were amazing. Not a lot of places to pull over to get photos but enough. We even saw families of bighorn sheep grazing! The tunnel was a bit much for me. I had no idea it was so long, over a mile, and I was getting nervous about being in it.
But we made it through. I recommend this part of the park to everyone going to Zion. Don't just stop where the shuttles do. You will miss so much.

Nice and paved with many spots to pull over and take photos. The trails are well marked from the road too.

We had already spent several days at Zion NP and seen many mountain views. We took the scenic route out of the park as it was also the most direct for our travels. Unfortunately, we got hung up in three problems: (1) Large traffic volume as the tourist season was in full swing. (2) At least one extended one-lane section due to needed road work. We experienced lengthy delays. (3) Motorhomes and travel trailers. They have to go slow up and down the twisty road slowing every car also on the road. Traffic in the long tunnel is made one-way at a time due to the large vehicles - which caused a significant delay.
The views were great but beware of the many opportunities for delayed travel.

What a beautiful view coming in from the east through the tunnel. Breathtaking vistas. The shuttle drive up canyon was great. So many grand views, hard to take it all in.

If you would a day to just ride the Zion shuttle take the scenic route and you can avoid driving from location to location. You can get on and off the shuttle at designated stops to take pictures, enjoy the view, take a hike. The scenic route is quite unique in the variety off scenes that you will see. You might spot some mule deer or wild turkeys. Listen to the narration on each shuttle to discover more about the unique features of Zion. Stop at the museum to catch a movie about Zion. Stop at the gift store before you leave. Come early to avoid the crowds.

I’m not sure why we hadn’t done this drive before and to be honest, we only did it by chance this time, but this drive will be repeated on all future trips to Zion! We had been throughout the main canyon on the shuttle but the landscape on this drive is unique. The tunnel itself is to be marveled at. We even got to see big horn sheep.

Fun hikes available for everyone! Shuttles provide great service with 8 stops up and back and on time. Take water and snacks and prepare to see awesome views. River access by visitors center are great. Check out the museum for sure!

Jaw dropping during the drive. I have never seen a more beautiful place anywhere on earth. It's is inspiring, amazing, overwhelmingly beautiful. You will never regret coming here ever. Simply stunning.

All I can say is wow, this drive is amazing. Everything you see is so beautiful, we saw a lot of mule deers along the road. The switchbacks are fun to drive. All my family could say was look over here, look over there. This is a must see when in the area.

There’s not a lot more that can be said that hasn’t already been written. Wonderful park run by the Nation Parks Service. Summer shuttles in place and very frequent. Ranger tours we did were well planned and well delivered. Just a lovely place to visit.

This was a lovely drive. We stopped every now and then to enjoy the amazing scenery and take photos.

It is hard to put in words how spectacular the views at each turn. The colors of the rocks in the morning were fantastic.

The scenic drive is amazing. The canyon is awesome. Any amount of pictures does not do it justice best thing is to see it. My friends were the photographers.

We drove through Zion four complete times during our 5-night stay and it never got old. Views like we'd never seen before. Wonderful national park.

We started at Zion Lodge and bicycled to the temple at the top and back. Every twist and turn in the road makes you gasp with delight as the new vista comes into view. The cliffs radiate color: in some places the white on top almost looks like snow, and then all the shades from pink to red appear below. It's glorious. Driving is probably beautiful too, but take a bike. The hills are gentle, and it is worth it!

We have been to a few National parks and this one is one of the best. The drive through the park is great. Waiting to go through the tunnel seems to be unnecessary most of the time. But scenic views everywhere you look.

This is one of the most beautiful drives, scenic close up and in a distance. I would do it again and again!

This is an incredible drive down into the base of the heart of Zion National Park. It's beyond superlatives.
There are many switchbacks and it is a steep, narrow road. We were fortunate to be in a Insight Tour bus. That meant both of us could look and neither of us had to watch the road or take responsibility for driving safely.
If possible, I'd suggest finding a way to have someone else drive so you can completely enjoy this remarkable road.

This was a beautiful place to visit. The scenery is breathtaking !
There are easy short hikes and tougher and longer ones. You can take their free shuttle, getting on and off all day.

Riding the shuttle is the way to see Zion. Frequent stops allow hop off to hike trails. It is awesome to see the peaks from the bottom.

The views were breathtaking. Mother Nature was not on our side however and it rained the entire day. During the spring you can count on seeing waterfalls around every turn. Everyone enjoyed driving through the tunnel.

Zion is a breathtakingly beautiful view of many natural features. A river, rock formation trees and other vegetation. If you are lucky you will see birds, animals and interesting insects. It can be a very peaceful place to go to to sit and soak up nature. You want to make sure that you wade in the Virgin River.
Regardless of when you go, be sure the properly prepare with water, hat, sunscreen, water socks to wade in the river, and a camera. If the heat is really an issue for you, bring a battery operated fan that can spray water. It will be very helpful to you.
Take the bus ride from the visitor's center and be sure to go as early as you can because there is lots to see and you do not want to miss any of it.
Driving around Zion will get you many scenic sites, by bus or car. It is worth the trip.

Astonishingly beautiful canyon. Great short and long hikes.
Horribly busy, and we were there in a ‘quiet’ time. Must be unbearable in summer.
You aren’t allowed to take your car past the visitor center, you have to use their shuttle system. There is such limited parking at the visitors center that we and most others had to go out of the park into the nearby town of Springdale, pay to park ($30 in our case) then either catch a bus or walk back to the national park. The shuttle system works very well, plenty of shuttles. We had no trouble getting on when we wanted to but I can imagine long lines waiting at each stop in summer – and worse still, if you don’t get on at one end of the line, many shuttles might go on by because they are already full. In case you don’t know, there is a single road in the park that finishes at a certain point and you have to come back on the same road – its not a loop road. Therefore there is an end of the line. I think the road is 12 miles long, and has about 6 stops along the way (one or two were closed when we were there, one due to rockfall).
If you can put up with all the mucking about, and can get yourself organised (especially if you can be there early in the day), this is a must see if you are anywhere near this area. The Kayenta trail is beautiful and isn’t a lot of effort; after an initial climb of 50m or so, the rest of the trail is basically flat and hugs the mountainside giving majestic views over the canyon and river. Its about 2 miles and I did it in 45 minutes without hurrying.
Accommodation in the park is exorbitant and accommodation in Springdale is not much better; consider La Verkin or Hurricane, there are plenty of hotels and eating options.

This is a really lovely drive through the park, and you will have to do it if you are using the East Exit instead of just coming through Springvale. It is very busy during the peak hours of the day, but, if you can manage, at dawn the colors are amazing and there are very few people on the road. There are, however, many animals so keep it to the posted speed limit or below and be watchful!
This drive is also amazing under a 3/4 to full moon. I lack the eloquence to describe the feeling, but if you can, do it, again, being mindful of wildlife! It is also great before the moon rises fully, especially for us flatlanders, there is no real lighting in the park, so you get stars and stars.
If you can possibly manage, do this with a convertible, and the top down. And wear sunscreen because you are going to be slowing down and stopping to look constantly.

The park is breathtaking! The best way to describe the beautiful rocks is massive. The best way to see it is to take the shuttle bus on the scenic drive. Each stop provides views that are different from the one before it. From Spring thru October cars are not allowed along the scenic drive because of the crowds. There is very little parking in the park, but you can park in the town of Springdale at the south entrance.

This drive is very scenic and you can enjoy it by taking any of the park shuttles that take you through various points of the park. There are a lot of hikes that you can go on from the different points along the shuttle route.

Fix sewage problem or warn customers before booking them.complained to office and they said they have had the problem before .we were stuck in a spot that smelled like sewage and were unable to even sit outside.very dissapointing.would not move to another site.paid 111.00 per night.

The scenic drive takes you in by way of 9W, showing you the most beautiful rock scenes that are beyond your imagination unless you've seen some of the many published pictures.

Love the beautiful view of the canyons and natural landmarks. If we live a state or two closer, will drive by it every weekend! If anyone goes to Las Vegas, Zion is a must-see!

Such a scenic drive!! We love driving through the park and seeing all the various colors and the sheer walls. The tunnel is fun!! A must do drive!!

This is one of the most beautiful drives that you will ever go on in your life. Sheer Cliff faces tunnels that are carved right out of rock and the river adds to the natural beauty of the drive. Make sure to go all the way into the Ranger station. From there you can take tours to different areas of the park. Be cautious as you drive because several people will stop and take pictures along the way.

Did the drive leaving park towards Bryce and it was gorgeous. Stopped for pictures of the stunning vistas. Saw many sheep on both sides of road before tunnel. Quite a thrilling drive!

The Scenic Drive is viewed from the shuttle buses which are based at the information center and are mandatory most of the year to avoid congestion on the roads and the limited parking areas. They travel very regularly, and so you can be dropped off at one trailhead and be picked up at the end of the trail. You can get a good overall feel for the park from the shuttle without exerting yourself if there are physical limitations. At the Zion Lodge we heard coyote pups learning to howl.

I love Zion Canyon scenic Drive and the shuttle buses that run up and down it. Our drivers on this trip were very helpful. The shuttle bus system makes it possible for thousands of visitors to share the canyon experience at the same time. It provides access to hikes such as Emerald pools, Angels Landing and the Narrows Trail. This trip we got off at the big bend stop hoping to see the condors nesting in that area. There are gorgeous views where ever you stop or get on and off the shuttle buses

This few miles of driving has some of the best views and amazing scenery in the western USA. The Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel is extra special if you are the last car going through as they switch the one way travel. If you are last, you can stop and look out the cut-outs then speed up to the end of the line again. The East side of the tunnel offers other-worldly views and rock formations. Plus there are many hiking trail heads just off the road. It's one of the most scenic drives in the USA for sure.

We drove it twice this week. It was scary in the dark . But you must do it to get to springdale the tunnel us very narrow. I love the windows in the tunnel

Luckily for everyone, the only way into the canyon is on a bus (unless you are staying at the lodge) and that's a good thing. I couldn't imagine what the place would look like if cars were allowed in.
There are areas along the drive where I couldn't process what I was seeing. The view is that stunning. It looks like a movie scene. That's how I describe the view out behind the Human History Museum. It looks like a set. If it was 20 years ago, I would bike the road. That has to be amazing.

I did not expect the grandiose experience when driving here from the Grand Canyon. Unbelievable!! This should be on everybody's bucket list. Orange, wispy, statuesque boulders in every direction. I wanted to get out of my car and take pictures at every turn. Being here gives you that National Geographic feeling. Just amazing!

Drove from Bryce NP to Zion and took this route. MUST SEE and honestly more enjoyable and relaxing than the park itself. Once you get into the park it's a zoo with people and lines and crammed shuttle buses which distracts from the experience.

I think you can drive thru park In under 2 hours. Great landscapes and scenery. One of my favorite national parks. What's so great is its right next to Bryce and you can actually drive thru both in the same day if you start early enough. Great photos to take. Would recommend to all

The drive into Zion is awesome. The colors of the mountain rock are beautiful and makes it exciting to be there.

Never a dull moment. Winding road, unusual rock formations, beautiful colors. After Labor Day the crowds are low so it's a much more enjoyable trip.

Because we have can't walk long distances, we took advantage of the Park Shuttle the see the main sights. We did take two short hikes from shuttle stops; #4 the Court of the Patriarchs is a short hike from the Shuttle stop but is is steep, There is a great view of large rock formations. Shuttle stop #5 is a hike to the Lower Emerald Pool. The hike is easy enough for bad knees and gives some nice view. When we were there the pool and falling water were not too impressive but we enjoyed the relatively easy 1.2 mile hike with many places to stop is necessary.

Mind blowing views and so different to all I’ve seen before was a pleasure to drive through it actually we did it twice swoping drivers

One of the highlights of our road trip! A truly magical and beautiful drive. Perfect for taking lots of photos

This road is switchback to switchback to switchback etc. It is a narrow cliff road. There is so much to see and enjoy, but the driver cannot enjoy the view because the road is treacherous. So be sure to switch drivers so everyone can see the amazing views as you descend or ascend to the base.

My son & I, were on road trip to Philly and our first tour stop was Zion. We took the first leg from Hurricane to Mt Carmel. It was amazing to see the beautiful eroded rock formation as the road twisted in and around the fabulous monuments. Because we were on a limited time schedule, we didn’t drive the 2nd half from Mt Carmel, via Hwy 14 thru Duck Creek Village to Parowan which we understood is very spectacular.

Where to start? Absolutely gorgeous national park with a great shuttle service in summer - we never waited more than 4 minutes for the next shuttle. There are numerous short day hikes available at the various shuttle stops from less than half a mile to several miles in length.
Water is provided at some of the shuttle stops, bring a bottle to refill, and there is a cafe for lunch. Photos do NOT capture the majesty of this scenic views. Turn off the cell phone and enjoy the nature. Highly recommended.

Our bus tour took the scenic route into Zion and at the end of our stay took the scenic route out, gave us 2 different perspectives. The scenery was spectacular!

This is a must do! We have a 45 foot rig and were concerned about not being able to see the park however there is a large RV parking lot by the visitor center where we could park our rig and rid the tram through the park. We arrived at 8AM and there were still parking spots left. The tram is definitely the way to see thee park .
It takes several days to do all the hikes and see everything.

The entire drive was absolutely stunning, especially for this flat lander from Florida. Can’t wait to bring my family back next year.

Unbelievable amazing views of many different types of canyons, buttes, plateaus! Plan to stay for a week, it will take awhile to enjoy the views and hike the gorgeous trails!

A great drive with just amazing and breathtaking scenery. Perfect time to go is November since it is not crowded. You can get out of the car and do some long or short hikes. Just awesome!

This drive was certainly different as you drive through the mountains in tunnels. It is spectacular as you drive into the park from the western side. The mountains are huge and Zion certainly caters to hoards of tourists, they are well organized

Zion National Park is a great place to visit, with very scenic views of the trees, mountains, canyons and nature in general. Everywhere you look it's just amazing. We went at the beginning of June and the weather was wonderful in the 70's. We were there for only a half a day because we were coming from Las Vegas. The cost is about $25.00 - $30.00 per car (I don't remember for sure). If you are traveling in the area the park is a definite stop, the whole area is so beautiful.

We entered in from the East, even though navigation was saying to enter thru the Main Entrance…
Hwy 9, I believe.
This drive was about 45 minutes once inside, with an awesome tunnel.
The mountains are so immense that photography dwarfs their stature.
It must be seen in person.
One day, I’ll return and hike more.
It was 108* the day we were there.
The visitor Center may be one of the largest that we saw in Utah & Arizona.

Two hour drive and well worth it. Beautiful scenery and very impessiv3 hikes. Spent two days there and it was not enough time. Will go back.

As I always enjoy this park there is always something new to see. Bighorn sheep this time. Large mile deer the time before. But the scenery is always amazing and the power of nature is seen at its finest. Dont pas this drive up

Spectacular scenery all along the route. Plenty of pull outs to get out and get some great photos like at Courtyard of the Patriarchs or Great White Throne. However, you really should park the car and do some hikes whether it's the awe inspiring but strenuous climb to the top of Angel's Landing or the easier Riverside Walk or Emerald Pools Trail to fully appreciate this beautiful National Park. During the off-season from November through February when shuttles are not running, I was able to drive my car along the road. However keep in mind that rangers may close the road at any time to prevent traffic from overwhelming the park as happened on Friday Feb 26.

Zion was part of our roadtrip and greatly enjoyed the day there.
Limited parking inside the area, so there is a free shuttle service from Springdale to the visitors centre.
Springdale offers kerb side or off street parking but its not free.
Hotels offer free parking for guests.
$32 entrance fee for a week including driving the scenic route
Great shop inside with reasonable prices. Campsites and RV areas.
Free water refills, numerous trails from easy to challenging
Or just watch the Virgin River flow by for hours.
Very clean and great views.
Then completed the scenic driving through tunnels and around hairpin bends.
Every turn is another outstanding view and several areas to pull over to admire them.
Well worth the visit even if your not planning a full days hiking.

You will not experience Zion Park at its best if you don't do Angels Landing trail. Zion canyon is quite narrow and the shadows will abstract your photos a lot.

Zion Canyon is a beautiful place, be sure to walk or hike as many trails as you can. Sunrises and sunsets from the Canyon overlook is awesome

Breathtaking drive! Pictures just don't do this justice! During most months, this drive is a straight shot through the southern end of Zion from gate to gate. You can go north to trolly stop 3. However, it's closed to cars from 3-9 during most of the year. as such, this path is the only real way to drive 'though' Zion. The lighting changes depending upon the weather and time of day. Don't miss diving through during the 'golden hours' near sunset when the light bounces off all of the landscape.

Unless you like Disneyland sized crowds and long waits, Zion is not for you. There is no way to reasonably get into the park with a dog. The parking lot fills up early, the scenic drive is only by shuttle, which does not allow dogs. The tour busses from Las Vegas disgorge hordes of day tripppers. So unless you are willing to lock your dog in a car in 90 degree heat, drive 90 minutes further to Cedar Breaks National Monument. No crowds, great hiking and cool,temperatures.
A real disappointment.

The scenery in Zion is amazing but it like some cruise ports has become a victim of its own popularity. We went in late September hoping to avoid the crowds but although they were less it was still crowded. Understandably you can no longer drive thru but must take a crowed shuttle bus. This dampened the experience for us as visibility was hindered. It makes stops along the way but then you need to wait in long lines to get on a double city bus. If you are a hiker you can do much better but I am not. We also went to nearby Kolob Canyon which was drivable and not crowded at all.
Parking is hard and spots fill by 7am so go early.

Drove from Springdale (west side of Zion) through Zion to get to Bryce Canyon. The east side of Zion is beautiful and the drive is great. There's a huge mountain/rock called Checkboard becuase there appears to be checkerboard cleaving into the rock. It's really pretty. There's also a long tunnel to go through that the kids enjoyed. NPS staff are keeping the tunnel one-way usage only due to the heavy summer tourist traffic, even though the tunnel is built for both directions. So be prepared for a short wait at the tunnel entrance for your direction to get its turn.

I was in awe before we even got to the visitor center at Zion National Park . The scenic drive through the canyon was just impressive.The views were just WOW, breathtaking!We took our time getting through.There were vehicles parked on the side of the road, with tourists just soaking in the wonderful views and taking pictures.Some roads were really steep. There were two tunnels that were just one way-so incoming and outgoing traffic was slow. All the majestic views of Zion was worth it.If you want a quicker route out of Zion, take the back way via Springdale. But don’t miss the views going in .

Gorgeous scenery! A little hair raising at times, gave the kids something to pick on me about, but absolutely beautiful. Several scenic pullouts, lots of trailheads, amazing scenery.

It's my favorite park in the US. We took the shuttle bus as there were quite a few people. Our friends did a couple of hikes but we just enjoyed the amazing views and did a bit of shopping. I love this place!

Zion was very impressive. We went at a good time of year. Weather was perfect and not crowed at all.

I have always wanted to go here. August would not have been my month of choosing, but that is what worked. I was not thrilled to have to take the bus from place to place, but it was easy. It was the end of August, so it wasn't very crowded and there were no waits for busses. Part of the park was closed --anything past The Grotto. There had been recent floods and a hiker was missing. Though I had wanted to go to the Narrows, it was very understandable that the search area was closed.
The park was very nice to explore.

Such a pretty place. It is nice to be at the bottom of the large cliffs and drive through. You need to take a shuttle to do the drive.

Dear friends,
You need to see it yourself. I’m so blessed that my husband is driving and taking us everywhere.
We kept stopping for taking pictures.
I wish to see it again and again.
It is so calming to the mind, I promise you.

One of the best part of the visit. Love the twists and turns along the way. Especialy great if you aren't able to hike.

I would highly recommend going in early December. It’s not crowded at all. It’s a bit colder than I wish it was, but that’s why it’s not crowded. I was able to do everything I wanted and the parking lots were all less than half full.

I have been on this road twice, the first time i went up and the second time down. This road is very scenic and very beautiful. The cliffs and the canyon are to die for. My grandchildren loved it. There is no place I would rather see!!!!

Absolutely stunning. We rented E-bikes from Utah E-bikes adventures, and riding them on this scenic drive was the highlight of our trip

A wonderful way to appreciate the variety and uniqueness of Zion Canyon National Park. The variation in color, type of mineral deposits, the change and variety in plant life, the animals, and just the uniqueness of the trip..wow. If you do visit Zion you must make time for this drive; so well worth it to take in and absorb the beauty and uniqueness.

We drove through during the beginning of March when we were able to drive our own vehicle instead of taking the shuttle. The parking lots were packed and it was hard to find parking. The view driving up the canyon was very pretty and there were usually deer feeding nearby that were visible from the road. The drive through the canyon is very short and didn't take very long to drive.

Here's what they don't tell you about the Scenic Drive in the time of COVID-19. If you want to fight the crowds, you need to get there before 6:30 AM. I recommend that you wait until after 6 PM when the barricades come down.

Beautiful drive with stunning views and many switchbacks to climb to a tunnel. Can We saw a wild ram and some mule deer on our drive.

The way that the NPS designed this drive is absolutely flawless. The first portion takes you through a pitch black tunnel literally bored through a mountain before opening up into the most beautiful, stunning view of harsh, jagged, rocky peaks that you will probably ever see in your life. The sheer size and beauty is literally indescribable.
I’m born and raised in Washington state, so you could say I’m accustomed to seeing green peaks and mountains, but literally NOTHING compares to Zion.
This should be a MUST-SEE on everyone’s list.

The Zion Scenic Drive is the road inside the Canyon, which you typically traverse using the very frequent Zion Shuttle bus. It is very scenic indeed! You can drive half of it with your own car if you stay in the Zion Lodge. The scenic road is NOT to be confused with the Zion-Mt.Carmel Highway, which is even more scenic, and is usually traversed using your own vehicle. On the Zion Canyon scenic drive there are nine shuttle stops which give access to trailheads leading to very scenic hikes of varying difficulty. At the Grotto (Stop 6) you can for instance take the moderate Kayenta trail to the Emerald Pool, offering ever changing magnificent perspectives on the Canyon. Shuttle Stop 9 leads to the easygoing Riverside Walk, which ends at the famous Narrows.

Loved the colors of Zion and the scenery is breathtaking. A definite must in my book. The mile long tunnel is amazing.

On our last morning in Zion I was sad to be leaving the awesome scenery behind knowing very few places would ever top what we had seen the previous two days. But once again Zion never failed to inspire with heart stopping beauty....... WOW what a fabulous surprise on the drive out!! Had no idea how incredible the view would be! Its a MUST.....the drive up to and through the tunnel is hard to describe. The drive out the other side the scenery soon begins to change but is no less unique. Difficult to explain the "natural artistry" of the sandstone sculpting you will encounter. Had the chance to stop and snap a few pics of the Big Horn Sheep we'd read about too.

We drove up the road and through the awesome tunnel and my children were either awe. My tweenager usually says many of the places we go are dumb but this was very exciting for him as well. Most of the kids thought they were smack dab in the middle of the cars ride at Disneyland. Well worth the time!

Excellent scenic drive - visited the day AFTER Labor Day when the crowds were FAR less. Loved the views overlooking the canyon and driving through the tunnel. Definitely a must do!

A serene, spectacular 30 minute drive which we took everyday to and from our hotel outside the park. We were worried about the time but ended up enjoying every moment on that road.

Zion is very busy in the summer and believe me, you don't want 10,000 cars driving the Canyon every day. It will just cause headaches, crashes and people/animals getting run over.
That said, the drive is amazing, even on the bus. You really get to enjoy the canyon better when you exit the bus and cars are not lined up in every picture you try to take. Thank you Zion for doing this.

Very beautiful scenery, several trails to be followed, ideally you should stay at least one day to discover it. It is a
Very large park with many hiking and rafting routes

Zion is definitely beautiful- but the only way we were able to see it was through the (shorter than expected) drive. The tunnel was cool , but really wish I could have hiked the narrows.

We spent Christmas 2017 at the Zion Canyon Lodge and made several amazing scenic drives and hikes up and down the valley as well as to Bryce Canyon National Park. The place is phenomenal! In winter you can drive Zion Valley while in summer you need to take shuttles. While crowded in summer, it is much less so and very relaxing in winter. It was chilly but not too bad as Zion is actually not very high in altitude. I'd say visit Zion in Fall/Winter, you will enjoy it!

Know in advance that you need to get a ticket for the tram. The tram is the only way you can access this road most of the year. Tram tickets are $1 each. If you arrive not knowing this like we did, there are sometimes extra tickets that have not been claimed and are made available around 1 PM on a first come, first served basis until they are gone. This is how we were able to ride the tram.
The tram follows a road along the bottom of the canyon. It makes stops at a small number of stations were some of the park's hiking trails begin. We were not there to hike, so we just rode the loop on the tram and looked at the scenery and the wildlife. Since it was later in the afternoon, there were some mule deer grazing in certain spots.
Honestly, we felt like the actual drive up the mountains of the park offered more spectacular views than the tram ride did, but then again, we did not hike any of the trails.

I've never seen anything so beautiful in my life. I have been telling everyone that I know to make sure that at some point they HAVE to so this scenic drive.

This topic is vague in that some people are reviewing the drive from the East side through the tunnels (there are two) and then down into Zion. Others are reviewing the 9 stops from Springdale into the last stop which is the trail to the narrows hike.
For me, I just loved both drives. The drive down from the East (from Page or Knaab) is simply stunning also. You go through some beautiful countryside and then a little tunnel and then a big (3/4 mile) tunnel and you come out way up high in the canyon. there are great photo ops and views at every pull out and switchback all the way down the canyon. Lots of switchbacks also by the way, just go slow and be sane and safe and you will be fine. But some great scenery which so typifies Zion and makes it so great. I took lots of photos and loved the varied views. This takes about half an hour Suggestion also, take this drive down the Canyon not up.
Then once you are down, there is the drive into Zion itself. Cars pay $35 a car. If you are staying at Zion lodge you can drive your own car all the way in. Or in low season you can also. In high season which it still is now even this Thanksgiving week, you have to take the shuttle. There are 9 stops on the shuttle each stopping at a significant location within Zion. Zion Lodge is Stop 5 by the way. Even if you stay at Zion Lodge you have to take the shuttle for Stops 6 to 9. The stops along the way are usually quite stunning and all merit exploration as there is usually a key photo op or landmark there and often the stops are trail heads for the many wonderful hikes throughout the canyon.
This is definitely a wonderful part of this Zion beauty and should not be missed. There is a road out of Zion which takes you toward St. George which is pretty special and picturesque also. Enjoy.

Rent an E bike avoid the shuttle. We rented brand new E Bikes from Rampage E-Bike rentals rampagerentalrepair.com located at 932 Zion Park Blvd. directly across from Blueberry Inn. Renting the E bikes was the best decision we made in getting to the Narrows, ( the bike had large baskets ( included in rental charge) which held all of our items poles, jackets, snacks . The bikes allowed us to stop any where’s along the road, only traffic is from the shuttles / park officials. We road up to the narrows, locked our bikes at the numerous bike stations, and hiked the narrows ( water was never deeper than knee deep). Our total trip time was 6.5 hours. This is the way to go, so glad we did.

By going in the winter we were able to drive ourselves and stop when we wanted and leave when we wanted. Easy drive and no scary spots.

Absolutely fantastic views. You drive, stop at turn offs and get beautiful pics. Not as crowded as the main road.
Beautiful shuttle ride up the valley
I'm not usually a fan of park shuttles, but the transportation up the scenic drive was so efficient and took the headache out of parking. There was always another shuttle coming within a few minutes, so we never had to wait long. There are multiple stops along the scenic drive where you can hike or just get out and enjoy the view for a few moments before the next shuttle picks you up.