How to Visit Zion Without the Shuttle

Trying to plan a Zion vacation but not excited about relying on the shuttle?

You’re not alone. The shuttle system is one of the biggest pain points when visiting Zion. It’s better than the alternative – snarled traffic jams and road closures. However, you may instead encounter long lines. Packed buses. Limited flexibility. And it can feel like your whole day revolves around waiting instead of exploring.

If you’re wondering whether you can experience Zion National Park without the shuttle, the answer is yes — but you need to know how.

I’ve visited Zion multiple times and I’ve found ways to explore Zion without relying on the shuttle.

This is for visitors who want more independence — whether that means avoiding crowds, traveling at your own pace, or just simplifying logistics.

Here’s a quick teaser: there are incredible areas of Zion you can explore without ever stepping on the shuttle — and many visitors completely overlook them.

Let’s take a look at how to enjoy Zion on your own terms — without the shuttle.

The main section of the Zion National Park, the “scenic drive” section of Zion Canyon, is closed to private vehicles and the only way to get there is on a shuttle bus. 

➡️ Read my Guide to the Zion Shuttle for full information on the shuttle routes, etc.   

However, Zion is one of the most popular parks in the US and you may find yourself unable to get on the national park shuttle service.  This doesn’t mean that you can’t see the park, however. Here are options you have for getting around Zion without the shuttle. 

1. Rent (or buy) a Bike 

From the Visitor Center at the south entrance to the park to the Temple of Sinawava at the far end of Zion Canyon is just 7.5 miles, so if you have a reasonable level of fitness, a wonderful way to visit the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive area is to rent a bike and cycle through the canyon. It’s actually nicer than taking the shuttle, I think.   

From the entrance to the end is a slight uphill incline, with some flat areas and small hills.  Which means that the return trip is basically all downhill!  Start on the Pa’Rus Trail until Canyon Junction and then join the Scenic Drive road. 

You can rent an e-bike, which requires less physical effort, but does cost more and, if you aren’t used to them, can be more dangerous – they are the most common cause of injury on Zion!  Regular bicycles are also available.   

If you don’t want to cycle the full length of the canyon, the Pa’Rus Trail actually has a bike path, and this is a really nice 1-2-hour ride on a flat paved path alongside the Virgin River with multiple bridge crossings.  

There are several outfitters in Springdale where you can rent a bike for full day or half day.  These include: 

Zion Guru 
E-bike rental – $95 full day/ $75 half day 

Zion Outfitter
E-bike rental – $95
Regular bicycle rental – $35 before noon / $25 after noon.  Children $25/ $15. 

Zion Cycles
E-bike rental – $110 full day/ $100 half day
Regular bicycle rental – $50 full day/ $40 half day 

An alternative to renting is to take your own bikes with you. ➡️ If you’re looking to invest in an e-bike, check out e-bike options on REI here.

2. Explore the East Area of the Park

You can drive to the East entrance and explore the eastern part of the park.  There is an easy trail (the East Mesa Trail) to Observation Point, which is, in my opinion, the best view in the entire park. It’s an easy flat 6.4-mile round trip hike.  When you get to Observation Point, you’ll be rewarded with 270-degree views along the length of the canyon with Angel’s Landing far below. 

If you’re up for something more challenging, you can hike down (but have to hike back up) the Lower East Rim Trail into Echo Canyon, a beautiful black and white striped slot canyon.  This trail is currently blocked from below due to a rock slide, so few people go there and you’ll have pretty much to yourself.

➡️ Read More: The 10 Best Hikes in Zion National Park

3. Do Hikes in Zion Canyon Outside the ‘Scenic Drive’ Shuttle Area 

Can you hike Zion without shuttle access? Yes. There are several other trails that made it on to my list of the Best Hikes in Zion National Park that you can do without needing a shuttle bus. 

These include: 

(a) Observation Point 

Described above 

(b)  Canyon Overlook 

This easy 1.0-mile roundtrip trail leaves from near the east entrance of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, which you can drive to.  Along the trail, you can see window holes from the tunnel in the canyon walls off to the left.  At the end, are stunning views of Pine Creek Canyon. 

(c) Watchman Trail 

This kid-friendly 3.1-mile roundtrip trail starts just north of Watchman Campground near the Visitor Center Parking Lot.  It’s one of the best trails in Zion, passing below the towering Watchman cliff, through stretches of gorgeous wildflowers, and ending with wonderful views from Watchman Viewpoint of the Zion valley and Springdale. 

(d) Pa’Rus Trail 

This is another family-friendly walk leaving from the Visitor Center.  The 3.5-mile roundtrip trail wanders alongside the Virgin River through fields of wildflowers and ends at Canyon Junction Bridge, where you can get a famous shot of the Watchman and the Virgin River. 

4. Visit Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace

Zion Canyon isn’t the only part of Zion National Park.

Located in the northwest corner of Zion National Park, the Kolob Canyons are narrow parallel box canyons with soaring Navajo sandstone peaks, towering 2,000 cliffs and beautiful waterfalls.  Not only is this part of the park incredibly beautiful, it is also a lot less crowded than the more well-known Zion Canyon area. 

The Kolob Canyons entrance is 40 miles north of Zion Canyon, at Exit 40 on Interstate 15.  It’s 17 miles south of Cedar City. 

Hikes in the Kolob Canyons include: 

(a) Timber Creek Overlook Trail 

The easy 1.0-mile roundtrip trail traverses fields of seasonal wildflowers as it passes along a narrow ridge before reaching stunning views of the Kolob Canyons, Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley Mountains. 

(b) Taylor Creek Trail 

The moderate 5.0-mile roundtrip trail goes into a narrow box canyon past Double Arch Alcove alongside Taylor Creek before reaching two historic homesteads.  

(c) La Verkin Creek Trail 

For something more challenging, this 14.0-mile roundtrip trail heads deep into the Zion wilderness, and has breathtaking views of the Kolob Canyons before ending with a view of the incredible Kolob Arch, one of the longest single span natural arches in the world.  

(d) The Subway 

You can only do this hike with a special permit that you need to enter a lottery to get. Apply here at least three months in advance.  It’s a 6-8-hour one-way combination hike/ canyoneering experience through one of the most incredible slot canyon formations in the park.

Kolob Terrace is another section is Zion that has a separate entrance. A 22-mile scenic drive start at Virgin, just 1- minutes from Springdale, and goes to Lava Point Overlook, a beautiful viewpoint. It then turns into a dirt road and continues all the way to SR-14 near Cedar City.

A popular and easy hike in the area is 4-mile Northgate Peaks Trail, suitable for the whole family.

Kolob Terrace Road is usually only plowed for the first 14 miles in winter. The rest of the road is usually closed from November – June for snow and is open to winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The drive isn’t recommended for RVs or trailers. Vehicles over 19 feet aren’t permitted on Kolob Terrace Road.

5. Enjoy Activities and Attractions Outside the National Park 

There are actually a lot of really cool things to do near Zion. These include: 

(a) Go Canyoneering 

I did a Zion canyoneering trip on which I rappelled down 12 drops in a narrow tubular slot canyon and it was one of the most fun things I have ever done!  It was just outside the park boundaries.  There are a couple of different trips to choose from: 

A 4.5-hour trip that includes several rappels as tall as 100-feet.  Suitable for beginners with a sense of adventure. ➡️ Book the half-day canyoneering experience here 

A 4-hour trip that takes you in an off-road ATV to Red Cave Slot Canyon where you will do 6 to 7 rappels into the slot canyon. ➡️ Book the 4-hour canyoneering trip here 

(b) Take a jeep tour 

Head on to rough dirt roads just outside the park boundaries for an adventure with spectacular views and knowledgeable guide to teach all about the ecology and geology of the area.➡️ Book a 4-hour jeep tour here 

(c) Explore Peekaboo Canyon 

Take a 3-hour morning or afternoon trip to Peekaboo Canyon into this beautiful hidden gem that rivals the more famous – and crowded – Antelope Canyon for its beauty.  ➡️ Book a 3-hour tour in Peekaboo Canyon here 

(d) Visit the White Sand Cave, Kanab 

Take a four-hour trip to the breathtaking White Sand Cave, another of Utah’s hidden gems.  ➡️ Book a four-hour tour with guide here 

 (e) Enjoy the animals at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Kanab 

Kids and adults alike will love seeing all the rescued animals at this animal sanctuary.  There are about 1,600 rescued cats, dogs, and rabbits; horses, potbellied pigs, and other farm animals; as well as birds and other wildlife.  You can either volunteer to take care of the animals for the day or take a free tour. Book either online here.

➡️ Read More: Best Things To Do In Zion National Park

6. Visit in Winter 

This isn’t very helpful if you are planning a summer vacation, but if your plans are flexible, Zion is a great national park to visit in winter. In winter, the entire park, including the Scenic Drive, is open to private vehicular traffic.  The period when the shuttle does not run is typically late December to mid-March, though this can vary from year to year.  

Have a great trip to Zion!

More Planning Resources for Zion National Park

Do you have any other tips for visiting Zion without using the shuttle?  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know. 

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About the Author 

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

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