Free Entry Days to Zion National Park: What You Need to Know
February 28, 2025
Zion National Park offers several free entry days throughout the year, making it the perfect opportunity to visit without the cost of an entrance fee. In 2025, you can enjoy free entry to Zion on these dates:
- January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- April 19: First Day of National Park Week
- June 19: Juneteenth
- August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- November 11: Veterans Day
These dates are a great opportunity to explore Zion National Park—one of the most iconic national parks in the U.S.—while saving money. But keep in mind that free entry days do tend to draw crowds, so it’s important to plan your visit wisely.
To avoid peak crowds, consider arriving early in the morning to hike before the mid-morning rush or later in the day, when the crowds begin to thin out—especially in the spring and summer months when the days are longer.
For the rest of the day, explore the east side of Zion with East Zion Adventures. Instead of waiting in long shuttle lines or navigating packed trails, you can enjoy adventures like guided canyoneering, horseback riding, jeep and UTV tours, hiking, and more. This way you can still experience Zion National Park during free entry days while still enjoying some less-crowded adventures.
Zion National Park Vacation Itinerary
If you’re planning a 3-4 day trip, here’s how to maximize your time:
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
Settle into your lodging at Zion Ponderosa and explore the resort’s amenities. Take a dip in the pool, play a round of mini-golf, or enjoy a sunset walk on one of the nearby trails.
Day 2: Visit Zion National Park
Spend the day in Zion National Park, exploring popular trails like Riverside Walk to the Narrows, Pa’rus Trail, or Emerald Pools. Don’t forget to plan ahead for a permit to hike Angels Landing—or sign up for a guided hike to Angels Landing well in advance. Arrive early to beat the crowds and make the most of your day in the park. Then spend the rest of your day back at the resort, swimming, soaking in the hot tub, playing a round of mini golf, or challenging your friends and family to a game of pickleball.
Day 3: Adventure with East Zion Adventures
Skip the park crowds and join East Zion Adventures for an unforgettable day of guided adventures. Whether you choose a horseback ride, canyoneering adventure, or a sunset Jeep tour, you can enjoy East Zion—without the free-entry day hustle and bustle.
Day 4: Relax or Explore More
Wake up with a leisurely swim, a morning hike, a family-friendly round of mini golf, or a game of pickleball. You can also take in one more East Zion Adventure or visit a nearby attraction like Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park after checkout.
Zion National Park Shuttle
When the shuttles are running—typically from March to November—private vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. From Zion Ponderosa, you can still drive your own vehicle on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway from the east entrance of the park to the visitor center, where you can catch the park shuttle. We also offer a shuttle service to the Zion National Park visitor center or to a variety of trailheads.
Zion Ponderosa: Your Base Camp for Adventure
Staying at Zion Ponderosa gives you the flexibility to experience Zion both in and out of Zion National Park—without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. You’ll be minutes from the park’s east entrance and have access to a wide range of activities, dining options, and comfortable lodging. Plus, with our on-property guide company, East Zion Adventures, you can tailor your trip to include visits to Zion National Park, along with unique canyoneering, jeep tours, horseback riding, and hiking adventures.
This year, take advantage of Zion National Park’s free entry days and make Zion Ponderosa your go-to base camp. Whether you’re exploring the park or venturing into the east side’s hidden gems, your Zion experience is sure to be unforgettable.
