Zion National Park Shuttle & Hiking Access

Planning Your Zion Hiking Adventure

Visiting Zion National Park often requires using the Zion Canyon shuttle system to reach many of the park’s most popular hiking trails. Understanding how the shuttle works can help you plan your visit and make the most of your time exploring Zion.

Guests staying at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort also have access to convenient hiking shuttles that reach trailheads on the east side of the park and connect with the Zion Canyon shuttle system.

Zion National Park Shuttle System

For most of the year, private vehicles are not allowed to drive through Zion Canyon. Instead, visitors access the canyon using the Zion National Park shuttle, which runs between the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Temple of Sinawava.

This shuttle stops at many of Zion’s most popular trailheads, including those for Angels Landing, Emerald Pools, Riverside Walk, and The Narrows.

The shuttle system helps reduce traffic congestion and makes it easier for visitors to move between trailheads throughout the canyon.

When the Shuttle Is Required

The Zion Canyon shuttle typically operates from early spring through late fall and during busy holiday periods. During the winter months there are times when visitors may be allowed to drive their own vehicles into the canyon.

Because schedules can change, it is always a good idea to check the current shuttle schedule before visiting.

Hiking Access from Zion Ponderosa

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort sits along the eastern boundary of Zion National Park and shares several miles of scenic terrain with the park. From here, visitors can access several incredible hiking trails that offer panoramic views of Zion Canyon from above.

Popular hikes accessed from the east side include:

  • Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail
  • Cable Mountain
  • Deertrap Mountain
  • East Rim Trail
  • Orderville Gulch

These trails offer spectacular views from high plateaus more than 2,500 feet above the canyon floor.

Zion Ponderosa Hiking Shuttle Services

Zion Ponderosa offers hiking shuttle services operated by our sister company East Zion Adventures. These shuttles transport guests from the resort to trailheads on the east side of Zion, including the popular Observation Point hike via the East Mesa Trail.

Shuttle services can also connect visitors to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center where they can board the main Zion National Park shuttle.

Advance reservations are recommended for all shuttle services.

Reserve a Zion Hiking Shuttle

Using a shuttle allows you to enjoy your hike without worrying about parking or navigating crowded trailhead areas.

Contact our team or book online to reserve your Zion hiking shuttle.

Book A Shuttle