Zion Day Trip From Washington, Utah: Drive, Parking, Shuttle & Kolob Canyons

Washington, Utah is one of the easiest places to base a Zion trip. From Isle 64 in the ISLE community, Zion's South Entrance in Springdale is about 33 miles away — roughly an hour by car, depending on traffic and the season. Most of the mistakes people make on this trip happen before they leave town, so here's a practical plan.

The short answer

Drive: head to I-15 exit 16 by Coral Canyon, then take State Route 9 east through Hurricane, La Verkin, Virgin and Rockville to Springdale. About 33 miles from Isle 64.
Leave early: parking inside the park fills early on busy days. Plan to be on the road by sunrise in spring, summer and fall.
Entrance fee: $35 per private vehicle (check the National Park Service for current fees and passes).
Shuttle: when the shuttle is running, it's the only way into Zion Canyon Scenic Drive for most visitors.
Quieter option: the Kolob Canyons section of Zion is straight up I-15 at exit 40.

The drive from Washington to Zion

Isle 64 sits near I-15 exit 16 by Coral Canyon. From there, follow SR-9 east toward Hurricane. The road climbs past La Verkin and follows the Virgin River through Virgin and Rockville before reaching Springdale and the park's South Entrance. It's a scenic drive, and on a quiet morning it goes quickly; on peak weekends, expect slower traffic in Springdale.

Staying in Washington rather than Springdale usually means more space for the money and an easy drive home to a quiet house. For a full comparison, see our big-group lodging guide to Springdale, Hurricane and Washington.

Parking: what to expect

Zion has limited parking, and the lot at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center often fills early on busy days. When it's full, visitors park in Springdale's paid lots and street spaces and walk or ride the free Springdale shuttle to the pedestrian entrance. Leaving Washington early is the single best way to avoid the parking scramble.

Zion Canyon shuttle seasons

The Zion Canyon shuttle runs on a seasonal schedule, and the park publishes exact dates and times. For the end of 2026, the NPS schedule shows:

October 25 – November 28: shuttles run from about 7:00 am, with the last bus leaving the visitor center at 5:00 pm.
November 29 – December 25: no shuttle service. Private vehicles can generally drive the scenic drive during this time, subject to park rules and closures.
December 26 – January 2: shuttles return for the holiday week.

Don't wait for the last shuttle out of the canyon — if it's full, it's a long walk back. Always check the official Zion shuttle page before your trip.

Permits and closures

Some Zion hikes need a permit — Angels Landing requires one, and so do canyoneering routes and wilderness trips. The Narrows and slot canyons can close for weather and flash-flood risk, and individual trails sometimes close for repairs. Check the park's current conditions page the night before and the morning of your hike.

Kolob Canyons: the quieter side of Zion

If Zion Canyon feels too busy, the Kolob Canyons district is a great alternative. It's at exit 40 on I-15 — about 30 miles north of Washington, roughly 35 minutes (approx.). A five-mile scenic drive leads to viewpoints and trailheads, including the short Timber Creek Overlook Trail. You'll stop at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center to show a pass or pay the entrance fee. The road can close in winter for snow or ice.

A sample Zion day from Isle 64

6:00 am: coffee and a quick breakfast in the full kitchen, then hit the road.
7:00 am: arrive at the South Entrance, park, and catch an early shuttle (in season).
Morning: hike while it's cool — Riverside Walk, Emerald Pools or Pa'rus Trail are good choices for mixed groups.
Lunch: eat in Springdale or bring a picnic.
Afternoon: head back to Washington and spend the hottest part of the day at ISLE's heated resort pool, lazy river and hot tubs.
Evening: dinner at the house, or out in St. George.

Why Washington works as a Zion base

Isle 64 has four king suites, each with its own private bathroom, plus a queen sofa sleeper — room for up to 10 guests. Everyone can get ready at the same time for an early start, and you come home to a full kitchen, shared resort amenities and the rest of Southern Utah: Sand Hollow, golf at Coral Canyon and the trails on our things to do page. Planning a longer Zion trip? See our Zion trip page.

FAQs

How far is Zion from Washington, Utah?

About 33 miles from Isle 64 to Zion's South Entrance, roughly an hour by car depending on traffic and season.

Do I need the shuttle to visit Zion?

When the shuttle runs, it's the main way into Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. There is no shuttle service from November 29 to December 25, 2026; check the NPS schedule for other dates.

How much is the Zion entrance fee?

$35 per private vehicle at the time of writing. Check the National Park Service for current fees and pass options.

Is Kolob Canyons worth it?

Yes, especially if you want fewer crowds. It's about 30 miles north of Washington on I-15 at exit 40, with a short scenic drive and viewpoints.

Check availability at Isle 64 — book direct with code stayatisle to save 20%.