Parks Manager

Getting to Zion National Park

Zion National Park sits in UT, United States, with Hurricane the nearest town of any size — about 15.8 mi (25.4 km) out, or roughly 39 min of driving.

Zion National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.

Drive times from Zion National Park

Zion National Park sits close enough to Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Great Basin National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.

Parks you can pair with Zion National Park
ParkApartEstimated drive
Bryce Canyon National Park51.2 mi (82.5 km)1 hr 40 min
Grand Canyon National Park100 mi (161 km)2 hr 49 min
Capitol Reef National Park120 mi (193 km)3 hr 18 min
Great Basin National Park134 mi (216 km)3 hr 38 min

Towns to base yourself in

Towns nearest Zion National Park
TownDistanceEstimated drive
Hurricane15.8 mi (25.4 km)39 min
Hildale21 mi (33.8 km)48 min
Cedar City26.1 mi (42 km)57 min
Saint George32.4 mi (52.1 km)1 hr 8 min
Kanab33.7 mi (54.2 km)1 hr 10 min
Parowan39.4 mi (63.4 km)1 hr 20 min
Enterprise41.3 mi (66.5 km)1 hr 23 min
Panguitch49.4 mi (79.4 km)1 hr 37 min

How to read these numbers

Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.

Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.

Region pages

Common questions

What is the closest town to Zion National Park?

Hurricane, about 15.8 mi (25.4 km) away — roughly 39 min of driving.

Where should I stay when visiting Zion National Park?

The practical bases are Hurricane, Hildale, and Cedar City — all within a reasonable drive of the park.