Things to Do in Springdale Before and After Zion

Springdale’s main corridor, Zion Park Boulevard, brings together galleries, gear shops and cafes, with views of the Watchman and canyon walls. It runs through the gateway community beside Zion National Park’s South Entrance.

Petty Ranch Inn is about a one-minute walk from Springdale city centre, making it a hotel in Springdale city centre. From the town corridor, you can walk toward the park entrance or use the Springdale Line to connect with it.

For a riverside walk, the Pa’rus Trail follows the Virgin River between the Visitor Center area and Canyon Junction. The town describes the route as paved and open to bicycles and leashed pets, so it can fit a short outing before or after time in the park.

George Barker River Park is a public river access point where you can responsibly enjoy the river. Keep to the designated access and follow local guidance while you’re there.

The Zion Canyon Visitor Center sits next to Zion’s South Entrance and Springdale’s pedestrian entrance, making it the main access point for a visit to the canyon by shuttle or on foot.

You do not need a permit or reservation to enter Zion National Park or ride the shuttle, but you do need to pay the park entrance fee or hold a valid pass. The park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year; visitor facilities and shuttle schedules operate on seasonal hours.

The Zion Canyon Line serves nine locations inside the park, including Zion Lodge and trailheads for Emerald Pools, Scout Lookout, Angels Landing, Weeping Rock and the Narrows. A ride from the Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava takes about 45 minutes; the National Park Service estimates about an hour and a half for the round trip.

If you’re planning a ride through the canyon or considering the scenic drive, the Zion shuttle and scenic drive guide covers how to plan that part of your visit.

For local views without heading deep into the park, walk along Zion Park Boulevard, where the Watchman and canyon walls frame the town’s main corridor. Galleries, gear shops and cafes offer places to pause along the way.

The Pa’rus Trail gives you another way to take in the river and surrounding landscape. It runs between the Visitor Center area and Canyon Junction, so you can walk a section and connect your outing with park access.

George Barker River Park provides public access to the river. Treat it as a place to enjoy the water responsibly, rather than assuming every riverbank is open for access.

To add context on the area’s past, the Zion Human History Museum visit guide covers what to know before visiting the museum.

Springdale works well as the town-side part of a Zion visit: spend time along Zion Park Boulevard, then head to the South Entrance and Visitor Center on foot or by the free Springdale Line.

If you plan to ride the Zion Canyon Line, transfer at Zion Canyon Village by crossing the footbridge to the Visitor Center. From there, the shuttle connects with park stops including Zion Lodge and several trailheads.

Allow about 45 minutes for the ride from the Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava, or about an hour and a half for the round trip.

For a gentler addition, walk the Pa’rus Trail between the Visitor Center area and Canyon Junction, or visit George Barker River Park for public river access. Keep the seasonal shuttle schedule in mind if you’re relying on buses, and remember that personal vehicles cannot use Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during the shuttle season.

Is the Springdale shuttle free?

Yes. The Springdale Line is free and serves nine stops between Hotel De Novo and Zion Canyon Village. You still need to pay the park entrance fee or have a valid pass to enter Zion.

Do you need a reservation to enter Zion National Park?

You do not need a permit or reservation to enter the park or ride the shuttle. A park entrance fee or valid pass is required.

Can you walk from Springdale into Zion National Park?

Yes. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is next to the South Entrance and Springdale’s pedestrian entrance. If you park in town and walk into the park, you still need to pay the park entrance fee.

Are pets allowed on the park shuttles?

Pets are not allowed on the park shuttles. Service animals are permitted to ride.