For most of the year, riding the Zion Canyon Shuttle is a big part of spending the day in Zion National Park. When the shuttles are in operation, personal vehicles are not allowed into the Lower Canyon, with the exception of the vehicles of guests staying in Zion Canyon Lodge.
The Zion Canyon Shuttles take guests on a loop through the Lower Canyon, beginning just past the park’s South Entrance, at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, stopping at popular trailheads, viewpoints, and other destinations in the park, and turning around at the end of the road before looping back to the beginning.
The Springdale Shuttle operates in the town of Springdale. It ferries guests from their hotels, including Flanigan’s Resort, straight to the entrance to the park. From there, you can enter on foot, and then hop right on the Zion Canyon Shuttle to start exploring.
But while the shuttles are excellent tools for getting around for a lot of the year, they cease operation during the off-season and shorten their operating hours in the months leading up to the off-season. If you’re planning an end-of-the-year visit, keep reading to learn what you need to know about the coming operating hours for the shuttle system.
Winter Hours for the Zion Canyon Shuttle
During the popular summer months, the shuttles run a longer daily schedule to accommodate a larger number of guests. But, as the days get shorter and the crowds begin to thin, the schedule is scaled back.
If you’re planning a visit to the best places to stay in Zion before the end of the year, these are the Zion Canyon Shuttle operating hours you’ll need to know:
- From September 18 to November 4, the first shuttle departs the Zion Canyon Visitor Center at 7 a.m., and the last shuttle leaves the Visitor Center at 5 p.m. The final shuttle out of the canyon from Stop 9 departs at 7:15 p.m.
- Starting November 5 and running through November 26, the first shuttle leaves the Zion Canyon Visitor Center at 7 a.m. and the last shuttle departs at 4 p.m. The final shuttle out of the canyon departs from Stop 9 at 6:15 p.m.
The Zion Canyon Shuttle ceases its daily operation on November 27. This means that personal vehicles will be able to drive through the Lower Canyon and park in designated lots. However, the shuttle does operate for a brief period around the holidays.
From December 22 to December 31, the first shuttle will depart from the Visitor Center at 8 a.m. and the final shuttle will depart the visitor center at 3 p.m. The last shuttle out of the canyon will depart from Stop 9 at 5:45 p.m.
Winter Hours of the Springdale Shuttle
One of the best things about staying in the best resorts near Zion National Park is being able to take advantage of the Springdale Shuttle. This shuttle operates nine stops in Springdale, with the first stop located at Zion Canyon Village, which is located adjacent to the South Entrance to Zion National Park.
Guests staying in hotels in Zion can ride the Springdale Shuttle from their hotel to the Zion Canyon Village. From there, you can enter the national park on foot, and then hop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle. This means not having to find parking in Springdale or at the entrance to the park. Parking here often fills up early in the day, which can become a big hassle if you can’t stay parked at your hotel Zion inn.
Like the Zion Canyon Shuttle, the Springdale Shuttle changes its schedule starting in September. The Springdale Shuttle hours you’ll need to know if you planning a visit to the best places to stay in Zion are as follows:
- From September 18 to November 4, the first shuttle will leave from Stop 9 at the Majestic View Lodge at 8 a.m. The last shuttle will leave from the Zion Canyon Village at Stop 1 at 7 p.m.
- Starting November 5 and lasting until November 26, the first shuttle will depart from Stop 9 at 8 a.m. The last shuttle will leave from Stop 1 at 6 p.m.
The Springdale Shuttle will cease daily operations starting on November 27. However, it will also operate from December 22 to December 31 to accommodate holiday crowds. This shuttle will depart from Stop 9 at the Majestic View Lodge at 8 a.m. The last shuttle will depart from Stop 1 at the Zion Canyon Village at 5:30 p.m.
The Zion Canyon and Springdale Shuttle Off-Season
Following the end of the holidays, the Zion Canyon and Springdale Shuttles both cease daily operations once more. They won’t begin operating daily shuttle service again until spring 2024.
When the shuttle begins operation in the spring varies each year. The National Park Service will announce the start of operations sometime after the beginning of the year. The first operating date typically falls sometime in March each year. So if you’re planning a stay in hotels in Zion during or after March, you’ll definitely want to choose a resort located on the Springdale Shuttle loop.
Planning Your End of the Year Visit to the Best Places to Stay in Zion
If you’re planning a visit to the best places to stay in Zion before the end of the year, be sure to make note of the changes to the Zion Canyon and Springdale SHuttle operating schedules. If you’ve only ever had the chance to visit ZIon during the summer, the shorter hours or the end of daily service can come as a surprise. But visiting Zion in the off-season can also be a great way to enjoy fewer crowds and some incredible winter views.
Ready to start planning your own end-of-the-year visit to Zion and Flanigan’s Resort? Now is a great time to book your next stay!