Zion National Park is one of the most visited and iconic national parks in the United States. Every year, millions of visitors flock to experience its breathtaking sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, scenic drives, and diverse wildlife. However, before planning your trip, most travelers want to know one key thing:
What is the Zion National Park Tickets Price?
Understanding the Zion National Park Tickets Price is essential to plan your trip budget, select the best type of pass, and determine how long you’ll explore the park — whether it’s a single-day visit, a multi-day adventure, or part of a larger “Grand Circle” tour. In this complete 2026 guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about tickets, passes, fees, discounts, special passes, insider tips, and more.
1. Zion National Park Tickets Price – Full Breakdown
Zion charges an entrance fee that grants access to the main park attractions. Unlike amusement parks or private attractions, Zion uses a standardized federal park pricing system that applies to all U.S. national parks.
Entry Fees (As of 2026 Expected)
| Pass Type | Zones Covered | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Vehicle | Entire Park | $35 | 7 days |
| Motorcycle | Entire Park | $30 | 7 days |
| Individual (Walk-In / Bike-In) | Per Person | $20 | 7 days |
| Zion Annual Pass | Entire Park | $70 | 12 months |
| America the Beautiful Pass | All NP Sites | $80 | 12 months |
| Senior Pass | All NP Sites | Lifetime: $80 / Annual: $20 | Lifetime or 12 months |
These prices answer the most common question travelers have:
👉 “What is the Zion National Park Tickets Price?”
— The baseline entry fee for a private car (the most common option) is $35 for a 7-day visit.
How the Zion National Park Ticket Price Works
Unlike museums or theme parks, Zion National Park tickets are not sold per attraction or per activity — they are entrance passes.
✔ What the Tickets Include
Once you pay the Zion National Park Tickets Price (entry fee), you may access:
- Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
- Riverside Walk
- Emerald Pools
- Angel’s Landing trail access (permits required)
- Shuttle buses in peak months
- Most viewpoints and picnic areas
- Trailheads for most hikes
Only a few special hikes require additional permits, but the basic Zion National Park Tickets Price gets you into the park and allows you to explore most areas freely.
Single-Day Visit: How Much for One Day?
When people ask:
👉 “What is the Zion National Park Tickets Price for one day?”
Understand that Zion doesn’t sell daily tickets — the $35 private vehicle pass covers up to 7 consecutive days. So even if you visit for just one day, you still pay $35 if entering with a car.
If you arrive by foot or bicycle, the Individual Pass price is $20.
Example:
- A couple driving one car pays $35 total (not per person).
- If two adults enter on foot together, they each could pay $20 (total $40) if no vehicle is involved.
America the Beautiful Pass vs Zion Pass
When deciding about the Zion National Park Tickets Price, many visitors compare:
🏞 America the Beautiful Pass – $80
Covers all U.S. National Parks and federal lands for 12 months.
Ideal for:
- Multi-park trips
- RV travelers
- Frequent national park fans
- Road trippers
For example, if you plan visits to Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Arches, Yosemite, etc., the America the Beautiful Pass lowers total cost rather than paying separate National Park fees.
🎟 Zion Annual Pass – $70
Like the regular park pass, but valid for 12 months, just for Zion.
For visitors planning multiple visits to Zion in the same year.
If you’re visiting other U.S. national parks, the America the Beautiful Pass is usually a better value, even if more expensive than the standard Zion National Park Tickets Price.
Discounts and Fee Waivers (2026)
🪪 Senior Pass
- FOR U.S. citizens aged 62+
- $80 lifetime OR $20 annual
- Covers park entry fees for you and accompanying passengers in one car
🏅 Access Pass
- FOR U.S. citizens with permanent disabilities
- Free lifetime entry (proof required)
👩🎓 4th Grade Pass (Every Kid Outdoors)
- Free for U.S. 4th graders (valid for a year)
- Encourages youth visit
🇺🇸 Military Pass
- Free for active duty U.S. military and dependents
These discounts affect how you calculate the Zion National Park ticket price, sometimes reducing it to zero for eligible visitors.
How to Buy Zion National Park Tickets (Entrance Pass)
Zion doesn’t sell physical “tickets” — you buy an entrance pass:
🟢 Online
- Official National Park Service website
- Recreation.gov
🟡 In-Person
- At the park entrance gates
- Self-service kiosks
You will receive a sticker or printed receipt — keep it on your dashboard while parked.
Do Shuttle Fees Count as Zion National Park Tickets Price?
In peak seasons (usually March–late November), Zion runs a Shuttle Bus System on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. While the shuttle system is included with your Zion National Park Tickets Price, certain scenic stops or private tours may have separate costs.
Important: The shuttle fee is NOT part of the entrance fee — it is usually free once you have a valid park pass.
Permits: Separate from the Zion National Park Ticket Price
There are a few exceptions where you need extra permits or reservations — these are not included in the basic Zion National Park Tickets Price:
🏞 Angel’s Landing Permit (Day Hike)
- Required for safety and crowd control
- Separate lottery/reservation system
🧗♂️ The Narrows Top-Down Permits
- Required for backcountry multi-day or top-down hike
These are special permits, not general entry fees.
Do the Zion National Park Tickets Price Include Campsites?
No — the entrance fee only covers access to the park.
If you plan to camp, there’s an additional cost for campsite reservations at:
- South Campground
- Watchman Campground
- Lava Point Campground (seasonal)
- Backcountry campsites (permits + fee)
Always budget these separately from the Zion National Park Tickets Price.
Seasonal Factors That Affect the Zion National Park Ticket Price Experience
Peak Season (Spring–Fall)
- Busy crowds
- Shuttle buses in service
- Higher accommodation rates
Winter Months
- Off-peak crowds
- Lower hotel prices
- Some roads or hikes may close
Entry fee stays the same year-round, but overall trip cost varies greatly with the season.
Family and Group Planning: Saving on Zion National Park Ticket Prices
A single car entrance pass lets everyone in the vehicle enter for one Zion National Park Tickets Price:
Example:
- 2 adults + 2 kids in one car → $35 total
- Instead of $20 x 4 = $80
So always consider carpooling to save money.
When is Zion Free? (Fee-Free Days)
The National Park Service occasionally waives entrance fees on specific days (like National Public Lands Day or Veterans Day). On those days:
👉 You pay $0 — even though the usual Zion National Park Tickets Price is $35.
Check nps.gov for official fee-free dates.
Useful Examples of Zion National Park Ticket Price Calculations
🧳 Example 1 – Weekend Trip
- Car entry: $35
- Campground: $20/night
- 2 nights: $40
- Permits: $0
💥 Total: ~$75
🧭 Example 2 – Multi-Park Road Trip
- America the Beautiful Pass: $80
- Covers Zion plus Bryce, Grand Canyon, Arches
💥 Total park fees: $80 (better than multiple individual fees)
What You Get for the Zion National Park Ticket Price
Your purchase grants:
✔ Entry to all scenic zones
✔ Hiking trails access
✔ Shuttle bus access (seasonal)
✔ Wildlife viewing areas
✔ Most scenic lookout points
You are free to explore most parts of the park — except restricted or protected zones requiring special permits.
Top Mistakes People Make Regarding Zion National Park Ticket Prices
❌ Expecting Lower Fees
Many tourists incorrectly think entry may be cheaper because it’s a natural park — but the fee is standardized.
❌ Confusing Shuttle Pass with Entry Fee
Shuttles are included with your park entry pass — no extra charge.
❌ Booking Through Third-Party Sites
Always use official channels (recreation.gov or nps.gov) to avoid scams.
Tips to Keep Zion Trip Affordable
- Visit off-peak months
- Carpool with friends/family
- Use the America the Beautiful Pass if visiting multiple parks
- Use free entry fee days
- Bring picnics instead of eating inside park lodges
17. Accommodation Costs vs. Zion National Park Ticket Price
Zion’s entrance fee is just one part. Lodging near the park ranges:
- Budget hotels: $80–$120 per night
- Mid-range: $120–$250
- Luxury resorts: $300+
Budget for the Zion National Park ticket price plus lodging.
Are Zion National Park Tickets Price Increasing in 2026?
While the Zion National Park Tickets Price has been stable for several years, annual budget reviews can adjust fees. Always confirm on the official Zion National Park page before travel.
Understanding Why the Zion National Park Ticket Price Is Worth It
National parks are expensive to maintain:
✔ Trail preservation
✔ Shuttles and access systems
✔ Visitor safety programs
✔ Conservation of wildlife
✔ Education and park rangers
Your Zion National Park ticket price ensures the park stays beautiful for generations.
FAQ
1. How much does it cost to enter Zion National Park?
The standard entrance fee for a private vehicle is $35, which allows access for up to seven consecutive days.
2. Is the entrance fee charged per person or per vehicle?
The fee is charged per vehicle, not per person, as long as everyone enters in the same private car.
3. How long is the park pass valid after entry?
The pass remains valid for seven consecutive days from the date of first entry.
4. Are there any free entry days during the year?
Yes, the National Park Service offers several fee-free days each year, usually on national holidays or special events.
5. Do children need to pay an entrance fee?
Children under 16 years of age can enter the park for free when accompanying adults.
6. Is there an annual pass available for frequent visitors?
Yes, an annual park-specific pass is available and is valid for unlimited visits for one year.
7. Does the America the Beautiful Pass work here?
Yes, this nationwide pass covers entry fees at all U.S. national parks, including Zion.
8. Are shuttle buses included in the entrance fee?
Yes, the park’s shuttle system is included once you have a valid entry pass during shuttle operating seasons.
9. Do I need a separate permit for popular hikes?
Some high-demand hikes, such as Angel’s Landing, require a separate permit through a lottery system.
10. Can I re-enter the park multiple times with the same pass?
Yes, unlimited re-entry is allowed during the seven-day validity period.
11. Is camping included in the entrance fee?
No, campground reservations and backcountry camping require additional fees.
12. Can I buy the pass online before visiting?
Yes, passes can be purchased online through official government websites or at the park entrance.
13. Are entrance fees refundable if plans change?
Generally, entrance fees are non-refundable once issued.
14. Do motorcycles have a different fee?
Yes, motorcycles are charged a slightly lower fee compared to private vehicles.
15. Is the park open year-round for visitors?
Yes, the park is open all year, although some roads, trails, or facilities may close during winter due to weather conditions.
Final Thoughts – Zion National Park Ticket Price in 2026
When planning your trip, the question:
👉 “What is the Zion National Park Tickets Price?”
should be the beginning, not the end of your research.
At $35 per car for a 7-day visit, the cost is relatively affordable for what you receive — access to one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth.
With smart budgeting, proper timing, and an understanding of all variables, the Zion National Park Tickets Price becomes just one part of a transformational experience.
