Zion National Park – Fees, Passes & How To Get In Free

Step into this comprehensive guide on Zion National Park entrance fees and uncover the secrets for entering this natural wonderland without spending a dime!

Zion National Park, located in southern Utah, is renowned for its stunning sandstone cliffs, the beautiful Virgin River, Emerald Pools, the Narrows, and Angel’s Landing (one of the United States’ most dangerous hikes), attracting millions of visitors annually. As you plan your visit to this beautiful park, understanding the entrance fees and knowing ways to gain free access can significantly impact your experience and budget.

In this guide, we will dive into the various entrance fee options, including private vehicle fees, per-person fees, and the Zion Annual Pass. Additionally, we will explore the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, which opens the door to countless national parks, as well as fee-free days and special passes for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and fourth-grade students. Moreover, we will provide valuable tips on budget-friendly planning to help you make the most of your journey to Zion National Park while keeping costs at bay.

Let’s embark on an unforgettable adventure while ensuring you have all the knowledge you need to explore Zion’s wonders affordably.

Zion National Park Entrance Fees

Navigating the various park entrance fees is an essential aspect of planning your visit to Zion National Park. The park offers different fee options based on the mode of entry, such as personal vehicles, motorcycles, and per-person fees for those arriving by other means. Taking time to explore all of the different park pass options, including the advantages offered by the Zion Annual Pass and the America the Beautiful Pass is essential before embarking on your unforgettable adventure. Understanding these pass options will allow you to make the most of your visit to Zion National Park.

Always check for any changes to the cost of Zion National Parks entrance fees on the NPS website.

Standard Weekly Fees & Passes

*Zion National Park does not offer daily passes. Instead, they offer weekly passes where you can enter as often as you want for 7 consecutive days unless otherwise specified.

*Commercial Vehicles also get a weekly pass as long as you re-enter with the same people in the vehicle every time. You must get a new pass if you are going to bring a new group.

• Private Vehicle $35
  Allows entry to Zion National Park for a non-commercial private vehicle with a capacity of 15 passengers or less, covering all occupants inside the vehicle.
• Motorcycle $30
  Grants access to Zion National Park for one non-commercial motorcycle.
• Snowmobile $20
  Admits one individual & snowmobile
• Per Person $20
  Allows entry to Zion National Park for an individual traveling without a car, catering to bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians. Children aged 15 and under enjoy free admission.
• Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons) $20
  Non-commercial large vehicles with a capacity of 16 or greater. Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Kids 15 and under are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per-person rate. Pass and photo ID must be present upon entry.
• Commercial Van (7-15 seats) $70
  A commercial tour is described as either a group or an individual traveling on an itinerary, which has been packaged, priced, or sold by an organization with the goal of financial gain through service provision. For commercial tours, entrance fees are determined by the total capacity of vehicles capable of carrying seven or more passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers on board.
• Commercial Mini-bus (16-25 seats) $80
  A commercial tour is described as either a group or an individual traveling on an itinerary, which has been packaged, priced, or sold by an organization with the goal of financial gain through service provision. For commercial tours, entrance fees are determined by the total capacity of vehicles capable of carrying seven or more passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers on board.
• Commercial Motor Coach (26+ seats) $190
  A commercial tour is described as either a group or an individual traveling on an itinerary, which has been packaged, priced, or sold by an organization with the goal of financial gain through service provision. For commercial tours, entrance fees are determined by the total capacity of vehicles capable of carrying seven or more passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers on board.

Annual Passes

• America the Beautiful Pass(Interagency Annual Pass): $80
  Admission to more than 2,000 federally protected areas including national parks, national monuments, and other protected areas for one year from the date of purchase. This pass will get 1 personal vehicle and its occupants into the parks.
  The America the Beautiful Pass (National Park Pass) is an amazing deal if you plan on exploring multiple national parks throughout the year.
  
• Zion Annual Pass: $70
  Admission to Zion National Park for one year from the date of purchase.
  The Annual Pass is a great option if you live nearby and plan to visit on multiple occasions.
  
• Senior Annual Pass: $20
  U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over who provide documentation of age and residency or citizenship receive admission to more than 2,000 federally protected areas including national parks, national monuments, and other protected areas for one year from the date of purchase.

Lifetime Passes

• Lifetime Senior Pass (America the Beautiful Pass): $80
  US citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over who provide documentation of age and residency or citizenship receive admission to all federal fee areas for life.

Free Passes

Zion National Park offers free passes to certain eligible individuals, allowing them to access the park without paying an entrance fee. These free passes include the Every Kid Outdoors pass for fourth-grade students, providing a fantastic opportunity for young learners to explore nature’s wonders. Additionally, the Military Pass offers free access to active duty military members, veterans, gold star families, and more.

• Lifetime Access Pass(America the Beautiful Pass): Free 
  This pass allows permanently disabled US citizens to receive admission to all federal fee areas for life.
• Military Annual Pass (America the Beautiful Pass): Free
  Active duty military, veterans, & Gold Star family members get admission to all federal fee areas for one year.
• Volunteer Pass: Free
  This pass is designated for volunteers who have completed 250 service hours with federal agencies participating in the Interagency Pass Program.
• 4th Grade Pass (Every Kid Outdoors): Free
  4th Graders get a 1-year pass for free. The pass allows entry for the 4th grader and their family members. It is good for their entire 4th-grade year and the following summer. Just head to the Every Kid Outdoors website and follow the steps. It’s really simple. Make sure that you print your pass as electronic copies aren’t accepted. When we used our kid’s 4th grade pass the park rangers at the gate made a big deal out of it to our kids which made them feel special. Hopefully, they do the same to yours!

*In order to obtain some of the passes listed above, you’ll need to provide some documentation. You can view that information directly on the NPS website.

2023 Free Admission Days

• Monday, January 16 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Saturday, April 22 — First Day of National Park Week
• Friday, August 4 — The Great American Outdoors Act
• Saturday, September 23 — National Public Lands Day
• Saturday, November 11 — Veterans Day

Where & How to Pay For Zion Entry Fees

Where to Pay

Entrance fees for Zion National Park are collected at any of the three entrance gates situated at different locations. The south entrance near Springdale is the most frequented and houses the visitor center and parking lots. For a scenic route, the east entrance along Route 9 takes you through the breathtaking Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.—an absolute must-see. Meanwhile, the separate Kolob Canyons entrance offers an opportunity to explore the captivating Kolob Canyons, though it is approximately an hour away from the park’s main attractions and does not connect.

*The basic America the Beautiful Pass can also be purchased online if you’d like to have it before arriving at your destination.

As we headed to our hotel the night before our Zion National Park adventure, we entered the park through its east entrance. The experience was beyond breathtaking, exceeding all expectations. The following day, we utilized the same pass to access the park through the south entrance. Because the south entrance is right next to the visitor center, we booked a hotel nearby. We wanted to make sure that we were able to get parking at the Zion Canyon visitor center instead of having to park in Springdale and then shuttle into the park.

Payment Methods

Zion National Park accepts various payment methods to make it convenient for you to pay entrance fees. Most commonly, credit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, are widely accepted at the park’s entrance stations. This allows you to make quick and secure payments for entrance fees for private vehicles, motorcycles, per person, and more. While credit cards are preferred, some entrance stations may also accept cash payments, but it’s essential to carry exact change to expedite the process.

If you possess an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, these passes can be used for entry at any entrance station without additional fees. Similarly, holders of the Zion Annual Pass or other eligible passes, such as the Senior Pass or Access Pass, can use them for entry without paying the regular entrance fees. It is essential to have the pass and photo ID available for verification.

Permit Fees

Its not often that you’ll need a permit when visiting Zion National Park but here are the few occasions that you will.

Zion Mount Carmel Tunnel Permit for oversized vehicles

Angels Landing Permit

Campground Reservations

Canyoneering Permits

Tips For Planning A Budget-Friendly Zion Trip

Planning a budget-friendly trip to Zion National Park can be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit without breaking the bank:

1. Travel in Off Season: Consider visiting during the off seasons (spring and fall) when the crowds are thinner, and accommodation prices may be lower. Rates for lodging and other services tend to be higher during the peak summer months.
2. Camping: Opt for camping within the park or nearby campgrounds to save on accommodation costs. Zion offers various campsites, and reservations can be made in advance to secure your spot.
3. Pack Your Own Food: Bring your own snacks, meals & water to the park. Packing a picnic can save money on buying meals at the park’s restaurant. Remember to pack lightly as you’ll have to carry it with you around the park.
4. America the Beautiful Pass: If you plan to visit multiple national parks within a year, consider investing in the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. This pass grants you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including Zion, and can save you money in the long run.
5. Research Nearby Accommodations: If staying outside the park, research nearby towns like Springdale or Kanab for more affordable lodging options.
6. Group Travel: If possible, travel with friends or family to share expenses on accommodation and transportation.
7. Plan Ahead: Research and plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your time and budget. Know the trail conditions, park regulations, and any potential fees.

By implementing these tips, you can have a memorable and budget-friendly trip to Zion National Park, experiencing the wonders of nature without overspending.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the various entrance fees and pass options at Zion National Park is essential for planning a smooth and enjoyable visit. Whether you are arriving by private vehicle, motorcycle, or pedestrian, knowing the fees and accepted payment methods can help you prepare for a seamless entry. Additionally, exploring the benefits of the Zion Annual Pass, America the Beautiful Pass, and other free passes can offer opportunities for significant savings and enhanced access to this natural wonderland. By staying informed and considering budget-friendly strategies, you can fully immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of Zion National Park while making the most of your time and resources.

FAQ on Zion National Park Entrance Fees

Pin Now, Travel Later