Zion National Park Red Permits and Shuttle

Above, Zion's West Temple and Sundial Peaks. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When we arrived at Zion National Park's east entrance, I asked if it were possible to drive to the Lodge for breakfast. The ranger at the gate said that Zion Canyon is off limits to visitors' vehicles without a "Red Permit".

What's a Red Permit?

According to the National Park Service's website:

Q. What is a red permit? Do I need one?
A. Red permits are issued for overnight guests of the Zion Lodge. They are required to park in the lodge parking lot.

This is what the NPS has instituted since 2000. This system of eliminating vehicle traffic in the canyon is enforced from April through October.

People with confirmed reservations may drive and park at the Lodge, everyone else has to take the shuttle bus from the Visitor Center. The cost of the shuttle is included in the park entrance fee.

For more information on the park shuttle, go here.