Motor coaches are "escorted" through the Zion-Mt.Carmel Tunnel

Motor Coach Tours
Where To Park:
Motor coaches must park in designated bus parking spaces at the Zion Canyon Giant Screen Theater just outside the south entrance to Zion National Park.
Please Note: Commercial Bus parking and unloading is not allowed in front of the Human History Museum. If you chose to visit and unload your tour group at the Human History Museum (very limited bus parking) please park in the lower parking lot.

If you enter the park at the East Entrance, continue through the park and exit out the South Entrance. Take the first left into the theater parking area.
Please Note: Commercial buses entering from the East Entrance are not allowed to park between Checkerboard Mesa and the 1.1 mile long Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel.

How To Pay:
The bus parking area is near the pedestrian bridge and walkway that connects to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Your passengers will enter the park by crossing the footbridge. Guides or drivers should contact the ranger at the entrance station before allowing passengers to disperse.

After paying the entrance fee, guides/drivers will receive a re-entry sticker for each passenger. This will allow them to enter and leave the park at their leisure. If you enter the park at the East Entrance, show your receipt at the pedestrian entrance to receive re-entry stickers.

Authorization To Drive Up Canyon:
All travel on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is by National Park Service shuttle bus only - with the following exceptions: 
•Tours with overnight Zion Lodge reservations.
•Tours with Zion Lodge lunch or dinner reservations. 
•Tours with compelling reasons to be allowed authorization (example: a large number of passengers have disabilities).

Requests should be made with consideration for honoring the spirit of the shuttle system - reducing crowding, returning quiet sanctuary to the canyon, eliminating vehicle traffic in the canyon.

If your motor coach is given authorization to drive up canyon, they must adhere to these conditions:
•Drive straight to the Zion Lodge, do not stop or park in any shuttle stop, park only in designated bus parking. 
•Speed limit is 20 mph. National Park Service shuttle buses will be on sharing the road and their maximum speed is 20 mph. 
•Do not pass National Park Service shuttle buses. 
•Be aware of hikers, runners, and bicyclists also on the road. 
•Motor coaches are not allowed past the Zion Lodge under any circumstances.
        

What Your Passengers Will Receive: 
Each couple/family/group will receive a park brochure, and the
2009 Spring Zion Map and Guide with information on planning their visit and on how to use the shuttle system. Encourage your passengers to read and take this helpful publication with them during their visit.

Also available;
2009 Zion Carte et guide (Francais)         

Passenger Options:
After dropping your passengers off at the pedestrian entrance and giving them each their re-entry sticker, they have two choices:
•Enter the park by walking across the footbridge, visit the Visitor Center, and board a park shuttle.
•Take the town shuttle into Springdale and visit the shops and restaurants.

Using the Visitor Center:
The best way for your passengers to plan their time in the park is to stop at the visitor center before boarding a shuttle. The Visitor Center Plaza has restrooms, water, and shaded places to sit and relax.

Outdoor exhibits will help your passengers select short walks, hikes, viewpoints, and other places of interest they may wish to visit. The exhibits are set up based on whether visitors have less than three hours or more than three hours in the park. Additional exhibits show how the Virgin River has shaped the landscape, the diversity of life in the park, and how humans have used and visited the canyon.

Descriptions of Ranger-led activities such as talks, shuttle tours, hikes, and campfire programs, with times and locations, are posted on bulletin boards throughout the Visitor Center Plaza.

Exhibits inside the building include a 4-minute video showing some of the most popular hiking trails in the canyon, and a short program depicting the geologic processes that created Zion National Park.

Rangers staff an information desk where additional questions can be answered.

Books, maps, guides, videos, posters, and film are available at the non-profit bookstore operated by the Zion Natural History Association. Profits from sales are returned to the park to enhance educational and interpretive activities and fund research.

Using the Park Shuttle Bus System:
From early April through late October the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is accessible by National Park Service shuttle bus only. Private and commercial vehicles are not allowed.

Free shuttles operate on two loops. The town loop stops at six locations in Springdale and the park loop stops at eight points of interest along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. After planning the best use of their time, your passengers can board a shuttle at the north end of the visitor center plaza.
•The shuttle is free.
•The buses and trailers are enclosed and have large windows for viewing and clear roof vents for ventilation.
•Shuttles operate from 5:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. daily during the busy season.
•Shuttles run as often as every six or seven minutes during the middle of the day. Check schedules at shuttle stops.
•Round trip takes a minimum of 90 minutes. •Passengers may get on and off the buses as often as they like.
•Buses are fully accessible with lifts and ''kneeling' capability.
•Picnic baskets, coolers, packs, strollers, and wheelchairs can be accommodated.
•Pets are not allowed.
•Bring water, walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, binoculars.

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is the only road in the park with the mandatory shuttle. All other roads remain open to regular traffic.
more...

Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel:
Large vehicle restrictions remain in effect for motor coaches passing through the Zion-Mt Carmel tunnel. Fees must be paid at the entrance stations. more...

Commercial Tour Rates:
Rates vary according to seating capacity of vehicle. Inquire upon arrival or call 1-435-772-0177. more...


Area Food and Lodging Information