Traveling to National Parks during covid is proving to be more and more difficult. With the NPS now adopting the lottery system for popular hikes and highly prized permits to even enter the parks, getting even one of these is reason enough to celebrate!

Like I said in a previous post, these new adaptations are a love-hate relationship. While it’s a pain to get, being able to visit and hike with fewer people around makes all the difference for a great experience and saves the ecosystems within the parks. 

If you’re planning a much-deserved trip this year, here are 4 things you need to know when visiting Zion in 2022.

1. Angel’s Landing Lottery

Starting April 1^st, 2022, Zion is using a lottery for everyone who wants to hike Angel’s Landing.

Currently, the lottery is closed for the spring season (April 1^st – May 31^st). There is still a daily lottery you can apply for that takes place the day before your hike.

Be ready to jump online between midnight and 3 pm on https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675310.  

If you are planning a hike during the summer (June 1^st – August 31^st) the lottery will open April 1^st and the results will be announced on April 25^th. You can find the information you need here https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675324.

Please be aware that when you enter a lottery, you must enter the dates and times you plan to hike. 

2. Driving/Shuttle

The second bit of information you need to know when visiting Zion in 2022 is how to get around.

Driving through Zion is a truly magical experience that everyone needs to do at least once in their life! 

Luckily for us, entering the park this year does NOT require a permit, you just need to pay the entrance fee at one of the gates.

Looking at a map before entering the park is highly recommended, because while you’re able to drive through the park during the week through March 18th, there is a section where cars are not allowed on weekends.

After March 18^th, 2022, a shuttle will be the only way to access Zion Canyon unless you are camping there. 

Zion has a shuttle system that is available to pick you up outside of the park entrance in Springdale and take you through Zion Canyon making stops at all the trailheads.

You will still have to provide the fee or show your park pass to get in if you take the shuttle.

The road through Zion Canyon is where you will find the trailheads to The Narrows, Angel’s Landing, Emerald Pools, and a few others. 

To find information on current shuttles and times visit here https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/zion-canyon-shuttle-system.htm 🙂

3. Weather/Flash floods 

The weather is so unpredictable in the desert!

It’s important to look at weather when hiking anywhere, but when you’re in Zion it is imperative and could mean life or death. 

Zion National Park is known to have extreme mudslides and flash floods.

If you plan on hiking the narrows, I would HIGHLY suggest checking not only the current weather conditions but also the radar to see if there are storms anywhere near the park.

The Narrows is a slot canyon and susceptible to flash floods and can become dangerous very quickly. 

Having backup hikes on your list in the event of trail closures is also a great idea.

4. Accommodations and camping 

Camping is one of the best ways to experience Zion because the campgrounds are cheap costing about $20-$50 each night and are right next to the park’s south entrance and where the shuttle arrives!

Luckily, in 2022 they only require a permit and not a lottery, which you can find at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232445?tab=info for the Watchman Campground.

There is also the Zion Lodge which is located inside the park along Zion Canyon Road and is right next to all the most popular hiking trailheads! 

While rooms here are extremely hard to find during the peak season if you’re looking for a place with a hot shower and real bed there are plenty of other great hotel options in the little town of Springdale just outside the gate.

Trying to plan a vacation months in advance without knowing if you’re going to win a lottery permit or daily-use permit is frustrating.

However, understanding why the NPS is enforcing these new systems is important.

Helping protect the precious environment and delicate ecosystems that thrive within these parks is what makes them so special.

Also, doing these breathtaking hikes with fewer people is a plus, and ultimately making them safer! 

I hope this list of 4 things to know when visiting Zion in 2022 helps you plan accordingly for your next adventure!