Eoghanacht · CC0

Planning a St. John trip

The unglamorous half: how you get there, whether you need a jeep, what the taxis cost, and when to go. Prices and schedules change constantly here, so every page says when we last checked.

• Angels Landing permits, and how people get this wrong

  You cannot just turn up. Two lotteries, $6 plus $3 a head, and a 2.25-mile hike you can do without any permit at all.

  Checked Sep 18, 2026

• The Zion shuttle, and why you cannot drive the canyon

  For most of the year the Scenic Drive is closed to private cars. Nine stops, free to ride, no reservation — and the one thing that ruins mornings.

  Checked Sep 18, 2026

• Where to stay near Zion

  Springdale puts you inside walking distance and sells out months ahead. Everywhere else is cheaper and costs you the mornings. The real trade, priced.

  Checked Sep 18, 2026

• Do you actually need a car at Zion?

  You cannot drive the canyon for most of the year, so the car is for getting here and for the trails outside it. Which airport you fly into decides the rest.

  Checked Sep 18, 2026