5 Free Entry Days to Zion National Park You Won’t Want to Miss

Zion National Park offers several free entry days throughout the year, providing a great opportunity to explore this iconic destination without paying an entrance fee. In 2025, mark your calendar for these free entry dates:

• January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• April 19: First Day of National Park Week
• June 19: Juneteenth
• August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
• November 11: Veterans Day

These dates are a great opportunity to explore Zion, one of the most iconic national parks in the U.S., and save money. These dates are also some of the most popular, meaning the park will likely be crowded. To make the most of your visit, strategic planning is key!

Tips for Navigating Free Entry Days 

While free admission is a fantastic perk, it also means Zion’s main trails and shuttle system will be busier than usual. If you want to explore the park while avoiding peak congestion, try these strategies:

• Arrive early: Hit the trails at sunrise to enjoy the park’s beauty before crowds build up.
• Visit later in the day: Especially during the spring and summer months when the days are longer.
• Explore Zion’s quieter east side: Book a guided adventure with East Zion Adventures, where you can experience the surrounding East Zion area without the crowds.

Pro tip: Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offers a shuttle service to the Zion National Park visitor center.

Free Days = Busy Days So Plan Alternatives with East Zion Adventures

While free entry days are a great deal, they’re also some of the busiest times to visit Zion National Park. The east side of Zion offers incredible outdoor experiences that let you soak in the scenery while escaping the hustle and bustle. Instead of waiting in long shuttle lines or navigating packed trails, you can:

Go canyoneering and rappel into stunning slot canyons that few visitors ever see. 

Take a guided horseback ride through the scenic backcountry.

Enjoy a UTV or jeep tour to explore rugged landscapes and panoramic viewpoints.

Hike to Observation Point, one of the most breathtaking overlooks in Zion, accessible directly from Zion Ponderosa.

Enjoy a family-friendly abandoned mine excursion, a guided hiking tour that’s great for all ages.

By planning your visit, you can experience Zion National Park during free entry days and then shift your adventure to the less crowded east side. 

Zion Ponderosa: Your Base Camp for Adventure

Staying at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offers a stress-free way to experience both Zion National Park and its lesser-known eastern side. Located just outside the park’s east entrance, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort provides the perfect home base for your adventure. With lodging options ranging from vacation homes, cozy cabins, and tiny homes to glamping tents and campsites, there’s something for every guest. Plus, staying on the east side offers quick access to both Zion National Park and guided excursions with East Zion Adventures. 

Zion National Park Vacation Itinerary

A three to four-day trip allows you to make the most of your time in Zion. Here’s how to maximize your time:

Day 1: Check-in and Explore the Resort

Check into Zion Ponderosa, unwind with resort amenities like the pool or mini-golf, and take a short scenic hike before sunset.

Day 2: Visit Zion National Park

Arrive early to beat the crowds and make the most of your day in the park.Spend the day in the park hiking classic trails like Riverside Walk, Emerald Pools, or Pa’rus Trail. If you’re planning to hike Angels Landing, secure a permit in advance or join a guided hike with East Zion Adventures. 

Day 3: Adventure with East Zion Adventures

Skip the park crowds and book a guided tour with East Zion Adventures. Whether you choose a horseback ride, canyoneering adventure, or a sunset Jeep tour, you’ll enjoy Zion without the hustle and bustle.  

Day 4: Relax or Add One More Adventure
Enjoy a leisurely morning at the resort or squeeze in a final adventure before heading home. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a great stop on your way out! 

Take advantage of Zion National Park’s free entry days and make Zion Ponderosa your home base for an unforgettable East Zion adventures!