Zion Outfitter

Bathrooms, maps, and backcountry permits—start here.

Insider tip

Arrive extremely early to secure parking. If full, use Zion Museum lot.

Insider tip

The 22-minute orientation film runs every 30 minutes; plan around showtimes.

First-stop orientation hub for backcountry permits, maps, and shuttle info.

Quick facts

Daily Hours: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; extended to 7:00–8:00 p.m. during summer.
Seasonal Hours: Open year-round.
Seasonal Operation: Year-round operation.

Hours & contact

Daily Hours: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; extended to 7:00–8:00 p.m. during summer.
Seasonal Hours: Open year-round.
Seasonal Operation: Year-round operation.
Phone Available: Yes
Best Contact Method: Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk inside the Visitor Center.

Services

Rangers Available: Yes
Ranger Programs: Schedule varies; check desk for times.
Free Park Maps: Yes
Trail Maps: No
Permit Issuance: Backcountry permits; canyoneering permits; Subway permit pickup.
Permit Types: Backcountry permits; canyoneering permits; Subway permit pickup.
Backcountry Permits: Yes

Facilities

Restrooms: Flush toilets (indoor).
Restroom Type: Flush toilets (indoor).
Water Fountain: Yes
Bookstore: Yes
Wi-Fi Available: No
Cell Service: Unreliable in the park; signal varies.
Accessibility: ADA compliant ramps and doors; accessible restrooms.
ADA Compliant: Yes

Exhibits & nearby

Has Exhibits: Yes
Exhibit Topics: Zion geology, history, wildlife.
Interpretive Films: 22-minute orientation film shown every 30 minutes.
Junior Ranger: Yes
Nearby Campgrounds: Not listed
Nearby Lodging: Springdale lodging nearby.

Planning advice

Best For: Backcountry and canyoneering permits, shuttle guidance, and park maps.
Highlights: 22-minute orientation film (every 30 minutes); backcountry and canyoneering permits issued; free Unigrid maps and park newspaper.
Why Visit: First stop for orientation, permits, and shuttle info.
Parking Reality: The main lot fills extremely early, often by 9 a.m. Overflow parking is available at the Zion Museum lot, but space is limited; RV/trailer parking exists but is scarce.
Facility Intel: Flush toilets indoors; potable water filling stations; cell service unreliable; public WiFi not specified.
Best Time To Visit: Very early morning; parking fills by 9 a.m. during peak season.
Tips Advice: Film runs every 30 minutes; plan around showtimes.
Parking is tight; arrive before 9 a.m.; overflow at Zion Museum lot.
Backcountry permits issued here; Subway permits require pickup day before or day of.
Junior Ranger books/badges available at the desk.

More details

Park Area: Zion National Park – Zion Canyon area
Parking Availability: Massive main lot with high capacity; fills quickly.
Parking Capacity: Massive main lot with high capacity; fills quickly.
Parking Peak Time: 9:00 a.m.
Parking Notes: Overflow parking at Zion Museum; RV/oversized spots scarce.
Operating Hours: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; extended to 7:00–8:00 p.m. during summer.
Seasonal Variations: Year-round operation.
Accessibility Features: ADA compliant ramps and doors; accessible restrooms.
Exhibits Displays: Zion geology, history, wildlife.
Has Bookstore: Yes
Bookstore Operator: Zion Forever Park Store
Ranger Talks: Yes
Ranger Talk Schedule: Schedule varies; check desk for times.
Film Presentations: Yes
Film Schedule: 22-minute orientation film shown every 30 minutes.
Park Newspapers: Yes
Safety Info Available: Yes
Park Maps Available: 1
Permit Protocol: Permits issued at the Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk inside the visitor center; Subway permit pickup available here the day before or day of; expect wait times.
Climbing Permits: No
Nearest Trailheads: Zion Canyon Scenic Drive access; Angels Landing; The Narrows via shuttle.
Nearby Dining: Springdale dining options nearby.
Nearby Facilities: Springdale dining and lodging; access to Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
Notable Features: Massive parking lot; Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk; Subway permit pickup; 22-minute film; free Unigrid maps; Junior Ranger program.
Best Visit Time: Very early morning to beat parking; or late afternoon.
Insider Tips: Arrive extremely early to secure parking. If full, use Zion Museum lot.
The 22-minute orientation film runs every 30 minutes; plan around showtimes.
Backcountry and canyoneering permits are issued here; Subway permit pickup the day before or day of.
Junior Ranger books/badges are available at the desk.
Family Friendly Notes: Junior Ranger program; kid-friendly film and activities.
Current Conditions Info: Check status boards; parking and shuttle wait times vary.
Recent Updates: Open year-round; summer hours may extend to 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Stop If Skip If: ✅ STOP IF: You need backcountry or canyoneering permits, or a Junior Ranger badge. ❌ SKIP IF: You just want to drive to trailheads and skip orientation.
Review Summary: Visitors rely on Zion Outfitter for orientation and permit access, but parking and shuttle queues are a common gripe. The center packs in peak season, so plan extra time for parking and permit pickups.

Location

Photos

Hikers wade through the Virgin River in The Narrows, Zion National Park.

Outfitter shop interior at Zion National Park, shelves filled with folded shirts and gear in a bright retail space.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get backcountry permits at Zion Outfitter?

Backcountry and canyoneering permits are issued at the Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk inside the Visitor Center.

Is there a film I can watch here?

Yes, the 22-minute orientation film Treasure of the Gods plays every 30 minutes.

What are the parking conditions?

The main lot is large but fills by about 9 a.m. Overflow parking is available at the Zion Museum lot; RV parking is limited.

Is there a Junior Ranger program?

Yes, Junior Ranger books and badges are available at the desk.

Can I pick up Subway permits here?

Yes, Subway permit reservations can be picked up at this center; pickup is required the day before or the day of.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated February 2026. Report an issue.