Both Zion and Acadia National Parks offer unique experiences with varying levels of accessibility and pet-friendliness. Zion is known for its stunning canyon hikes and shuttle system, while Acadia boasts a beautiful coastline and extensive trail network for dogs. The best choice depends on individual preferences and priorities.
| Attribute | Zion National Park | Acadia National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Zion National Park | Acadia National Park |
| Hiking trail difficulty | Zion offers a range of trails from easy, paved walks to strenuous hikes with significant elevation gains. Some difficult trails include Angels Landing, Zion Narrows, and Observation Point. | Ranges from very easy to strenuous. Some trails, like the Beehive Trail and Precipice Trail, are known for steep climbs, iron rungs, and ladders, making them challenging. Others, like Ocean Path and Jordan Pond Path, are considered easy to moderate. |
| Camping availability and reservation process | Zion has three campgrounds: Watchman, South, and Lava Point. Reservations are required for all camping options and can be made on recreation.gov. Watchman Campground is open year-round, with reservations available up to six months in advance. South Campground is currently closed for rehabilitation. Lava Point Campground is open from approximately May to September and has limited amenities and only six reservable sites. | Acadia has three main campgrounds: Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods. Reservations are required and can be made on Recreation.gov. 90% of campsites are released six months in advance on the first of each month at 10 am EST. The remaining 10% are released at 10 am 14 days ahead of a desired arrival date on a rolling basis. Same-day reservations are sometimes available online. There is no backcountry camping allowed. |
| Accessibility for visitors with disabilities | The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is fully accessible. Accessible restrooms, picnic areas, and the Zion Lodge are available. The Pa'rus Trail and Riverside Walk offer accessible hiking options. Shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible. Visitors with medical concerns can request a "Yellow Permit" to drive a personal vehicle up the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. | Acadia strives to improve accessibility. The Island Explorer shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible. Accessible trails include Compass Harbor, Wonderland, Ocean Path, and portions of Cadillac Summit and Loop Trail. Hulls Cove Visitor Center is handicap accessible via a separate rear entrance with an elevator. A free accessibility pass is available. |
| Pet-friendly areas and regulations | Pets are allowed only on the Pa'rus Trail. Pets must be leashed (6 ft max) and waste must be removed. Pets are allowed on public roads, parking areas, developed campgrounds, and picnic areas, and on the grounds of the Zion Lodge. Pets are not allowed on shuttle buses, other trails, wilderness areas, or in public buildings. | Pets are allowed on 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads. They must be leashed (6 ft max). Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods campgrounds allow pets. Pets are not allowed on certain trails with ladders, in public buildings, on ranger-led programs, or in Wild Gardens of Acadia. From May 15 to September 15, pets are not allowed on Sand Beach and Echo Lake. |
| Availability of shuttle services within the park | A free shuttle system operates in Zion Canyon from approximately February to November, and again at Christmas. During this time, personal vehicles are not permitted in Zion Canyon. The Zion Canyon Shuttle connects the Visitor Center to various stops along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The Springdale Shuttle provides service within the town of Springdale, with connections to the park entrance. | The Island Explorer is a free shuttle service connecting park destinations, local communities, and the Bar Harbor-Hancock County Regional Airport. It operates from late June to mid-October. Buses are propane-powered and wheelchair accessible. |
| Entrance fee and pass options | Weekly Pass: $35 per vehicle. Motorcycle Pass: $30. Individual Pass: $20 (for those entering by foot, bicycle, etc.). Zion Annual Pass: $50. America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80. Lifetime Senior Pass: $10. Access Pass: Free (for individuals with permanent disabilities). | A 7-day vehicle pass is $35. A motorcycle pass is $30, and an individual pass (for those entering without a vehicle) is $20. An Acadia Annual Pass is available for $70. The "America the Beautiful" pass is accepted. Seniors, military members, and people with disabilities may qualify for discounted or free passes. Cashless payments are now required. |
| Average visitor crowd levels during peak season | Zion National Park is very popular, and the main canyon is often only accessible by shuttle during peak season (April to November). Expect crowded conditions on popular trails. | Summer (June-September) is the busiest season. July and August see the highest numbers of visitors. Expect crowded trails and limited parking. |
| Availability of guided tours and ranger programs | Ranger-led activities are offered throughout the year, including talks, hikes, and shuttle tours. Some programs require reservations, which can be made at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. The Zion Canyon Field Institute offers various outdoor workshops and classes. | Ranger-guided programs are offered, especially in summer and fall. These include walks, talks, and cruises. Some programs require advance registration. Virtual programs are also available. |
| Variety of lodging options inside and outside the park | Zion Lodge is the only lodging located inside the park. Springdale and other nearby towns offer a range of hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and resorts. Camping and glamping options are also available in Greater Zion. | Camping is available inside the park at Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods. Many lodging options, from motels to resorts, exist in nearby towns like Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and Southwest Harbor. |
| Proximity to major airports and transportation hubs | St. George Regional Airport (SGU): Approximately 45 miles away. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas: Approximately 170 miles away. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): Approximately 311 miles away. | The Bar Harbor-Hancock County Airport is nearby. Bangor International Airport is another option. Greyhound and Concord Coach buses serve Boston, Portland, and Bangor. Ferries connect Bar Harbor with Winter Harbor on the Schoodic Peninsula. |
| Climate and weather conditions throughout the year | Spring: Unpredictable weather, with stormy and wet days common. Summer: Hot days (95-1000F), afternoon thunderstorms possible. Fall: Clear and mild days, cooler nights. Winter: Mild days (30-600F), colder nights, rain or light snow. | Acadia has a maritime climate. Summer temperatures range from 450F to 900F. Winters are cold, snowy, and windy, with temperatures between 130F and 390F. Rain is frequent throughout the year, and fog is common in summer. |
| Availability of water activities (swimming, kayaking, etc.) | Swimming and tubing are possible in the Virgin River. The Narrows offers canyoneering opportunities. The Virgin River may be closed when the flow rate is too high or if there is a flash flood warning. | Boating is permitted on several lakes and ponds. Swimming is allowed in freshwater and ocean locations. Canoe and kayak rentals are available. Commercial boat tours and cruises are also options. Note that whitewater rafting is not available in Acadia National Park, but is available with companies located outside of the park. |
| Price | Not available | 7-day vehicle pass: $35 |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |
| Pros | Offers a range of trails from easy to strenuous, Has a free and reliable shuttle system, Increasingly accessible for visitors with mobility issues, Offers ranger-led activities and outdoor workshops, Provides various lodging options inside and outside the park | Wide range of hiking trails from easy to strenuous, Three campgrounds available: Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods, Island Explorer shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible, Pet-friendly with many trails and carriage roads allowing dogs, Free Island Explorer shuttle service connects park destinations, Ranger-guided programs offered, especially in summer and fall, Various lodging options inside and outside the park, Close to Bar Harbor-Hancock County Airport, Boating and swimming opportunities available |
| Cons | Crowded conditions on popular trails during peak season, Limited options for pets, Parking can be difficult to find during peak season, Unpredictable weather in Spring | Challenging trails with steep climbs and iron rungs, Campsite reservations required and can be difficult to obtain, Limited parking, especially during peak season, Crowded trails during peak season, Pets not allowed on certain trails or in some areas, Whitewater rafting is not available inside the park |
| User Feedback (Positive) | Trails are generally well-maintained, Park rangers and staff are generally helpful and informative, Shuttle system is generally reliable and runs frequently | Acadia is one of the most dog-friendly national parks., Popular activities include hiking, exploring the coastline, and watching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain., The Island Explorer is a fare-free service that connects the park and neighboring towns., Accessible trails and facilities are available throughout the park. |
| User Feedback (Negative) | Popular trails can be very crowded, especially during peak season, Parking can be difficult to find, especially during peak season, Zion has limited options for pets | During peak season, expect thousands of visitors daily on trails., Sand Beach parking is often full by 9 AM., Parking is extremely limited, especially during peak season., Popular sites like Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, and Eagle Lake often fill to capacity. |
| User Feedback (Value) | Zion offers many activities, including hiking, canyoneering, photography, and scenic drives | |
| User Feedback (Quotes) | It's best to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds., Shuttle service typically runs from about 7 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., Arrive early to improve your chances of finding a spot., Watchman Campground reservations can be made six months in advance. |