Zion National Park
Designated in 1919, Zion National Park is Utah's oldest national park. Zion canyon features soaring towers and monoliths that suggest a quiet grandeur. Zion is also known for its incredible slot canyons, including The Virgin River Narrows, which attract canyoneers from around the world. Hiking possibilities are endless. With nearly three million visitors per year, Zion is Utah's most heavily used park. Check out the Zion photo tour to see why you won't want to miss Zion National Park.
Activities
The Virgin River has gnawed through native sandstone to create the incredibly scenery found in Zion Canyon. The river itself now serves as a natural corridor for exploring the park. There are several easy, self-guiding trails along the river, along with more challenging hikes where the river and its tributaries cut through narrow canyons. For those with strollers or in wheelchairs, the Riverside Walk (Gateway to the Narrows) is suitable for all ages. More adventurous or strenuous hikes include Angels Landing and the Zion Narrows.
Experience the power of rushing water as you make your way through the Narrows, letting the stream itself serve as your trail. (This is a wet hike most enjoyable during warm weather.) With canyon walls that are hundreds of feet high and at times only an arm's-stretch-apart, the Narrows provide an exciting hike, but can be dangerous. As a natural drainage for the area, the Virgin River carries flash floods during summer thunderstorms. Floods can roar down canyons in seconds, washing away or stranding hikers. Never enter narrow canyons if there is a chance of rain anywhere in the drainage. Check at the ranger station for more information. More information about hiking in Zion National Park can be found on our Zion trails page.
- Zion-area information (Things to see & do)
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking Trails
- Horseback Rides
- ATV Tours: ATVs and other off-road vehicles are not allowed to operate inside the park, but can be used on scenic trails just outside the boundaries.
- Outdoor Workshops: Zion Canyon Field Institute provides visitors with trailside learning adventures on subjects like animals, plants and geology. Private family and small group workshops are also available. 435-772-3264 for free catalog.
Entrances
Two major entrances - a south and an east entrance - provide convenient access to the Zion National Park. A third entrance is located on the west side of the park into Zion's beautiful Kolob Canyon. The south entrance is the larger and more common of the three entrances; the east entrance provides the most dramatic scenery. Visitors will find many lodging properties near all entrances; or they can stay at the Zion lodge within the park.
- The South Entrance is on Utah Route 9 about 60 miles south from Cedar City, via I-15 and Utah Route 17.
- The East Entrance is on Utah Route 9, 12 miles east of Mt. Carmel Junction, at U.S. Route 89.
- The Kolob Canyons (West Entrance) is on located off I-15, 18 miles south of Cedar City.
Transportation
To ease traffic congestion within the park, a shuttle system is available to take visitors to the most popular areas. The shuttles are free and run ever few minutes. If you are coming in the South Entrance, it is recommended you board a shuttle in the town of Springdale, just outside the park, or at the campgrounds, visitor center or museum. Parking is extremely limited in other areas. Shuttles operate from April through October; during that period private automobiles are not allowed on the 6.5 mile stretch of road in Zion Canyon. The shuttles provide the only access to marquee attractions like the Emerald Pools, Great White Throne, the Grotto, Angels Landing, Weeping Rock and the Temple of Sinawava. Automobiles are allowed on other park roads, including all of Hwy 9, which provides access to the lower part of the park, the Tunnel and the East Entrance/Checkerboard Mesa area.
- Over-sized vehicles are subject to some restrictions and a fee is charged for escorting them through the narrow long tunnel. Here are details.
Visitor Centers/Fees
Two visitor centers are open throughout the year. Visitors are encouraged to stop and learn how to visit the park with minimum impact to the fragile desert environment. Here you will find maps, brochures, and books available to help you enjoy your visit. The Zion Lodge is open annually. Springdale at the South Entrance and nearby communities also have year-round accommodations.
- Entrance fees are $25 per vehicle or $12 for people on foot or bicycle. That provides a 7-day pass honored in all areas of the park.
- An additional fee is required for larger vehicles that will be passing through the tunnel on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway because they will need an escort.
- Two developed campgrounds are located within the park and offer drinking water, flush toilets, dump stations and grills.
For more information contact Zion National Park, PO Box 1099, Springdale 84767, 435-772-3256.
| Additional Information... |
|
Additional information can also be obtained by contacting the Travel Regions for the different entrances:
|
