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Plan a Road Trip > Explore America > National Parks > Zion National Park |
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Springdale, UT 84767-1099
Phone: 435-772-3256
Fax: 435-772-3426
Open All Year
Overview. The rugged terrain of Zion, in Utah's high plateau country, is a desert hiker's paradise. Its red sandstone canyons shelter springs, waterfalls, and hanging wildflower gardens, and a variety of ecosystems, from desert to forests of pinyon and juniper, are found within the park's borders. Mormon settlers who came to the area in the 1800s named it Zion. The original Native American inhabitants also found inspiration in the jutting multicolored rocks and high canyon bluffs, and many of the names given later to park features were inspired by Paiute traditions and language.
Unlike the Grand Canyon, most people view Zion Canyon from the floor upward. For the past 15 million years, the North Fork of the Virgin River has been carving this canyon through the Navajo sandstone that colors its walls, and the process continues to this day.
Zion is also a wildlife refuge. Peregrine falcons, golden eagles, mountain lions, and mule deer find sanctuary in Zion's backcountry, most of which is proposed wilderness. The park's wildlife is most active in the early morning and during the evening hours.
The northern portion of the park (not shown on the map) is mostly scenic backcountry characterized by the Finger Canyons of the Kolob, but can be accessed at Exit 40 from I-15 along Kolob Canyons Road. The Kolob Canyons Visitor Center offers information on backcountry hiking and camping, and the road continues to Kolob Canyons Viewpoint, where you can see these rugged features at a distance.
What to see and do. Reaching Zion Canyon from the East Entrance requires one of the most scenic drives in the west. The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, which was completed in 1930 and connects the park's eastern plateaus with lower Zion Canyon, leads through two man-made tunnels, one of which is over a mile long. The landscape changes as you drive from one side of the long tunnel to the other. All you'll see are sheer canyon walls on the west side of the tunnel; on the east side you'll encounter slickrock colored in white, rose, and salmon. There are restrictions on the size of vehicles driving through the tunnel. Nearly all RVs, buses, trailers, 5th wheels and some camper shells will require an official escort (a fee is charged). Very large vehicles are prohibited. Bicycles are also prohibited. The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway intersects with the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which takes you past colorful, sheer cliffs almost 3,000 feet high, through the narrow canyon that is the focal point of the park. The road follows the course of the Virgin River, which winds past cottonwood, willow, and ash trees.
During the busiest season, April through October, a shuttle system will reduce traffic congestion in the park. All visitors, except those staying at Zion Lodge, will use the shuttle to access upper Zion Canyon. Bikers and hikers may still use the scenic drive, and the main highway through the park will remain accessible by vehicle. To ride the shuttles, park in Springdale or at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
The Visitor Center is a good place to begin your stay at Zion. Exhibits introduce you to the geology of the canyon, explaining the processes that created Zion and the special adaptations made by the plants and animals that live here. You'll find out all you need to know about the shuttle system here. Rangers are on hand to help you plan your visit, and can give invaluable information regarding trail conditions. Ranger-led hikes and other activities are often available; check posted schedules at the visitor center. The visitor center is generally open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, and longer in the summer.
You can glimpse spectacular canyon views from the park's scenic drives or by taking the Zion Canyon shuttle. By far the best way to experience it, however, is up close: hike, bike, or ride horseback through its many trails. Note that bikes and horses are only allowed on certain trails. Although much of the park's terrain is steep and treacherous, there are trails for every level and interest. The park offers some 11 miles of paved trails and over 100 miles of wilderness trails: some are easygoing, 10-minute walks, while others are designed for a backpacking trip of several days. Some of the most popular trails lead from the lodge to Emerald Pools, and from Weeping Rock into Hidden Canyon. For some of the best views of the Zion Canyon and park backcountry, hardy hikers can traverse the 14-mile West Rim Trail to Lava Point, where there are panoramic vistas and a primitive campground. Consult trail guides, which can be obtained at the visitor centers. While some of the trails are not recommended for people who have a fear of heights, several routes are handicapped-accessible. However you choose to enjoy Zion, please be aware that this is the desert. You'll need to bring plenty of water with you as well as protect yourself from the sun with appropriate clothing, hats, and sunscreen.
Other park activities include technical rock climbing and horseback riding. A backcountry permit is required for overnight climbs and all climbers should check with the park concerning regulations and off-limit areas before beginning their attempts. There is a fee for backcountry permits. Guided horseback rides are available from late March to early November and can be arranged at the corrals near at the lodge or through Canyon Trail Rides at 435-772-3810, or 435-679-8665. Leashed pets are permitted in some areas but not in the backcountry or in public buildings. Please do not leave pets in a closed vehicle, as the temperature swiftly rises to lethal levels.
There are three campgrounds in the park; two are developed and one provides primitive sites. Backcountry camping is allowed with a permit; contact the park for more information.
At the Zion Human History Museum, exhibits introduce the human story of the park including its American Judica, pioneer, and early park histories. The museum offers an orientation program in the auditoirum, ranger talks, a bookstore, and provides park information. Open daily between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. with extended hours during the summer months.
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Archeological Sites |
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Bicycle Trails |
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Bird Watching |
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Climbing |
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Cross-country Skiing |
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Food Service |
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Geological Sites |
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Gift Shop |
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Guided Tours |
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Hiking/Nature Trails |
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Horse Trails |
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Museum/Exhibits |
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Picnic Sites |
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Programs/Talks |
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Self-guided Tours |
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Visitor Center |
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Wildflower Viewing |
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Wildlife Viewing |
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