Southwest
Utah, on the edge of the Colorado Plateau
Address: Superintendent, Zion National Park,
Springdale, UT 84767 Telephone: 435-772-3256
This line offers 24-hour recorded information.
Operating
Hours
During
summer months, the visitor centers are open
daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Spring, fall
and winter hours are shortened. Some visitor
centers are closed on some federal holidays.
Call our 24 hour number for current updates
at 435-772-3256.
Be
prepared for a wide range of weather conditions.
Temperatures vary with changes in elevation and
seasons. Day/night temperatures may differ by
over 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring weather is
very unpredictable. Stormy, wet days are common,
but warm, sunny weather may occur too. Precipitation
peaks in March and September. Spring wildflowers
bloom from April through June, peaking in May.
Summer days are hot (95-100 degrees F.), but overnight
lows are usually comfortable (65-70 degrees F.)
Afternoon thunderstorms are common from mid-July
through mid-September. Storms may produce waterfalls
as well as flash floods. Fall days are usually
clear and mild; nights are often cool. Autumn
color displays begin in September in the high
country, and in Zion Canyon in early November.
Winters in Zion Canyon are fairly mild. Winter
storms bring rain or light snow to Zion Canyon,
but heavier snow to the higher elevations. Clear
days may become quite warm, reaching 60 degrees
F.; nights are often in the 20s and 30s. Winter
storms can last several days and cause roads to
be icy, especially on the east side of Zion. Zion
roads are plowed, except the Kolob Terrace Road,
which is closed in winter. Be prepared for winter
driving conditions from November through March.
Park
Profile
Established
1909 as Mukuntuweap National Monument; expanded
in 1919 as Zion National Park. Significance Established
to preserve and protect the scenic beauty, unique
geologic features, and unusual assemblage of plants
and animals. Size 229 square miles.
Elevation
Lowest
- 3,666 ft (1,128m) Coalpits Wash in the southwest
corner. Highest - 8,726 ft (2,660 m), Horse Ranch
Mountain in the Kolob Canyons section. Precipitation
Annual Average; 15 inches. Name Zion, a Hebrew
word referring to a place of safety or refuge,
given to this canyon by Mormon pioneers in the
1860s. Geology Sedimentary rock, mostly sandstone.
Some limestone, shale, mudstone and conglomerate.
Mostly Triassic through Jurassic (250 million
to 150 million years ago). Some recent volcanic
activity in the form of cinder cones and lava
flows. Plant Life Richest diversity of plants
in Utah--almost 800 native species. Differences
in elevation, sunlight, water, and temperature
create "microenvironments", like hanging gardens,
forested side canyons, and isolated mesas that
lend to this diversity. Animal Life 75 species
of mammals, 271 birds, 32 reptiles and amphibians,
8 fish. Commonly seen animals include mule deer,
rock squirrels, lizards, and many species of songbirds.
Rare or endangered species include Peregrine Falcons,
Mexican Spotted Owls, spinedace (a fish), and
some species, like the Zion snail, found nowhere
else on earth. Human History Evidence of Ancestral
Puebloans, formerly known as the Anasazi, date
from about 2,000 years ago; Paiutes from about
800 years ago. Mormon settlers arrived in the
1860s. Park Visitation in 1920 was 3,692; in 1996
it reached 2.6 million.
Directions
The
Visitor Center at the Kolob Canyons entrance is
accessible via Exit 40 from I-15. I-15 passes
west of the Park and connects with UT-9 and 17
to the Park. US-89 passes east and connects with
UT-9 to the Park. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center
is a short distance from the Park's South Entrance
adjacent to Springdale. The closest airport is
in St. George, UT, 46 miles (74.1 km).
Fees,
Costs, Rates
As
part of the Recreation Fee Demonstration Program
instituted by Congress in 1996, entrance fees
are collected year round. 80% of all fees collected
now stay in the park. In Zion these new fees
will allow campgrounds site to be increased,
improve accessibility at park facilities, and
improve park wayside exhibits, trail maintenance,
and revegetation efforts.
$5.00
Single Person Entry Entry into Zion National
Park by foot, bicycle, or motorcycle for 7 days.
$10.00
Single Vehicle Entry Valid at Zion National
Park for 7 days.
$20.00
Zion National Park Pass Valid at Zion National
Park for 1 year from month of purchase.
$10.00
Golden Age Passport Lifetime pass, available
to U.S. residents 62 years old and over, valid
at all Federal fee areas.
$50.00
Golden Eagle Passport Valid at all Federal
entrance fee parks or areas for 1 year from
month of purchase.
Commercial
Tour Vehicle Fees
Commercial tour fees are charged. Operators
should contact the park at (435) 772-3256 for
specific information on rates. Commercial tour
operators fee is based on bus capacity and ranges
from $25 to $100
Tunnel
There are size restrictions on vehicles traveling
through the 1.1-mile (1.7 km) tunnel on the
Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. The tunnel height at
its east entrance is 11 feet 4 inches (3.5 m).
A $10 fee may be required for escort service
for large vehicles through the narrow tunnel.
Parking of large vehicles is regulated in various
locations throughout the Park during the summer
Facilities
and Opportunities
ACCESSIBILITY:
Both visitor centers and Zion Lodge are fully
accessible to those with special needs. Several
campsites in the South Campground are reserved
for people with disabilities and three trails
are accessible. . Many interpretive talks are
accessible. The 1-mile (1.6 km) Riverside Walk,
which begins at the north end of Zion Canyon
Drive, is paved and accessible with assistance.
The 2-mile accessible Pa'rus Trail was opened
in 1995.
BACKPACKING:
Permits are required for all backcountry camping.
The cost is $5.00 per person per night. Maximum
group size is 12 people, including all leaders.
Permits and hiking information are available
at both visitor centers. BICYCLING: Bicycles
are permitted only on established roads and
the Pa'rus Trail. Cyclists must obey traffic
laws. Bicycles are not allowed on hiking trails
or off-trail. Ride defensively; automobile traffic
is often heavy and drivers may be distracted
by the scenery. Riding through the Zion-MT Carmel
Tunnel is prohibited. Bicycles must be transported
through by motor vehicle.
CAMPING:
Watchman and South Campgrounds Near the south
entrance to the park. Individual camp sites
are available on a first-come, first-served
basis for $10 per night or $5 for holders of
Golden Age/Access cards. Sites with electrical
hook-ups are $14 per night. Arrival before noon
generally ensures a campsite. You may self register
at the campground. Group Campsites are available
by reservation only to organized groups of 9-40
people for $2.00 per person plus $2.50 per campsite;
(800) 365-2267. Facilities include restrooms,
drinking water, picnic tables, fire grates,
RV dump stations, and utility sinks. Stays are
limited to 14 days. Lava Point A 6-site primitive
campground, no water, no fee. Campsites are
on a first-come, first-served basis. Maximum
vehicle size is 19 feet. Open June-November.
Other private campgrounds with showers and hookups
are available in communities adjacent to the
park.
CANYONEERING:
Permits are required for all through hikes of
the Narrows and its tributaries, the Left Fork
of North Creek (the Subway), Kolob Creek, and
all canyons requiring the use of aid. The Subway
is limited to 50 people per day and reservations
are taken between the hours of 1:00pm and 5:00pm
the day prior to the hike. Other hiking permits
are available at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center
beginning at 8:30 a.m. up to 2 weeks prior to
the hike. Cost: $5:00 per person, $3 age 4-16.
The maximum group size is 12, including all
leaders.
CLIMBING:
Climbing on Zion's sandstone requires appropriate
hardware and techniques. Information on climbing
is available at visitor centers. Climbing and
rappelling is prohibited on the cliffs above
Middle and Lower Emerald Pools and Weeping Rock.
Some routes may be closed to climbing when Peregrine
Falcons are nesting. A permit is required for
overnight climbs. Visit the Backcountry Permit
Desk for additional climbing routes and information.
FIRES:
Fires are permitted only in the fire pits provided
at campgrounds and some picnic areas. Bring
or purchase your firewood; collecting wood is
not permitted. Firewood is available for purchase
outside the park. Keep fires small and under
control. Make sure fires are dead out and never
leave a fire unattended. Fires are not permitted
in the backcountry at any time; use a stove
to cook.
FOOD
& SUPPLIES: Zion Lodge Snack bar and
dining room. Dinner reservations are advised
spring through fall: (435) 772-3213 Other Food
Service Restaurants are available in Springdale,
Mt. Carmel Junction, Kanab, Virgin, Hurricane,
LaVerkin, and St. George. Groceries Full service
grocery stores and/or convenience stores are
available in Springdale, Hurricane, LaVerkin,
Mt. Carmel Junction and Kanab. For addresses
and phone numbers of services outside of the
park visit the Zion Canyon Chamber of Commerce
Web Site http://www.zionpark.com.
FIRST
AID/ HOSPITAL: For 24-hour emergency response,
call 772-3322 or 911. First aid is available
in the Park. A physician's assistant is available
in Springdale at the Zion Canyon Medical Clinic
in the summer and part-time in the winter, and
a physician is in Hurricane, 24 miles (38 7
km). Hospitals are in St. George, 45 miles (72.5
km); Cedar City, 60 miles (96.7 km); and Kanab
42 miles (67.7 km).
HIKING:
Be aware of desert hiking conditions. All hikers
should carry sufficient water for their projected
hike. The maximum group size for backcountry
hiking is 12 people of the same affiliation
on the same trail or in the same drainage on
the same day. This includes all group leaders.
This is to reduce the impacts of large groups
on the resource and on the experience of other
hikers. For your safely - All hikers should
take precautions. Obtain detailed information
from a Park Ranger before attempting backcountry
trails. Do not hike alone. Stay on established
trails. Stay out of drainage areas during thunderstorms.
Be alert for rockfalls and landslides. You must
take responsibility for your own actions and
safety.
HORSEBACK
RIDING: Guided trips are available March
through October. Reservations are advised. Call
(435) 772-3810 or inquire in person at Zion
Lodge. For private stock use, contact visitor
centers.
LODGING:
Zion Lodge is operated by AmFac. Reservations
for cabin and motel accommodations are available
through AmFac, 303-297-2757. Other Lodging Available
in Springdale, Mt. Carmel Junction, Kanab, and
other nearby communities. Call Travel Services
Utah, (800) 259-3843 for reservations or visit
the Zion Canyon Chamber of Commerce Web Site
http://www.zionpark.com.
SHUTTLE
SERVICE: Zion Lodge provides tram tours
of upper Zion Canyon. Drivers of oversize vehicles
may wish to consider this option. A hiker shuttle
is also available for transportation to backcountry
trailheads. Call (435) 772-3213 for prices and
details.
SWIMMING,
TUBING, WADING, AND BOATING: Be aware of
swift currents, cold water, flash floods, slippery
rocks, deep holes, and submerged logs and boulders.
Wear shoes to protect your feet. Swimming and
wading are not permitted in the Emerald Pools.
Tubing is only permitted on the Virgin River
from the River access in the Watchman Campground;
Parking is available in the amphitheater parking
area. Tubes and shuttle service are available
outside the South Entrance. For addresses and
phone numbers of services outside of the park,
visit the Zion Canyon Chamber of Commerce Web
Site http://www.zionpark.com.
Recomended
Activities / Park Use
Overlooks
and trails abound along scenic drives through
Zion, and there are ranger programs at most
developed areas year round. Zion provides wonderful
opportunities for:
Hiking
- Zion offers many trails ranging from short
"leg-stretcher" walks to the strenuous adventures.
Wildflowers
& Fall Colors - The variety of mountain
and canyon environments makes Zion an excellent
location for wildflower walks in the spring
and summer and brilliant leaf color in the autumn.
Photography
- Zion offers the photographer many opportunities
to explore color, texture, and light.
Birdwatching
- Zion is home to 271 species of birds. A bird
checklist can be obtained at the visitor centers.
Bicycling
- The Pa'rus Trail offers a paved, car-free
alternative for bicyclists, pedestrians, and
people with strollers or wheelchairs to visit
lower Zion Canyon and access the Scenic Drive.
Ranger-led
activities - During the summer, join a Park
Ranger to learn more about Zion National Park.
Topics include geology, plants, animals, human
history and other features. Programs include
guided walks, short talks at the visitor centers
and evening programs at the campground amphitheaters
and Zion Lodge. All programs are free. Check
the weekly schedules posted at visitor centers
and bulletin boards throughout the park for
times, places, and subjects.
