Educational
Field Trips
Zion National Park features stunning scenery, sandstone
cliffs among the highest in the world, diverse plant
and animal communities, and Ancestral Puebloan, Paiute,
and Mormon pioneer history. It’s a wonderful
outdoor classroom for school groups.
Entrance Fees
The entrance fee is US$20 per car or US$10 per bus
passenger (age 16 and younger are free). Most groups
visiting for educational activities will not be charged
provided they are sponsored by accredited educational
institutions. A fee waiver must be requested in advance.
•Fee Exemptions Granted to groups of students
16 or younger, accompanied by adult sponsors. Please
send a letter on official school stationary to the
Fee Program Manager, Zion National Park, Springdale,
UT 84767, at least two weeks before your visit. Include
the number of students and buses, and the date and
time of your visit.
•Fee Waivers Granted to educational institutions
whose curriculum relates specifically to the resources
at Zion National Park. Applications may be obtained
from the park by calling 435 772-0177. Mail completed
applications to the Fee Program Manager (address above)
at least two weeks before your visit. Include a letter
on official school stationary which states the educational
purposes of the field trip and how it relates to Zion.
Recreational field trips do not qualify for a fee
waiver.
•Oversized vehicles are required to pay the US$10
tunnel escort fee if traveling through the Zion-Mt.
Carmel Tunnel. This fee cannot be waived.
•Hiking If your group plans to hike we recommend
adequate supervision (one teacher per 10 students
for younger groups). Easy frontcountry trails suitable
for larger groups include the Pa’rus Trail (paved,
1.7 miles one way, start at the Zion Canyon Visitor
Center) and Riverside Walk (paved, 1 mile one way,
start at Temple of Sinawava.) See Zion Map & Guide
for more trail information. •For
information on backcountry trails see Zion
Backcountry. Maximum group size on backcountry
trails is 12 people.Your
Visit
Begin your visit at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center,
open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibits, a 3-dimensional
map of Zion Canyon, and short videos on hiking trails
and geologic processes are available. If you choose
to visit the bookstore, please divide large groups
into small, class-sized groups.Suggestions
for Touring the Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Most of the exhibits are outdoors. They can be used
to enhance your field trip experience. Exhibits are
arranged in three topics. For larger groups, the best
way to tour the exhibits is to split up into three
smaller groups and tour the exhibits individually.
The following is a list of discussion questions for
students to think about or discuss:
Water at Zion
•1. What has and still is creating Zion Canyon?
Discuss how it does it.
•2. Name one thing you can do to reduce erosion
on the trails and have a safevisit.
Zion’s Diversity
•1. Name two reasons why so many different species
of plants and animals are able to live in Zion Canyon.
•2. Name and/or discuss at least one plant and/or
animal that lives in the different habitats of Zion.
(such as lower vs. higher elevations, desert vs. hanging
gardens.)
Zion as Refuge
•1. What is the main characteristic that drew
humans to Zion Canyon?
•2. Compare and/or contrast
the use of the canyon by both the Southern Paiutesand
the Mormon settlers.
Logistics
Visitor Center Parking - There is a passenger drop-off
in front of the flagpole on the southeast side of
the visitor center. This is a drop-off only. Once
passengers have been unloaded, buses must park in
the RV Parking section in the rear of the parking
lot.
Parking Along the Scenic Drive
Do not park or stop in or along any shuttle stop.
Buses may unload at trailheads, however, parking is
only allowed at the following areas:
•Zion Lodge
•Grotto Picnic Area, along the river side of
road only. Watch for passing shuttles as children
cross the road.
•Temple of Sinawava, in parking area away from
the shuttle stop. Please ensure there is plenty of
room for shuttles to pass safely.
•Restrooms Available at the Zion Canyon Visitor
Center, Zion Museum (museum opens in 2002), Zion Lodge,
Grotto Picnic Area, Weeping Rock, and Temple of Sinawava.
Restrooms are not available along the trails. Use
restrooms before hiking.
•Be Prepared Any visit to Zion will include some
outdoor walking and exploring. Students should wear
sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Hats and sunscreen are recommended
on sunny days and rain gear on cloudy days. Each child
should carry a water bottle.Driving the Zion Canyon
Scenic Drive
•April to October
The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, past Canyon Junction,
is closed to private vehicles when the shuttle system
is in operation. Once you have applied for either
a fee waiver or fee exemption you will receive a red
permit that allows you to take your school buses along
the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. This red permit covers
school buses only. Anyone in a van or passenger vehicle
must travel on the school bus or use the shuttle system.
•For The Bus Driver
Post the red permit visibly in the lower right windshield.
Speed limit is 20 mph. Do not pass anywhere along
the scenic drive. The road is narrow, slow down when
meeting a shuttle bus coming from the opposite direction.
•November to March
The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open to all vehicular
traffic when the shuttle system is not in operation.
The rules for parking remain the same with two exceptions:
1. Buses may park in the shuttle area at the Grotto
Picnic Area and may use shuttle stops as drop off
points for trailheads.
2. Picnicking Grotto Picnic Area, on the Zion Canyon
Scenic Drive has restrooms and picnic tables. Please
remember to search the area for litter when finished.
Use recycling bins for aluminum cans.
Help Preserve Zion
•Zion National Park is a special place set aside
to be protected and preserved for future generations.
Please help take care of your national park. Remember,
everything in a national park is protected, from the
rocks to the plants and animals. To ensure the protection
of Zion and a memorable experience, please follow
these guidelines.
•Choose the Right Trail Choose a trail that is
best suited for the size, age, and ability of your
group.
•Stay on established trails Walking off established
roads and trails causes trampled plants and excessive
erosion.
•Do not feed wildlife Feeding wild animals is
illegal and can cause injury or death to the animal
or the human. Keep your distance. Keep wildlife WILD.
•Take only pictures, leave only footprints! Enjoy
rocks and flowers but leave for others to enjoy too.
•Carry out all trash Zion is your park. Keep
it clean and beautiful.For Additional Information
Contact:
Education Coordinator
Zion National Park
Springdale, Utah 84767
(435) 772-0165
