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Zion National Park Travel Basics

 

 

Zion National Park Travel Basics
Operating Hours, Seasons

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.


Getting There


PLANE -
The closest airport is in St. George, UT, 46 miles (74.1 km) from the park.

CAR - The Visitor Center at the Kolob Canyons entrance is accessible from I-15, exit 40. 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.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION -
Public transportation to the park is not available.
More information
Zion Shuttle System
Commercial Tours


Weather & Climate

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.
More on weather at Zion


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.


Pets


Pets must be under physical control on a leash no longer than six feet at all times
. Pets are not allowed on the shuttle buses, trails, in the backcountry, or in public buildings. Pets may be walked on the Pa’rus Trail, but be courteous to walkers and bicycle riders. Never leave your pet in a closed vehicle. Temperatures can soar above 120°F (49°C) in minutes. Your pet can quickly die of heatstroke under these conditions. Boarding kennels are available in Rockville, Kanab, St. George and Cedar City.


Getting Around


From April through October, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is accessible by shuttle bus only. The rest of the park remains open to private vehicles.
More information
Zion Shuttle System
Large Vehicle Restrictions

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