 Facilities:
Accessibility: Both visitor centers and the 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 wheelchair accessible.
Backpacking: Permits are required for all backcountry camping. The cost is $5.00 per person per night. Maximum group size is 12 people, including 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 are required obey traffic laws. Bicycles are not allowed on hiking trails or off-trail. Bicyclists in the canyon should use caution, 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. The campground fills up quickly so it is a good idea to arrive early if you want to get a site. Group Campsites are available by reservation only to organized groups of 9-40 people for $2.00 per person plus $2.50 per campsite, call (800) 365-2267 for more details and to make your reservation. Campsite facilities include restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, fire grates, RV dump stations, and utility sinks. Stays are limited to 14 days. Lava Point is a 6-site primitive campground with no water and no fee. Campsites there 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 hikes through the Narrows and its tributaries such as the Left Fork of North Creek (the Subway) and Kolob Creek. 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 Visitor Center beginning at 8:30 a.m. up to 2 weeks prior to the hike. Cost: $5:00 per person, $3 for ages 4-16. The maximum group size is 12, including leaders.
Climbing: Climbing on area sandstone cliffs 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. You will need to bring or purchase your own firewood because collecting wood within the park is not permitted. Firewood is available for purchase outside the park. Be sure to keep fires small and under control. Before you to make sure fires are completely out and never leave a fire unattended. Fires are not permitted in the backcountry at any time.
Food & Supplies: Within the park food and beverages may be purchased at Zion Lodge where there is a snack bar and dining room. Dinner reservations are advised from spring through fall, call (435) 772-3213 for reservations. Additional 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.
First Aid / Hospital: For 24-hour emergency response, call (435)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 there is a full time physician located in Hurricane, 24 miles (38 7 km). Hospitals are located in St. George, 45 miles (72.5 km); Cedar City, 60 miles (96.7 km); and Kanab 42 miles (67.7 km).
Hiking: When hiking in Zion remember that you are in a desert and plan appropriately, be sure to bring along plenty of drinking water. The maximum group size for backcountry hiking is 12 people. This is to reduce the impacts of large groups on the resource and on the experience of other hikers. For your safely obtain detailed information from a Park Ranger before attempting backcountry trails. Do not hike alone. Stay on established trails and out of drainage areas during thunderstorms. Be alert for rock falls 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.
Pets: At all times pets must be on a leash that is 6 feet long or shorter and under the physical control of a person. Pets may not travel on trails and in the backcountry, enter public building, nor ride on shuttles. However, people may walk pets on the Pa'rus Trail as long as they act courteously to pedestrians and cyclists. There are boarding kennels in nearby towns like Rockville, Kanab, St. George, and Cedar City.
Picnicking: Picnic facilities are available at The Grotto (close to the Zion Nature Center), Lava Point, and the Kolob Canyons viewpoint. Tables are at all three of these locations, and The Grotto picnic site has drinking water and fire grates.
Shuttle Service: Because approximately three million people visit Zion National Park each year, the shuttle system was established to help eliminate traffic congestion in Zion Canyon. Riding the shuttle is a free and fun way to tour the park. Shuttles operate from late March through late October, during this time private cars are not allowed to drive through the main canyon (other roads of the park remain open to private vehicles). Shuttles operate daily from 6:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. A complete round trip along Zion Canyon will take a minimum of 90 minutes, but you can get on and off as often as you like, to take pictures and enjoy the views.
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 website. |
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