ZION NATIONAL PARK
By Paula Hughes Court
Zion National Park is located in the Zion Southwestern corner
of Utah, and northwest of the city of Saint George in
Washington, Kane and Iron counties. Almost 3,000,000
visitors annually visit Zion National Park, Utah's oldest and
most heavily used national park. Zion canyon is known for its
incredible slot canyons such as “The Narrows”, featuring
soaring towers and monoliths.
Zion National Park's 229 square miles is a spectacular cliff-
and-canyon landscape. Kolob Arch has a span that
measures 310 feet. The Virgin River has cut through
sandstone to create the incredible scenery. The river serves
as a natural corridor for exploring the park. Among the
notable geographical features of the park are Virgin River
Narrows, Emerald Pools, Angels Landing, The Great White
Throne, The Three Patriarchs and Kolob Arch, a remote cliff
wall arch.
The South Entrance is on Utah Route 9 about 60 miles south
from Cedar City, via I-15 and Utah Route 17. The East
Entrance is on Utah Route 9, 12 miles east of Mt. Carmel
Junction, at U.S. Route 89. The Kolob Canyons (West
Entrance) is located off I-15, 18 miles south of Cedar City. A
free shuttle system is available to take visitors to the most
popular areas of the park.
If you are coming in the South Entrance, it is best to board a
shuttle in the town of Springdale, just outside the park, or at
the campgrounds, visitor’s center or museum. Parking is
extremely limited in other areas. Shuttles operate from April
through October.
Visitor Centers/Fees
Two visitor’s centers are open throughout the year. Entrance
fees are $20 per vehicle and $10 for people on foot or
bicycle. You can purchase an annual pass for $40.
Trails - The Gateway to the Narrows Trail is suitable for all
ages and for those in wheelchairs. Angels Landing and the
Zion Narrows is more strenuous and for the more
adventurous. With canyon walls that are hundreds of feet
high and at times only an arm's-stretch-apart, the Narrows
provide an exciting hike, but the Narrows can be dangerous.
Floods can roar down canyons in seconds so hikers should
use caution and do not enter narrow canyons when there is a
chance of rain in the drainage. Check at the ranger station for
more information.
Rock Climbing - Rock climbing is unbelievable! Lowest -
3,666 ft Coalpits Wash in the southwest corner. Highest -
8,726 ft Horse Ranch Mountain in the Kolob Canyons
section. Differences in elevation, sunlight, water, and
temperature create "microenvironments", like hanging
gardens, forested side canyons, and isolated mesas.
Animal Life - There are 75 species of mammals, 271 birds,
32 reptiles and amphibians, 8 fish. Animals include mule
deer, rock squirrels, lizards, and many species of songbirds.
Rare or endangered species include Peregrine Falcons and
Mexican Spotted Owls.
Weather at Zion National Park
Be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions in Zion
National Park. Temperatures vary with changes in elevation
and seasons. Day/night temperatures may differ by over 30
degrees Fahrenheit. Summer days are hot with 95-100
degrees F temperatures. Overnight lows are usually
comfortable with temperatures of 65-70 degrees. Fall days
are clear and mild; nights are often cool. Winters in Zion
Canyon are fairly mild. Winter storms bring rain or light snow
to Zion Canyon and heavier snow to the higher elevations.
Clear days may become quite warm, reaching 60 degrees
and nights are often in the 20s and 30s.
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.
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. Other campgrounds near Zion National Park
include Temple View RV, Zion River Resort, Ruby’s Inn &
Campgrounds, Bryce Pioneer Village.
Other Activities at Zion National Park - Aerial Tours, ATV/4x4
Tours, Biking, Day Spas, Fishing, Golfing, Guided Tours,
Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Museums, Ranch
Activities, Rapelling, Rock Climbing, Snowmobiling and
Skiing
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.
ZIONNATIONALPARK
ZION NATIONAL PARK
By Paula Hughes Court
Zion National Park is located in the Zion Southwestern corner
of Utah, and northwest of the city of Saint George in
Washington, Kane and Iron counties. Almost 3,000,000
visitors annually visit Zion National Park, Utah's oldest and
most heavily used national park. Zion canyon is known for its
incredible slot canyons such as “The Narrows”, featuring
soaring towers and monoliths.
Zion National Park's 229 square miles is a spectacular cliff-
and-canyon landscape. Kolob Arch has a span that
measures 310 feet. The Virgin River has cut through
sandstone to create the incredible scenery. The river serves
as a natural corridor for exploring the park. Among the
notable geographical features of the park are Virgin River
Narrows, Emerald Pools, Angels Landing, The Great White
Throne, The Three Patriarchs and Kolob Arch, a remote cliff
wall arch.
The South Entrance is on Utah Route 9 about 60 miles south
from Cedar City, via I-15 and Utah Route 17. The East
Entrance is on Utah Route 9, 12 miles east of Mt. Carmel
Junction, at U.S. Route 89. The Kolob Canyons (West
Entrance) is located off I-15, 18 miles south of Cedar City. A
free shuttle system is available to take visitors to the most
popular areas of the park.
If you are coming in the South Entrance, it is best to board a
shuttle in the town of Springdale, just outside the park, or at
the campgrounds, visitor’s center or museum. Parking is
extremely limited in other areas. Shuttles operate from April
through October.
Visitor Centers/Fees
Two visitor’s centers are open throughout the year. Entrance
fees are $20 per vehicle and $10 for people on foot or
bicycle. You can purchase an annual pass for $40.
Trails - The Gateway to the Narrows Trail is suitable for all
ages and for those in wheelchairs. Angels Landing and the
Zion Narrows is more strenuous and for the more
adventurous. With canyon walls that are hundreds of feet
high and at times only an arm's-stretch-apart, the Narrows
provide an exciting hike, but the Narrows can be dangerous.
Floods can roar down canyons in seconds so hikers should
use caution and do not enter narrow canyons when there is a
chance of rain in the drainage. Check at the ranger station for
more information.
Rock Climbing - Rock climbing is unbelievable! Lowest -
3,666 ft Coalpits Wash in the southwest corner. Highest -
8,726 ft Horse Ranch Mountain in the Kolob Canyons
section. Differences in elevation, sunlight, water, and
temperature create "microenvironments", like hanging
gardens, forested side canyons, and isolated mesas.
Animal Life - There are 75 species of mammals, 271 birds,
32 reptiles and amphibians, 8 fish. Animals include mule
deer, rock squirrels, lizards, and many species of songbirds.
Rare or endangered species include Peregrine Falcons and
Mexican Spotted Owls.
Weather at Zion National Park
Be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions in Zion
National Park. Temperatures vary with changes in elevation
and seasons. Day/night temperatures may differ by over 30
degrees Fahrenheit. Summer days are hot with 95-100
degrees F temperatures. Overnight lows are usually
comfortable with temperatures of 65-70 degrees. Fall days
are clear and mild; nights are often cool. Winters in Zion
Canyon are fairly mild. Winter storms bring rain or light snow
to Zion Canyon and heavier snow to the higher elevations.
Clear days may become quite warm, reaching 60 degrees
and nights are often in the 20s and 30s.
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.
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. Other campgrounds near Zion National Park
include Temple View RV, Zion River Resort, Ruby’s Inn &
Campgrounds, Bryce Pioneer Village.
Other Activities at Zion National Park - Aerial Tours, ATV/4x4
Tours, Biking, Day Spas, Fishing, Golfing, Guided Tours,
Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Museums, Ranch
Activities, Rapelling, Rock Climbing, Snowmobiling and
Skiing
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.
ZIONNATIONALPARK
ZION NATIONAL PARK
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FAMILY TRAVEL FUN
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