Rocky Mountain Region
ZION NATIONAL PARK
Prepare to be awestruck by the majestic beauty of Zion National Park, a natural wonderland boasting towering sandstone cliffs, winding canyons, and verdant forests. Spanning over 230 square miles in southern Utah, Zion offers a diverse array of outdoor adventures and breathtaking vistas. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, an avid photographer, or simply seeking tranquility amidst nature, Zion promises an unforgettable experience for all. Here’s your comprehensive guide to exploring this iconic national park:
Basic Facts
Address:
Zion National Park
Springdale, UT 84767
Operation Hours and Seasons:
The park is generally open 24 hours a day, year-round. Some facilities may have seasonal closures or reduced hours.
Visitors:
Approximately 4.5 million per year (2021)
Entrance Fees:
Private Vehicle: $35.00 for seven days
Per Person: $20.00 for individuals entering on foot, bicycle, or motorcycle for seven days
Website:
nps.gov/zion
Map:
nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/maps.htm
Additional Information:
For additional local information, visit zionpark.org
Getting there
Zion National Park is conveniently accessible by car:
From the west, take Highway 9 from Interstate 15 near St. George, UT, to the park entrance.
From the east, take Highway 9 from US-89 near Mount Carmel Junction, UT, to the park entrance.
Please note that lots fill early year-round. Park in designated spaces only. You can also park in Springdale and the ride the free Zion Canyon Shuttle (Springdale Line). There are stops art various hotels and restaurants in the town. Last stop is the Zion Canyon Village. Walk to the Zion Canyon visitor center for the Zion Canyon Line into Zion Canyon. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is only accessible by shuttle when the Zion Canyon Shuttle System is operating.
Weather
Zion experiences a diverse climate, with each season offering its own unique charm:
Spring (March – May):
- Mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and occasional showers make spring ideal for hiking and photography.
Summer (June – August):
- Warm to hot temperatures, clear skies, and minimal rainfall make summer perfect for outdoor activities.
- Be prepared for crowds, especially in popular areas like Zion Canyon.
Fall (September – November):
- Crisp temperatures, vibrant foliage, and fewer crowds characterize fall in Zion.
- It’s an excellent time for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Winter (December – February):
- Cool to cold temperatures, occasional snowfall, and serene landscapes make winter a peaceful time to visit.
- Some trails and facilities may be closed or have limited accessibility.
Let’s dive into the various activities you can enjoy during your visit:
Hiking
Zion offers a wide range of hiking trails catering to all skill levels and interests:
Easy
- Riverside Walk: A paved path along the Virgin River, offering scenic views of towering canyon walls. The round trip is 2.2 miles and should take about 1. Hours
- Lower Emerald Pools Trail: A leisurely hike leading to picturesque waterfalls and lush hanging gardens.
Moderate
- Watchman Trail: A moderate climb to a viewpoint overlooking lower Zion Canyon, Towers of the Virgin, and Springdale, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. This 3.3 miles hike should take you about 2 hour. There are minor drop-offs.
- Hidden Canyon: A 3.1 miles challenging but rewarding hike featuring stunning views and the chance to explore a hidden canyon. It’s closed as of December 2024. Please check the park’s website for current conditions.
Strenuous
- Angels Landing: One of Zion’s most famous hikes, featuring steep switchbacks and sheer drop-offs en route to a breathtaking viewpoint. This 4.3 miles trails is most likely the most extreme activity to do – unless you are into canyoneering. Don’t go if you are afraid of heights. You need to apply for permit to hike this trail. Permits are based on a lottery system. Please check recreation.gov and don’t go without one. Rangers will check hikers along the trail.
- The Narrows: A unique adventure through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, where you’ll wade through the Virgin River amidst towering walls of rock. You are responsible for checking weather, water levels, and potential of flash floods. You’ll get wet on this 9.4 miles up to 8 hours out and back hike. So have some spare clothes in your car or a friend waiting for you with some.
In addition to hiking, Zion offers a variety of outdoor activities for adventurers of all ages:
Rock Climbing:
Test your skills on Zion’s sandstone cliffs, with routes available for climbers of all experience levels.
Canyoneering:
Explore Zion’s slot canyons and narrow gorges on a thrilling canyoneering adventure, rappelling down waterfalls and navigating obstacles with the guidance of experienced guides.
Ranger Programs:
Enhance your visit with ranger-led programs and interpretive talks offered throughout the park:
Join guided hikes, evening programs, and wildlife viewing excursions led by knowledgeable park rangers.
Learn about the park’s geology, ecology, and cultural history through informative presentations and interactive activities.
Photography
Capture the stunning beauty of Zion National Park with your camera:
- Sunrise and Sunset Points: Witness breathtaking lighting conditions at sunrise and sunset, illuminating the towering cliffs and rock formations in a kaleidoscope of colors.
- Canyon Overlook Trail: Hike to this scenic viewpoint for panoramic vistas of Zion Canyon and the surrounding landscape.
- The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway: Drive along this scenic route, stopping at overlooks and pullouts to capture stunning photographs of the park’s iconic landmarks.
Horseback Riding
Experience the park’s beauty from a different perspective on a guided horseback ride through scenic trails and hidden canyons. Trail rides on horse or mules leave from the corrals close to Zion lodge in Zion Canyon. Check their website www.canyonrides.com for details.
General Aviation
Getting to Zion in a small airplane is a bit difficult. Closest general aviation airports are St. George Regional (KSGU) – 45 miles southwest of the park; Cedar City Regional (KCDC) – 58 miles to the northwest, or Kanab Municipal (KKNB) – about 30 miles east of Zion’s eastern entrance. St. George and Cedar City have full service FBOs while Kanab might be the closest to the East entrance and the Zion Canyon visitor center.
Important Tips
- Pack Accordingly: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear for hiking, and dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions.
- Stay Safe: Be aware of potential hazards such as flash floods, steep drop-offs, and extreme temperatures, and follow park regulations and guidelines at all times.
- Leave No Trace: Help preserve Zion’s natural beauty by packing out all trash, staying on designated trails, and respecting wildlife and fragile ecosystems.
- Plan Ahead: Check the park’s website for trail conditions, closures, and safety advisories before your visit, and consider visiting during off-peak times to avoid crowds.
- Respect Wildlife: Observe wildlife from a safe distance and refrain from feeding or approaching animals, as this can disrupt their natural behavior and habitat.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Zion National Park, where towering cliffs, winding canyons, and breathtaking vistas await at every turn. Whether you’re exploring the park’s iconic landmarks, embarking on a thrilling hike, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy your adventure in Zion, and may your experiences be as grand as the landscapes that surround you!
My personal experience
In the Old Testament, Zion was considered the dwelling place of God and a symbol of God’s presence. Seeing the sheer cliffs and the towering monoliths I wasn’t surprised at all that the local Mormon community used to call this place Zion. Like many other visitors, I limited my visits to Zion Canyon only. It has become more and more difficult to find parking at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center but taking the Shuttle is your only option (unless you visit in winter) to get into the Canyon. I like to stay on the shuttle to its final stop at the Temple of Sinawava, walk the Riverside Walk to the Mouth of the Zion Narrows, and work my way back to the Visitor Center – one shuttle stop at a time. I never hiked the Narrows. Wading through the Virgin river in knee- to chest-deep water felt intimidating and I was always like: I will do it on my next visit. Who knows? May be sometime I will. Weeping Rock (Shuttle Stop 7) is one of my favorites. Water trickles down through sandstone and moves laterally to the face of the cliff when it cannot penetrate the shale. It takes about 1000 years for water to travel through the sandstone. Sounds amazing? It certainly is. ‘Taking a shower’ in water that is 1000 years old is nothing you would do every day.
