Welcome to Zion National Park
Welcome to the Zion National Park Information Guide.
Here you will find all you need to know about the natural history of the park.
Learn about the geology, trees, mammals, birds, or other plants and wildlife of the area.
Zion National Park is located in the Southwestern corner of Utah, and northwest of the city of Saint George in Washington, Kane and Iron counties.
Getting to Zion National Park
The closest major airport is Salt Lake City International Airport is 309 miles North of the park.
The Saint George Airport is 46 miles South of Zion National Park.
From the North
1. Take I-15 South to Exit 40 to Zion National Park.
2. Or continue South on I-15 to Exit 27 onto Stateroad 17 East to Stateroad 9 to Zion.
3. Or continue South on I-15 to Exit 16 onto Stateroad 9 East to Zion.
From the East
1. Take I-70 West to I-15 South and then follow one of the three directions above.
2. Take I-70 West to Exit 48 onto Highway 89 South to Stateroad 9 West to Zion.
From the West
1. Head to I-15 North or South and follow the North or South directions to the park.
From the South
1. Head to I-15 North to Exit 16 onto Stateroad 9 East to the park.
2. Head to Highway 89 North to Stateroad 9 West to Zion.
Establishment at Zion National Park
Zion National park was established in 1909 as Mukuntuweap National Monument. It became Zion National Park in 1919. The name “Zion” meaning “place of refuge,” was given to the canyon by Mormon pioneers. Protected within Zion National Park’s 229 square miles (593.1 km) is a spectacular cliff-and-canyon landscape and wilderness full of the unexpected including the world’s largest arch – Kolob Arch – with a span that measures 310 feet (94.5 m).
The Zion National Monument, in the county of Washington, State of Utah, is declared to be a national park and dedicated as such for the benefit and enjoyment of the people, under the name of the Zion National Park, under which name the aforesaid national park shall be maintained by allotment of funds heretofore or hereafter appropriated for the national monuments, until such time as an independent appropriation is made therefor by Congress.
Consolidation of Zion National Park and Zion National Monument
For the purpose of combining Zion National Park and Zion National Monument, Utah, in a single National park unit, in the interest of efficient administration and to preserve adequately the features thereof, Zion National Park on and after July 11, 1956, shall comprise the present area of the National Park and the present area of the Zion National Monument: Provided, That the enactment of sections 346b to 346d of this title shall not affect adversely any valid rights or privileges heretofore existing within the areas hereby established as the Zion National Park.
Size and Visitation
Zion National Park is 229 square miles / 593.1 km. Elevation’s lowest point is 3,700 feet / 1,128 meters, and highest point is 8,726 feet / 2,660 meters.
The majority of park visitors come during Spring and Fall and are lowest in December through March. Visitation in 1920 was 3,692, while visitation in 1996 it was 2.6 million
Zion Canyon reveals many events of middle geologic times. The story of Zion begins where that of Grand Canyon ends and ends where that of Bryce canyon begins. The geologic records of 2 billion years are incorporated in these three park areas, all located within 120 miles of each other.
Zion National Park has witnessed many changes in landscape and climate. At times it was covered by the sea; at other times broad rivers traversed its surface; at still other times it was swept by desert winds. Many of the rocks were laid down by water as gravel, sand, mud, and limy ooze. These were consolidated into conglomerates, sandstones, shales, and limestones by the weight of layers above them and by the lime, silica, and iron that cemented the grains.
National parks are set aside for the enjoyment of all. Because of the rugged nature of many of the nation’s treasures, it has been difficult to provide access for everyone who might have special needs. The National Park Service has been making strides to furnish facilities that allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy the beauties of the great outdoors.
Visitors will find that this is true at Zion as well. Some of the steps to insure accessibility include:
Both Visitor centers and Zion Lodge are fully accessible to people with special needs. Several campsites are reserved for people with disabilities and three trails are accessible. More detailed info is available at the Visitor Center.
Zion’s backcountry is a primitive area and managed according to regulations that protect its wilderness values. Backcountry camping is allowed on a limited basis and a backcountry permit is required.
I recommend that you pick an area of the park and then go to that area and make a day of it. Go and see all that is in the area and enjoy it. You spend more quality time and learn and see more than you could ever imagine.
Bicycles are permitted only on established roads and the Pa’rus Trail. The Pa’rus Trail leads from the campgrounds to the Scenic Drive Junction. Riding on hiking trails or crosscountry is Prohibited! Bicyclists should always ride defensively; vehicle traffic is often heavy and drivers may be distracted by the scenery. Riding bicycles through the Zion – Mt Carmel tunnel is Prohibited! Bicycles must be transported through the tunnel by a motor vehicle. Contact the Zion Canyon visitor center or either entrance station for more information.
Camping and Fires
Camping is allowed only in campgrounds and designated back country sites with a fee permit. Building wood or ground fires are prohibited in the back country. See the Camping Page for details.
Many of Zion’s sandstone cliffs are comprised of loose or “rotten” rock. Climbing hardware and techniques used for granite are often less effective on sandstone. Info on climbing is available at the Visitor Center. A permit is required for an overnight climb.
Water is available at both Visitor Centers, campgrounds, Zion Lodge, Grotto Picnic Area, and Temple of Sinawava. DO NOT drink untreated water from streams or springs.
What To Bring
For a day-trip on the shuttle, you should take:
- Walking Shoes/Map
- Dress for the weather and bring everything you need for a day in the park.
Some rules to be aware of
- No eating or smoking on the bus
- Beverages other than water are not allowed
- Pets are not allowed on the shuttle buses!
Private Non-commercial Vehicle $ 25.00 (7 day pass)
Individual Entry $ 12.00 (7 Day Pass – not to exceed $25.00 per family)
Zion Pass $ 50.00
Tunnel Escort $15.00 fee per vehicle in addition to the entrance fee.* Pay this fee at park entrance before proceeding to the tunnel. Required for all vehicles and trailers 7’10” (2.4 m) in width and/or 11’4″ (3.4 m) in height or larger. Fee is good for 2 trips through the tunnel for the same vehicle within 7-day period.
National Park Pass $ 50.00 – Good for 1 year from date of purchase
Golden Eagle Pass (good 1 year from date of purchase) $ 15.00 (good in all federal fee areas)
Commercial Tours $ 35.00 – $ 190.00 (7 Day Pass *Fee is based on vehicle capacity. Rates for car to full size bus.)
Gold Access Pass (Blind or permanently disabled individuals) Free (Lifetime – good in all natl parks)
Golden Age Pass (1 time fee – for those 62+ years young) $ 10.00 (Lifetime – good in all natl parks)
A Utah fishing license is required in the park. Angling success is poor.
Food & Services
Zion Lodge has an upstairs dining room, dinner reservations are advised. Other food services; restaurants, cafes, deli and pizza are located in Springdale and other nearby communities.
Watch out for falling ice and slippery conditions. Most trails have drop-offs where you must be extra careful to watch your footing. Always stay back away from the edges. People uncertain about heights should turn around if they come to drop-offs that bother them.
Pets must be leashed (6-foot maximum) at all times. They are not allowed in the back country, in public buildings, and on all but one trail – the Pa’rus Trail. Never leave your pet in a closed vehicle. Temperatures can soar above 120° F (49° C) in minutes. Boarding kennels are available in surrounding cities.
The Zion – Mt Carmel Tunnel is located on the park road between the East Entrance and Zion Canyon. Vehicles sized 7 feet 10 inches in width or 11 feet 4 inches in height, or larger must have an “escort” (traffic control) through this tunnel because they are too large to stay in their lane while traveling through the tunnel. Nearly all RVs, buses, trailers, 5th wheels, and some camper shells will require an escort. Visitors requiring an escort must pay a $10.00 fee per vehicle in addition to an entrance fee. This fee is good for two trips through the tunnel for the same vehicle during a 7-day period. Pay this fee at either park entrance before proceeding to the tunnel. Rangers will be stopping traffic at each end of the tunnel to stop oncoming traffic to allow you to travel through the tunnel. From March through October, rangers are stationed at the tunnel from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm daily.
- Vehicles over 13 feet 1 inch
- Semi trucks
- Vehicles over 50,000 lbs.
- Single vehicles over 40 feet long or combined vehicles over 50 feet long
No Parking for vehicles over 21 feet long at Weeping Rock (all hours) or Temple Sinawava (9:00 am to 5:00 pm) from March through October. These restrictions are necessary because Weeping Rock Parking Area has a small turnaround space and the Temple of Sinawava has heavy traffic congestion. If you would like to see these areas, it is best to use the tram service at Zion Lodge.
Visitor Centers at Zion National Park
Zion Canyon Visitor Center offers a wide variety of information and services year-round except Christmas Day. The following services are offered: backcountry permits, books, information, introductory video, maps and a museum. Phone: 435-772-3256.
Kolob Canyons Visitor Center offers books, information, maps and permits. Phone: 435-586-9548.
Weather of Zion National Park
From May to October, temperatures range from 70° to 105° F in the day and from 45° to 75° F at night. Brief afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. Winters are mild in Zion Canyon with temperatures often reaching above 40° F. Little snow falls in Zion Canyon, but snow accumulates on the plateaus. Spring and fall are ideal times to visit the park. During these seasons temperatures range from 45° at night to 80° F in the day.
Spring weather is very unpredictable. Stormy wet days are common, but warm, sunny weather may occur as well. Precipitation peaks in Mar. Spring wildflowers bloom from Apr through Jun, peaking in May.
Sharp changes in weather occur within the park due to the rugged topography and range of elevations. Seasonal snowfall averages 13 feet but much heavier snows accumulate in high mountain areas. Summer days are hot, but mountain breezes keep evenings cool especially in lower elevation areas.
Visitors should be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. Temperatures vary with changes in elevation, and day/night temperatures may differ by over 30° F.
Fall days are usually clear and mild; nights are often cool. Autumn color displays begin in September in the high country (Cedar Breaks, Lava Point). Colors in Zion Canyon usually peak in late October.
Winters in Zion Canyon are fairly mild. Winter storms often bring rain or light snow to Zion Canyon, but heavier snow to the higher elevations. Clear days may become quite warm reaching 60° F or higher; nights are often in the mid 20’s and 30’s. Winter storms often last several days and cause roads to be icy. Zion roads are plowed, except Kolob Terrace road (to Lava Point), which closes in winter. Travelers should be prepared for winter driving conditions from Nov through Mar.