
| ZION NATIONAL PARK 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 Spectacular Landscape 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. Zion National Park Entrance 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 Zion National Park. Zion National Park Shuttle 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. Zion National Park 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. Zion Park 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. Zion National Park 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. Zion National Park Wildlife 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 at Zion National Park 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 at Zion National Park 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 at Zion National Park 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. |