zion NATIONAL PARK
600 million years of continuous Earth history
The park's unique geography is a result of the Virgin River slicing through thousands of feet of layered Navajo sandstone to create the dramatic and steep-walled Zion Canyon.
Zion National Park is located in and around Springdale, Utah, at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert regions. The park's unique geography is a result of the Virgin River slicing through thousands of feet of layered Navajo sandstone to create the dramatic and steep-walled Zion Canyon. Originating from snow-drifts resting along the 9,000-foot-high Markagunt Plateau, the Virgin River flows through a landscape of high plateaus, sheer canyons, and monolithic cliffs.
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Zion National Park also sits along a portion of the Grand Staircase, an immense sequence of sedimentary rock layers that stretch south from Bryce Canyon National Park through Zion National Park and into the Grand Canyon. Uniquely untouched by the ever-changing topography of the region, this single expanse of rock preserves more Earth history than any other place on Earth, speaking to over 600 million years of continuous Earth history. Stepping into Zion National Park allows travelers to experience a snapshot of the Earth’s past like no other.
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The small and charming town of Springdale is literally located inside of the park, with the boundaries of Zion National Park surrounding the town on three sides. This community is home to a number of unique hotels, inns, B&B’s, restaurants, cafes, markets, galleries, tour guides, outfitters, gift shops, and outdoor stores, allowing you to tailor your trip to your specific interests and needs. The park also offers three campgrounds, available year-round.
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Walking, hiking, or driving through the park, visitors can also expect to catch sight of the incredible wildlife that calls Zion home. Amongst its 289 bird species, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and peregrine falcons glide across the blue skies and through the sharp canyons. Mule deer, foxes, bats, and bighorn sheep make frequent appearances wandering around the canyon floor.
The Village is inside the park
COST
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Admissions are $30 for cars and $15 for pedestrians and cyclists.
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PETS
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Leashed pets may be walked on the Pa'rus Trail. All other trails, and all wilderness areas, are closed to pets.
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OPEN
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Zion National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. |
FOOD SERVICES
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Two restaurants are available within the park, Red Rock Grill Dining Room at Zion Lodge and Castle Dome Cafe at Zion Lodge. At the Village you find small restaurants as well.
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ACCOMMODATIONS
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There are three campgrounds: South, Watchman, and Lava, Zion lodge and hotels in the village, cabins are available near by, and backcountry camping is available. Reservations are absolutely recommended.
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SCENIC ROAD
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Highway 9, the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway, runs into the park from Springdale at the park entrance. Inside the park, the six-mile drive to the canyon is closed to vehicles from April into November. The only way to drive through the canyon at that time is on one of the park service’s shuttle buses. Passenger cars are permitted to drive the scenic route during the off season.
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TOURS
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This stretch of highway is closed to private vehicles from April through November, but a shuttle service provides visitors with a means to travel the scenic route, stopping off and hopping back on whenever they choose. To get even more out of the shuttle ride, the park offers free daily Ride with a Ranger shuttle tours, giving passengers a closer, guided look at the park around them while they travel.
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FAMOUS TRAILS
Moving off the beaten path the park offers a host of trails to hike, canyons to tackle, and peaks to climb. Experienced hikers may try their hand at reaching Angels Landing - a unique fin-like mountain formation that juts out of the main canyon - by traveling one of the world’s most renowned hiking trails. This 4.4 mile trail passes along breathtaking views of the canyon, while challenging the psyche with its steep switchbacks and sheer drop-offs. The trail follows the narrow spine to the final 360-degree viewpoint roughly 1500 feet above the canyon floor.
For beginners, the Weeping Rock trail is a pleasant beginner hike with fantastic views. This short, half-mile, round-trip trail ends with an unique and picturesque cubby hole view of Angel’s Landing, along with some more of Zion Canyon’s most spectacular features - Lady Mountain and the Great White Throne.
For beginners, the Weeping Rock trail is a pleasant beginner hike with fantastic views. This short, half-mile, round-trip trail ends with an unique and picturesque cubby hole view of Angel’s Landing, along with some more of Zion Canyon’s most spectacular features - Lady Mountain and the Great White Throne.
when to go
March - May
In spring, wet weather is not unusual, but warm, sunny weather is typical. Maximum temperatures rarely exceed 90°F/32°C; however, temperatures in the park can vary dramatically with changes in elevation and the time of day. |
81F /100F
June - August In summer, temperatures often exceed 100°F/38°C. Higher elevations may have temperatures in excess of 90°F/32°C. |
30F / 80F
July - September Zion experiences monsoons from mid-July into September that results in an increased risk of flash floods. Day and night temperatures can differ by over 30°F/17°C. |
21F / 50F
December - February Temperatures can range from highs of 50-60°F during the day to lows well below freezing at night. Nearly half of the annual precipitation in Zion Canyon falls between the months of December and March. |
who may meet you here?
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curiosity
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Zion Canyon is continually changing. The Virgin River and its tributaries run through Zion, carving and shaping the canyon. On average, the Virgin River removes 1 million tons of sediment, which mostly occurs during flash floods. The result: The canyon continues to widen and the river channel continues to deepen.
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who was behind the zion national park ?
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In 1909, President William Howard Taft signed a proclamation creating Mukuntuweap National Monument to protect Zion Canyon and its surrounding area. The first road up the canyon was finished in 1917 with the help of appropriations secured by Utah senator Reed Smoot. The Woodrow Wilson administration significantly expanded it and renamed it Zion National Monument in 1918. In 1919, it received national park status. |
SAFETY
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