Zion National Park

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). Wildlife such as mule deer, golden eagles, and mountain lions, also inhabit the Park. Mukuntuweap National Monument proclaimed July 31, 1909; incorporated in Zion National Monument March 18, 1918; established as national park Nov. 19, 1919.

Zion National Park
SR 9
Springdale, UT 84767-1099
(435)772-3256 - Visitor Information
jobinfo 435-772-0154 - Headquarters

By Plane
The closest airport is in St. George, UT, 46 miles (74.1 km) from the park.

By Car
The Visitor Center at the Kolob Canyons entrance is accessible from I-15, exit 40. I-15 passes west of the Park and connects with UT-9 and 17 to the Park. US-89 passes east and connects with UT-9 to the Park. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is a short distance from the Park's South Entrance adjacent to Springdale.

By Plane
Public transportation to the park is not available.

Getting Around
Zion Lodge provides tram tours of upper Zion Canyon. Drivers of oversize vehicles may wish to consider this option. A hiker shuttle is also available for transportation to backcountry trailheads. Call (435) 772-3213 for prices and details.

Be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. Temperatures vary with changes in elevation and seasons. Day/night temperatures may differ by over 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spring weather is very unpredictable. Stormy, wet days are common, but warm, sunny weather may occur too.

Precipitation peaks in March and September. Spring wildflowers bloom from April through June, peaking in May.

Summer days are hot (95-100 degrees F.), but overnight lows are usually comfortable (65-70 degrees F.) Afternoon thunderstorms are common from mid-July through mid-September.

Storms may produce waterfalls as well as flash floods.

Fall days are usually clear and mild; nights are often cool. Autumn color displays begin in September in the high country, and in Zion Canyon in early November.

Winters in Zion Canyon are fairly mild. Winter storms bring rain or light snow to Zion Canyon, but heavier snow to the higher elevations. Clear days may become quite warm, reaching 60 degrees F.; nights are often in the 20s and 30s. Winter storms can last several days and cause roads to be icy, especially on the east side of Zion. Zion roads are plowed, except the Kolob Terrace Road, which is closed in winter. Be prepared for winter driving conditions from November through March.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Camping
• Climbing
• Educational Programs
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Snow Skiing

Recommended Activities
Overlooks and trails abound along scenic drives through Zion, and there are ranger programs at most developed areas year round. Zion provides wonderful opportunities for:

Hiking - Zion offers many trails ranging from short "leg-stretcher" walks to the strenuous adventures.

Wildflowers & Fall Colors - The variety of mountain and canyon environments makes Zion an excellent location for wildflower walks in the spring and summer and brilliant leaf color in the autumn.

Photography - Zion offers the photographer many opportunities to explore color, texture, and light.

Birdwatching - Zion is home to 271 species of birds. A bird checklist can be obtained at the visitor centers.

Bicycling - The Pa'rus Trail offers a paved, car-free alternative for bicyclists, pedestrians, and people with strollers or wheelchairs to visit lower Zion Canyon and access the Scenic Drive.

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. Check the weekly schedules posted at visitor centers and bulletin boards throughout the park for times, places, and subjects.

Click on image to enlarge.