Zion National Park

Even among America's national parks, few can match the stunning beauty of Zion National Park. Situated between the Dixie and Canyon Country regions of southern Utah, the park protects a series of incredible rock formations and high sandstone cliffs, and is a favorite spot for hiking, backpacking, canyoneering and climbing. In fact, Zion has some of the most spectacular trails in the National Park System. Unlike many other parks in the American Southwest, where visitors look down from the rim of a canyon, visitors to Zion walk on the canyon floor and look up. In addition to the magnificent monoliths and cliffs, the park is known for its desert landscape of sandstone canyons, mesas, and high plateaus.

Mormon pioneer Isaac Behunin built the first log cabin in Zion Canyon in 1863. Pioneers gave the canyon the name "Zion," a Hebrew word meaning safety, or a place of refuge. In 1909, a presidential executive order designated Mukuntuweap National Monument. In 1919 the monument was expanded and designated a national park. In 1930, the newly completed Zion-Mt Carmel Highway allowed motorists to travel through the park, featuring a 5,613-foot tunnel through the vertical sandstone cliffs.

The park's climate varies greatly with elevation. Summer days are hot (95-110°F, 35-43°C) but overnight lows are usually comfortable (65-70°F, 18-21°C). Afternoon thunderstorms are common from mid-July through mid-September, making flash floods a danger in canyons. Autumn days are usually clear and mild with cool nights. Winter storms bring rain or light snow to Zion Canyon. Spring weather is unpredictable, with stormy, wet days common.

By Plane

St. George (SGU) is the closest city with commercial airline service, with flights from Salt Lake City on Delta Connection and from Denver on United Express, both operated by SkyWest. The nearest major airport is Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, about a three-hour drive on Interstate 15. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is about a five-hour drive on I-15.

By Car / Road

Zion Canyon is accessed by taking SR-9 from the east or the west. From Salt Lake City, take I-15 south to SR-17 at Anderson Junction, then SR-9 through La Verkin. From the west, I-15 passes west of Zion and connects with SR-9 just north of St. George. From the east, US-89 connects with SR-9 (The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway) at Mount Carmel Junction.

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is accessible only by the Zion Canyon Shuttle the majority of the year. From November until the end of March, private vehicles are allowed to drive into the canyon. Parking inside the park fills up quickly; arrive well before 9am for a guaranteed spot. The park shuttle system also serves Springdale, with a free route running through town April-October. Bicycles are permitted on the Pa'rus Trail and on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive when private vehicles are allowed.

• Angels Landing — One of the most famous hikes in the world, a strenuous 5.4-mile round trip with chain-assisted sections along narrow ridges with dramatic drop-offs.

• The Narrows — The most popular section of the Virgin River, where the canyon walls rise 2000-3000 feet. Hiking is done in the river itself.

• Emerald Pools — A series of three pools accessible via easy to moderate trails. The Upper Emerald Pool features a beautiful waterfall.

• Observation Point — An 8-mile round trip hike offering the best panoramic view in the park, higher than Angels Landing.

• Great White Throne — A massive white Navajo Sandstone monolith visible from the canyon floor.

• Checkerboard Mesa — A striking geological formation on the east side of the park with a distinctive cross-hatched pattern.

• Hiking — Zion has over 50 trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous backcountry routes. Popular trails include Angels Landing, The Narrows, Observation Point, and Emerald Pools.

• Canyoneering — The park offers numerous canyoneering opportunities, from beginner-friendly rappels to technical slot canyons.

• Rock climbing — The park's sandstone cliffs provide world-class rock climbing opportunities.

• River activities — Tubing and wading in the Virgin River are popular summer activities.

• Horseback riding — Guided horseback rides are available through the park.

Springdale offers a variety of dining options. The park has a cafeteria at Zion Lodge during peak season.

• Zion Pizza & Noodle Company — 868 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale. Some of the best food in town. Great pasta, pizzas, salads and beer.
• Bit and Spur — 1212 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale. Quality Mexican food. Try the spicy lamb gigot.
• Oscar's Cafe — 948 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale. Daily 7AM-9PM. Good burgers and breakfast.
• Spotted Dog Cafe — 428 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale. Fine dining with seasonal menu.

• Zion Canyon Brew Pub — 95 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale. Daily 11:30AM-10PM. House-brewed beers and full food menu.
• Deep Creek Coffee Company — 932 Zion Park Blvd #3, Springdale. Coffee and light fare.

• Budget: Zion Lodge, inside the park. The only in-park lodging, offering cabins and motel rooms. Book well in advance.
• Mid-range: Cable Mountain Lodge, 147 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Close to park entrance.
• Upscale / heritage: Cliffrose Lodge, 281 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale. Beautiful grounds and gardens with river access.

The town of Springdale, just outside the park entrance, has numerous shops, galleries, and outdoor gear stores. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center has a bookstore with maps, books, and souvenirs. Springdale's shops offer clothing, art, and camping supplies.

• Sol Foods Market — 995 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale. Full service supermarket with deli and camping supplies. Open daily 7:30AM-9PM.
• Zion Outfitter — 7 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale. Outdoor gear store that rents bikes, waterproof hiking equipment, and river rafting tubes.

• Bryce Canyon National Park — About 80 miles northeast via UT-9 and UT-89. Spectacular hoodoos and amphitheaters.
• Grand Canyon North Rim — About 150 miles southeast. The less-visited rim of the Grand Canyon.
• Springdale — Just outside the park entrance. Hotels, restaurants, and shops.
• Kanab — About 55 miles east. Gateway to multiple national parks and monuments.
• Cedar Breaks National Monument — About 75 miles north. A natural amphitheater at over 10,000 feet elevation.
• Cedar City — About 65 miles north. Home to the Utah Shakespeare Festival.