Zion National Park
Overview
Located near Springdale, Utah, Zion National Park is Utah’s first national park. The United States Congress established the park on November 19, 1919. There are three sections to the park: Zion Canyon, Kolob Canyons, and the Kolob Terrace. Access to the three sections is only reached from outside entrance points and not from within any of the areas themselves.
Arguably the most prominent feature of the three sections of the park and the most frequented by motorists is the Zion Canyon. The canyon is 229 square miles of beautiful and truly unique terrain unparalleled in the entire world. The canyon is close to 15 miles (24 km) long and at some points up to half a mile (800 m) deep. The canyon is made up of primarily Navajo Sandstone which is a beautiful mix of deep reds and crème whites and everything in between.
There are a plethora of hikes within the canyon not far from parking. Seclusion, fascinating landscapes, and photography opportunities abound in the parks many hikes. Some of the most popular include Angels Landing, Weeping Rock, Emerald Pools, and The Narrows. These popular hikes range from the most basic hikes with great marked trails, to the most demanding and technical hikes for the seasoned adventurer.
Zion Canyon can only be reached by automobile from November to early March. During the rest of the year there is a shuttle that must be used unless your group is spending the night at the Zion Lodge. The convenient shuttle is free, convenient, and the drivers are typically trained to give basic information and guides while driving to and from your destination. The shuttle runs every couple of minutes and stops in at all of the scenic locations along the Zion Canyon drive. Some of the most popular stops along the 80-90 minute trip are the Court of the Patriarchs, Zion Lodge, The Grotto, Weeping Rock, and the Temple of Sinawava.
Zion National Park is approximately 45 miles northeast of St. George. The drive takes about 50 minutes to an hour. To reach the park, take Interstate 15 north to Hurricane exit (Exit 16). Head east to Hurricane City on State Road 9 (S.R. 9) and continue eastward through Hurricane and LaVerkin, Virgin, Rockville, and finally Springdale. Zion is about 20 miles East of Hurricane, Utah.
The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is a relatively short trip from the Parks South Entrance along Highway U-9.
Map & Directions
Passes & Fees
The most economical pass if you're going to visit more than one park a year, is the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. This pass gets you into any national park or federal recreational land, and costs only $80. You can [purchase it online].
If you walk in, use a motorcycle, or a bicycle to enter the park, the fee is $5.00 per person for a 7 day pass, which may not exceed $25.00 per family. However if you enter in a vehicle, all of the vehicles occupants get in for $10.00 and can stay for up to 7 days.
There is also another option called the Local Passport which is $25.00 and gains you access to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, as well as Hovenweep and Natural Bridges.
Backcountry permits are required for all overnight stays in the park boundaries, as well as any climbing excursions where you will be on the wall overnight. These also include any canyons that include rappelling. You can get your permits at the visitors center one day before you hike or you can get them the day of. Costs are as follows:
- $10.00 – 1-2 people
- $15.00 – 3-7 people
- $20.00 – 8-12 people
Please contact the Zion's Visitor Center for up to date information and pricing.