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General Information
Directions:
The Visitor Center at Kolob Canyons is accessible via Exit 40
from I-15. 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. The closest
airport is in St. George, UT, 46 miles (74.1 km).
Permits:
The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle or $3 per person entering
by bicycle or motorcycle. Commercial tour operators fee is based
on bus capacity and ranges from $25 to $100. There are size restrictions
on vehicles traveling through the 1.1-mile (1.7 km) tunnel on
the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. The tunnel height at the east entrance
is 11 feet 4 inches (3.5 m). A $10 fee may be required for escort
service through the narrow funnel. Parking of large vehicles is
regulated in parts of the Park in the summer. Permits are required
for all through Virgin River Narrows hikes. Backcountry permits
are required for overnight trips.
Visitor Center
The Zion Canyon Visitor Center offers a wide variety of information
and services year-round. Many books and free brochures, topographic
maps, and exhibits are available. Park rangers can assist you
in planning your visit to get the most out of your time.
The smaller Kolob Canyons Visitor Center offers similar services.
Campgrounds
Watchman and South Campgrounds are open on a first-come, first-served
basis for $8 per night. One is open year-round; both are open
in the summer. Both have fire grates, picnic tables, water, restrooms,
and a sanitary disposal station for trailers. there are no utility
hookups or showers. Some sites are set aside for people with disabilities.
Campsites for groups of 9 to 40 persons are available by reservations.
The Lava Point Primitive Campground is usually open from May to
October. Fire grates, tables, and toilets are provided, but there
is no water. No fee is charged.
Camping is limited to 14 days and is permitted only in designated
sites or in the backcountry.
Backcountry Camping
Free backcountry permits are required to camp on a hiking trip.
Permits are issued at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Kolob
Canyons Visitor Center. Camping is not permitted within one mile
of a road or trailhead.
Picnic Areas
The park's two picnic areas are the Grotto Picnic Area in Zion
Canyon and a site at the end of Kolob Canyons Road. The Grotto
has fire grates, picnic tables, water, and restrooms. The Kolob
site has tables, fire grates, and pit toilets.
Zion Lodge
Motel units, cabins, a restaurant, snack bar, and gift shop are
located at Zion Lodge, open all year. For information on accommodations,
write: Utah Parks Division, TW Recreational Services, Inc., 451
North Main Street, Cedar City, UT 84720 ; or call 1-801-586-7686.
Advance reservations are recommended.
Tram Tours
Concession-operated tours of Zion Canyon aboard open air trams
are run several times daily in the summer. Reservations and information
are available at the lodge.
Horseback Rides
Guided rides are available from late-March to early-November.
Reservations and information are available at the lodge, or by
writing Bryce-Zion Trail Rides, Inc., PO Box 58, Tropic, UT 84776,
or by calling 801-772-3967 or 679-8665.
Nearby Services and Accommodations
Springdale, Mt. Carmel, and the larger towns of Hurricane, St.
George, Cedar City, and Kanab have motels. restaurants, service
stations, and grocery stores. A private campground in Springdale
has full utility hookups and hot showers. Other private campgrounds
are located within 25 miles of the park. The nearest hospitals
are in St. George, Cedar City, and Kanab.
Park Activities
Naturalistic guided walks, evening programs, and talks are given
from late March to November. Activity schedules are posted in
the visitor centers and throughout the park.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, children 6 through 12 can learn
about the park in the Junior Ranger Program, held at the ZIon
Nature Center.
Fishing
A Utah Fishing license is required in the park. Angling success
is poor.
Climate
From May to October temperatures range from 70 degrees to 105
degrees Fahrenheit in the day and from 45 degrees to 75 degrees
Fahrenheit at night. Brief afternoon thunderstorms are common
in July and August. Winters are mild in Zion Canyon with temperatures
often reaching above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Little snow falls
in Zion Canyon, but snow accumulates on the plateaus. Spring and
fall are ideal times to visit the park. During the seasons temperatures
range from 45 degrees at night to 80 degrees in the day.
What are the favorite activities of visitors?
In 1991, about 2.5 million people visited Zion and they enjoyed
a variety of activities. People can stay overnight in the park
at Zion Lodge or in the campgrounds. Most visitors to Zion walk
on at least one trail. The trails in Zion range from short, easy
walks like Weeping Rock, to long strenuous hikes like the East
Rim or West Rim trails. On the longer trails, people often carry
backpacks and camp in the back country. Horseback riding and bicycling
are popular, too. Many visitors join park rangers on guided walks,
talks, and campfire/slide programs. During summer, kids from ages
6-12 can join in the Junior Ranger Program at the Zion Nature
Center.
Park Rules and Regulations
This is your national park. Please help us to preserve and protect
it so that future generations may enjoy it, too. We ask that you
follow these regulations:
- Free permits are required for overnight back country use.
- Pets must be leashed and are not allowed in the backcountry, public
buildings, or on trails.
- Motorized vehicles and bicycles must stay on established roads.
- Do not feed or molest wildlife or remove or otherwise disturb
any natural feature.
- Wood gathering is not permitted in the park.
- In an emergency, contact any ranger or call 1-435-722-3322 or
911
For More Information
- Contact
- Zion National Park
- Springdale, Utah 84767
- Telephone: 435-772-3256
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