Zion National Park
Overview
Within the 229-square miles of Zion National Park, you'll find high plateaus, a maze of narrow, deep, sandstone canyons, and the Virgin River and its tributaries. Zion also has 2,000-foot Navajo Sandstone cliffs, pine- and juniper-clad slopes, and seeps, springs, and waterfalls supporting colorful and lush hanging gardens. Follow the paths where ancient native people and pioneers walked. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, red, and pink that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Zion's unique array of plants, animals, and geology will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present day adventures.
To learn more about Zion National Park, visit www.nps.gov.
Local Info
Visitor Centers:
Visitor Center hours vary by season, with longer hours during the summer and reduced hours in the winter. For current operating hours, visit the park's website.
- Zion Canyon Visitor Center and Wilderness Desk
- Zion Human History Museum
- Kolob Canyons Visitor Center
Visiting Tips
Zion National is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Some services and facilities may close or reduce hours during parts of the year.
Fees & Passes:
To find more about park fees, click here.
Camping & Lodging
Zion has three campgrounds of varying size. Watchman Campground takes reservations from March through late November and can be made six months in advance online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. For more information and for a list of other nearby campgrounds, click here.
- South Campground: 127 campsites available on first come, first served basis.
- Watchman Campground: There are 176 regular sites and 6 group sites. Open year round.
- Lavapoint Campground: Six primitive campsites available on a first come, first served basis. Open June through October, weather permitting.
Additionally, the Zion Lodge is located three miles north on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Open year-round, the lodge has motel rooms, cabins, and suites available. Reservations are recommended, and can be made online at www.zionlodge.com or by calling 1-888-297-2757.
Food & Drink
Zion National Park offers two dining options within the park. Both are located at the Zion Lodge.
- The Red Rock Grill: Open year-round for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dinner reservations are advised spring through fall and can be made by calling 435-772-3213.
- Castle Dome Cafe: A seasonal snack bar, offering patio seating for up to 100 people. Open seasonally.
Other Activities
The opportunities to explore Zion are endless, and planning a trip to the park can be as challenging as exploring the park itself. Other great activities to check out while visiting the park include bicycling, canyoneering, bouldering, rock climbing, birding, horseback riding, and kayaking.
Zion National Park's 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs are world-renowned for their big wall climbs. Due to their difficulty, most routes in the park are not recommended for inexperienced climbers, but there are few top roping and sport climbing areas. Or for those looking for another type of adventure, explore the wilderness and solitude of Kolob Canyons or hike the Narrows or the Subway to experience the beauty of Zion. Also, be sure to check out the park's website for a list of things to do.
Maps & Guidebooks
To download a free park brochure or visitor guide, click here.
Recommended Routes in Zion National Park - 18
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Angels Landing
4.4 mi 7.0 km • 1,390' Up 423.64 m Up • 1,390' Down 423.61 m Down
The Narrows: Bottom-Up Route
5.1 mi 8.2 km • 305' Up 92.99 m Up • 305' Down 92.92 m Down
Observation Point
6.7 mi 10.8 km • 2,131' Up 649.48 m Up • 2,130' Down 649.21 m Down
Canyon Overlook Trail
0.7 mi 1.2 km • 101' Up 30.81 m Up • 101' Down 30.78 m Down
Hidden Canyon
3.2 mi 5.2 km • 859' Up 261.96 m Up • 859' Down 261.8 m Down
Riverside Walk
1.9 mi 3.1 km • 75' Up 22.91 m Up • 75' Down 22.91 m Down
Emerald Pools Out and Back
2.0 mi 3.3 km • 457' Up 139.35 m Up • 458' Down 139.63 m Down
Zion National Park Running
- 92 Miles 149 Kilometers of Trail
- 18 Recommended Routes
- 13 Gems
- 12 Easy Trails
- 28 Intermediate Trails
- 14 Difficult Trails
Areas Within Zion National Park
Weather Averages
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Trails in Zion National Park - 36
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1.8
mi
2.9
km
#1Watchman Trail
Springdale, UT
|
Springdale, UT | 95 | ||
0.8
mi
1.3
km
#2Lower Emerald Pools Trail
Springdale, UT
|
Springdale, UT | 82 | ||
14.7
mi
23.6
km
#3West Rim Trail
Springdale, UT
|
Springdale, UT | 54 | ||
0.2
mi
0.3
km
#4Weeping Rock Trail
Springdale, UT
|
Springdale, UT | 64 | ||
0.4
mi
0.7
km
#5Upper Emerald Pools Trail
Springdale, UT
|
Springdale, UT | 58 | ||
0.5
mi
0.8
km
#6Angel's Landing Trail
Springdale, UT
|
Springdale, UT | 37 | ||
3.9
mi
6.4
km
#7Left Fork (The Subway)
Springdale, UT
|
Springdale, UT | 28 | ||
0.6
mi
1.0
km
#8Kayenta Trail
Springdale, UT
|
Springdale, UT | 44 | ||
2.1
mi
3.4
km
#9The Narrows - Wall Street to Big Springs Route
Springdale, UT
|
Springdale, UT | 22 | ||
10.3
mi
16.6
km
#10East Rim Trail
Springdale, UT
|
Springdale, UT | 27 |
Photos of Zion National Park - 509
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