Planning a trip to Zion National Park?
Located at the visitors center in Zion National Park, The non-profit Zion Natural History Association (ZNHA) assists the National Park Service to enhance your Zion experience by providing you with travel information, interpretive resources, and on-site field experiences such as Zion Canyon Field Institute classes and Junior Ranger Programs. We also provide materials about Cedar Breaks National Monument, Pipe Spring National Monument, and other national parks.

Zion Books, Maps, and Guides
In addition to our bookstores in Zion Park, Cedar Breaks, Pipe Spring, and Kolob Section of Zion, we also maintain a complete on-line bookstore with all the latest books, posters, field guides, maps, videos, and ZNHA theme clothing, as well as games, puzzles, official Zion National Park pins, patches and collectibles. Every item in our catalog is in stock and ready to ship anywhere. Help us out by becoming a ZNHA member and get 20% off any order right now.

Special Zion Travel Planning Kit
One of ZNHA's popular items, this package includes a hand-picked selection of Zion books, travel brochures, Zion National Park maps and guides to help you plan your National Park adventure. Package details

New! Zion Hiking Trails Video Watch a free video clip from Adventure Crossing's new DVD. Plan your trip with actual first person trail footage plus travel and lodging information. Watch free video now

Zion Travel Information Although Summer is Zion national park's busiest time, it's a wonderful time to discover Weeping Rock, Emerald Pools, and the cooler East Zion area. Long sunny days and clear blue skies are the norm. The Junior Ranger program is a fun way to get the kids involved in nature. The Zion Canyon shuttle system resumed season operation on March 31, 2008 and will continue through Fall providing a relaxed and informative way to see the park. Download PDF of Zion Park 2008 Summer Guide and Map. Click for entrance fee information. 

For additional information call 435-772-3256.

The Zion Canyon Shuttle System
The innovative and eco-friendly Zion Canyon Shuttle system has taken the automobile pressure off the park while providing a relaxing, informative, and quiet way to enjoy Zion canyon. Easily accessible from the Springdale hotels or the Park visitor center, the shuttle system makes it easy to see Zion Canyon at your own pace by allowing unlimited rides to and from anywhere in the canyon. The shuttle system operates during the peak season, between March 31and October 31, 2008. Click for current shuttle information.

You may drive your private vehicle through Zion Park on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway year-round, but during the shuttle season, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is accessible by shuttle bus only. It is easy to visit this part of the park by following these three steps:

1. Park Parking at the visitor center is usually full between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. To avoid parking hassles, leave your car in the town of Springdale and ride the free town shuttle to the park. Enter the park on foot at the Zion Canyon Giant Screen Theater. Tune your radio to 1610 AM for more information.

2. Plan Use the exhibits in the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to plan your visit based on your time (less than 3 hours or more than 3 hours) and your interests (sightseeing, hiking, and more). Check the schedule of Ranger-led activities and the park bookstore for maps and books to enhance your visit.

3. Ride Free buses run from 5:45 a.m. to 11 p.m. as often as every six minutes (check actual schedules when you arrive). Buses are fully accessible. Pets are not allowed.

The Mile-long Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel
An escort fee ($15) is required for vehicles 7'10" wide and/or 11'4" tall or larger to pass through the mile-long Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Ranger escorts are stationed at both sides of the Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel to direct traffic during the busy season from April 1st through late October. During winter you can arrange for oversize escorts at the entrance stations to the park. Escorts are usually stationed at the tunnel from 8 am to 8 pm daily but you should always check with the National Park Service for current fee information before travel.

Road Construction in Zion
The Federal Highway Administration in 2005 made substantial imporvements to the Federal highway through Zion National Park. At a cost of near $3 million, the roads provide better better travel through the park. In another year, after the road settles, it will be chip-sealed with red volcanic cinders returning it to its well-known and beloved color.

Zion National Park General Information and Services

Contacting Park Headquarters
Zion National Park Superintendent: Jock Whitworth
Mailing Address:
Zion National Park, Springdale, UT 84767
Web Site: www.nps.gov/zion
Park Headquarters: (435) 772-3256
Fax (435) 772-3426

Emergencies
For 24-hour emergency response, call 772-3322 or 911. Zion Medical Clinic is in Springdale, 772-3226, The nearest hospitals are in St. George, Cedar City and Kanab.

Accessibility
Restrooms, visitor centers, museums, and Zion Lodge are fully accessible. Several campsites are reserved for people with disabilities, and two trails are accessible.

PetsPets must be under physical control on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. They are not allowed in the backcountry, on trails, or in public buildings. Pets may be walked on the Pa’rus Trail. Boarding kennels are available in Rockville, Hurricane, Kanab, St. George, and Cedar City.

2008 Entrance Fees
Private Vehicle: $25 per vehicle, good for 7 days in Zion National Park.
Individual: $12 per person (pedestrian, bicycle, motorcycle, and organized group), good for 7 days in Zion National Park.
Zion Annual Pass: $50, good for one year from date of purchase at Zion National Park only.
Commercial Tours: Ask for rates.
Golden Age Passport: $10 lifetime pass for U.S. residents 62 or older.
National Parks Pass: $50, good for one year from date of purchase in all NPS areas.
Golden Eagle Passport: $80, good for one year from date of purchase in all federal fee areas.
Golden Access Passport: Free lifetime pass for U.S. citizens who are permanently disabled.
More entrance fee information

Camping
Watchman Campground
Open all year, sites are first-come-first serve November 1-March 13. Fees: $16 a night, $18 per night with electric hookups, $20 per night for river sites (half price for holders of Golden Age/Access Passports). Reservations may be made for Watchman Campground five months in advance for March 18-October 31; on-line at reservations.nps.gov, or call 800-365-2267.
South Campground
Open March 13 through October, sites are first-come-first-serve. Fee: $16 a night.
Group Campsites
Available March 18 through October 31 by reservation to organized groups of 9-40 people for $3.00 per person per night; 800-365-2267 or on-line at reservations.nps.gov.
Facilities
Restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, fire grates, dump stations.
Other Campgrounds
Private campgrounds with showers and hookups are available outside the park.

Fires
Fires are permitted in the fire pits at campgrounds and picnic areas. Bring or buy firewood; collecting is not permitted. No fires area allowed in the backcountry at any time.

Bicycling
–Avoid cars by riding the Pa’rus Trail. Watch for pedestrians and leashed pets.
–Park shuttle buses will not pass bicyclists, use turnouts to allow them to pass.
–Don’t pass a moving bus, the driver may not be able to see you.
–Use caution passing a stopped bus.
–Ride single file.
–Children must stay with parents.
–Please wear your helmet.
–Automobile rules of the road apply to bicycles.
–Bicycles are not allowed off roadways.
–Shuttle buses have racks for two bicycles.

Backpacking
Permits are required for all backcountry camping – there is a fee. Maximum group size is 12 people. Permits and hiking information are available at visitor centers. See the Zion Backcountry Planner for more information.

Climbing
Climbing on Zion’s sandstone requires appropriate hardware and technical skills. Climbing information is available at visitor centers. Some routes may be closed to climbing when Peregrine falcons are nesting. A permit (fee) is required for overnight climbs.

Horseback Riding
Guided trips are available March through October, (435) 679-8665. For private stock use, contact a visitor center.

Watercraft
All watercraft use in the park requires a backcountry permit. Permits are issued when the river is flowing in excess of 140 cubic feet per second. Inner tubes are not permitted at any time on any watercourse in the park.

Food Service
Zion Lodge Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Lodge café offers grab-and-go lunches. Dinner reservations are advised: (435) 772-3213.
Other Food Service
Restaurants are available in Springdale at the south entrance, and Mt. Carmel Junction and Kanab outside the east entrance.
Groceries
Grocery stores are available in Springdale and Kanab. There are convenience stores in Mt. Carmel Junction.

Zion National Park Lodging
Zion Lodge is located three miles north of the south entrance on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. It is open year-round. Zion Lodge has rooms, cabins, suites, restaurant and a gift shop. Reservations are recommended: Call 888-297-2757 or visit their website .

Other Zion lodging is available in the nearby towns of Springdale, Rockville, Mt. Carmel Junction, Kanab, and Cedar City.

Worship Services
Interdenominational services are offered at Zion Lodge and South Campground during the summer. Check bulletin boards for times. There is an LDS chapel in Springdale.

A Tribute to a Ranger