ENTRANCES: Zion National Park is open year-round. There are three entrances: The east entrance can be reached by driving US-89 to the U-9/Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. The 1.1-mile long Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel opens to the Zion Canyon Scenic drive, which leads to some of the most popular landmarks in the park. The south entrance is accessed via Springdale. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center and Museum is located just inside the south entrance, and is open year-round from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (open later during summer; closed Christmas Day). The museum is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March through October. The Kolob Canyon entrance near the park’s northwest border is 18 miles from Cedar City; take I-15 to exit 40. Like the more-frequented east side of the park, Kolob Canyons has winding canyons and miles of trails, but is less crowded than Zion Canyon. The ten-mile Kolob Fingers scenic drive takes about forty minutes, winding through Kolob Canyon and ending at the Kolob Canyon Overlook. There is a visitor center near the entrance, but no other facilities or camping. The visitor center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed on Christmas Day. Kolob Canyon Road may be closed from November through mid-April.

FEES AND PERMITS:
Single Person (by foot, bicycle, or motorcycle): $12 for seven days
Single Vehicle: $25 for seven days
Annual Pass: $50, valid for one year from month of purchase
America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass: $80, valid for one year from month of purchase.

Permits are required for all overnight back-country hiking and camping, at a cost of $5 for up to twelve people.
There is a $10 escort fee for over-size vehicles traveling through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel.

GETTING THERE / HOW TO EXPERIENCE THE PARK:
Zion National Park is easily reached from Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and local communities. Visitors arriving by air can catch flights to major airports in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, as well as smaller air fields in Cedar City, St. George, and Kanab. Car rental is available by reservation at the airports.

SHUTTLE: In an effort to cut down congestion, park visitors are required to travel by shuttle bus during peak tourist season (April through October). Private vehicles are permitted the rest of the year. The free shuttle can be picked up in Springdale, and runs along the six-mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, stopping at all major trail-heads and landmarks. Guests staying at Zion Lodge during peak season may drive their private vehicles into the park as far as the lodge. ACCESS: The free Zion Map & Guide is available at park entrances and at the visitor centers.  Bicycles are permitted on established roads and on the Pa’rus Trail, however, riding through the Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel is prohibited. There are 70 miles of hiking trails in Zion National Park, for a variety of ages and abilities.

RECREATION AND ACTIVIITES:
Traveling the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive by car or bike leads to many of the magnificent landmarks and trails within the park. Hiking the trails offers the chance to enjoy the grandeur up close and personal—and maybe even test your limits. Whether you prefer taking a leisurely walk or venturing deep into the narrow slot canyons, Zion is a hiker’s paradise with more than 70 miles of diverse and well-maintained trails. With park elevations ranging from 3,640 feet to 8,726 feet, adventure-seekers can experience some of the most impressive rock climbing and canyoneering in Utah. Other popular activities include biking, photography, bird watching, horseback riding, and ranger-guided tours.

The adventure doesn’t end when you leave Zion National Park. Situated near the heart of the Grand Circle of national parks, monuments, and recreation areas along the Colorado Plateau, the outdoor recreational opportunities are limited only by your imagination and willingness to explore.  In addition to world-class hiking, canyoneering, and rock climbing, visitors to the area enjoy biking, horseback riding, Jeep and ATV tours, river running, wilderness and scenic tours, golf, theater, spas, and shopping.

You may click on the following links to view Zion National Park pictures, lodging, maps, activities, travel planning, and other general information.


Zion National Park is near cities such as St. George Utah.