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 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
Fees & Passes:
To find more about park fees, click here.
Camping & Lodging
- 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
- 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.
Outfitters, Tours, & Shuttles
Ranger-led programs are offered at Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyons from April to November. Topics include geology, plants, animals, human history, and more, and are designed to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of Zion National Park.
Free Shuttles:
During the busy season, two free shuttle buses run from early morning to late evening, as often as every seven minutes. Times and intervals change with the seasons. Current schedules are posted at each shuttle stop, at park visitor centers, and online at the park's website.
- Zion Canyon Shuttle: From April through October access into Zion Canyon is by shuttle bus only. The shuttle stops at nine locations in the park.
- Springdale Shuttle: Parking is limited inside Zion. Visitors can park in town and take the Springdale Shuttle which stops at nine locations in Springdale.
REI Adventures:
REI offers over 30 national park trips led by expert guides capable of taking you off the beaten path to discover hidden gems that many visitors never see.
Check out REI Adventures' national park offerings here.
Other Activities
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
Recommended Routes in Zion National Park - 13
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Zion National Park Hiking
- 197 Miles 317 Kilometers of Trail
- 13 Recommended Routes
- 13 Gems
- 11
Easy Trails
- 25
Intermediate Trails
- 12
Difficult Trails
Areas Within Zion National Park
Weather Averages
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Trails in Zion National Park - 35
Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Add Your Trails
0.5
mi
0.9
km
#1Kolob Arch Trail
Toquerville, UT
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Toquerville, UT |
4
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2.7
mi
4.4
km
#2Deertrap Mountain Trail
Springdale, UT
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Springdale, UT |
7
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1.1
mi
1.7
km
#3Hidden Canyon Trail
Springdale, UT
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Springdale, UT |
5
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0.4
mi
0.6
km
#4Observation Point Trail
Springdale, UT
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Springdale, UT |
12
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0.2
mi
0.3
km
#5Weeping Rock Trail
Springdale, UT
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Springdale, UT |
59
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10.9
mi
17.6
km
#6La Verkin Creek Trail
Toquerville, UT
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Toquerville, UT |
12
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4.0
mi
6.5
km
#7Connector Trail
Springdale, UT
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Springdale, UT |
3
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5.9
mi
9.5
km
#8Wildcat Canyon Trail
Springdale, UT
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Springdale, UT |
7
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1.1
mi
1.8
km
#9Northgate Peaks Trail
Springdale, UT
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Springdale, UT |
6
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6.6
mi
10.7
km
#10Hop Valley Trail
Toquerville, UT
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Toquerville, UT |
15
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Photos of Zion National Park - 492
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