Zion
National Park
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Protected
within Zion National Park's 229 square miles (593.1 km)
is a spectacular cliff-and-canyon landscape and wilderness
full of the unexpected including the world's largest arch
- Kolob Arch - with a span that measures 310 feet (94.5
m).
Wildlife
such as mule deer, golden eagles, and mountain lions, also
inhabit the Park. Mukuntuweap National Monument proclaimed
July 31, 1909; incorporated in Zion National Monument March
18, 1918; established as a national park on Nov. 19, 1919.
ZION NATIONAL PARK - TRAVEL
BASICS
Operating Hours, Seasons
During summer months, the Zion National Park visitor centers are open daily from
8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Spring, fall and winter hours are shortened.
Some visitor centers are closed on some federal holidays.
Call our 24 hour number for current updates at 435-772-3256.
Getting
To Zion National Park
PLANE - The closest airport is in St. George, UT, 46 miles
(74.1 km) from the park.
CAR
- The Visitor Center at the Kolob Canyons entrance is accessible
from I-15, exit 40. I-15 passes west of the Park and connects
with UT-9 and 17 to Zion National 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.
PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION - Public transportation to the park is not
available.
Weather
& Climate
Be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. Temperatures
vary with changes in elevation and seasons. Day/night temperatures
may differ by over 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spring
weather at Zion National Park is very unpredictable. Stormy, wet days are common,
but warm, sunny weather may occur too.
Precipitation
peaks in March and September. Spring wildflowers bloom from
April through June, peaking in May.
Summer
days are hot (95-100 degrees F.), but overnight lows are
usually comfortable (65-70 degrees F.) Afternoon thunderstorms
are common from mid-July through mid-September.
Storms
may produce waterfalls as well as flash floods.
Fall
days are usually clear and mild; nights are often cool.
Autumn color displays begin in September in the high country,
and in Zion Canyon in early November.
Winters
in Zion National Park are fairly mild. Winter storms bring rain
or light snow to Zion Canyon, but heavier snow to the higher
elevations. Clear days may become quite warm, reaching 60
degrees F.; nights are often in the 20s and 30s. Winter
storms can last several days and cause roads to be icy,
especially on the east side of Zion. Zion roads are plowed,
except the Kolob Terrace Road, which is closed in winter.
Be prepared for winter driving conditions from November
through March.
Accessibility
Both visitor centers and Zion Lodge are fully accessible
to those with special needs. Several campsites in the South
Campground are reserved for people with disabilities and
three trails are accessible. Many interpretive talks are
accessible. The 1-mile (1.6 km) Riverside Walk, which begins
at the north end of Zion Canyon Drive, is paved and accessible
with assistance. The 2-mile accessible Pa'rus Trail was
opened in 1995.
Getting
Around
From April through October, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
is accessible by shuttle bus only. The rest of the park
remains open to private vehicles.
FEES/PERMITS
