Zion National Park

Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is a stunning natural wonder known for its red sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and diverse ecosystems. Established in 1919, it covers an area of 229 square miles and is situated at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert regions.

The park's unique geological features were formed over millions of years through the process of erosion. The Virgin River, which flows through the park, has carved out magnificent canyons like the famous Zion Canyon, with its towering 2,000-foot sandstone walls. The park also boasts a wide range of ecosystems, from high plateaus to desert areas, supporting a remarkable array of plants and wildlife.

Zion National Park offers numerous outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Hiking is particularly popular, with trails ranging from beginner-friendly paths like the Riverside Walk to more challenging routes such as the Angels Landing or The Narrows, a hike along the river through a dramatic slot canyon. Rock climbing, horseback riding, and canyoneering are also available for adventurers seeking a thrill.

Apart from the natural attractions within the park, there are several nearby attractions worth visiting. Just a short drive away is Bryce Canyon National Park, famous for its unique geological formations called hoodoos. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is another spectacular destination providing breathtaking views and hiking opportunities. Additionally, the town of Springdale, adjacent to Zion National Park, offers a quaint atmosphere with shops, art galleries, and restaurants for visitors to explore.

In conclusion, Zion National Park in Utah provides visitors with an awe-inspiring experience amidst its majestic sandstone cliffs and breathtaking canyons. Offering a variety of outdoor activities and surrounded by other natural attractions, this park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Zion National Park is nestled in the southwestern corner of the state of Utah, USA. This magnificent park is situated within the grandiose region known as the Colorado Plateau, which stretches across multiple states. The park's awe-inspiring red rock formations, massive sandstone cliffs, and meandering rivers are set amidst the stunning backdrop of the southern Rocky Mountains. Enclosed within the boundaries of Washington County, Zion National Park covers approximately 229 square miles. The park's varied topography showcases valleys, canyons, mesas, and buttes, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Surrounded by the striking landscapes of the Great Basin, Mojave Desert, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Zion National Park stands as a captivating treasure in the heart of Utah's natural splendor.

Address & Contact

Zion National Park
1 Zion Park Blvd.
Springdale, UT 84767
Driving Directions
Phone: 435-772-3256
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Zion National Park would be in the spring, specifically April and May. During this time, the temperatures range from 66°F to 83°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, precipitation is relatively low with 1.1 in in April and 0.9 in in May. These months offer a balance between comfortable temperatures and lower visitor crowds, making it an ideal time to explore the park.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Zion National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Canyoneering Climbing Rock Climbing Hiking Front-Country Hiking

Topics

Learn about these topics at Zion National Park: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Architecture and Building Archeology Arts Industry Logging and Timber Cutting Laborer and Worker Native American Heritage Transportation Tunnels Tragic Events Floods Westward Expansion Cats (wild) Fish Tortoises and Turtles Canyons and Canyonlands Fire Fossils and Paleontology River and Riparian Rock Landscapes and Features Arches Trails Water Trails Unique Species Wilderness

Visitor Centers

Zion Nature Center

During the summer, come visit the Zion Nature Center! This is a perfect place to learn about geology, animals, and the history of Zion. Take a break from the sun to explore different habitats, enjoy bird songs, listen to canyon tree frog calls, and participate in Junior Ranger programs. The inside of the Nature Center has a variety of interactive exhibits, animal models, changing activities, and crafts. Park rangers host educational programs throughout the day.

Campsites within or near Zion National Park

Lava Point Campground

This campground is typically open May through September, as weather allows. Situated at 7890 feet above sea level, it is off the Kolob Terrace Road, 25 miles (45 minutes) north of the town of Virgin. It takes approximately one hour and 20 minutes to drive to the campground from the South Entrance of Zion Canyon. There are 6 primitive campsites available for reservations. The campground has pit toilets and trash cans, but no water. Vehicles longer than 19 feet are not permitted.
Fees (US$): 25.00 (Tent Only Campsite)
Total Campsites: 6
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

South Campground - Closed for Rehabilitation

South Campground is located near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, ½ mile from the South Entrance at Springdale, Utah. When open, tent, dry RV, and group campsites are typically available by reservation from March through October. All sites include a place for a tent or RV, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Reservations may be made 14 days in advance of your stay. Reservations are needed because the campground is full nearly every night during the reservation season.
Fees (US$): 35.00 (Tent Campsites), 50.00 (Group Campsites)
Total Campsites: 117
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Watchman Campground

Watchman Campground is located next to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, ¼ mile away from the South Entrance in Springdale, Utah. Tent and electric campsites are available year-round and group campsites are available from March through November. All sites include a place for a tent or RV, a picnic table, and access to a fire ring. All campsites in Watchman Campground require reservations year-round. Reservations may be made six (6) months in advance.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Electric Campsites (until July 3, 2024)), 20.00 (Tent Only Campsites (until July 3, 2024)), 50.00 (Group Campsites), 10.00 (Accessible Sites (until July 3, 2024)), 45.00 (Electric Campsite (starting July 4, 2024)), 35.00 (Tent Only Campsite (starting July 4, 2024))
Total Campsites: 176
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

South Campground

South Campground is located near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, ½ mile from the South Entrance at Springdale, Utah. Tent, RV, and group campsites are typically available by reservation from mid-March through October 31. All sites include a parking space, a picnic table, a fire ring, and space for a tent or RV/camper. All campsites in South Campground require reservations. Reservations can be made up to two (2) weeks in advance. First-come, first-served sites are not available.
Fees (US$): 35.00 (Tent Campsites), 50.00 (Group Campsites)
Total Campsites: 117
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Hotels within or near Zion National Park

Zion Campfire Lodge at Zion Park, Ascend Hotel Collection

With a stay at Zion Campfire Lodge at Zion Park, Ascend Hotel Collection in Springdale (Zion National Park South Entrance), you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Zion National Park and Zion National Park South Entrance. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, laundry facilities, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 479 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, Utah 84767
Web: Link

Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton

With a stay at Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton in Springdale (Zion National Park South Entrance), you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Zion National Park and Zion National Park South Entrance. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a computer station, and express check-in. Planning an event in Springdale? This hotel has 800 square feet (74 square meters) of space consisting of a conference center and a meeting room. A bus station shuttle is provided at no charge (available on request), and free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 281 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, Utah 84767
Web: Link

Cable Mountain Lodge

Located in Springdale (Zion National Park South Entrance), Cable Mountain Lodge is a 4-minute walk from Zion National Park South Entrance and 5 minutes by foot from Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Springdale? This hotel has facilities measuring 3500 square feet (325 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 147 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, Utah 84767
Web: Link

Desert Pearl Inn

Located in Springdale (Zion National Park South Entrance), Desert Pearl Inn is within a 5-minute drive of Zion National Park South Entrance and Zion Human History Museum. Featured amenities include a computer station, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 707 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, Utah 84767
Web: Link

Flanigan's Inn

Located in Springdale (Zion National Park South Entrance), Flanigan's Inn is within a 15-minute walk of Zion National Park South Entrance and Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and multilingual staff. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 450 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, Utah 84767
Web: Link

Zion Lodge - Inside The Park

Located in Springdale (Zion National Park South Entrance), Zion Lodge - Inside The Park is within a 5-minute drive of Emerald Pools and The Grotto Picnic Area. Featured amenities include a business center and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1 Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Springdale, Utah 84767
Web: Link

Novel House Inn

Located in Springdale (Zion National Park South Entrance), Novel House Inn is within a 5-minute drive of DeZion Gallery and Zion National Park. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 73 Paradise Road, Springdale, Utah 84767
Web: Link

Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites

Located in Springdale (Zion National Park South Entrance), Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites is within a 5-minute drive of DeZion Gallery and Zion National Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 668 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, Utah 84767
Web: Link

Harvest House Bed & Breakfast

Located in Springdale (Zion National Park South Entrance), Harvest House Bed & Breakfast is within a 5-minute drive of Zion National Park South Entrance and Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 29 Canyon View Drive, Springdale, Utah 84767
Web: Link

Adventures Camping Co

With a stay at Adventures Camping Co in Virgin, you'll be 7.1 mi (11.5 km) from Hop Valley Trail and 16.8 mi (27 km) from West Rim Trailhead North. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: Smith Mesa, Virgin, Utah 84779
Web: Link