Zion National Park

State: Utah. Type: national park spanning Washington, Kane and Iron counties in southwestern Utah. Established November 19, 1919 (originally Mukuntuweap National Monument). Size: 146,597 acres. Visitors: 4,946,592 in 2024, one of the most-visited U.S. national parks. Mailing address: 1 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, UT 84767.

Zion National Park protects Zion Canyon, a dramatic gorge up to 2,640 feet deep carved by the Virgin River's North Fork through nine rock formations spanning roughly 150 million years of Mesozoic sedimentation. Its towering red-and-tan Navajo Sandstone cliffs, including landmarks like Angels Landing and The Great White Throne, draw nearly five million visitors a year, making it one of the busiest parks in the country. Human presence in the area goes back about 8,000 years, and Mormon settlers arrived in the 1850s-60s; Isaac Behunin is credited with naming the canyon after the biblical place of peace. Elevations range from about 3,666 feet to 8,726 feet, producing a range of desert and highland habitats within the park. The park's main canyon is served by a free shuttle system for most of the year, and hikers come for trails ranging from easy paved paths to strenuous routes like Angels Landing and The Narrows, a slot canyon only about 20 feet wide in places.

Zion National Park sits in southwestern Utah across Washington, Kane and Iron counties. The main entrance and Zion Canyon Visitor Center are near the town of Springdale, Utah; Orderville lies to the east and Cedar City is near the separate Kolob Canyons entrance. Mailing address: 1 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, UT 84767.

Zion has very hot summers and mild winters with limited precipitation. Summer temperatures commonly reach 95-110°F in the canyon, while winter lows range from about 20-40°F. Flash floods are a real hazard, especially in narrow canyons like The Narrows, so checking conditions before hiking is essential.

Spring and fall generally offer milder temperatures than the intense summer heat and are popular for hiking. Summer is the busiest and hottest season; winter is quieter with cooler canyon temperatures and possible snow at higher elevations. Sources reviewed did not give a definitive single best month, so travelers should weigh crowd levels against temperature preference.

The area was inhabited by Native American groups for roughly 8,000 years before Mormon settlers arrived in the 1850s and 1860s; local settler Isaac Behunin is credited with naming the canyon 'Zion.' The federal government first protected the area in 1909 as Mukuntuweap National Monument, and Congress redesignated and renamed it Zion National Park on November 19, 1919.

Popular activities include hiking to Angels Landing (permit required) and through The Narrows slot canyon, riding the park's free shuttle through Zion Canyon, stargazing, and joining ranger-led programs. Trails range from easy, paved routes suitable for most visitors to strenuous, exposed climbs.

Key features include Zion Canyon itself (15 miles long, up to 2,640 feet deep), Angels Landing, The Great White Throne, The Narrows, and Kolob Arch, cited as one of the world's longest natural arches. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is the main hub for orientation and shuttle access.

Most visitors drive in via the town of Springdale, Utah, which sits at the park's south entrance; the NPS site did not specify a nearest commercial airport in the pages reviewed, though Utah's major national parks are commonly reached via regional airports in southern Utah or Las Vegas, Nevada, followed by a drive. Confirm current driving directions on the official NPS directions page before your trip.

The park operates year-round, though visitor center hours vary seasonally; check the official NPS hours page before visiting. The free Zion Canyon shuttle does not require a permit or reservation to ride.

As of research, standard entrance passes (valid 7 days) were: private vehicle $35, motorcycle $30, individual/pedestrian $20 (youth under 16 free). A Zion-only annual pass was $70; the America the Beautiful annual pass was $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for non-residents. Confirm current pricing on nps.gov/zion before visiting.

Many visitors spend at least one full day in Zion Canyon to ride the shuttle and hike a trail or two; multi-day stays of two to three days allow time for both popular and less-crowded trails, including Kolob Canyons.

Springdale, immediately outside the south entrance, offers a range of hotels, motels and vacation rentals within walking distance of the park boundary. Additional lodging options are available further out in towns along the approach roads. The park itself has campgrounds inside its boundaries; check nps.gov for current campground availability and reservation requirements.

Springdale has a range of casual and sit-down restaurants catering to park visitors, from quick-service cafes to full-service dining, given its role as the main gateway town. Additional dining options are available in surrounding southern Utah towns along the main approach routes.

Kolob Canyons, a less-visited section of Zion accessed from a separate entrance near Cedar City, offers quieter trails and views. Bryce Canyon National Park lies roughly 50 miles northeast at a higher elevation, and other southern Utah parks and monuments are within driving distance for visitors combining multiple stops.

The NPS pages reviewed did not specify a nearest commercial airport; visitors typically drive to Zion via Springdale from regional Utah or Nevada airports. Ridesharing and rental cars are the practical options for reaching the park itself, and the free in-park shuttle handles movement within Zion Canyon.

The park emphasizes that 'your safety is your responsibility,' citing hazards including flash floods, heat, and exposed cliff-edge trails like Angels Landing. Check weather and trail conditions before hiking, carry enough water, and avoid narrow canyons like The Narrows if flash-flood risk is forecast.

Sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), and ample drinking water are essential given the desert heat. Hikers attempting The Narrows should be prepared for wading in the Virgin River; layered clothing helps with temperature swings between canyon floor and higher elevations.

Ride the free shuttle rather than driving in Zion Canyon during the season it operates, since private vehicle access to the main canyon road is restricted. Book any required permits (such as for Angels Landing) in advance through the official NPS system. Arrive early to secure parking near the visitor center, especially during peak spring, summer and fall periods.

For emergencies, dial 911. For visitor information, call the Zion Canyon Visitor Center at 435-772-3256 (rangers respond 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mountain Time) or email zion_park_information@nps.gov.

Zion National Park (National Park Service) - https://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.