Zion National Park

Zion National Park is located near the town of Springdale in southwestern Utah, just 104 miles from Page, AZ. Zion is a 229-square-mile (590 km2) park that features Zion Canyon, a 15-mile (24 km) long and 2,640 ft (800 m) deep canyon. Visitors enjoy hiking and exploring Zion Canyon with its reddish walls (much like Sedona, AZ) and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone. Navajo Sandstone, like at Antelope Canyon, erodes by rushing water creating slot canyons such as the famous Zion Narrows. Zion's location of being at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert regions allows for a variety of unusual plant and animal life and diversity. There is said to be as many as 289 species of birds, 75 mammals, and 32 reptiles a number of plants that inhabit the park's four life zones: desert, riparian, woodland, and coniferous forest.

Geology enthusiasts really enjoy exploring Zion and Kolob Canyons as the area displays nine formations that together represent 150 million years of mostly Mesozoic-aged sedimentation. Zion National Park includes mountains, canyons, buttes, mesas, monoliths, rivers, slot canyons, and natural arches making this one of the country's favorite national parks recreate.

Zion is one of the most visited parks in the country and it can feel like an amusement park at times. The peak visitor season is March from October. Parking lots get full by 10am most days, so parking in Sprindale and riding the shuttle or riding your bike into the park is highly recommended if you don't get an early morning start. November - February is less busy, but temperatures are much cooler. Exploration may be limited with less flora and fauna out and about, but Zion is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit. Just remember to pack some warm layers.

Zion Visitor Center Hours

Zion National Park is open year-round. There are two visitor centers that are also open throughout the year except for Christmas Day and a museum that is open generally only the summer months. At the visitor centers, you will find maps, brochures, and books available to help you enjoy your visit.

Zion Canyon Visitor Center:
  • Open: Daily
  • Closed: December 25
  • Spring: 8:00am to 6:00pm
  • Summer: 8:00am to 7:00pm
  • Fall: 8:00am to 6:00pm
  • Winter: 8:00am to 5:00pm
  • Zion History Museum
  • Open: Daily
  • Closed: December 25
  • Spring: 10:00am to 6:00pm
  • Summer: 9:00am to 7:00pm
  • Fall: 10:00am to 5:00pm
  • Winter: Closed
  • Kolob Canyon Visitor Center:
  • Open: Daily
  • Closed: December 25
  • Spring: 8:00am to 5:00pm
  • Summer: 8:00am to 5:00pm
  • Fall: 8:00am to 4:30pm
  • Winter: 8:00am to 4:30pm
  • Fees

  • Private vehicle (Includes all passengers): $35
  • Motorcycle: $30
  • Person entering by foot or bicycle: $20 (under 15 is free of charge)
  • Annual Pass: $80
  • 4th Grade Annual Pass: free
  • Military Annual Pass: free
  • Lifetime Senior Pass (62 and older): $80
  • Annual Senior Pass (62 and older): $20
  • Lifetime Access Pass (available for those with a permanent disability): free
  • Zion Annual Pass (Zion only): $50
  • Permits

    The following activities require a wilderness permit
  • Narrows (top-down)
  • Subway (top-down & bottom-up)
  • Overnight backpacking
  • Canyoneering
  • Climbing
  • If you want to stay in Zion National Park, then Springdale is your best option. It is located at the gates of Zion with shuttle stops on nearly every corner that will take you into the park itself. Visitors can find lodging options ranging from quaint bed & breakfasts to budget hotels, camping, and more. Other towns that serve as Zion lodging include Mount Carmel, Kanab, St. George, and Page. Take a look at some more Zion hotel and lodging options.


    Zion Hotels, Tours & Things to Do

    Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites

    The Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites is located just outside the Zion National Park. We are within walking distance to the park, restaurants and shopping. Right outside the driveway is a bus stop for the free shuttle service into the park and around town. The hotel is surrounded
    The Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites is located just outside the Zion National Park. We are within walking distance to the park, restaurants and shopping. Right outside the driveway is a bus stop for the free shuttle service into the park and around town. The hotel is surrounded by mountains and tucked back away from the main road.

    East Zion Experiences ATV Slot Canyon Tour

    Explore the slot canyons of East Zion on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV( during this adventure tour. With a guide in the lead to provide navigation, instruction, and supervision, even beginners can enjoy this experience. Riding an ATV allows you to get further into the canyons than you would
    Explore the slot canyons of East Zion on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV( during this adventure tour. With a guide in the lead to provide navigation, instruction, and supervision, even beginners can enjoy this experience. Riding an ATV allows you to get further into the canyons than you would on foot; be sure to bring a camera for frame-worthy photos.

    La Quinta at Zion Park

    The newly built Country Inn & Suites® by Raddison is conveniently located just off Highway 89, offers modern rooms and suites near the southern shores of Lake Powell. Our 92 guest rooms feature a coffeemaker, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi with complimentary hot breakfast, a fitness room and
    The newly built Country Inn & Suites® by Raddison is conveniently located just off Highway 89, offers modern rooms and suites near the southern shores of Lake Powell. Our 92 guest rooms feature a coffeemaker, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi with complimentary hot breakfast, a fitness room and pool. Meeting rooms and family suites with extra sofa beds available.

    3-Day National Parks Tour: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley and Grand Canyon

    A 3-day, 2-night excursion set among the incredible national parks and desert landscapes that populate the region. Check out Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks before heading to the Grand Canyon, with an optional helicopter flight. Then visit Monument Valley for a Jeep tour led by a Nava
    A 3-day, 2-night excursion set among the incredible national parks and desert landscapes that populate the region. Check out Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks before heading to the Grand Canyon, with an optional helicopter flight. Then visit Monument Valley for a Jeep tour led by a Navajo guide. This outdoor adventure includes transport, choice of camping or lodging accommodations, entrance fees.

    East Zion: Full-Day Canyoneering Adventure

    Canyoneering is one of our most unique activities, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Zion National Park area holds some of the world's premier canyoneering opportunities. This thrilling activity combines climbing, hiking, and rappelling; it gives you the ability to explore stun
    Canyoneering is one of our most unique activities, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Zion National Park area holds some of the world's premier canyoneering opportunities. This thrilling activity combines climbing, hiking, and rappelling; it gives you the ability to explore stunning slot-canyons that have been carved by water and wind. Exploring the Slot-Canyons of Southern Utah is a unique experience, but only one click away for you!

    Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Zion National Park 3-Day Tour

    See popular highlights of the Southwest on a 3-day national parks tour from Las Vegas. Discover the amazing landscapes of Zion National Park and visit Grand Canyon National Park, where you can hike, walk along the South Rim or go on an optional helicopter ride. You'll also experience a Nav
    See popular highlights of the Southwest on a 3-day national parks tour from Las Vegas. Discover the amazing landscapes of Zion National Park and visit Grand Canyon National Park, where you can hike, walk along the South Rim or go on an optional helicopter ride. You'll also experience a Navajo-guided Jeep tour of Monument Valley. Take an optional tour of Antelope Canyon and see Horseshoe Bend. Hear insightful commentary from your knowledgeable guide with transportation by air-conditioned minibus, select meals and entrance fees included. This small-group tour is limited to 14 people for a more intimate experience. New Private Tour Option- Purchase 5 seats and have a fully private tour with selected ticket type Hotel option.

    Bumbleberry Inn

    Bumbleberry Inn at Zion National Park offers great amenities such as our in ground hot tub, heated outdoor pool, large grassy property perfect for your family vacation. If you are planning a visit to Zion National Park, then Bumbleberry Inn is your choice for lodging in Springdale, Utah. G
    Bumbleberry Inn at Zion National Park offers great amenities such as our in ground hot tub, heated outdoor pool, large grassy property perfect for your family vacation. If you are planning a visit to Zion National Park, then Bumbleberry Inn is your choice for lodging in Springdale, Utah. Guests can use the free shuttle service to ride throughout town and into Zion National Park.

    East Zion: Half-Day Canyoneering Tour

    Adventure-seeking travelers won’t want to miss the chance to go canyoneering through some of the most amazing slot canyons in Zion National Park. Your guide will keep you safe as you navigate your way through the canyons of red rock, rappelling down some cliffs as high as 100 feet. Learn a
    Adventure-seeking travelers won’t want to miss the chance to go canyoneering through some of the most amazing slot canyons in Zion National Park. Your guide will keep you safe as you navigate your way through the canyons of red rock, rappelling down some cliffs as high as 100 feet. Learn about the geology of the area as you go. This tour lasts about five hours.

    Peekaboo Slot Canyon

    We are the 6th generation of (LOCAL) tour guides in Kanab. We have a love and passion for our area. We know all the secret places and hidden gems and love what we do. We have an open-air truck for extra room and safety.

    Great Chamber Tour

    Tour with a local. This is a hidden gem that you can experience with us. This alcove is huge and has an incredible sand dune hidden in a cove. The magically unspoiled views alone make it a worthwhile adventure. It's a 1.5 miles round trip hike on rocky uneven terrain and lots of sand.

    SpringHill Suites by Marriott

    The award-winning SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park offers a comfortable, elegant setting for travelers seeking inspiration, family adventure and relaxation. Our premier property is the sole Marriott in Springdale. Located only 1 mile from Zion's gate and a short distance fro
    The award-winning SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park offers a comfortable, elegant setting for travelers seeking inspiration, family adventure and relaxation. Our premier property is the sole Marriott in Springdale. Located only 1 mile from Zion's gate and a short distance from Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon North Rim, Lake Powell and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

    In the Spotlight

    MORE WAYS TO EXPERIENCE ZION NATIONAL PARK