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
