General
Zion National Park questions and answers
What are the operating hours
and seasons Zion National Park is open and what's
the best way of
getting there?
During summer months, the
visitor centers are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Spring, fall and winter hours are shortened. Visitor centers are
closed on December 25.
You can call for updates at
435-772-3256.
As far as getting there:
By Plane:
The closest
major airport is Las Vegas International, 150 miles from the park. There
is a
smaller airport in St. George, UT, 46 miles (74.1 km) from
the park.
By 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 the 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.
What activities are there to do
in Zion?
Hiking - Zion offers many
trails ranging from short "leg-stretcher" walks to strenuous
adventures.
Wildflowers & Fall Colors - A variety of life
zones and habitats makes Zion an excellent
location for
wildflower walks in spring and brilliant leaf color in
autumn.
Photography - Zion offers the photographer many opportunities
to explore color, texture,
and light.
Birdwatching - Zion is
home to 271 species of birds. Bird checklists are available at the
visitor centers.
Bicycling - The Pa'rus Trail offers a paved,
car-free alternative for bicyclists to connect
with the Zion
Canyon Scenic Drive. Shuttle buses are equiped with bike
racks.
I'm coming with my kids, what
kind of thing would be fun for them to do?
The Zion Junior Ranger Explorer
program is offered for kids ages 6 to 12 during the
summer
months. The activities are created and presented with a young person's
level of
learning and interest in
mind.
How does Zion compare to other
National Parks?
Zion is one of the most
beautiful and awe-inspiring places on the face of the earth (but
then again I'm a bit partial). Unlike the Grand Canyon, where
visitors enter at the rim and
look down, in Zion you enter at the
base and look up at incredible colorful stone look
mountains.
mountains.
look down, in Zion you enter at the base
and look up at incredible colorful stone
mountains.
Where should I stay overnight
when I come to Zion?
For an unforgettable vacation,
stay at the lodge inside the Park, although there are also
some
nice places to stay in nearby Glendale. If you're looking for
popular chain hotels, I
suggest St George Utah which is around an
hour away.