Zion National Park, National Park in Springdale, Utah
National Park

Zion National Park

Springdale · Utah

Overview

About Zion National Park.

Follow the paths where people have walked for thousands of years. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience the tall, stretching walls of a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present-day adventures.

Arts and CultureAstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse CampingCanyoneeringClimbingRock Climbing

Weather

Zion is known for a wide range of weather conditions. Temperatures vary with changes in elevation and day/night temperatures may differ by over 30°F. In summer, temperatures in Zion National Park often exceed 100°F/38°C. Zion experiences monsoons from mid-July into September that result in an increased risk of flash floods. Always be aware of the threat of storms and lightning and be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. Winters are generally mild.

Key Facts

TypeNational Park
DesignationNational Park

Official Website

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle$35.00

Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants to Zion National Park. Valid for 1-7 days.

Entrance - Motorcycle$30.00

Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

Entrance - Snowmobile$20.00

Admits one individual with no car to Zion National Park. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free. Valid for 1-7 days.

Entrance - Per Person$20.00

Admits one individual with no car to Zion National Park. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free. Valid for 1-7 days.

Entrance - Non-commercial Groups$20.00

$20 per person. Non-commercial vehicles with a capacity of 16 or greater. Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per person rate. Pass and photo ID must be present upon entry.

Gallery

Photos of Zion National Park.

5 images

Things to do

Discover Zion National Park.

A hiker in a blue shirt holds onto chains as they traverse a sandstone cliff.

Angels Landing

1-2 Hours

On and after April 1, 2022 hikers continuing to Angels Landing from Scout Lookout are required to have a permit, obtained on recreation.gov.

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Red sandstone slickrock dotted with green foliage with mountains in the background.

Canyon Overlook

1-2 Hours

Long drop-offs, mostly fenced. Rocky and uneven trail ends at a viewpoint for Pine Creek Canyon and lower Zion Canyon. To enter or exit the parking area just east of the tunnel, you must turn right. Parking is extremely limited, be prepared to try multiple times. Pit toilets are available in the parking area.

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Red-orange sandstone cliff-face with a rock climber in a helmet making his way up.

Climbing in Zion

Zion National Park's 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs are world renowned for their big wall climbs and adventurous nature. Most routes in the park are not recommended for inexperienced climbers due to difficulty and the soft nature of the rock. While areas outside of the park offer abundant sport climbing and top roping possibilities, this is rare in the park, with bolted routes often having sparse protection.

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A tan path crossing green grass into a stand of trees. A red sandstone mountain is to the left.

Grotto Trail

15-45 Minutes

The trail connects the Zion Lodge to the Grotto and is near the road most of the way. This trail is a great place to view wildlife. Restrooms are available at both the Lodge and the Grotto. When the shuttle is not in operation and the parking is full at the Grotto, this trail is a lovely alternate way to reach the Grotto.

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A set of red sandstone stairs lined with loose rocks and green foliage leads out of frame.

Kayenta Trail

2-3 Hours

The moderate, 2.0 mi (3.2 km) Kayenta Trail follows the Virgin River before ascending to the Lower and Upper Emerald Pool Trails. Provides panoramic views of Zion Canyon along the way. Long drop-offs are present along this trail. You can either return on the same trail, or make a loop using one of the Emerald Pools trails. Water and restrooms are available at The Grotto.

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Looking up at an orange-red sandstone arch on a cliff-face with clear blue skies overhead.

La Verkin Creek Trail to Kolob Arch

7-9 Hours

The La Verkin Creek Trail to the Kolob Arch allows hikers outstanding opportunities for solitude in a primitive area of Zion Wilderness. The trail begins at Lee Pass with stunning views of the Kolob Canyons as it crosses Timber Creek and continues to descend toward La Verkin Creek. After seven miles a spur trail leads hikers to a viewpoint where they can see the Kolob Arch.

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A waterfall flows off of a sandstone ledge into a pool below, surrounded by foliage.

Lower Emerald Pool Trail

1-2 Hours

Lower Emerald Pool trail is a rough, paved trail that leads through pinyon-juniper woodland to the Lower Emerald Pool and ephemeral waterfalls.The pools are fragile and an essential water source for wildlife. Do not go into the water. Connects to the other Emerald Pools trails and the Kayenta Trail. Avoid cliff edges. Swimming is not permitted. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Zion Lodge.

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A pool of green water on a sandstone cliff surrounded by green foliage with a mountain in the back.

Middle Emerald Pools Trail

1-2 Hours

Middle Emerald Pools Trail is a moderate hike along an unpaved sandstone ledge above the Lower Emerald Pool Trail. The initial ascent is quite steep, bringing you to expansive views of main Zion Canyon below. Further along the trail, tucked into the red sandstone of the mountain, enjoy the shade and flora of pinyon-juniper woodlands. The trail then descends to emerald-colored pools of water above the small ephemeral waterfalls of Lower Emerald Pool Trail.

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A tan, paved trail cuts through a meadow of yellow grasses toward a triangular sandstone mountain.

Pa'rus Trail

30-120 Minutes

Pa’rus is Paiute for “bubbling water.” The Pa’rus Trail follows the Virgin River and has some of the best views of the Watchman. The paved trail connects the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and Canyon Junction. It is accessible for wheelchairs, pets on leashes, and bicycles. Trailside exhibits cover a variety of subjects, including plant and animal life along the river, geology, and human history.

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