Zion

Bryce Canyon  •  North Rim Grand Canyon   •  Grand Staircase   •  Kodachrome   •  Pipe Springs

The entrance to Zion National Park is only 30 minutes from the Quail Park Lodge.  Travel north on Hwy 89, turn left on Hwy 9 located in Mt. Carmel junction.

 June 25, 2010

Changes in construction closure hours for the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway (Tunnel Road) project, all canyons and trails accessed from that road will be open every day. The previous schedule had these areas restricted Monday through Friday. Trail and off trail hiking opportunities accessed along the road will be available Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and at all times between Friday at 8:00 am to Sunday at 8:00 p.m.

All hikers must be back to their cars and moving out of the construction zone at 8:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday nights.

Advance reservations for backcountry permits in the area between the Canyon Junction and the park’s East Entrance will not be accepted for the duration of the construction. First come, first served backcountry permits will be available at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Permits will also be issued at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. These permits can be picked up on the day before, or the same day of the trip. Permitting procedures for areas outside the construction zone remain the same.

Due to construction parking, staging, and other activities, the number of people permitted to travel through the Pine Creek Canyon canyoneering route may be lowered at times. Construction closures should end by October 28, 2010.  

Updates on the availability of permits for canyoneering routes will be available on the park website at www.nps.gov/zion or by calling the backcountry desk at 435-772-0170. Road information is also available on the website or by calling 435-772-3256 (press 1, then 4).

Zion National Park History

By 1909, Zion Canyon was practically inaccessible to outside visitors; and while only a few had laid eyes on the towering cliffs, the country still understood its significance and established Mukuntuweap National Monument.  In 2009, National Park Service will celebrate the Nation's commitment to preservation and protection of the natural and cultural resources and providing visitor enjoyment in Zion National Park over the past 100 years.

For Pet Owners Did You Know?
Zion National Park has a trail where pets are allowed.  The Pa'rus Trail winds along the Virgin River for 2 miles at the entrance to Zion Canyon and is also a bicycle path

For pet owners, bringing your pet to a national park can be a planning challenge.

• Rules prohibiting pets on trails are in place for your pet's protection. Zion National Park is home to insects, poisonous plants and wild animals.
   
• Negitive interactions with other pets, park wildlife, and visitors are a major concern for park managers.
   
• The harsh summer heat found in Zion National Park can be life-threatening for your pet. Never leave your pet in a closed vehicle!
  
• Pets must be under physical control on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. They are not allowed on the shuttle, in the backcountry, on trails, or in public buildings.
   
• Service Animals are allowed on all of Zion's trails and shuttle and must be clearly identified as such.
   
• All pets are allowed on the Pa'rus Trail, located near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, but must be leashed.

 Utah's First National Park

Massive canyon walls ascend toward a brilliant blue sky. To experience Zion, you need to walk among the towering cliffs, or challenge your courage in a small narrow canyon. These unique sandstone cliffs range in color from cream, to pink, to red. They could be described as sand castles crowning desert canyons.

For addtional information visit:  http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/zion.htm

Visitors in 2009 (through August): 2 million

Zion's many multicolored canyons, mesas and towers frame its first-rate scenery. The park's most popular formation is Zion Canyon. Besides camping sites, Zion Lodge offers rooms, cabins, suites and a restaurant. From April to October, a free shuttle service whisks visitors on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

More info:

http://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm

Related:

In Utah near Zion, an animal sanctuary for people too
Make Utah's Zion National Park a snug winter retreat
Exploring the canyons & National Parks of the West