Information: (435) 772-3256
Entrance Fee: $25.00 per private vehicle

Zion is most easily experienced from the bottom up. In sheer magnitude and color, Zion is very likely one of the most awe-inspiring National Parks in the world with the annual number of visitors ranging over 2.5 million.

Throughout the park iron oxide has colored the sandstone a myriad shades of red, while more natural white or ochre hues have remained in various sections and layers. Water flow from rain, and river has etched through the rock and created deep chasms of twisted and convoluted mass. During storms, large boulders and trees crash down these canyons more rapidly eroding the deepening gorges. Collecting rains on Zion's massive plateaus rage to central gathering points and gush over precipices descending hundreds and sometimes one-thousand feet in awe-inspiring waterfalls, disappearing within minutes of the conclusion of a storm. Elevations in the Park range from 4,000 feet in the valley floors to nearly 9,000 feet at the highest points. Rock climbers and hiking enthusiast from around the world come here to experience the vertical climbs and zig-zagging trails which ascend to pinnacles, domes, arches and spires. The upper layers of porous sandstone allow water to seep thousands of feet through the rock, but the more dense lower layers force the water to exit and pour down the faces of sheer walls. Where the water leaves the rock, hanging gardens and natural stains line the walls, creating a tropical paradise in the midst of the otherwise arid desert surroundings.

Main Canyon:
This is the main and most popular section of the park. The visitor center and lodge are found in this part of the park. Popular trail-heads for Weeping Rock, Emerald Pools, Angels Landing, The Narrows, etc. are all found in this area.

Wildlife & Biology:
Skunks, ring-tailed cats, kangaroo rats, deer and big-horned sheep are just some 75 species of mammals visible with the park. Peregrine falcons, eagles, wild turkeys, owls and quail are found in the canyons along with 265 other types of birds. You'll also find a large variety of reptiles on land, along with 8 different fish in the waters of Zion. The great variations of elevations, and formations create very diverse environments and with nearly 800 native species of plants, Zion has the greatest botanical diversity in all of Utah.

Zion Narrows:
Perhaps the most famous and one of the most challenging areas of the park is an area referred to as the "Narrows". The Virgin River gathers its waters from several northerly tributaries all of which continue to carve deep gorges in the sandstone. Intrepid hikers may follow the river's path, but plan on walking through water most of the day. The full length of the main "Narrows" canyon is a 12.5 mile trek.

For a good look at the narrows, without the major commitment, drive to the Temple of Sinewava at the top of the main canyon, park your car, and walk the 1-mile path to what is essentially the kick-off point for going up the narrows. Group sizes are limited in the Narrows and other specific areas of the park.