Zion National Park is a myriad of deep sandstone canyons, which extend over 30 miles from end to end and covers 229 square miles. The Zion Canyons were named by early Mormon settlers (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) and many of the formations in the park have names from the bible. The word "Zion" is from ancient Hebrew and means "A place of refuge or sanctuary."
The park was established in 1909 as Mukuntuweap National Monument and expanded in 1919 to Zion National Park. The park is composed mostly of sandstone stained by the oxidizing of iron in the rock. Zion National Park with its many canyons contains 75 species of mammals, 271 birds, 32 reptiles and amphibians and 8 fish in the streams and rivers, which have carved these canyons.
Protected within Zion National Park is a spectacular cliff-and-canyon landscape and wilderness full of the unexpected including Kolob Arch - the world's largest arch - with a span that measures 310 feet. Zion National Park is full of beautiful colors, scenery and wildlife. Wildlife such as mule deer, golden eagles, and mountain lions, also inhabit the Park. The sandstone which makes up most of the rock in Zion National Park was formed by the compacting of sand about 150 million years ago. This occurred when cementing properties of compounds such as calcium carbonate compacted the sand which covered the huge desert of the west.
Dunes were at that timed formed into the present day Navajo Sandstone. The next stage of creation occurred starting close to 4 million years ago when streams running of the Colorado Plateau caused the Virgin River to flood. As the river flowed through the current Zion, it eroded the rock away taking boulders, sand, and pebbles with it. Over time it formed, or rather carved the canyon we see today. Click here to see an itinerary for Zion National Park and other areas.
Zion National Park Entrance
Fee Rates:
$10.00 Single Person Entry into Zion National Park by foot, bicycle, or motorcycle
for 7 days.
$20.00 Single Vehicle Entry Valid at Zion National Park for 7 days.
$40.00 Zion National Park Pass Valid at Zion National Park for 1 year from month
of purchase.
$10.00 Golden Age Passport Lifetime pass, available to U.S. residents 62 years
old and over, valid at all Federal fee areas.
$50.00 Golden Eagle Passport Valid at all Federal entrance fee parks or areas
for 1 year from month of purchase.
Commercial Tour Vehicle Fees
Commercial tour fees are charged. Operators should contact the park at (435)
772-3256 for specific information on rates. Commercial tour operator’s
fee is based on bus capacity and ranges from $35 to $190
Tunnel
There are size restrictions on vehicles traveling through the 1.1-mile (1.7
km) tunnel on the Zion National Park - Mt. Carmel Highway (SR9). The tunnel
height at its east entrance is 11 feet 4 inches (3.5 m). A $10 fee may be required
for escort service for large vehicles through the narrow tunnel. Parking of
large vehicles is regulated in various locations throughout the Park during
the summer.
Zion
National Park Shuttle System
The Springdale Shuttle stops at six locations in Springdale. The Zion Canyon
Shuttle loop stops at eight locations in the park. Riding the shuttle is free.
The shuttle runs from April - October.
Where To Park
Avoid parking hassles. Parking is limited inside Zion. One may park in the town
of Springdale and ride the town shuttle to the park. Look for the ''Shuttle
Parking'' signs throughout town. If you are staying at a lodge or motel, simply
leave your car there and ride the town shuttle to the park. The parking lot
at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center commonly fills by mid morning. Tune your radio
to 1610 AM for additional information.
Take Your Time
Buses run frequently throughout the day, as often as every six minutes. You
do not need to rush to catch one. Take your time to plan your visit. Use the
exhibits outdoors and the information inside to make the most of your time.
Ranger presentations near the main shuttle stop are a great way to learn more
about the park before you ride the shuttle. The bookstore has maps and publications
that can augment your visit.
An oasis in the desert Pipe Spring was set aside in 1923 by the U.S. Government as a National Monument. The area surrounding Pipe Spring was once inhabited by ancestral Puebloan Indians and more recently populated by a band of the Paiute Indian Tribe. These people were the first to be drawn here by the four springs in the immediate area.
Later, Mormon settlers, attracted by and grasslands and available water called Pipe Spring home and established a ranching operation. At one time the grass in the area was said to have grown "belly high to a horse." Today, visitors can tour the remains of this Mormon cattle ranch established in the late nineteenth century. A fully furnished historic fort, Winsor Castle, allows visitors to step back in time and relive Mormon pioneer life.
Pipe Spring National Monument - Coral Pink Sand Dunes
PIPE SPRINGS NATIONAL MONUMENT
An oasis in the desert Pipe Spring was set aside in 1923 by the U.S. Government as a National Monument. The area surrounding Pipe Spring was once inhabited by ancestral Puebloan Indians and more recently populated by a band of the Paiute Indian Tribe. These people were the first to be drawn here by the four springs in the immediate area.
Later, Mormon settlers, attracted by and grasslands and available water called Pipe Spring home and established a ranching operation. At one time the grass in the area was said to have grown "belly high to a horse." Today, visitors can tour the remains of this Mormon cattle ranch established in the late nineteenth century. A fully furnished historic fort, Winsor Castle, allows visitors to step back in time and relive Mormon pioneer life.
CORAL PINK SAND DUNES
Coral Pink Sand Dunes is located eleven miles north of Kanab, Utah on US 89. This state park is open all year and is a wide-sweeping expanse of coral-colored sand. You can hike, take photos, camp, ride ATV’s and dune buggies, or just relax in the sand.
One of the favorite getaway spots for "the locals", Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a favorite spot for hiking and photography. Sunrise and sunset photography is simply spectacular here! The Park is open all year 'round, but spring and fall are the best seasons for hiking and photography.
For Off-Road Enthusiasts, there are 1,000 acres of play area, and hundreds of miles of trails in the vicinity of the Park. Since regulations concerning off-road vehicles are changing in this area, be sure to contact the Ranger Station for the latest news of open trails.
For Itineraries or on the links below to view other attractions: |
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