Zion National Park

- The park has endangered peregrine falcons nesting in the park.

- Zion was set up as a National Monument in 1909.

- It was designated a National Park in 1919.

- The Kolob Canyons contain the world's largest natural arch, Kolob Arch.

- Zion Canyon is 15 miles long, as much as 1/2 mile wide, and as little as 20-30 feet wide.

- Humans inhabited Zion as far back as 8000 years ago.

- European settlers first came to the park in 1776.

- Mormon farmers were the first Europeans to inhabit the park in 1847.

- The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel was constructed by 1930, making the park much more accessible and visited.

- 90 million years ago, the park was underwater and has shifted over time to where it currently is located through plate tectonics.

- Zion is part of the massive Grand Staircase of the southwest.

- The east entrance of Zion is only 72 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park.

The North Fork of the Virgin River in Zion

Zion lies at the merging of three dry desert zones of southern Utah, which means its hot in the summer, and very cold in the winter. Most people agree, that the most scenic times of year in the park are spring and fall. The spring foliage offers vibrant yellows and greens against the striking earth tones of the valley walls, and cool, comfortable temperatures for hiking. The Virgin River is also heavier during this time of year.

The fall months at Zion are also cool, but dry, and the autumn foliage hits peak. Fall foliage hits early in late September here, and you'll also miss those crowds. Past October, and you can expect a possible snowstorm in Zion. The contrasting colors of the old trees of Zion against the flowing Virgin River and the dark reds and browns of the canyon will stick in your brain forever. The best time of year to visit the Narrows area of Zion is also in early fall/late summer, when the Virgin River has finally died down and is able to be hiked. You can read more about the best time of year to visit Zion on this thread on Trip Advisor.

Zion Narrows
The Narrows section is one of America's greatest hikes. Is it THE greatest? Find information on this extraordinary hike through Zion here.

Zion Narrows Photos
Photos of the beautiful Narrows, which shows off the gorge walls and uniqueness of it.

NPS.gov Narrows Page
Find out where to hike, when to hike, and more about the hanging gardens, skinny gorges, and spectacular grottos of the Narrows.

The Narrows on Wikipedia
All of the general technical stuff about the Narrows section, generated by the Wikipedia contributors.

The 3 Ways to Hike the Narrows
The three ways that you can visit the Narrows, which are bottom up, top down, and top down overnight, according utah.com.

Zion has great accomodations around the park, and just one in the park. All of these hotels have decent reviews from customers. Most of these hotels are also an easy bus ride into the closeby park. The lodging in Springdale, UT, in particular, is very close to the park entrance, and has some spectacular views even outside the park.

Cliffrose Lodge
I've stayed at Cliffrose Lodge and was impressed with the botanical gardens and serene canyon atmosphere! The backyard is a huge oasis of manicured lawn, trees, and gardens, along with the beautiful pool area. It's also very conveniently located to Zion, just a few minutes down the road.

Pioneer Lodge
The Pioneer Lodge has a great restaurant on location, which has great reviews, along with the hotels. Guests love the hotel for its extraordinary views of Zion, the convenience and proximity to the park, and the clean, comfortable rooms.

Bumbleberry Inn
The great rooms at Bumblerry Inn are quiet, serene, and close to the park. Located in Springdale, this area has much to do after your long days of hiking and sightseeing in the Canyon.

Zion National Park Lodge
The only accomodations within the park. Remember, it's location, location, location! While this lodge may not be all that fancy, you'll have all day and night to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Zion.


Best Western East Zion Thunderbird Lodge, Orderville,UT

Just around 7 miles from the park entrance in Orderville on Highway 89, you can find the conveniently located Best Western Thunderbird.


Quality Inn At Zion Park

Located just 1/2 mile from the park entrance, this clean and dependable hotel also affords the dramatic scenery leading into Zion all around you.

Flanigans Inn
A year round eco resort with a classic park lodge atmosphere, the on site Spotted Dog Cafe is a great place to dine and unwind (there was a really interesting menu when I visited!).


Days Inn Hurricane/Zion National Park Area, Hurricane,UT

The Days Inn in Hurricane offers a budget friendly alternative, around 20 miles from the park, which lies to the east.

Majestic View Lodge
Another prime location in Springdale, right outside the park, with a steakhouse and gift shop right on site!


More Zion National Park Hotels

Find more lodging and accomodations in the Zion area.

Bryce Canyon National ParkBryce Canyon is located in the southwestern portion of Utah, and is home to the famous red and white hoodoos spire formations, with remarkable hiking trails and scenic opportunities.

Capitol Reef National ParkA 70 mile wrinkle in the earth's crust resulted in the massive Capitol Reef area and National Park. Giant sandstone domes line the tops of this beautiful Utah plateau.

Canyonlands National ParkWind and water carved stone resulted in the area near Arches known as Canyonlands. The area boasts impressive, wide canyons, unique desert wildlife, and unmatched hiking.

Zion National ParkThe majestic Zion region has been eroded over time by the Virgin River, which slims down to the challenging hiking area of the Narrows.

Mesa Verde National ParkRemnants of a long lost culture can be found in the Colorado ruins of Mesa Verde National Park. Visit to gaze upon the incredible Puebloan Cliff Palace and ancient petroglyphs.

Monument ValleyDeep in the four corners region of the southwest is the often filmed Monument Valley reservation area. Now under the rule of the Navajo tribe, the area is open for touring, hiking and photography.

Arches National ParkSee the most natural sandstone arches anywhere in the world in Arches National Park of Moab, Utah. Erosion has left thousands of these unique stone structures standing in the park.

Black Canyon of the GunnisonDeep, black canyons leave a lasting impression in Colorado's Black Canyon of the Gunnison, with an impressive 2700 foot drop over into the Gunnison River.

Great Basin National ParkGreat Basin National Park contains the beautiful underground Lehman's Cave, and the mammoth peak of Mount Wheeler. Hike the area from its 13,000 feet peak, to beneath the earth's surface.

The Grand CanyonThe Grand Canyon is one of the wonders of the world, with an unforgettable hiking, photography, and road trip experience.