Located in the southwestern corner of Utah, near Springdale, Zion National Park is a stunning display of soaring sandstone cliffs, dramatic slot canyons, and vividly colored rock formations interspersed with unexpected waterfalls, hanging valleys and jaw-dropping panoramas. Zion is part of the spectacularly scenic “Grand Circle,” which includes some of the world’s greatest concentrations of outstanding natural and cultural features including: Bryce Canyon in Utah, The Grand Canyon in Arizona, Chaco Canyon in New Mexico and Mesa Verde in Colorado. 

In addition to the unique geologic features, Zion possesses a rich diversity of plant and animal species, as well as one of the last mostly free-flowing river systems on the Colorado Plateau.The road into Zion Canyon is six miles long, and is accessed by a free shuttle bus from early April to late October and by private vehicles the other months of the year.

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Zion National Park Maps
• Area Map
• Zion National Park Map
• Backcountry Map
• The Geology of Zion National Park
• Stratigraphy of Zion NP
• Area Mileages
• Customize your Zion Map Scroll down to the bottom of the list to find Zion.
Check or uncheck the boxes on the right sidebar to add or delete features.

Coordinates:
37°18′0″N, 113°3′0″W

Google Earth - Get a bird’s eye view of Zion National Park . If you have Google Earth installed, you can double-click on the linked Placemark file and it will fly you to Zion. If not, you will need to install Google Earth first (available at http://earth.google.com).

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WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Native Americans and early settlers gave colorful place names to Zion’s unique geologic formations, such as the Temple of Sinawava, The Watchman, The East and West Temples, The Great White Throne, Angel’s Landing, The Court of the Three Patriarchs, Mt. Majestic, The Altar of Sacrifice, and others that are just as reverent.

Isaac Behunin, a Mormon pioneer and farmer, is credited with naming ZION, (Place of Peace) from a reference to a heavenly city in the Bible. But when Mormon leader Brigham Young paid a visit to the area in 1870, he was not impressed enough to allow such an earthly place to have such a heavenly name. So, in 1909, when President William Taft declared the canyon a National Monument, the Paiute name MUKUNTUWEAP (sacred cliffs) was chosen. However, locals continued to refer to the area as Zion, and in 1917 the name was changed to ZION CANYON. The name ZION NATIONAL MONUMENT was given in 1918.

In 1916, one of the great monoliths was named ANGEL’S LANDING when Frederick Fisher, a Zion explorer and Methodist Minister, looked up at it and exclaimed, "only an angel could land on it." Fisher also named THE THREE PATRIARCHS (Abraham-6990', Isaac-6825' and Jacob 6831'), as well as THE GREAT WHITE THRONE.  Fisher felt this magnificent white-topped monolith, which is now perhaps the most famous of all Zion National Park landmarks, was grandiose enough to symbolize the throne of God. The white flat mountain he saw to be the back of the throne; Angel’s Landing and The Organ symbolized the two armrests.

TEMPLE OF SINAWAVA: "Sinawava" refers to the Coyote God of the Paiute Indians.

Many Zion place names come from Paiute theology including MOUNT WYNOPITS (after Wynopits, the God of Evil) and MOUNT KINESAVA (after Kinesava, the Trickster).

WALTER'S WIGGLES trail was named after the first superintendent of Zion, Walter Ruesch, who helped engineer a series of steep switchbacks in 1925. 

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EASY WALKS

RIVERSIDE WALK - the Park’s most popular trail follows the pools and small rapids of the Virgin River up the dramatically narrowing canyon. High cliffs and abundant springs offer a cool, moist environment where a diversity of plants and small animals live. In summer, many visitors stop and soak their feet in the cool river.

Distance: 2 miles round trip
Time:  1-1/2 hours
Difficulty:  Easy
Trailhead: The 1.0-mile trail begins at the Temple of Sinawava Parking Area at the end of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.  It is a delightful walk during late afternoon or an early summer evening.

WEEPING ROCK TRAIL - A paved easy walk through mixed forest vegetation leads to a spring seep alcove, which nurtures lush vegetation. Continuous rain ''weeps'' from the ceiling of Weeping Rock above. Interpretive signs explain the natural history of the area. Ferns and flowers thrive in the west alcove, and the light rain falling from Weeping Rock feels cool and refreshing on a hot day.

Distance:  .5 mile round trip
Time:  25 minutes
Difficulty:  Easy but steep
Trailhead: Weeping Rock is found 4.4 miles up Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

MODERATE HIKES

HIDDEN CANYON - A water-carved gorge between Cable Mountain and The Great White Throne, the paved trail to Hidden Canyon is cut into solid rock in places, and climbs 1,000 feet. The trail features slick rock formations, sheer cliffs and narrow canyons and ends at the mouth of Hidden Canyon; you may wish to take more time and walk up along the dry streambed. Grottos and water-formed features decorate the canyon walls, including a small arch found on the right wall .5 mile upstream from the canyon mouth.

Distance:  2.2 miles round trip
Time:  3 hours
Difficulty:  Moderate, but steep.  This trail is not recommended for anyone fearful of heights
Trailhead:  Weeping Rock Parking Area

OBSERVATION POINT - The trail to Observation Point branches off the East Rim Trail, climbing 2,200 feet up to the top of East Mesa, ending at an overlook with views of the Great White Throne, Cable Mountain, the West Rim, Angels Landing and Zion Canyon.

Distance:  7.5 miles round trip
Time:  5 - 6 hours
Difficulty:  Easy but steep
Trailhead:  Weeping Rock Parking Area

ANGELS LANDING - This route climbs 1,500 feet over rugged terrain along a steep, narrow ridge.  Support chains are anchored intermittently along the route.  Highlights include spectacular views over sheer drop offs into Zion Canyon.
Caution: Footing can be slippery even when the rock is dry Unevenly surfaced steps are cut into the rock with major cliff drop-offs adjacent. Keep off when it is wet, icy or thunderstorms are in the area. Plan to be off before dark. Younger children should skip this trail; older children must be closely supervised.

Distance:  5 miles round trip
Time:  4  - 5 hours
Difficulty:  Moderately strenuous.
This trail is not recommended for anyone fearful of heights
Trailhead:Grotto Picnic Area, 3.2 miles up the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Cross the footbridge over the Virgin River and turn right.

THE MIDDLE FORK OF TAYLOR CREEK TRAIL - This is a pleasant walk along a little creek beneath the imposing cliffs of Tucupit and Paria Points looming 1,500 feet or more above. The trail ends at Double Arch Alcove.

Distance: 5.4miles round trip
Time:  4  - 5 hours
Difficulty:  Moderate; elevation gain just over 400 feet. 
Trailhead: Taylor Creek Trail Parking ( 2 miles east of Kolob Canyons Visitor Center) The trail immediately descends to parallel Taylor Creek, sometimes crossing it, sometimes shortcutting benches beside it.

BACKPACKING TRIPS

THE NARROWS - One of most outstanding hikes in the national park system, Zion Narrows is a dramatic slot canyon hike through grottos and narrow canyon walls that rise to over 2000 feet  The route is the river; there is no maintained trail

Distance:  17.3 miles
Time:  Two – three days
Difficulty: Strenuous.  Swimming may be required for short sections. It is not easy to turn back. Good planning, proper equipment and physical conditioning are essential for a safe and successful trip
Trailhead:  Chamberlain’s Ranch (Accessed by the dirt North Fork Road east of the Park) Camping is not allowed but hikers may leave their vehicles parked overnight
Transportation: Zion Lodge (801-772-3213) operates a shuttle service to Chamberlain's Ranch.
Trail end:  Temple of Sinawava
Hazards: Call the Zion Canyon Visitors Center (435) 772-3256 for weather conditions prior to the hike. The Zion Narrows is a slot canyon and like any slot canyon there is a very real danger from flash flooding. Do not hike this trail if it is raining. Remember a storm far off can trigger a flash flood. 
Best Season: Late June, early July and late September. Thunderstorms from mid-July through early September can cause dangerous flash floods. The water is cold the rest of the year but can be hiked in a wetsuit.
Reservations and Permits: Reservations are recommended. Permits are required.  Overnight trips originating from the Temple of Sinawava are not permitted.

LA VERKIN CREEK TRAIL TO KOLOB ARCH - Great campsites, the Kolob Arch, La Verkin Creek, Beartrap Canyon Falls and solitude are the highlights of this trail. (Beartrap Canyon falls is an extra 5 miles roundtrip.)

Distance:  14 miles, roundtrip
Time:  Two - three days
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead Lee Pass
Permits: Permits are required
Photo Essay

WEST RIM TRAIL - Highlights include incredible views and an amazing hike down into Zion Canyon .It is best done with a car shuttle starting from Lava Point, which is all downhill. At mile 9.8 is a 1/2 mile side trail up to Angel's Landing which is highly recommended.

Distance:  13.8 miles, one-way
Time:  Two days
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead Lava Point
Permits: Permits are required.

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Walking in streams:  Angle downstream; never fight the current. Use a hiking pole as a stable third leg. Pack belongings in sealed plastic bags for protection and flotation. Unfasten the waist strap while wading; a tightly fastened pack cannot be shed quickly and is dangerous if the current sweeps you off your feet.

Save on Park Entry Fees:  If you plan on visiting several National Parks throughout the year, save time and money by purchasing an Annual Interagency Pass which covers Entrance Fees or Standard Amenity Fees at sites managed by USDA FS, NPS, USFWS, BLM and Reclamation. The annual pass is available online at: http://store.usgs.gov/pass.

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Zion National Park weather is dependant on the elevation. The weather in Zion Canyon, at 4000', is hotter than the weather on the east side of Zion or in the Kolob sections.

WEATHER LINKS
Springdale, Utah Weather
Zion National Park Weather Click map to customize forecast to a specific area.
Zion Weather Cam

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Always hike with the 10 Essentials with a good quality backpack such as a Gregory Pack.  Like a good pair of shoes, a properly fit pack will be more than comfortable; it will disappear from your mind. Key fit features of a Gregory Pack include:

• Jet Stream™ Suspension System Light Weight, Comfortable and Cool, Superior Ventilation
  
• Response™ Suspension System Superior weight transfer
  
• Wraptor™ Stabilizer Alleviates pack bounce
  
• Exo-Frame™ Technology Bends with your body
  
• Adjust-A-Cant™ Waist Belt: Adjusts the waist belts angle and transfers the weight to the hips where it is most comfortably carried.
  
• Pre-Curved Waist belts: Waist belts are pre-curved to eliminate fabric wrinkles, or "hot spots".
  
• Auto-Cant™ Harness System: Adjusts the shoulder harness angle to eliminate chaffing and pinching on the shoulders and neck.
  
• Flo-Form™ II: Incredible comfort and long-term durability.
  
• Multiple Frame, Shoulder Harness, and Waist Belt Sizes: Custom fit to your unique shape. 

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Zion National Park Campgrounds

Zion Lodge—the only in-park lodge.

OTHER RESOURCES

Backcountry Planner

Internships in Zion National Park

Volunteer Opportunities in Zion

Zion National Park Job Guide

Employment - Zion National Park

Antique Postcards of Zion National Park

Photographic Tour of Zion

3-D Tour of Zion - Special 3-D glasses are needed for the full affect.

Web cam

American Park Network UTAH’S NATIONAL PARKS - FREE booklet available at all Adventure 16 stores.

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• Sudden changes in water clarity from clear to muddy (may be accompanied by floating debris)
• Rising water levels or stronger currents
• Build-up of clouds or sounds of thunder
• An increasing roar of water up-canyon
• Any deterioration (increasing clouds, thunder, etc.) in weather conditions

If you observe any of these signs, seek higher ground immediately and remain there until conditions improve. Do not try to beat a flash flood out of the canyon. If caught by flooding in an area with no high ground, try to take shelter behind a large rock that can break the flow of water and debris, or wedge yourself into a crack above water level. Even climbing a few feet may save your life.

Hypothermia: Cold water immersion can lower the body’s temperature to dangerous levels. Hypothermia may occur quickly without the victim's awareness. Signs of hypothermia:

• Uncontrollable shivering
• Disorientation
• Stumbling and poor coordination
• Fatigue and weakness
• Confusion or slurred speech

If hypothermia is suspected, stop hiking and immediately replace wet clothing. Warm the victim with body heat, a hot drink and pre-warmed sleeping bag. Shelter from breezes will help prevent further heat loss.

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Green Travel - tips and ideas for responsible travel

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Hiking, backpacking, and other wilderness activities, are potentially dangerous and unpredictable. Adventure 16 assumes no liability for injuries associated with the use of information provided on this site. The trails, activities and areas described on this site are to be used for informational purposes only and should not be your sole source of guidance. Always thoroughly research any outdoor area you plan to visit using various resources--including contacting local ranger stations--to obtain the most up to date information for your destination. Contact your physician if you are unsure about your health or physical abilities.