Zion National Park Information

Zion National Park will meet many of your vacation needs. If you are looking for relaxation, you will find that the scenery will inspire feelings of peace and reverence. In fact, “Zion” is an ancient Hebrew word that means a place of sanctuary, and this is why an early Mormon pioneer named Zion Canyon as he did. If you are looking for adventure, you will enjoy the many trails and opportunities to bike, float down the Virgin River, or ride horses throughout the park. Regardless of your reason for coming here, bring a camera – it’s gorgeous here! Arrowhead Country Inn is very close to Zion National Park. After heading south on Scenic Highway 89 to Highway 9 at the Mt. Carmel Junction you will turn right (west), and after 15 minutes you will reach the east entrance to the park. Vehicles need to pay a $25 entrance fee that is good for seven days. Or if you are planning to visit other National Parks in the area, such as Bryce and the Grand Canyon, or National Parks in your home area, you might want to purchase a National Parks Pass, which will be good for one year. You will find that there is much to do and see in Zion National Park. On the east end of the park, you will enjoy spectacular scenery like the Checkerboard Mesa. Throughout millions of years water and wind have etched a checkerboard pattern into this sandstone mesa, and you will see much more evidence that water and wind have played a major role in shaping Zion National Park. As you continue to travel along the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway you will see slick-rock country and travel through two tunnels. One of these tunnels is just over one mile long, and this stretch of road was considered almost impossible to build during its construction in the 1920s. The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway will take you to the mouth of Zion Canyon. If you are visiting the park during the summer, you will need to proceed to Springdale and catch a free shuttle for Zion Canyon since private vehicles are only allowed up the canyon during the winter months. However, you will enjoy getting some lunch in Springdale with its diverse restaurants that cater to visitors from all over the world. While you are in Springdale, you can also see “Zion Canyon: Treasure of the Gods,” a large screen movie at the Zion Canyon Giant Screen Theatre. In Zion Canyon you will find many things to do. Hiking is perhaps the most popular activity, and there are many different trails varying in length and difficulty level. For instance, families with small children will enjoy the 1.2 mile long paved trail to the Lower Emerald Pools because it ends at a beautiful small waterfall surrounded by hanging gardens. Many people come to hike the “Narrows” – slender canyons that usually have a river flowing through them at the bottom. This requires good, sturdy shoes that can get wet, and companies in Springdale rent out such equipment. However, be cautious when hiking the Narrows since flash floods are common when it rains in the vicinity. Others enjoy biking up the canyon, and bikes can also be rented in Springdale. Kolob Canyon also offers many activity options, and you must travel to Interstate 15 and drive north to access it. Other park highlights include The Three Patriarchs, Angels Landing, and the West and East Temples. Remember to keep an eye out for the BigHorn Sheep, Mule-Deer, Wild Turkeys and other wildlife that live in Zion. Regardless of how much time you devote to explore Zion National Park, you will not have a chance to see even a fraction of what is here.

December 2006 We've stayed at a number of Bed & Breakfast Inns over the years, but this was by far the best! The cabin was perfect for our family and we will be sure to pass the word on. Thanks Again - Jason & Natalie Earl, Santa Barbara, California July 2007 - Wonderful breakfast! Great view. Loved all the animals! The parks are great fun! Thank you for everything! - Fisher Famiy - Iowa November 2007 - Beautiful place! Great spot for our Honeymoon!! Thanks! - Mr. & Mrs. Hays November 2007 - We loved the cabin, the breakfasts, the proximity to all the sights - and of course, the hospitality. Thank you! - David & Louise Shearer - Maryland