The Zion Vacation Homes are just a minute
away from the East entrance of Zion National Park.
For suggested Itineraries for Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Grand Staircase - Click Here

Zion is an ancient Hebrew word that means place of peace and refuge. As you visit the silent grandeur of Zion's beautifully sculptured canyons, soaring cliffs and breathtaking landscapes you will agree that Zion National Park certainly lives up to its name. The Parks earliest inhabitants were the Anasazi who lived in the area about 2000 years ago. Around 800 years ago the Paiutes began to inhabit Zion, then in the 1860's the first group of Mormon Pioneers arrived to settle the area. In 1909 the park was established as Mukutuweap National Monument and was later expanded to its present day size of 229 square miles and renamed Zion National Park. Zion, with its endless opportunities for enjoying and exploring nature, receives around three million visitors each year.

Zion is best known for its stunning rock formations and is home to Kolob Arch, which spans 310 ft. and is the world's largest arch. Zion is also famous for its incredible slot canyons such as The Narrows, which attracts hikers form all around the world. Zion National Park's elevation ranges between 3,666 ft. at Coal Pits Wash in the southwest corner to 8,726 ft. at Horse Ranch Mountain in the Kolob Canyons. The Park is located at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin and Mojave Desert. This unique geography creates a variety of life zones within the Park and provides Zion with an unusual diversity of plant and animal life. Zion boasts the richest diversity of plants in all of Utah, with over 800 native species.

Zion National Park is also close to these other destinations: Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Grand Staircase.

Zion National Park Entrance Fees

• Entrance $20 per vehicle, good for 7 days at Zion National Park only.
• Individual $10 per person, not to exceed $20 per family, good for 7 days at Zion National Park only.
• Annual Pass $40 good for one year at Zion National Park only.
• National Parks Pass $50, good for entrance for one year to all units of the National Park System.
• Golden Eagle $65, good for entrance for one year in all federal fee areas.
• Golden Age $10 lifetieme pass for US citizens 62 or older.
• Golden Access Free lifetime pass for US citizens who are permanently disabled.

Commercial Tour Vehicle Fees
There is a fee for comercial tours. 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
The Zion - Mt. Carmel tunnel runs between the East Entrance to the park and Zion Canyon. Vehicles 7'10" (2.4m) wide or 11'4" (3.4m) high, or larger, are required to have an escort through the tunnel. (Mostl RV's, buses, trailers, 5th wheels, boats, as well as some camper shells will require an escort.) The escort fee is $10 per vehicle. You will not actually follow an escort, rather, the oncoming traffic will be stopped, allowing you to drive through the middle of the tunnel. Vehicles over 13'1" tall, semitrucks, vehicles weighting more than 50,000 lbs or measuring over 40 ft., bicycles and pedestrians are prohibited in the tunnel.

Shuttle
Because more than 2 million people visit Zion Canyon each year, the shuttle system was established to help eliminate traffic and to restore tranquility to the park. Riding the shuttle is a free and fun way of visiting the sights of Zion Canyon. Shuttles operate from late March through October, during this time private cars are not allowed to drive through Zion Canyon (other roads of the park remain open to private vehicles). Shuttles operate daily from 6:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. A complete round trip along Zion Canyon will take a minimum of 90 minutes, but you can get on and off as often as you like, to take pictures and enjoy the views. For a day trip on the shuttle, take with you water, snacks, sunscreen and/or sunglasses, wear good walking shoes, and don't forget your camera!

Local Activities

Entertainment

Other National Parks