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Zion National Park
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The Ultimate Southwest Vacation includes Zion National Park, Utah!

Stay in Mount Carmel Junction, the heart of the parks, and visit the treasures of the Southwest.

Zion Park 12 miles
Grand Staircase 9 miles
Sand Dunes 11 miles
Dixie Forest 22 miles
Cedar Breaks 45 miles
Red Canyon 47 miles
Coyote Butte 57 miles
Bryce Canyon 60 miles
North Rim 85 miles
Toroweap 90 miles

In these pages you will find insiders information on Zion National Park lodging, adventures and hikes. This detailed guide includes road maps, park maps, pictures, trail beta, backpacking, history, fees, geology, flora, fauna, campgrounds, things for kids to do and even information on Zion's hidden treasures.

Making summer memories in the Utah National Parks and National Monuments.

Utah!

Zion National Park Map

Directions to Zion National Park
From Salt Lake City: Travel I-15 south, past Beaver. Exit on Hwy 20. Follow US-89 to Mount Carmel Junction. Take U-9 to Zion's east entrance.
From Arizona: Travel 89A through Fredonia, Arizona and Kanab Utah. Follow US-89 to to Mount Carmel Junction. Take U-9 to the east park entrance.
From Las Vegas: Travel I-15 north. Take exit 16 and travel through Hurricane. Make a right on U-9 at the second traffic light in LaVerkin. Continue on U-9 to the south entrance of the park. U-9 through Zion National Park is always open and is also called the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway.

Oversized Vehicle Information
Zion Canyon Shuttle Information

Zion National Park Animals

Birds in Zion National Park

The Red-tailed Hawk is the most common of the Hawks in Zion National Park and in the Rocky Mountain area. The American Kestrel is a small, pretty falcon common in Zion National Park. A few other interesting birds include the Western Kingbird, Hairy Woodpecker, and the Great Horned Owl.

The rare California Condor is among the birds found in Zion National Park along the Kolob Terrace and on Cable Mountain. This magnificent bird was known to the ancient ones as the "Thunderbird". This great bird is the largest of all land birds, sporting a wing span up to 9 1/2 feet. In 1980 there were only 27 left in the world. A few years later those that lived were bred and released and are alive and living in Zion National Park as well as the other National Parks and National Monuments in the Southwest Desert. Many Native American tribes saw the great Thunderbird as part of their religious beliefs. They believed that the Thunderbird consumes the souls of the deceased, then the great bird takes them to the Great Spirit's realm. The Thunderbird is also believed to eat the prayers of evil humans, taking them also to the Great Spirit, then the Great Spirit purifies and cleanses the devotees.

Thirty-two reptiles live in Zion, with only the Great Basin Rattlesnake being dangerous. When a Rattlesnake feels in danger it will vibrate its tail causing the horny segments to rub up against each other. The Western Rattler is rarely ever seen in the main section of the park, but they are common on some of the Kolob Canyons trails like Taylor Creek. This aggressive rattler is active both day and night. It gives a warning by rattling its tail, while holding its ground. If you confront one, remain still and let it retreat, then back away slowly. Reptiles are ectotherms, animals who's body temperature changes with the environmental temperature and therefore rest in the shade during the day to keep from becoming too hot. It is of interest how different reptiles will be present at certain elevations on the same trail. Lizards are the most observed animal in Zion National Park. The male Eastern Fence lizard is identified by the blue blotches on its belly and is common in Zion. Other common Zion Park reptiles are the Western Whiptail lizard and the Plateau lizard, these reptiles are identified by their long tails. These lizards are the common ones seen along the trails.

Some common amphibians found in Zion National Park include the Canyon Tree Frog, a small dusky colored frog which has a beautiful bird-like call that is heard in early spring. The Canyon Tree Frog is often heard along the Riverside Walk, Emerald Pools and at the end of the Hidden Canyon Trail. Another common amphibian is the greenish gray, nocturnal, Great Basin Spadefoot Toad. The tiny Red Spotted Toad is identified by reddish bumps on its skin. The nocturnal, northern leopard frog is identified by its back and forth movement, exhibited when startled. There are also eight species of fish in the Zion National Park area.

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Zion National Park

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Wonderful how completely everything in wild nature fits into us, as if truly part and parent of us. The sun shines not on us but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us, thrilling, tingling, vibrating every fiber and cell of the substance of our bodies, making them glide and sing. -- unknown Photo: Pine Creek Waterfall © Photography by Tanya

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