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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
Plan your Zion National Park Vacation with our Utah Maps and
Information
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!
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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 Photo: There are many places in Zion National Park that are kid-friendly.
Kids often enjoy the hikes that are near the water such as Emerald Pools, Weeping
Rock and Riverside Walk.
Outings are so much more fun when we can savor them through the
children's eyes.
-- Lawana Blackwell
Fishing and Swimming
Fishing is allowed in Zion National Park's Virgin River for those with a current Utah fishing license. Swimming is also allowed in the river, but be careful where the current is strong. Currents around the rocks can pull a small person under the water. Tubing is not permitted in Zion National Park.
Kids stay free at the East Zion Thunderbird Lodge
Roads End Guided Tours
Take an outdoor adventure in a jeep! This group will take you to the incredible hidden treasures on the east side of Zion National Park. Visit East Zion and take a memorable trip into the hidden slot canyons in Mount Carmel. The East Zion tour guide will pick you up right at the East Zion Thunderbird Lodge, East Zion Riverside Lodge or East Zion Riverside RV Park.
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Kids in Zion National Park
The towering monoliths and sheer beauty of Zion National Park is apt to steal
the kids attention from the electronic world for a while. Nature fascinates kids
when it is combined with a little education and a lot of fun. Be careful not
to take children on hikes that are too demanding or even dangerous for them.
Below is a list of kid-friendly trails in Zion National Park that are not only
easy, but are fun.
Zion's Junior Ranger Program
The Junior Ranger Explorer Program is for ages 6-12 and runs from Memorial
Day to Labor Day. The opening day is May 29th and the Zion Nature Center will
be open until September 4th. Activities are centered around Zion National Park
and its unique environment. The Rangers at the Zion Nature Center will make learning
geology, botany, and zoology fun. Children are taught to respect and enjoy the
beauty of nature. Bring water and dress kids for outdoor activity since it is
an indoor and outdoor program. The times are 9 to11:30 am and 1:30 to 4 pm. A
parent or guardian must register children one half hour before the beginning
of the program. There is a fee of $2.00 per child, each year. The Zion Nature
Center is located at the entrance to the Zion National Park South Campground
and is accessible without getting on the Zion Canyon Shuttle. Parents will not
usually have time to ride the shuttle into Zion Canyon, hike and ride back during
the program, but the Pa'rus and Watchman Trails are nearby. There is also time
to enjoy the beautiful scenic drive along the Zion-Mt.
Carmel Hwy. The
Zion Canyon Visitor Center and Zion Human History Museum are nearby and offer
ranger talks and a host of displays. There is a free and enjoyable twenty-minute
film at the museum as well.
Best Hikes for Families
Weeping Rock - This is only a 1/2 mile round trip, but the trail is steep. The uphill
hike is to a moist alcove overlooking the Zion National Park mountains.
Gateway to the Narrows (Riverside Walk) - 2 miles round trip.
Easy walk with a graded dirt path. The Virgin River is along side the trail.
Pa'rus Trail - Paved for bikes, strollers and wheelchairs.
- 3.5 mile round trip. This is an easy hike with few elevation changes that rims
the Virgin River. The trail can be joined next to the amphitheater that is behind
the Zion Nature Center.
Canyon Overlook - This fun hike is a one mile round trip
to an impressive view of the Zion Switchbacks and lower Zion Canyon. The trailhead
is at the east side of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel.
Moderate Hikes for Kids and Families
Emerald Pools - This is a nice moderate hike. The trail
is 2.4 miles and leads to 3 different pools. Each pool is different. Kids will
enjoy the refreshing waterfall and and emerald ponds. The pools were named because
of the green algae that grows in them. Take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to the Zion
Lodge shuttle stop where you will find the trailhead for Emerald Pools and finish
the hike at the Grotto trailhead instead of looping.
Difficult Hikes for Kids, but Spectacular
East Rim - This is a 10 mile hike. The start of the trail
is a hot climb so start early in the day. The end of the trail is a strenuous
downhill hike. Use 2 vehicles or obtain commercial shuttle service. Older children
who are experienced hikers will enjoy this hike.
Zion Narrows - This is for taller and older children only.
The Zion Narrows involves hiking through the Virgin River. The first 3 miles
into the canyon will take you to the narrowest section of the hike. Wear high
quality rubber shoes and put all things in airtight bags. Check weather conditions
before hiking any slot canyon. You will be hiking through the Virgin River.
Orderville Canyon Narrows - Hike 2 miles through the Zion
Narrows and take this tributary as far as the first waterfall. Return back through
the Zion Narrows to the Riverside Walk Trail.
Trails Not Recommended for Kids
Angels Landing - Dangerous cliffs.
Observation Point - Strenuous hike.
Hidden Canyon - Dangerous cliffs. Strenuous.
Animal Lovers
Best Friends Animal Society and Angel Canyon Tours. This
is the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the US, housing over 1800 abused and
abandoned animals. The visitors center is open 7 days a week from 8:30 am to
5 pm. It is located 12 miles South of Mt. Carmel Jct. on Highway 89. 1-435-644-2001
Play in the Sand
The turn-off to Coral
Pink Sand Dunes State Park is located three miles from the junction of highways
9 & 89. It's another 8 miles to the dunes entrance gate. The park has a great
campground with showers and piles of sand in which to play.
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