Zion National Park is one of the great scenic wonders of the west and is a myriad of deep sandstone canyons, that extend over 30 miles and covers an area of 229 square miles. These Canyons of Zion National Park were named by early Mormon settlers (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) and some of the formations in the park have names that come from the bible.  This national park was created in 1909 and originally named Mukuntuweap National Monument. The name was later changed n 1919 to Zion National Park. The park is composed mostly of sedimentary layers of sandstone that have been stained by the oxidizing of iron in the rock. The sandstone which makes up most of the rock in Zion National Park was formed by the compressing of ancient sand dunes over eons of time.  Eventually streams running across the Colorado Plateau caused what is now known as the the Virgin River to overflow with flood waters.  The river eroded the rock away taking boulders, sand, and pebbles with it. Over time it carved the canyons you'll see today in Zion National Park.  One of the best times to be in the park is during a rain storm.  Water collects quickly into pools on the upper plateaus of the park and gravity then forces great amounts of water into carved crevices that send cascading waterfalls to the valley floor.  During a good rain you'll see waterfalls coming from every cliff face or major crevice.

Temperatures:  All through the winter Zion is a quiet and very temperate wonderland. Morning may be chilly but most winter afternoons will be in the 50 f and 60 f - degree temperature range.  This is a perfect time for enjoying the park and the unique winter wildlife. Spring and Fall are nothing short of spectacular with the many shades and hues of the natural plant-life in the park. Summer mornings are a perfect time for exploration in the park but visitors will enjoy the warm summer days especially in the shaded areas of walking trails. For hiking information - click here! (Ian link this to the hiking information on: http://www.travelwest.net/parks/zion/activities/narrows.html. Be sure to take a little food and plenty of water on longer hikes. Click here to see a list of possible items to take with you. (Ian link this to this page: http://www.travelwest.net/parks/zion/traveltips.html

Zion National Park contains 75 species of mammals, 32 reptiles and amphibians, 271 birds, and 8 different types of fish in the accompanying streams or rivers.  Wildlife such as golden eagles, mule deer and mountain lions also are found within the Park.  In more recent years Big-Horned Sheep have been reintroduced to the park. Within Zion National Park is a spectacular cliff-and-canyon landscape and wilderness full of the unexpected. Formations in the park include Kolob Arch - the world's largest arch - with a span that measures 310 feet.  

Zion National Park Entrance Fee Rates:

$10.00 - Single Person entrance into Zion National Park by foot, bicycle, or motorcycle.  The pass is good for seven days.
$20.00 - Single Vehicle Entry - Valid at Zion National Park for seven days.
$40.00 - Zion National Park Annual Pass. Valid for one year from month of purchase.
$10.00 Golden Age Passport - A lifetime pass is available to U.S. residents 62 years old and over and is valid at all Federal fee areas.
$50.00 Golden Eagle Passport is valid at all Federal entrance fee parks or areas for 1 year from the month of purchase.
Commercial Tour Vehicle Fees: Commercial tour fees are charged and motorcoach or other group tour operators should contact the park at (435) 772-3256 for specific information on rates. Commercial tour operator fees are based on vehicle capacity and ranges from $35 to $190

Tunnel
There are size restrictions on vehicles traveling through the tunnel on scenic highway 9 within the park.  This main tunnel is 1.1-miles (1.7 km) in length. The tunnel height at its east entrance is 11 feet 4 inches (3.5 m).   A $10.00 fee may be required for escort service for large vehicles through the narrow tunnel. During the summer parking of larger vehicles is regulated in various place throughout the Park.

Area Activities: There are many activities available inside and outside the park:

Inside the Park Outside the Park • Hiking • ATV Riding / 4x4 Tours • Biking • Horseback Riding • River Tubing • Guided Hiking • Horseback Riding • Guided Mountain Biking • Canyoneering • Guided Rock Climbing • Photography / Sightseeing • Entertainment

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