by Alex Gugel , all rights reserved

Zion Maps and Guides

Winter 2023/2024

brochure Zion Maps and Guides - Winter 2023/2024

Winter Information Sheet for Zion National Park (NP) in Utah. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).

covered parks

Zion Information Guide Hiking Guide National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Zion Shuttle Elevation Description Change For most of the year, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open to shuttle buses only. Private vehicles are not allowed on the Scenic Drive beyond Canyon Junction during the shuttle bus season. Bicycles and E-bikes must stop to allow shuttles to pass. 2 hours 3.5 mi / 5.6 km 50 ft / 15 m Paved trail follows the Virgin River from the Visitor Center to Canyon Junction. SHUTTLE SCHEDULE The Grotto Trail Zion Lodge The Grotto 0.5 hour 1 mi / 1.6 km 35 ft / 11 m This short trail parallels the roadway, connecting the Zion Lodge to the Grotto. It is located behind the shuttle stop. 7 Weeping Rock Trail Weeping Rock 0.5 hour 0.4 mi / 0.6 km 98 ft / 30 m Short, but steep. Minor drop-offs. Paved trail ends at a rock alcove with dripping springs. Sections may be icy in winter. 9 Riverside Walk Temple of Sinawava 1.5 hours 2.2 mi / 3.5 km 57 ft / 17 m Paved trail follows the Virgin River in a deep canyon. First 0.4 miles is wheelchair accessible but may be sandy. East Side Canyon Overlook East side of Zion Tunnel 1 hour 1.0 mi / 1.6 km 163 ft / 50 m Minor drop-offs and handrails. Ends at a viewpoint of lower Zion Canyon. Parking is limited. 1 Watchman Trail Zion Canyon Visitor Center 2 hours 3.3 mi / 5.3 km 368 ft / 112 m Minor drop-offs. Ends at viewpoint of the Towers of the Virgin, lower Zion Canyon, and Springdale. 6 6 466 ft / 142 m Kayenta Trail The Grotto 1.5 hours 2 mi / 3.2 km 150 ft / 46 m Lower Emerald Pool The Grotto (via Kayenta Trail) 1.5 hours 2 mi / 3.2 km 150 ft / 46 m Middle Emerald Pools The Grotto (via Kayenta Trail) 1.5 hours 2.2 mi / 3.5 km 150 ft / 45 m Upper Emerald Pool The Grotto (via Kayenta Trail) 2 hours 3 mi / 4.8 km Hike atop a massive landslide under The Sentinel. Minor drop-offs. Commercial horse trail from March to October. Last bus into the canyon from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center 3:00 p.m. Out of service Last bus out of the canyon from Temple of Sinawava 5:45 p.m. Out of service First bus from Majestic View Lodge 8:00 a.m. Out of service Last bus leaves Zion Canyon Village 5:30 p.m. Out of service Town of Springdale Shuttle The Narrows Distance From Visitor Center Riverside Walk 7.7 mi 12.4 km W es Moderate drop-offs. An unpaved climb to the Emerald Pools. Connects the Grotto to the Emerald Pools Trails. Moderate drop-offs. An unpaved descent which leads underneath the Middle Emerald Pools to the Lower Emerald Pool. No swimming. An unpaved climb to a sandstone ledge that parallels the lower trail at a higher elevation. No swimming. 200 ft / 61 m Minor drop-offs. A sandy and rocky trail that climbs to the Upper Emerald Pool at the base of a cliff. No swimming. tR im Upper Emerald Pools Trail The Grotto 6 Grotto Trail Zion Lodge 5 No swimming Lower Emerald Pools Trail BRIDGE CLOSED NO TRAIL ACCESS FROM STOP 5 No swimming River 3.2 mi 5.1 km You are responsible for checking weather, water levels, and flash flood potential before attempting. This hike is in the river and subject to dangerous flash floods. Out and back hike. Zi 100 ft/ 30 m Taylor Creek Trail Kolob Canyons Road 3.5 hours 5.0 mi / 8.0 km 450 ft/ 137 m Kolob Arch via La Paved road Verkin Creek Trail Lee Pass Hiking Trail 8 hours 14 mi / 22.5 km 1037 ft/ Maximum 12 people per group. Trail follows Timber and La Verkin Creek. A 316 m Follows a ridge to views of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley Mountains. No private vehicles beyond the gate during shuttle bus season 1.7 mi 2.7 km Zion Human History Museum Maximum 12 people per group. Follows the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek past two homestead cabins to Double Arch Alcove. side trail leads to Kolob Arch. Camp C re Closed in winter Taylor Creek T yl o N rth r C re Exit 40 Kolob Canyons Visitor Center Fo k ek T rai Midd le F ork Pets are prohibited on all trails. Group size limit on Wilderness trails is 12 people. Willis Cre k Fork Lee Pass Trailhead 15 Trai l re ek Kolob Arch 0.6 mi Lion Blvd. 0.8 mi 1.29 km Cr ee Beatty Spring Kolob Reservoir il Tra 2.8 mi 4.5 km 6.5 mi rmel High w a y Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel Large Vehicle Escort Tunnel times and size restrictions on other side No bikes/pedestrians allowed in the tunnel 7 m a Zion Canyon Visitor Center SPRINGDALE throughout P Parking the town of Springdale 0 0.5 Kilometer 0 0.5 Mile Shuttle Information Canyon Line shuttle stop Zion Canyon shuttle route Springdale Line shuttle stop Springdale shuttle route Paved road open to private vehicles Campground Tunnel Picnic area Hiking trail Wheelchair-accessible Hiking 8 9 North Other Visitor Information 9 ey ki n eek Watchman Campground 6 1.4 mi 2.25 km ll Va La Ver Cr 4 1 5 1.0 mi 1.6 km 2.3 mi 3.7 km 0.3 mi To: Kanab Grand Canyon Bryce Canyon il 3 k e L a V r ki n C 0.4 mi 0.8 km Ho p To La Verkin, Springdale and Zion Canyon Visitor Center 6.4 mi nt Ca Pa’rus Trail 1 2 1.8 mi 2.9 km 1.8 mi n -Mou Watch 0.2 mi 0.3 km e Tim be r Timber Creek Overlook Trail Canyon Overlook Trail 89 Zio South Entrance Zion Canyon Village Located in the northwest corner of Zion near Interstate 15 at exit 40, a scenic road climbs past spectacular red rocks and canyons. Down-canyon shuttle ONLY 3 Tr a 0 Trail mileage Taylor Creek Trailhead Canyon Junction South Campground ek Kolob Canyons East Entrance n 0.5 hour 1 mi / 1.6 km To Cedar City, Cedar Breaks NM, and Salt Lake City n on KOLOB CANYONS HIKING TRAILS Timber Creek Overlook Trail Kolob Canyons Road Court of the 4 Patriarchs Abraham Peak 6890ft (2101m) Tra il Up to 8 hrs 334 ft / 9.4 mi / 102 m 15.1km Isaac Peak 6825ft (2081m) Ca The Narrows (via Riverside Walk) Temple of Sinawava Hikers need a permit to go to Angels Landing. Use QR code on back to apply. 7 Angels Landing Middle Emerald Pools Trail 4.3 mi 6.9 km Long drop-offs. Not for young children or anyone afraid of heights. 1000 ft / 305 m Weeping Rock No swimming ch 3 hours 4.2 mi / 6.2 km Weeping Rock 5990ft (1765m) Jacob Peak 6831ft (2083m) Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail The Grotto 2.5 mi Big Bend Closed 4.9 mi 7.9 km Sand Be 9 il Scout Lookout STRENUOUS 6 Tr a This is where the West Rim Trail splits from the Angels Landing Trail. 0.5 mi to Angels Landing from this point. 6.6 mi 10.6 km Temple of Sinawava 9 Rim West 6 3 hours 4 mi / 6.4 km Out of service n yon S c e ni c rt h Dr Fork iv e Vir gin 6 Sand Bench Trail Court of the Patriarchs 8:00 a.m. No 4 First bus into the canyon from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Subject to change. Check website for current hours Trail MODERATE January 1 to Spring 2024 l 5 December 22 to December 31 Tra i 1 Pa’rus Trail Visitor Center Canyon Junction EASY nta Average Time ye Round Trip Location Ka Hike   Shuttle   Stop To 15 Kolob Canyons, St George, and Las Vegas La Po va in tR West Rim Trailhead d Lava 0.1 mi Point Amphitheater Biking Pets Ranger station Dining Drinking water Lodging Restrooms Bike Repair Station 24-HOUR EMERGENCY RESPONSE: CALL 911 Contact Information Mailing Address Zion National Park 1 Zion Park Blvd. Springdale, UT 84767 Social Media Search @zionnps Wilderness Information (435) 772-0170 Park emergencies: call 435-772-3322 (daylight hours) Medical clinics and pharmacies are located in the City of Hurricane about 30 minutes from Zion. The nearest hospitals are in St. George, Cedar City, and Kanab. Park Information (435) 772-3256 Website www.nps.gov/zion E-mail zion_park_information@nps.gov Traffic and Parking Updates www.twitter.com/zionnps 1610 AM Radio Free WiFi is available at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Zion Lodge. Do not expect data or cell connection in most areas of Zion Canyon, on trails, or in Wilderness. Getting Around To protect Zion landscapes, plants, animals, and history, park only in designated spaces. For your safety, park rangers enforce laws against alcohol and drugrelated driving offenses, including open container violations. For Utah road conditions, please call 866-511-8824. DRIVING Drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and wildlife all share park roads. Your Safety Is Your Responsibility HYPOTHERMIA Hypothermia occurs when the body is cooled to dangerous levels. It is responsible for the greatest number of deaths among people engaging in outdoor activities. It is a hazard in narrow canyons because immersion in water is the quickest way to lose body heat. To prevent hypothermia, avoid cotton clothing (it provides no insulation when wet), and eat high energy food before you are chilled. The signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, stumbling and poor coordination, fatigue and weakness, and confusion or slurred speech. If you recognize any of these signs, stop hiking and immediately replace wet clothing with dry clothing. Warm the victim with your own body and a warm drink, and shelter the individual from breezes. A pre-warmed sleeping bag will also prevent additional heat loss. ELEVATION Elevation in Zion ranges from 4,0008,000 feet (1,220 - 2,440 meters) above sea level. If you live near sea level, take it easy on your hike until you know how the elevation is going to affect you. SNOW & ICE Nearly half of the annual precipitation in Zion Canyon falls between the months of December and March. Roads are plowed, but trails may be closed due to unsafe conditions. Snow and ice accumulates on trails, cliffs, and buildings, so be sure to pay attention to your surroundings. Watch for falling ice. Snow spikes winter gear are recommended. Your safety is your responsibility. PREVENT DEHYDRATION As you hike you lose water and salt through sweating. Carry water, at least one gallon per person per day. Water is available in the park’s developed areas. Do not drink untreated water from springs. Your body needs a healthy level of salt to function so eat a few salty snacks, like a handful of salted peanuts, when you drink water. STEEP CLIFFS Falls from cliffs on trails have resulted in death. Loose sand or pebbles on stone are very slippery. Be careful of edges when using cameras or binoculars. Never throw or roll rocks because there may be hikers below you. Stay on the trail and away from cliff edges. Observe posted warnings and please watch children. • 35 mph is the speed limit unless otherwise posted. • Wear a seat belt and use a child safety seat if appropriate. • Turn off your vehicle if you are stopped (do not idle). • For most of the year, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is only open to shuttle buses or with a special permit. Your park entrance pass is not a permit. PARKING Available on a first-comefirst served basis. If you are driving an RV or other large vehicle, use the Oversize Vehicle Lot near Zion Canyon Visitor Center. If your vehicle will fit through our tunnel without a permit (see below) you cannot use this lot. There is paid parking in Springdale. To make a reservation, visit www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. A flash flood can rush down a canyon in a wall of water over twelve feet high. If you observe any of these signs, seek higher ground immediately: • Deterioration in weather conditions. • Clouds or thunder. • Sudden changes in water clarity from clear to muddy. PERMITS You need a permit for activities including but not limited to: hiking to Angels Landing, backpacking, canyoneering, climbing bivy camping, and hiking some Wilderness routes. ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL Oversize vehicle drivers pay $15 per vehicle (includes two tunnel passthroughs within 7 days). Rangers will stop oncoming traffic so that you may drive down the center of the road in the tunnel. • Vehicles 11 feet 4 inches (3.4m) and taller up to 13 feet 1 inch (4m). • Vehicles 7 feet 10 inches (2.4m) and wider - including mirrors, awnings, and jacks. 11’4” 3.4 m Camping is not allowed in parking areas or pullouts. If conditions permit building a fire, clear debris and only leave when the fire is out cold. Fires are never allowed in Wilderness. Statewide fire updates at utahfireinfo.gov Visitors must comply with all rules regarding riding the shuttles. CYCLING (E-BIKES AND BICYCLES) Cycling is permitted on all public park roads and on the Pa’rus Trail. Cyclists must ride single file and stop to let shuttle buses pass. Do not pass shuttle buses in the driving lane. Each shuttle bus has a rack for bicycles. All other park trails, off-trail routes, and the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel are closed to cycles. Only class 1 pedal-assist E-bikes are allowed and must follow all of the same rules as bicycles. TUNNEL HOURS • Oct. 8, 2023 to March 23, 2024: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PROHIBITED IN THE TUNNEL • No vehicles over 13 feet 1 inch (4m) tall • No semi-trucks and commercial vehicles (e.g. box trucks) • No vehicles carrying hazardous materials • No bicyclists or pedestrians • Bicyclists and pedestrians cannot get a ride at the tunnel. Hitchhiking is only permitted in pullouts. Rangers are not allowed to give or arrange for transport through the tunnel. 7’10” 2.4 m CAMPFIRES Campfires are only allowed in metal campground fire rings. Sometimes, especially during the summer, campfires are not allowed due to the risk of wildfire. The buses have room for backpacks, climbing gear, and normal bicycles (E-Bikes do not fit). While in Zion Canyon you may get on and off the shuttle as often as you like. Only service dogs are permitted on the shuttles. If you have accessibility needs, please speak to a ranger at the Visitor Center. The Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel connects Zion Canyon to the east side of the park. It was built in the 1920s when large vehicles were less common. Nearly all RVs, buses, trailers, fifth-wheels, dual-wheel trucks, campers, and large boats require one-way traffic control. Permits & Reservations CAMPING You need a reservation to camp in any of the park's campgrounds. ZION CANYON SHUTTLE During much of the year, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is only accessible by shuttle bus. Check the shuttle schedule on the front of this sheet to see when the shuttle is running. Zion Tunnel: (Oversize Vehicles, RVs, Large Trailers) Flash Flood Danger All narrow canyons are potentially hazardous. Flash floods, often caused by storms miles away, are a real danger and can be lifethreatening. You are taking a risk when entering a narrow canyon. Your safety is your responsibility. Watch for indications of a possible flash flood. During a flash flood, the water level rises very quickly. SPRINGDALE SHUTTLE For part of the year, you can ride a free shuttle in the town of Springdale. If it is running during your visit, park at your hotel or an approved parking area, and ride to the park entrance. Ranger-led Programsy. Free, adScan this QR code to learn about permits. Use free WiFi at a visitor center or Zion Lodge. You can only apply for Angels Landing permits online, and using this link takes you to a webpage with more information. Remember to carry your permit and photo ID with you on your trip. Permits are non-transferable. Learn about Zion by participating in a free ranger-led program. Program schedules are based on ranger availability. Free, advanced reservations may be required and can be made at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™ Check park visitor centers and bulletin boards for times and information about programs. Topics include geology, plants, animals, human history, and more. Visitors ages 4 and older can earn a badge by completing the Zion Junior Ranger book. The book is available for free at park visitor centers. Published 11/13/2023

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