Park rangers present a variety of free programs and activities. Amphitheater programs, which usually include a slide show, take place most evenings from April through September at campground amphitheaters. Topics vary, but could include the animals or plants of the park, geology, the night sky, mankind's role in the park, or some unique aspect of Zion, like slot canyons. Rangers also give short talks on similar subjects at various locations, including the Zion Lodge auditorium and Zion Human History Museum. Ranger-guided hikes and walks, which may require reservations, might take you to little-visited areas of the park, on a trek to see wildflowers, or for a night hike under a full moon. Schedules of the various programs and activities are posted on bulletin boards at the visitor centers, campgrounds, and other locations.
The Zion Canyon Field Institute, operated by the nonprofit Zion Natural History Association, Zion National Park, Springdale, UT 84767 (tel. 800/635-3959 or 435/772-3264; www.zionpark.org), offers a variety of 1- to 3-day outdoor workshops and classes for adults, covering subjects in the sciences, arts, and humanities. Programs take place year-round in Zion National Park and nearby Cedar Breaks National Monument. Recent program titles have included Zion Geology, Wasps & Ants, Bat Biology & Conservation, Zion by Moonlight, Fall Foliage Photo Workshop, and Winter Photography. Fees for most of the programs range from $30 to $80. Members of the Zion Natural History Association receive a 10% discount on Zion Canyon Field Institute classes.
