Officials at Zion National Park, Springdale, UT 84767 (435/772-3256), prefer you write for information (rather than call) at least a month before your planned visit, and they will mail you information; but you will find everything you need and more on the park’s website. You can purchase books, posters, maps, DVDs, and CDs related to the park from the nonprofit Zion Natural History Association (800/635-3959 or 435/772-3265). Some publications are available in foreign languages. Those wanting to help the nonprofit association can join ($45 single or $60 family annually) and get a 15% discount on purchases and most Zion Canyon Field Institute classes, and discounts at most other nonprofit bookstores at national parks, monuments, historic sites, and recreation areas.
Don’t skip Zion’s two visitor centers—they give you a quick overview and allow you to “shop” for the experiences best suited to your timeframe and energy level. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center, near the south entrance to the park, has a wide variety of outdoor exhibits. Rangers answer questions and provide backcountry permits; free brochures are available; and books, maps, videos, postcards, and posters are sold. It’s open daily from 8am to 6pm; in winter, it closes at 5pm.
The Kolob Canyons Visitor Center, in the northwest corner of the park, right off I-15, provides information, permits, books, and maps. It is open from 8am to 4pm. The Zion Human History Museum, about 1 mile inside the south entrance, offers museum exhibits, park information, an orientation program, and a bookstore; it’s open daily in summer from 9am to 7pm, with short-er hours at other times.
Visitor centers and the museum are closed on Christmas Day.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
