The Pioneer Lodge is located just a few blocks from the entrance to Zion National Park. Zion is an ancient Hebrew word that stands for place of peace and refuge. As you visit the immense canyons, beautifully sculptured rock formations, soaring cliffs and breathtaking landscapes you will agree that Zion National Park certainly lives up to its name. Zion is well known for its incredible rock formations and is home to Kolob Arch, which is the largest arch in the world spanning 310 ft. Zion is also famous for its deep slot canyons. One of these canyons, The Narrows, attracts hikers from all around the world and was ranked fifth on National Geographic's 100 Best Adventures. Zion provides endless opportunities for enjoying and exploring nature and welcomes around two and a half million visitors each year.

Before passing through the gates into the park visitors are welcomed into the town of Springdale. A friendly country town, Springdale serves as the gateway to Utah's oldest and most visited National Park. Springdale sits at the west entrance of the park and is part of Washington County. With a population of about 500 people Springdale has maintained its small town charm and friendliness and gladly opens its arms each year to the thousands of visitors who come to see the park. The Pioneer Lodge is proud to be a part of the great tradition of hospitality and invites you to make Springdale the base camp for your next great adventure.

Weather:

Spring weather in Zion is an unpredictable combination of wet, stormy days and warm sunny ones. Spring wildflowers bloom from April to June.

Summer days are hot with temperatures varying between 95-110 F. At night it cools down to 65-75 F. Afternoon thunderstorms are common from mid-July through September, producing waterfalls and causing flash floods.

Autumn in Zion is usually clear and mild. Autumn color displays begin in September and peak in late October.

Winter weather is fairly mild. Temperatures range between 40-60 F during the day and 20-30 F at night. Storms bring rain or snow and sometimes cause the roads to be icy.

Entrance Fees:
All passes can be obtained at the entrance stations:

Entrance $20 per vehicle, good for 7 days at Zion National Park only.

Individual $10 per person, not to exceed $20 per family, good for 7 days at Zion National Park only.

Annual Pass $40, good for one year at Zion National Park only.

National Parks $50, good for entrance for one year to all units of the National Park System.

Golden Eagle $65, good for entrance for one year in all federal fee areas.

Golden Age $10 lifetime pass for US citizens 62 or older.

Golden Access Free lifetime pass for US citizens who are permanently disabled.

Commercial Tour Vehicle Fees
There is a fee for commercial tours. Operators should contact the park at (435) 772-3256 for specific information on rates. The fee for commercial tour buses is based on bus capacity.

Tunnel
The Zion - Mt. Carmel tunnel runs between the park's east entrance and Zion Canyon. Vehicles 7'10" (2.4m) wide or 11'4" (3.4m) high, or larger, are required to have an escort through the tunnel. (Most RV's, buses, trailers, 5th wheels, boats, as well as some camper shells will require an escort.) The escort fee is $10 per vehicle. You will not actually follow an escort, rather, the oncoming traffic will be stopped, allowing you to drive through the middle of the tunnel. Vehicles over 13'1" tall, semi trucks, vehicles weighting more than 50,000 lbs or measuring over 40 ft., bicycles and pedestrians are prohibited in the tunnel.

Shuttle
Because more than 2 million people visit Zion National Park each year, the shuttle system was established to help eliminate traffic in the park. Riding the shuttle is a free and fun way to tour the park. Shuttles operate from late March through late October, during this time private cars are not allowed to drive through Zion Canyon (other roads of the park remain open to private vehicles). Shuttles operate daily from 6:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. A complete round trip along Zion Canyon will take a minimum of 90 minutes, but you can get on and off as often as you like, to take pictures and enjoy the views.

 Maps of Zion:

Area Map
68kb PDF file

Park Map
310kb PDF file

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