Zion National Park Information

OVERVIEW

Located in southwestern Utah, Zion Canyon is the sandstone equivalent of Yosemite. With its 2,000 foot multi-colored walls, Zion is a climber's paradise. Once thought of as only an aid climbing destination, Zion and Kolob free routes are becoming recognized as world class as well. The narrow canyon has been carved out by the patient work of the Virgin River.

Ratings tend to be sandbagged a bit in Zion. A C2 route here will be far more challenging than a similarly graded route in the Valley. All of the trade routes have gone hammerless and a clean climbing ethic is strongly held. If you nail on something that has gone clean for years, expect to catch hell. Routes rated PDW (Pretty Damn Western) are pretty damn serious. Respect them.

Most routes have 1-3 jungle pitches to dispense with before the good climbing is reached. The best routes climb the lower 1,000 to 1,200 feet of the canyon's Navajo sandstone (the solid red stuff).

Rain seriously weakens the sandstone. Be especially gentle with cam hooks and pins after the rains. No one likes huge blown out scars.

RAPTOR CLOSURES

Spring - one of the best times to climb in the Canyon. It's also the time when many formations are closed to climbing due to peregrine falcon nesting. Contact the backcountry desk for closures. 435-772-3256. (Note: We plan to have this info on the site soon).

BIVY PERMITS

Bivy permits are $5.00 per party and available at the backcountry desk. Bivying at the base of the walls is illegal. Try and get off the ground or keep a low profile.

POOP TUBES

Some form of waste management is required. Tossing shit bags off of routes is illegal and disgusting. Bring your pipe bomb or dry bag.

RIVER CROSSING

The Virgin River must be crossed for a number of climbs, including the ever popular Moonlight Buttress. Most crossings involve frigid water up to your knees. Bring Tevas or watershoes and a towel to dry off. In times of extremely high water, long painful approaches or tyrolean traverses are required to get you across.
Virgin River Crossing Real Time Data

Shuttle Routes and Stops

SHUTTLE BUS

The days of driving up to the base of the rock and climbing are all but over. The Park's FREE Tram is now the main means of transportation in the Canyon, especially during peak season (April thru October). See below for the operating schedule. One good thing is that the drivers are quite accomodating when it comes to dropping climbers off near their routes. One bad thing is if you get down too late to make the last shuttle, you get to spend another night out.

Zion Canyon Loop Spring & Fall Schedule
(April 2-May 18 / September 7-October 28)

First Bus Departure from Visitor Center.7:00 a.m.

15 Minute Service..........7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

7 to 10 Minute Service.....9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

15 Minute Service..........8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Last Bus................................9:30 p.m.

Last Departure from Temple of Sinewava.10:00 p.m.


Zion Canyon Loop Summer Schedule
(May 19-September 6)

First Bus Departure from Visitor Center.5:45 a.m.
30 Minute Service..........6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

10 to 15 Minute Service....7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

6 to 10 Minute Service.....9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

15 Minute Service..........8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
30 Minute Service.........9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Last Bus...............................10:30 p.m.

Last Departure from Temple of Sinewava.11:00 p.m.