Bumbleberry Inn - Zion national Park

Zion National Park
Zion is an ancient Hebrew word that stands for place of peace and refuge. As you visit the immense canyons of the beautifully sculptured rock formations, soaring cliffs and breathtaking landscapes you will agree that Zion National Park certainly lives up to its name. The parks earliest inhabitants were the Anasazi who lived in the area around 2000 years ago. 1200 years later the Paiutes began to inhabit the area and in the 1860’s the first group of Mormon Pioneers arrived to settle here. In 1909 the park was established as Mukutuweap National Monument and was later expanded to its present day size of 229 square miles and renamed Zion National Park.

Zion provides endless opportunities for enjoying and exploring nature and welcomes around two and a half million visitors each year. Zion is well known for its incredible rock formations and is home to Kolob Arch, which is the largest arch in the worlds spaning 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 National Park is located at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin and Mojave Desert. This unique geography provides Zion with an unusual diversity of plant and animal life.

Quick Facts:
Size: 229 square miles
Lowest Elevation: 3,666 ft., Coal Pits Wash in the southwest corner
Highest Elevation: 8,726 ft., Horse Ranch Mountain in the Kolob Canyons section
Visitation: In 1920: 3,692; in 1996: 2.5 million

Weather:
Spring weather 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 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. This is a perfect time of year for hiking with the lower temperatures. See our winter activities page.

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. (Mostl 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, semitrucks, 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.

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 and ranges from $35 to $190.

More Area Attractions...
Springdale
Springdale, Utah is a community founded in the tradition of hosting visitors to Zion National Park. In Springdale you'll find many of the things you'd expect to enjoy in a gateway community to a national park. Fine restaurants abound and there are many things to do such as:

Bumblebery Playhouse - Nightly entertainment is available right at our facility in Springdale with an excellent musical review now playing. Ask us for details on tickets.

Zion Canyon Giant Screen Theater
Every day this theater shows an incredible film on Zion National Park. You’ll see things in the film that you would not otherwise see. Also available are other large format films and first run movies shown every night.

O.C. Tanner Amphitheater
Frequently you will find some excellent and even world-class entertainment at this amphitheater located in Springdale, Utah. The setting is spectacular and the seating capacity is over 2,500. Ask for details when you call for a reservation or click here to see a schedule - http://www.dixie.edu/tanner/

ATV Tours
Take an adventure ride outside Zion National Park. Click here Information regarding guided ATV Tours with ATV Adventures.

Visitors to Springdale, Utah may ride tubes down the Virgin River, hike, mountain bike on paved or single track trails, ride ATV's, go horseback riding, go shopping in art galleries, boutiques and gift shops, and much more. There's plenty to do for many days in the Springdale and Zion National Park area. Click here for even more area activities.

While staying with us plan on basing at the Bumbleberry Inn and visiting these other nearby attractions such as Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon or if you are looking for things to do check out some area activities – Click Here.