Emergencies
For 24-hour emergency response, call 435-772-3322 or 911.
Zion Canyon Medical Clinic is in Springdale, and it is open seasonally. Call for hours at 435-772-3226.
The nearest hospitals are in St. George, Cedar City, and Kanab.
Pets
Pets are not allowed on backcountry trails or on the shuttle buses. Even well-behaved pets may disrupt wildlife and other visitors. more...
Bicycles and other vehicles
Bicycles and other vehicles are not allowed off roadways. Bicycles are allowed on established roadways and the Pa'rus Trail.
Fires
Fires are not allowed in the backcountry. Carry a backpacking stove, or plan simple no-cook meals.
Transportation
You may choose to complete your hike at a different location from your starting point. Private shuttle and taxi services are available in towns surrounding the park. more...
Watercraft
There are restrictions on the use of watercraft. Inquire at a visitor center. Inner tubing is not allowed at any time.
Winter in Zion
Trails at higher elevations can be snowpacked and icy. Lower elevation trails can be muddy. There is often enough snowpack for skiing and snowshoeing above 7,000 ft. Trails such as West Rim or Wildcat Canyon to Lava Point or trails in Kolob Canyons provide routes. The Kolob Terrace Road is closed to automobiles and opened to snowmobiles (on the road only) at Maloney Hill once the snow is deep enough.
This is Canyon Country!
Whether hiking, climbing, or driving, your safety depends on your own good judgment, adequate preparation, and constant attention. Don’t ruin your vacation by having an accident. Your safety is your responsibility.
Steep Cliffs
Trails can be snow and ice covered in winter. Loose sand or pebbles on stone are very slippery. Be careful of edges when using cameras or binoculars. Falls from cliffs on trails have resulted in death. Never throw or roll rocks; there may be hikers below.
•Stay on the trail
•Stay back from cliff edges
•Observe posted warnings
•Parents-watch your children
Water
The desert is dry. Carry, and drink water: one gallon per person per day for everyone in your group. Water is available at visitor centers, campgrounds, and Zion Lodge. Do not drink untreated water. Flow at springs can vary, check for recent information at visitor centers.
Flash Floods
All narrow canyons are potentially hazardous. Flashfloods, often from storms miles away, present a real danger and can be life-threatening. By entering a narrow canyon you are assuming a risk. During a flash flood the water level rises almost instantly—within minutes or seconds. The Narrows are susceptible to flash flooding because much of the surrounding land is bare rock that does not absorb water. During storms, runoff water is funneled rapidly into the Narrows.
Watch for these signs of possible flash flooding:
•Sudden changes in water clarity from clear to muddy (may be accompanied by floating debris)
•Rising water levels or stronger currents
•Build-up of clouds or sounds of thunder
•An increasing roar of water up-canyon
If you observe any of these signs, seek higher ground immediately. Do not try to beat a flash flood out of the canyon. Remain on high ground until conditions improve; water levels usually drop within 24 hours. If caught by flooding in an area with no high ground, try to take shelter behind a jutting fin of rock that can break the initial mass of water and debris. It may be possible to wedge yourself into a crack above water level. Even climbing a few feet may save your life. more...
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body is cooled to dangerous levels. It is the #1 killer of outdoor recreationists, and it usually happens without the victim's awareness. It is a hazard in narrow canyons, even in summer, because immersion in cold water is the quickest route to body heat loss. To prevent hypothermia, avoid cotton clothing (it provides no insulation when wet) and eat high energy food (especially sugars and starches) before you are chilled.
Signs of hypothermia:
•Uncontrollable shivering
•Stumbling and poor coordination
•Fatigue and weakness
•Confusion or slurred speech
If you recognize any signs of hypothermia, stop hiking and immediately replace wet clothing with dry clothing. Warm the victim with your own body and a hot drink. Shelter from breezes. A pre-warmed sleeping bag will help prevent further heat loss.
Return to Backcountry Main Page
