Zion National Park is part of the Southwest's "Grand Circle" of national parks, monuments, historic areas, and recreation areas - one of the world's great concentrations of outstanding natural and cultural features. Even though these areas seem close, do not try to visit too many in a short period. Allow plenty of time for each and plan return trips if you miss some this time around.

Utah's 13 National Park Service areas comprise a small part of the public land in the state. The Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service manage large areas including some strikingly beautiful and some very remote places. In addition, the State of Utah Administers 42 state parks.

Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park:

Erosion has shaped a colorful amphitheater of "hoodoos," unique formations whimsically arranged and tinted with colors too numerous and subtle to name. We encourage you to use the Bryce Canyon Shuttle during your stay. It is easy and convenient and you'll be doing your part to reduce traffic, conserve fuel, and reduce pollution. Ample parking is available at Ruby's Inn. For detailed shuttle information, tune your radio to 1610 AM as you approach the park. Camping reservations may be made on-line at www.ReserveUSA.com. For more information call 1-435-834-5322. or www.nps.gov/brca.

Cedar Breaks

Cedar Breaks National Monument:

Seventy-five miles north of Zion lies Cedar Breaks. At a 10,350-foot (3,155m) elevation, the park features a spectacular wonderland-a brightly colored amphitheater filled with spires, fins, and hoodoos against a backdrop of subalpine greens and brilliant blue skies. In summer, the meadows are ablaze with colorful wildflowers. Cedar Breaks features a visitor center, daily ranger programs, trails, picnic area, campground, and scenic drive with views into the "breaks." Temperatures can be cool. The road is closed because of heavy snow fall through spring. For more information call 1-435-586-9451 or www.nps.gov/cebr.

Pipe Spring Fort

Pipe Spring National Monument:

Pipe Spring National Monument is rich with American Indian, early explorer, and western pioneer history. In the 1870s, Mormon pioneers built a fort on the site, "Winsor Castle," laying claim to one of the few perennial springs on the Arizona Strip. The visitor center, tours of Winsor Castle, living history demonstrations, garden and orchard, and a half-mile trail offer a glimpse into Indian and pioneer life in the Old West. A bookstore operted by the Zion Natural Hisotry Association, and a campground operated by the Kaibab Paiute Tribe are nearby. For more information call 1-928-643-7105 or visit www.nps.gov/pisp.

National Park Shuttle Systems:

The National Park Service has shuttle systems in place in several area parks that make visiting convenient and comfortable. The Shuttles reduce parking congestion, noise, and pollution. Comments from the visiting public have been overwhelmingly positive. Take advantage of these shuttles - let us do the driving so you can enjoy the parks. Shuttles operate during the busy season in:

• Zion National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park, South Rim

Check park web sites and publications, visitor centers, and as you approach the parks, listen to the AM radio stations, identified with highway signs, for more information. Or go to www.nps.gov.

Travel Information:

You can get more information on traveling in the area at the information desks in the park visitor centers. The nearby towns of Kanab, St. George, and Cedar City have offices for some or all of these other land management agencies. They also have travel councils and chambers of commerce.

Utah Travel Council = 1-800-200-1160 or www.utah.com

Utah State Parks and Recreation = 1-801-538-7220, Reservations = 1-800-322-3770 or www.stateparks.utah.gov.

National Park Service = www.nps.gov.

Bureau of Land Management = 1-801-539-4001 or www.blm.gov.

U.S. Forest Service =www.fs.fed.us/

National Weather Service = www.weather.gov.

Utah Department of Transportation/Recorded road conditions and construction = dial - 511.