Safety

Each year, rangers respond to hundreds of incidents involving illness or injuries. Reduce your risk of injury by taking your safety into your own hands.

Zion Forever Project / Wyatt Larson

 

Personal Responsibility

Your safety depends on your own good judgment, adequate preparation, and constant awareness. Your safety is your responsibility.

 

Flash Floods

Flash floods are a sudden increase in depth and speed of water in rivers, streams or washes due to heavy rain from thunderstorms. Flood waters carry large debris like tree trunks and boulders. Flash floods can occur at any time in Zion National Park and in the desert southwest. Learn more about the warning signs of flash floods before heading into the park.

 

Steep Cliffs

Falls from cliffs on trails have resulted in death. Loose sand or pebbles on stone are very slippery. Be careful of edges when using cameras or binoculars. Never throw or roll rocks. There may be hikers below you. Be aware of the hazards to keep you, others, and park resources safe during your visit.

• Stay on the trail.
• Stay back from cliff edges.
• Observe posted warnings.
• Please watch children.

 

Lightning

Seasonal thunderstorms are frequent in the desert southwest. Monsoon season is from July to September and is due to an increase in atmospheric moisture and summer heat, which leads to strong thunderstorms.

 

Water

The desert is an extreme environment. Carry enough water, at least one gallon per person per day, and drink it. Water is available at visitor centers, campgrounds, Zion Lodge, and some shuttle stops. Do not drink untreated water.

 

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is an advanced stage of heat exhaustion where the body is unable to cool itself. Symptoms include confusion, disorientation, behavioral changes, and seizures. If you believe that a member of your party is suffering from heat stroke, it is imperative to cool them using any available means and obtain immediate medical assistance.

 

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses more fluid than is taken in. Signs of heat exhaustion include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headaches, pale appearance, stomach cramps, and cool clammy skin.

If a member of your party begins to experience any of these symptoms, stop your hike immediately. Find a cool, shady area and have the victim rest with their feet up to distribute fluids throughout the body. It is important to drink fluids, but it is also important to eat. While suffering from heat exhaustion, drinking fluids without eating can lead to a potentially dangerous condition of low blood salt. If heat exhaustion symptoms persist for more than two hours, seek medical help.

 

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body is cooled to dangerous levels. Hypothermia is responsible for the greatest number of deaths among people engaging in outdoor activities. Possible even in warm weather, this often occurs without the victim's awareness.

Hypothermia is a major hazard in narrow canyons. Immersion in water is the quickest way to lose body heat. To prevent hypothermia, avoid cotton clothing (it provides no insulation when wet) and eat high energy food before you are chilled. Signs of hypothermia include:

• Uncontrollable shivering
• Stumbling and poor coordination
• Fatigue
• Confusion or slurred speech

If you recognize any of these signs, stop hiking and immediately replace wet clothing with dry clothing. Warm the victim with your own body and a warm drink, and shelter the individual from breezes. A pre-warmed sleeping bag will prevent further heat loss.

 

Driving

Every year, mule deer and other wildlife are killed by speeding vehicles. Unless otherwise posted, the maximum speed limit is 35 mph (radar enforced).

• Safety belts and child safety seats are required for all occupants of a vehicle.
• Park in designated spaces only and turn off your engine when you vehicle is stopped.

 

Bicycling

Cycling is a fantastic way to enjoy Zion Canyon. Cyclists must ride single file on all roads in Zion, and must pull over to allow shuttle buses to pass. Cyclists are not permitted to ride through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel and must arrange their own transportation through it.

 

Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel

The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel has seen major and minor accidents, as well as many close calls involving pedestrians, vehicles, and staff. When approaching the tunnel from either direction, slow down and stay in your vehicle if traffic stops. Watch out for rangers, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Obey all directions from rangers. Do not stop in the tunnel or try to turn around at either tunnel entrance. Pedestrians and bicycles are not allowed in the tunnel.

 

Canyon Junction Bridge
Do not stand on the Canyon Junction Bridge to take pictures. Similar views of the Watchman and the Virgin River may be found on the Pa'rus Trail located nearby.

 

Firearms

Federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under federal, Utah, and local laws to possess firearms in the park. The discharge of firearms and hunting within the park are prohibited. It is the visitor's responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable Utah, local, and federal firearm laws. Federal law prohibits firearms in certain facilities in Zion National Park; those places are posted with signs. If you have questions, contact the park at 435-772-3256.

 

Animal-transmitted Diseases

Close contact with wildlife, or injuries caused by them, can transmit dangerous illnesses to people. There are a variety of animals in Zion that could carry these infections. Animal-transmitted diseases cause a variety of symptoms and can be life-threatening. In Zion, we don't know how prevalent these diseases are, but it is best to be cautious. Always maintain a safe distance from animals and their waste.

 

Rockfall

Rockfall hazards occur throughout the park and are especially high near any cliff face. If you witness a rockfall, quickly move away from the cliff. If you are near the base of a cliff or talus slope when a rockfall occurs and cannot quickly move away from the base of the cliff, immediately seek shelter behind the largest nearby boulder and pull your backpack over your head. After rocks have stopped falling, move quickly as far away from the base of the cliff as possible. Be aware that rockfalls can occur at any time. Pay attention to your surroundings, stay off of closed trails, and, if unsure, keep away from cliffs.