Zion National Park
5 Things to do Near Zion
St. George—just 90 minutes north of Las Vegas on I-15—is the perfect destination for all kinds of outdoor activities: golf, hiking, biking, photography, shopping, dining or just plain relaxing!
Zion National Park—just 40 minutes northeast—provides an unsurpassed setting to get you back in the good graces of Mother Nature!
1. HIT THE GREENS
Play golf year round in a mild, dry climate on green fairways nestled among red rock canyons and black lava flows. Test your skill level on one of the area's twelve courses that will challenge, entertain and enchant you at every stage of the game. Golf packages can be booked by the Red Rock Golf Trail by calling (888) 345-2550 or get a golf vacation quote online at www.redrockgolftrail.com.
2. GET IN GEAR
Ride to your heart's content on one of the countless scenic biking trails from the Green Valley Loop and Warner Valley to Gooseberry Mesa. Take it easy and ride smooth city trails offering over 30 miles of paved routes along rivers and slick rock. A quiet cruise through Zion National Park is one you will never forget. Numerous local bike shops offer maps, rentals and other gear.
3. PLAY THE GAME
The St. George area has earned a reputation as a place to enjoy world-class recreation and art. Take in the area's premiere art and music events—the Easter Weekend Art Festival, the Zion Canyon Flute Festival or the St. George Area Parade of Homes. If sports is your thing, take your place among senior athletes at the Huntsman World Senior Games in October or run "one of the top 10 most scenic in the U.S."—the St. George Marathon on the first Saturday of October. The Cactus Hugger Bike Festival is held in March.
4. RELAX AND RETREAT
Cool your heels from long days of play at one of the many luxurious bed and breakfasts or relaxing day spas. If your schedule permits, take a well-deserved vacation to recharge your batteries and renew your soul at one of the world renown, soft adventure, ultra-pampering destination spas.
5. SET THE STAGE
Enjoy the arts and take in summer and fall Broadway productions in the red rock canyon's Tuacahn Amphitheatre. Other seasonal productions include concerts in the canyon at the breathtaking O.C. Tanner Amphitheater, Branson-style musicals at the Zion Canyon Theater, the Bumbleberry Playhouse or community theater in the round at the St. George Musical Theater.
CONTACT: St. George Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1835 Convention Center Drive, St. George, UT 84790 (435) 634-5747 (800) 869-6635 www.utahstgeorge.com
Zion In Depth
News from the Parks
Alexander Backs New Source of Funding for National Parks
July 3, 2008 - 9:38am
U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today announced he will cosponsor bipartisan legislation to create a new source of funding for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other national parks across the country as part of the “Centennial Challenge” celebrating the 100th anniversary of the National Park System in 2016. “The Centennial Challenge could bring up to $4 million to the Smokies – the country’s most visited national park – and will go a long way toward improving park facilities, aiding conservation efforts, and helping build upon the excellent visitor services already offered. This 4th of July, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our country’s birthday than backing legislation that will aid efforts to preserve and celebrate our national parks, one of America’s greatest treasures.”
July 3, 2008 - 9:38am
U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today announced he will cosponsor bipartisan legislation to create a new source of funding for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other national parks across the country as part of the “Centennial Challenge” celebrating the 100th anniversary of the National Park System in 2016. “The Centennial Challenge could bring up to $4 million to the Smokies – the country’s most visited national park – and will go a long way toward improving park facilities, aiding conservation efforts, and helping build upon the excellent visitor services already offered. This 4th of July, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our country’s birthday than backing legislation that will aid efforts to preserve and celebrate our national parks, one of America’s greatest treasures.”
EPA's Pollution Plan Slammed
July 3, 2008 - 9:35am
City officials and business leaders here Wednesday warned that a federal proposal to relax air quality standards for the nation's national parks will ultimately be bad for business. Simply put, they said during a news conference at the entrance to Zion National Park, lower air standards being proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hurt this gateway city economically if fewer tourists visit the park. "Air pollution could damage the stars, vistas and clean air we enjoy," Springdale Mayor Pat Cluff said. "Some places deserve to be preserved and it is my responsibility to preserve [the park] for those who come here."
July 3, 2008 - 9:35am
City officials and business leaders here Wednesday warned that a federal proposal to relax air quality standards for the nation's national parks will ultimately be bad for business. Simply put, they said during a news conference at the entrance to Zion National Park, lower air standards being proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hurt this gateway city economically if fewer tourists visit the park. "Air pollution could damage the stars, vistas and clean air we enjoy," Springdale Mayor Pat Cluff said. "Some places deserve to be preserved and it is my responsibility to preserve [the park] for those who come here."
Dinosaur Fossils In Utah Inspire 'Jr. Paleontologists'
July 2, 2008 - 9:57am
Millions of years ago, northeastern Utah was a hot spot for dinosaurs. Today, people travel to the Dinosaur National Monument located on the borders of Colorado and Utah to see the leftover dinosaur bones. Visitors can see as many as 1,500 Jurassic-era fossils exposed on the cliff face of the Douglass Quarry.
July 2, 2008 - 9:57am
Millions of years ago, northeastern Utah was a hot spot for dinosaurs. Today, people travel to the Dinosaur National Monument located on the borders of Colorado and Utah to see the leftover dinosaur bones. Visitors can see as many as 1,500 Jurassic-era fossils exposed on the cliff face of the Douglass Quarry.
A Paiute Take On Bryce Canyon's Hoodoos
July 2, 2008 - 9:56am
The red spindly rock formations that make up the views at Bryce Canyon National Park are called hoodoos. Geologists say they were formed by erosion, but Kevin Poe, chief of interpretation at Bryce, shares his take on the Paiute legend about hoodoos.
July 2, 2008 - 9:56am
The red spindly rock formations that make up the views at Bryce Canyon National Park are called hoodoos. Geologists say they were formed by erosion, but Kevin Poe, chief of interpretation at Bryce, shares his take on the Paiute legend about hoodoos.
Can The Everglades Be Saved?
July 2, 2008 - 9:55am
Environmentalists have been issuing dire warnings about the deterioration of the Florida Everglades for years, saying these wetlands have to be restored in order to revive fragile ecosystems and increase scarce fresh water supplies. Over half of the Everglades are gone, irreversibly converted to urban or agricultural development. But this week, in an attempt to save what's left, the state of Florida announced a plan to buy nearly 200,000 acres of former wetlands from a sugar cane producer. Advocates say the plan is the largest restoration project in American history.
July 2, 2008 - 9:55am
Environmentalists have been issuing dire warnings about the deterioration of the Florida Everglades for years, saying these wetlands have to be restored in order to revive fragile ecosystems and increase scarce fresh water supplies. Over half of the Everglades are gone, irreversibly converted to urban or agricultural development. But this week, in an attempt to save what's left, the state of Florida announced a plan to buy nearly 200,000 acres of former wetlands from a sugar cane producer. Advocates say the plan is the largest restoration project in American history.
