Zion has always been a beautiful place, but has exploded in the last 10 years. It consistently lands in the top 3 or 4 most visited parks in United States. Zion is the crown jewel of Utah for it’s red rocks, different levels of sediments, and gorgeous canyons that were carved by the Virgin River.

Pioneer members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints(Mormons) settled the area with famous ranches like Crawford Ranch and many hardworking families. The Madsen family(my family) has been in the area for 4 generations now. When you visit the museum look for the Observation picture behind the desk and the gentlemen to the right is my great grandfather Julius Madsen.

Zion is a Hebrew name meaning a place of safety and refuge. This is how my parents met, because my mothers father said “This place is for safety”. I strive to make everyone feel welcome and safe while they visit Zion.

Zion has a unique topography all thanks to an elevation change of over 5,000 feet while being located at the junction of the Mojave Desert, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau. This creates diversity in the park and over 1,020 native plants, making it the most in Utah.

WHERE TO EAT

Our rentals are located in Virgin(about 15-20 minutes from Zion) and we provide a top reviewed guidebook created by Angelea. Some top places are Oscar’s, Wild Thyme, Balcony One, and Zion River Rock Roasting Company. You’ll be amazed at all the detailed recommendations we provide!

AVOIDING CROWDS

Leave early! This is the best piece of advice we can offer. Beat the crowds by arriving at 6-8am, especially during peak visiting days and holidays. E-Bikes is also a great way to avoid lines at the shuttles(sometimes up to 2 hours wait time). If you decide to leave later or visit the park during the busy season, please be patient and kind to employees and those around you.

BE PREPARED

Bring plenty of hydration with sugar free electrolytes. It’s amazing how the sun and dry heat can tire you out, especially when you are in full sun. Bring a hat, good shoes, sunscreen, snacks, and layers(during fall, winter, and spring months)

THE SHUTTLE SYSTEM

There is limited parking in Zion Canyon, so we have provided our guests with a FREE parking option on private property next to a FREE town of Springdale shuttle that will take you right to the entrance. This has been loved by many of our guests as it saves you up to $60 in parking fees you’ll find in the town.

Once you are in the park you can take the shuttle bus to 9 stops where you can explore the many wonders of Zion. It takes about 2 hours to do the full loop up the canyon and about 45 minutes to reach the last stop which is The Temple of Sinawava (The Narrows and Riverwalk begin)

For the current shuttle bus schedules, please see the information book in the Thyme in Zion guest rooms or visit NPS.gov/Zion. Shuttles typically operate in 15 minute wait times and generally operate from sunup-sundown times.

Except for winter, you must ride the bus to enter the main Zion canyon. Riding the shuttle was a highlight of mine growing up! My grandfather drove the buses and all of us grandkids enjoyed the journey. My Dad was a mechanic and my husband Jake now drives the busses as well! Some drivers are not very talkative as there is an audio device with details about the park that plays, but if you’re lucky to get a driver like Jake then you are in for some extra information about the park!

Zion has seen many changes and experienced a lot of growth in the last 20 years. It has made it possible for many locals like myself to stay in the area. Thank you for choosing to vacation in what I think is one of the most beautiful places in America and thank you for supporting small businesses like myself.

Bighorn Sheep – best area to see them is on the East side of Zion

Wild Turkey – often found roaming the orchards in the south part of Springdale. Also like the grasslands in Zion around stop 5

Mule Deer – found throughout Springdale and the Zion

California Condor – in 2019 a pair nested and raised a chick in Zion Canyon

Red Tail Hawk - Souring through the sky, look for the red tail and white underbelly of this beautiful predator

Peregrine Falcon – a small/fast bird that nest every year in Zion Canyon

Blue Heron - this impressive bird can often be found throughout the virgin river looking for food like frogs, reptiles, insects, and other birds

Canyon Tree Frog – though there numbers have dwindled these cute little guys can be found in many bodies of water and canyon walls

Squirrels & Chipmunks – several species found throughout the park

Lizards – horned, whiptail, collared lizard, leopard lizard, chuckwalla

Gray Fox – like to avoid the heat, so only around in morning/evenings

Bobcat – elusive member of the cat family

Cougar – almost never seen—nocturnal

Badger – can be seen in the lower desert zone of the park

Hummingbird – found throughout the park and in Springdale

Desert Tortoise – rarely seen. endangered

Ringtail – A relative of the raccoon, this small creature maneuvers the canyon walls using it’s tail for balance. It is prominent in Zion, but rarely seen

Zion National Park is a fantastic playground for kids, offering endless adventures amidst its stunning landscapes. From exploring the vibrant trails to discovering fascinating wildlife, children can immerse themselves in nature’s beauty. The park's easy hikes, like the Riverside Walk or the Lower Emerald Pools, are perfect for young explorers. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about the unique geology and ecology of the area, making it both a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

The Junior Ranger Program is a perfect stop for your kids that includes fun and knowledge.