Nearby Things to See & Do - Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks - page 102

In response to fears that the right of U.S. citizens to own firearms was under attack, the small
town of Virgin, Utah, about 15 miles west of the main entrance to Zion National Park, passed a
law that required—yes, required —that there be a gun and ammunition in every home. The ordin-
ance, approved in late 2000, exempted residents who could not afford to buy a gun or had moral
objections, as well as those who were mentally ill or convicted felons. The town's mayor said there
was a lot of support from the town's residents, most of whom already owned guns. The courts
eventually struck down the law, but at least we know how the folks in Virgin feel about gun control.
For additional information about the area, contact the Zion Canyon Visitors
Bureau in Springdale ( & 888/518-7070; www.zionpark.com).
Hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking are popular activities around
Springdale, and several local companies can provide advice, equipment rentals,
and guided tours. (See chapter 3, “Hikes & Other Outdoor Pursuits in Zion Na-
tional Park.”)
The TannerTwilightConcertSeries presents a varied performing arts program
in the stunning, 2,000-seat outdoor Tanner Amphitheater, just off Zion Park
Boulevard. Performances range from symphony orchestra concerts and dance per-
formances to rock, jazz, and gospel concerts. Shows begin at 8pm many Saturdays
throughout the summer, and cost $10 for adults and $5 for youths (18 and young-
er). For information, contact Dixie College, in St. George ( & 435/652-7994;
www.dixie.edu/tanner/index.html).
The ZionCanyonTheatre, 145 Zion Park Blvd. ( & 888/256-3456 or 435/772-2400;
www.zioncanyontheatre.com ), boasts a huge screen—some 60 feet high by 82 feet
across. Here you can see the dramatic film ZionCanyon:TreasureoftheGods, with
thrilling scenes of the Zion National Park area, including a hair-raising flash flood
through Zion Canyon's Narrows and some dizzying bird's-eye views. The theat-
er also shows a variety of other Hollywood and large-format films. Admission is
$8 adults and $6 children under 12. The theater is open daily from 11am in sum-
mer; call for winter hours. The theater complex also contains a tourist information
center, an ATM, a picnic area, gift and souvenir shops, restaurants, and a grocery
store.
Outside Bryce Canyon National Park
Just outside the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park are the communities of
Tropic (population 475), along Utah 12, about 8 miles east of the park entrance
road, and BryceCanyonCity (population 140), along the entrance road and near
its intersection with Utah 12. Much of the lodging, dining, and other services for
park visitors can be found in these communities.