Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Where to Find
restrooms
in Zion
The all-important restrooms at Zion are generally well maintained, but vary considerably in the
facilities they offer. As at most national parks, the best restrooms are at the visitor centers, where
you'll find heated rooms with sinks and flush toilets. There are also public restrooms at the Zion
Lodge shuttle stop. South and Watchman campgrounds, the Grotto Picnic Area, the Human His-
tory Museum, and the Temple of Sinawava Trail Head have sinks and flush toilets. Lava Point
Campground, Kolob Canyons Viewpoint, Scout Lookout, and Weeping Rock and Canyon Over-
look trail heads have vault toilets. Although essentially outhouses, this type of facility has come
a long way in the past 25 or 30 years—they're clean, sanitary, and, best of all, they don't smell.
However, they lack lights, water for hand washing, and heat. There are no toilets along the trails
or in the backcountry.
During busy times, some facilities may run out of toilet paper, so it's best to carry a backup supply.
The
KolobCanyons
section, in the park's northwest corner, is easily reached on
the short Kolob Canyons Road off I-15, at exit 40.
About 15 miles west of Zion Canyon, Kolob Terrace Road heads north from the
village of Virgin of Utah 9, providing access to several backcountry trails (see
chapter 3, “Hikes & Other Outdoor Pursuits in Zion National Park”) and the Lava
Point Campground (see chapter 5, “Where to Stay, Camp & Eat in Zion”). This road
is closed in the winter.
To get to Bryce Canyon National Park, head north and east on Utah 9, U.S. 89,
and Utah 12.
VISITOR CENTERS & INFORMATION
The park has two visitor centers. The
Zion
CanyonVisitorCenter,
near the south entrance to the park, has a wide variety of
outdoor exhibits. Rangers answer questions and provide backcountry permits; free
brochures are available; and books, maps, videos, postcards, and posters are sold.
In summer, it is open daily from 8am to 7:30pm, with shorter hours the rest of the
year. The
KolobCanyonsVisitorCenter,
in the northwest corner of the park, right
off I-15, provides information, permits, books, and maps. It is open from 8am to
6pm in summer, with shorter hours the rest of the year.
The
Zion Human History Museum,
located about 1 mile inside the south en-
trance, offers museum exhibits, park information, and an orientation program,
plus a bookstore. It's open daily in summer from 9am to 7pm, with shorter hours
at other times.
Both visitor centers and the museum are closed on Christmas Day.
