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of free programs and activities. Amphitheater programs, which sometimes include a slide show, take place most summer evenings at campground amphitheaters. Topics vary, but could include subjects such as the animals or plants of the park, geology of the park, or the park's famous slot canyons. Rangers also give short talks on similar subjects several times daily at various locations. Ranger-guided hikes and walks, which may require reservations, might take you to little-visited areas of the park, on a trek to see wildflowers, or out at night for a hike under the full moon. Schedules are posted on bulletin boards at the visitor centers and campgrounds.

Historic & Man-Made Attractions

There are no major historic sites in Zion National Park, but there is some evidence of the early peoples who inhabited the area. Hikers with sharp eyes may see potsherds, pieces of ancient stone tools, rock art, and other archaeological objects. Park officials ask that you do not touch these artifacts (skin oils can damage them), but report their location to rangers.

The park's Zion Human History Museum, 1 mile from the park's south entrance, features exhibits on how humans have interacted with the geology, water, plants, and animals of the park. An informative orientation film shows in the museum auditorium. The museum is open daily from 8am to 5pm.

Day Hikes

Zion offers a wide variety of hiking options, ranging from easy half-hour walks on paved paths to grueling overnight hikes over rocky terrain. Hikers with a fear of heights should be especially careful when choosing trails because many include steep, dizzying, and potentially fatal drop-offs. Water in streams in the park is not safe to drink. Smoking is prohibited on all trails. Several local companies offer guided hiking, rock climbing, and biking trips in the area outside the park, plus shuttle services. They include Zion Adventure Company, 36 Lion Blvd. (P.O. Box 523), Springdale, UT 84767 (☎ 435/772-0990; www.zionadventures.com), and Zion Rock & Mountain Guides, 1458 Zion Park Blvd. (P.O. Box 623), Springdale, UT 84767 (☎ 435/772-3303; www.zionrockguides.com). Shuttle service for backcountry hikers and bikers is available throughout the area on the park's shuttle service, Zion Canyon Transportation (☎ 877/635-5993 or 435/635-5993; www.nps.gov/zion/trans. htm). To try to arrange rides with fellow hikers, use the bulletin board at the visitor center.

SHORTER TRAILS

Canyon Overlook

1 mile RT. Moderate. Access: East side of Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel.

This self-guided trail takes you to an overlook with a magnificent view of lower Zion Canyon and Pine Creek Canyon. Be aware that there are some long drop-offs and that the sandy trail can be slippery. Trail guide booklets are available at the visitor center and at the trailhead.

Emerald Pools Trails

1.2–2.5 miles RT. Easy to moderate. Access: Across from Zion Lodge.

This can either be an easy 1-hour walk or a moderately strenuous 2-hour hike with steep drop-offs, depending on how much you choose to do. A .6-mile paved path leads from the Emerald Pools parking area, through a forest of oak, maple, fir, and cottonwood, to several waterfalls, a hanging garden, and the picturesque Lower Emerald Pool.

From here, a steeper, rocky trail continues .25 mile to the Middle Emerald Pool, and then climbs another .33 mile past cactus, yucca, and juniper to the Upper Emerald Pool, which has another waterfall. Total elevation gain is 69 feet to Lower Emerald Pool, 150 feet to the Middle Emerald Pool, and 400 feet from the trailhead to Upper Emerald Pool.

Hidden Canyon Trail

2 miles RT. Moderate to strenuous. Access: Weeping Rock parking lot.

A particularly scenic hike, this trail climbs 850 feet through a narrow, water-carved canyon, ending at the canyon's mouth. Those wanting to extend the hike can go another .6 mile to a small natural arch. Hidden Canyon Trail includes long drop-offs, and is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights.

Pa'rus Trail

3.5 miles RT.