Explore the Sandstone Cliffs of Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah - Driving Tour

Welcome to Zion National Park! Just up ahead on our right will be the Zion National Park Visitor Center, and the gateway to one of the most iconic national parks in the United States. The visitor center is staffed with knowledgeable rangers who can provide detailed information on park facilities, hiking trails, current conditions, and upcoming events. They will be happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.
There are also interactive exhibits and displays inside the center that provide insight into the geology, ecology, and cultural history of Zion National Park. As well as a bookstore where you can of course purchase books, maps, field guides, and souvenirs all related to the park and the surrounding region. This is also your chance to head to the bathroom if you need one! The visitor center is equipped with restrooms, drinking water fountains, and picnic areas.
Stopping at the park’s visitor center is always a good way to get grounded, get some water, and get any more answers to anything that you may need. If you’re also thinking about taking a few hikes they can help you out with renting gear too!
Either go ahead and turn right into the parking lot, or we can continue on our drive! I promise either way you will learn all you need to know about Zion National Park, and I know for one I am so excited you joined me today!

To the left of us is the Zion Human History Museum. The museum features a variety of exhibits that highlight the rich cultural heritage of Zion National Park and the people who have called this area home throughout history.
At the beginning are the exhibits that teach us about the Native American history of the area. You will get the chance to learn about the indigenous peoples who have inhabited the Zion region for thousands of years, including the Southern Paiute and Ancestral Puebloans. Around 2,000 years ago the Ancestral Puebloans began to settle in the Zion area and established communities along the Virgin River and its tributaries. These ancient farmers cultivated maize, beans, and squash in small, terraced fields, built elaborate stone structures, and crafted pottery and other goods. Their cliff dwellings, rock art, and ceremonial sites are scattered throughout the park and offer a glimpse into their complex social, religious, and artistic traditions. Later on as they disappeared from the area, the Southern Paiute people had continued to maintain a presence in the area. The Southern Paiute are a Numic-speaking tribe whose traditional homeland encompasses much of present-day southern Utah, northern Arizona, and southeastern Nevada. They relied on hunting, gathering, and seasonal migrations to sustain themselves, and they have a deep spiritual connection to the land. You’ll discover more about their traditional lifeways, spiritual beliefs, and cultural practices through artifacts, photographs, and interpretive panels as you walk through the museum.
Then you will make your way to the history of Euro-American settlement in the Zion area, from the arrival of Mormon pioneers in the mid-19th century to the development of tourism and recreation in the early 20th century. In 1858, Mormon scouts led by Nephi Kohnson explored the Zion area and also saw its potential. The following year, Mormon leader Brigham Young sent a group of settlers led by Isaac Behunin to establish a permanent settlement in what is now Springdale, Utah, near the mouth of Zion Canyon where we began our drive. You’ll gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of early settlers as they carved out a living in this rugged landscape.
And in addition to its focus on human history, the museum also delves into the natural history of Zion National Park, showcasing the park’s unique geology, flora, and fauna. Learn about the forces that shaped the landscape over millions of years and the ecological significance of this protracted wilderness area. We will get to talk more about the landscape during our drive, it’s always nice to be able to see exactly what we’re talking about!
The museum celebrates the cultural diversity of Zion National Park and its surrounding communities, highlighting the contributions of diversity to the region's identity and heritage.