In the Footsteps of Thomas Moran:
Plein Air Artist Invitational at Zion National Park 2010

Plan your visit for Monday, November 1 through Sunday, November 7 to see this great event!

    The Zion National Park Foundation recognizes Thomas Moran’s impact on the history of the National Parks and in keeping with that tradition is sponsoring a plein air art invitational aptly named “In the Footsteps of Thomas Moran.” 
     During the first week in November, 2010, twenty two nationally known artists will paint in Zion National Park from the same vantage points where Moran sketched and painted. Interested visitors will be provided site maps for these locations and other "Outside the Footsteps" sites to observe these fine artists painting from Monday, November 1, through Thursday, November 4, 2010.
     Friday, November 5th at noon, a quick draw auction will be held at Zion Lodge The artists have one hour to take a blank canvas to a finished painting. A lively auction is sure to follow as it is a rare opportunity to purchase a painting you saw the artist create!
     November 6th and 7th the artists paintings from the week can be seen and purchased at the Zion Nature Center.
   Participating artists will exhibit past Zion paintings at the Zion Human History Museum October 13th to November 29th. This is a great opportunity if you are unable to visit Zion during the plein air week.
          To see a list of artists and a schedule of events click here.
          Event proceeds benefit the Zion National Park Foundation, the Zion Human History Museum, and support art education in Zion National Park.
          For more information call 435-772-3264 or 800-635-3959.

Introducing Our Newest Publication: Zion Adventure Guide
by Greer Chesher

Zion Natural History Association announces the publication of a new comprehensive guide book of Zion National Park. Zion Adventure Guide: Exploring Zion National Park, has been three years in the making and is the first complete guide to the park available. The 160-page book, with nearly 200 photographs and 25 maps became available last month.
   Written by awarding winning author and former Zion ranger Greer Chesher, the book is the ultimate “Everything you ever wanted to know about visiting Zion National Park,” publication. Springdale graphic artist Sandy Bell has designed the book with original maps, as well as charts, diagrams, illustrations, and some of the most outstanding photography of the park available.
   This information-packed guide is the ideal trip planner for the first-time visitor and a valuable resource for return visitors to the park. It includes detailed maps, trail guides, things to see and do, reservation information, hiking and backpacking tips, a guide to the Zion Shuttle System, and the answer to just about every imaginable question a visitor might have. The trail information includes “explorer logs” filled with interpretive information on geology, plants, animals, and human history - connecting landscape with story to enhance the visitor’s experience in one of America’s most beloved national parks.

Planning a Trip to Zion and the Surrounding Area?

We have a great trip planning package for you! See it in our webstore here.

Change in Photo Class Information

Due to the ongoing road construction in Zion National Park, the Zion Canyon Field Institute Fall Foliage Photography Workshop has been shortened to two days and moved to October 23rd and 24th. We hope this is not an inconvenience and that it will be a better time for you to join us for this popular workshop. Past students have been thrilled with the results in their photography. Sign up here for a great two days in Zion.

Fantastic Summer Field Institute Courses

Want to enjoy a wonderful experience in the outdoors this summer? Check here to see the great summer lineup.

The National Parks: America's Best Idea
by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan

The National Parks: America's Best Idea is the story of an idea as uniquely American as the Declaration of Independence and just as radical: that the most special places in the nation should be preserved, not for royalty or the rich, but for everyone. As such, it follows in the tradition of Burns's exploration of other American inventions, such as baseball and jazz.You can buy your DVD set of this spectacular series and benefit Zion National Park at the same time. Also available 'The National Parks:America's Best Idea' hard cover book. Member discounts apply.

ZNHA Photo Books
Imagine how great it would be to see your own photographs next to professional quality photographs of Zion National Park in a beautiful hardbound book! Gone are the days of images languishing on your hard drive or camera memory card. In as little as 3 days you can have a spectacular, full-color book delivered to your door. It is easy. Log onto www.zion.ziblio.com, upload your photos, arrange your photos in a pleasing manner, add any of the over 500 Zion images or clip art, fill in the text and send. Not only will you be pleased with your photo book but you can feel great knowing that a portion of the proceeds will benefit Zion. Photo books made on our site also make great gifts. Please consider making all of your memory books with us. View sample Zion photo books here.

Zion Centennial License Plate Available
Show your support for Zion National park and help donate to the Park as well by requesting the new Zion Centennial Utah license plate. The plates are available from the State of Utah Department of Motor Vehicles. A portion of the $25 fee goes to support Zion National Park's programs and services.

Donations to Honor, Celebrate or Memorialize
Many people wish to make donations to Zion National Park for a variety of reasons besides their love of the park. Some want to honor the achievements of someone they know. Others find a donation makes a great gift for birthdays, holidays or weddings for those friends and family members that already have enough ‘stuff’. Oft times, a donation is made as a tangible memorial for a highly respected colleague or loved one who has passed away.
We hope you will consider the Zion National Park Foundation during these occasions. One hundred percent of your donation goes directly to the park because all administrative costs are funded through our bookstores. You can request that a beautiful card be sent as an indication of your gift.
To make arrangements, call Tracy Jones at 435-772-3264 or Contact Tracy by email

Zion Stamp Available at ZNHA

The U. S. Postal Service has announced a new stamp in honor of Zion National Park. The first day of sale was June 28th, 2009. For purchase of blank cachet envelopes used for first day of issue cancellations click here.

See the Temples and Towers through Zion's Webcam
Enjoy the view anytime! Click here.

Guided Hiking in Zion
See Zion up close and personal with a ZCFI Naturalist-Guided Hike. Choose from 15 different hikes in 2009 including the Zion Narrows hike and the exciting Rim to Floor hike.

New National Award Winner! A Century of Sanctuary: The Art of Zion National Park
Order now The most beautiful book ever published by Zion Natural History Association featuring more than 70 historic paintings as well as 68 contemporary paintings and five essays. Recently winning an APPL award, A Century of Sanctuary has been one of ZNHA's best sellers since its release. Foreword by Robert Redford. 144-page, full color, 10 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches. Read more

Check Out Zion National Park's New eHike!
As the first in a series, the park has introduced a breathtaking virtual hike of Angels Landing. You may view it here. After a large but quick download you will be treated to spectacular scenes from the hike. Be sure to click on all the little extras. They are well worth viewing. For Angels Landing hiking information see the publication available from ZNHA here.

Plan Your Visit-Zion Utah Travel Planning Kit
Our special Zion information Trip Planner provides everything you need to plan your Zion Canyon adventure, including hand-picked books, maps, and guides. Order now online


Your Support is Critical - Join ZNHA Now
Located at the visitors center in Zion National Park, The Zion Natural History Association (ZNHA) partners with the National Park Service to enhance your experience in Zion National Park, Cedar Breaks, and Pipe Spring National Monuments before, during, and after your visit.

ZNHA's bookstores offer a wealth of interpretive resources, while our Field Institute and popular Junior Ranger Programs provide hands-on learning experiences. Your membership in ZNHA along with your purchases and donations provide thousands of dollars each year to sustain these programs. Join us in our newest fund-raising effort to promote children's programs in the park. Generous contributors to the Zion National Park Foundation have helped make a difference in Zion National Park.