Every year, Zion National Park opens its gates and its wonders to fourth-grade students from local Title I schools, many of whom are visiting for the very first time. With the help of the Zion Forever Project and the National Park Foundation, this program provides a three-part educational experience designed to inspire curiosity, build resilience, and create lifelong stewards of public lands.
For many of these students, Zion is in their “backyard,” but the field trip program transforms it into something deeply personal. “Every new school year brings new opportunities to engage with students and make Zion their park,” said Jorge Hernandez, Project Lead. “It’s incredible to see their faces light up as they explore and connect with this amazing place.”
The program begins in classrooms, where Zion’s rangers introduce students to the park’s ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation principles through virtual lessons. These sessions are tailored to align with Utah’s curriculum standards while sparking excitement for the in-person visit. Students then experience the heart of the program: a field trip to Zion National Park.
At the park, rangers lead hands-on activities that emphasize Leave No Trace principles, journaling and observation, the beauty of the Virgin River, and the trails that showcase Zion’s towering sandstone cliffs. These immersive experiences encourage exploration while integrating elements of social and emotional learning. Students are encouraged to see Zion not just as a park but as a sanctuary—a place to reduce stress, build resilience, and connect with nature on a deeper level.
The journey doesn’t end at the park. Rangers visit classrooms after the trip to reflect on the experience, ensuring the lessons and memories leave a lasting impression. Every student also receives an Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) Pass, giving them and their families free access to Zion and other national parks for the year.
By connecting students with nature, Zion’s Field Trip program is planting seeds for a future where these children become lifelong advocates for conservation and public lands.
