Exploring our Public Lands this Summer?

Exploring our Public Lands this Summer?

Key Summer Dates and Times for Activities in our Parks 

With the start of the summer season getting underway, we wanted to provide you with some of the great program opportunities as you explore our National Parks and Forest Service lands here in southern Utah. Many of these programs are funded in-part through the support of the Zion Forever Project. 

We hope to see you there!  

At Zion National Park: 

Daily Starting on May 23rd and Running until September 14th  

Junior Ranger Program Talks at Visitors Center 9:30 AM10:00 AM 

  • Explore the mysteries of desert life at Zion National Park! Junior Rangers of all ages are welcome to attend.  

Accessibility information: This program takes place outdoors on a partially-shaded patio. Stone benches are available for seating, as well as space for mobility devices. Rangers at the visitor center are available for any additional questions. You can also visit the Accessibility page of our website for more information.  

Ride with a Ranger 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM 

  • Explore Zion Canyon on a 2-hour ranger-led bus ride with special stops along the way. Topics vary day-to-day, but may include human history, geology, plants, animals, and more! 

This program requires free advanced registration at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center front desk. Come prepared for hot temperatures.  

Accessibility Information: These shuttles are wheelchair accessible. For more information, speak with a ranger at the visitor center.  

Free, advanced registration is required for this popular program. Visit the Zion Canyon Visitor Center information desk to make your reservation up to 72-hours in advance. 

Ranger Talk at Visitor Center – 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM- 4:30 PM 

  • Discover the survival secrets of desert plants and animals, learn how the geologic scenery came to be, hear the human history of the park, and more. Explore the fascinating world of Zion’s wildlife and learn their survival secrets or discover the stories of the people who lived in and helped shape Zion. Subjects vary, so no two programs are quite the same. This program is accessible. 

Accessibility information: This program takes place outdoors on a partially-shaded patio. Stone benches are available for seating, as well as space for mobility devices. Rangers at the visitor center are available for any additional questions. You can also visit the Accessibility page of our website for more information.  

Nature Center Youth Program – 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM and 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM  

  • Join a ranger to learn about dinosaurs, animal adaptations, and Zion adventures! These interactive 45-minute programs are designed for Junior Rangers ages 4 to 12, but all are welcome.  

Accessibility information: The Zion Nature Center is wheelchair accessible, with room to navigate in a mobility device. Some activities may take place on a flat, grassy lawn. Rangers at the visitor center and Nature Center are available for any additional questions. You can also visit the Accessibility page of our website for more information. 

Watchman Campground Evening Program – 9:00 PM – 9:45 PM 

  • Attend a ranger talk after the sun sets at the outdoor Watchman Campground Amphitheater and learn about what makes Zion such a special place.  

Accessibility information: This program takes place outdoors in a historic amphitheater. Metal benches are available for seating, as well as space for mobility devices. Some paving is uneven. Rangers at the visitor center are available for any additional questions.  

And so many more! To check them out and learn more about the program details visit: 

At Cedar Breaks National Monument: 

June – Mid-October  

Friday and Saturday Nights – Night Sky Tours at Point Supreme Overlook 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM 

July 1st – 31st – Blooms of the Breaks Art Contest  

  • Capture the beauty of Cedar Breaks' blooms through art! Show off your masterpieces in the Blooms of the Breaks Art Contest. All works of art are accepted and encouraged. Winners will receive a free America the Beautiful Interagency Pass which allows entry to all national public lands. One entry will be chosen to be featured on next year's collectible Wildflower Festival poster! Submissions are accepted via email: CEBRInfo@nps.gov 

July 4th-12th  - 20th  - Annual Wildflower Festival  

  • Celebrate nature's blooms with guided walks, expert talks, interactive booths, and an exciting art contest for all ages. Events will take place throughout the Monument. Detailed schedules for ranger-led walks and talks will be posted on our website as the event approaches. 

August 1st-3rd - Geology Jamboree 

  • Explore geology with ranger walks, talks, and activities showcasing its vibrant colors and unique formations. Events will take place throughout the Monument. Detailed schedules for ranger-led walks and talks will be posted on our website as the event approaches. 

September 12th-14th – Southwest Astronomy Festival  

  • Explore Southwest Utah's dark skies with astronomy programs from Cedar Breaks to Zion and beyond! Events will take place throughout public lands and other spaces throughout Southwest Utah. Detailed schedules for ranger-led walks and talks will be posted on our website as the event approaches. 

And many more great opportunities to discover Cedar Breaks National Monument! Check out the link below for updated information 

At Pipe Spring National Monument:  

Memorial Day through Labor Day  

  • Daily Ranger talks covering a variety of topics – including Pioneer life at the Fort, Native Agricultural Practices, and more.  

 

Take a trip out to Pipe Spring National Monument to see the daily offerings or visit: 

 

At Pine Valley – Dixie National Forest:  

  • May 22nd – Opening day for the Heritage Center in Pine Valley 

  • July 19th – Pioneer Heritage Day at Pine Valley  

To learn more about our newest public lands partner the Dixie National Forest and the recreational opportunities visit:  

 

*Please note, programs are subject to change.  

See the Field Guide