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Zion National Park Lodging Park Info Vacation Weather Photos Hike SR-9 Slots Backpack Camping |
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Grotto TrailAlthough Zion's Grotto Trail is only a short and level dirt path connecting Zion Lodge with the Grotto Picnic area it has great historical significance and several of Zion's more popular trails begin or end at the Grotto Picnic Area including Angels Landing, Kayenta Trail, West Rim, Lady Mountain and even technical slot canyons such as Behunin Canyon. Many of Zion's named landmarks are visible from this short path. Grotto Trail at a Glance
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Directions to Zion National ParkFrom the North: Travel I-15 south, past Beaver. exit on Hwy 20. Follow US-89 to Mount Carmel Junction. Take SR-9 to Zion's east entrance.
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Zion Lodge - Wylie Camp, a tent camp, was the first site for lodging in Zion Canyon. Gilbert Stanley Underwood designed the first lodge which was placed on the Wylie Camp site. It was built in 1925 and burnt down in 1966, leaving only the original fire place standing which was incorporated into a new building. Stanley's work still survives in the cabins around the lodge, the dormitories and the charming Zion Nature Center located just off the entrance to the South Campground. In 1984 the smaller original cabins were auctioned off. My Grandma, Fern Morrison bought two of them and built them into her home, and rents the rooms out by the night. The new lodge was built by the Union Pacific Railway in 1992 to match the existing look. In 1997 many of the cabins were restored and are on the National Register of Historic Places as well as in the Zion Lodge Historic District.
Zion's Grotto - Grotto Comfort Stations - I find it odd to use the term comfort station, but that is what seems to be the newest term instead of restrooms. They were constructed to be similar to the original museum. the south station was built first, in 1925 and the north was completed about the same time as the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel in 1930 to 1931. I am quite fond of the stone work of the buildings in Zion, even when they are simply comfort stations. Both buildings got a face lift in 1959 and were listed on the National Register of Historic places on Valentines Day in 1987.
Zion's Historic Grotto Museum and Contact Station (Grotto Residence)
This quaint building, Zion's oldest remaining building, was completed in 1924 and was used as the parks museum and contact station. The grotto was the campground at that time. In 1936 it served as a residence, like many of the other structures in the park for Zion's employees. As you can see in the photo, the stone work is much larger than later projects. The price tag of restoration boggles my mind for these historic buildings, but I believe it's money well spent and much of it is often obtained by grants and fund raisers. In 2009 work was completed on the Grotto Residence and today it is used as part of the artist in residence program. The original museum was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. 
Zion's Artist in Residence Program - For one month selected artists are allowed to stay in the historic building in hopes they can create artwork that can share the love many of us have for Utah's oldest National Park. Each winter and spring one artist is chosen. They can also stay rent free at either of Zion's campgrounds, but I can't imagine passing up the option to live in the historic cabin in the canyon. The artist is required to do a couple of programs for the public during their stay. For those who are interested contact Zion's Natural History Association.
Beta: Coordinates and other trail and canyoneering information by Zion Park search and rescue veteran team member Bo Beck and www.zionnational-park.com author Tanya Milligan.
To post trip reports, offer corrections, updates, or for more information please visit the Zion National Park Forum
Suggested Gear: A sturdy pair of shoes are recommend to hike the trails in Zion National Park. Many quality shoes will help grip the rocks and prevent injury.
East Zion Lodge
Vacation House
Group Lodging
East Zion Golf
East Zion RV Park
Vacation Packages
Mileage from
Mt. Carmel Jct.
Zion National Park 12
Bryce Canyon 60
Grand Canyon 85
Cedar Breaks 45
Grand Staircase 9
Dixie Forest 22
Sand Dunes 11
Coyote Butte 57
Red Canyon 47
Tuweep 90
Stay in a hotel the heart of the parks, Mount Carmel Junction, and visit the treasures of the Southwest and Utah.
Site Map
Site Map II
Site Map III
Zion Hiking
Zion Park Hiking
Zion Hiking Advanced
Zion Canyoneering
Kolob Hiking
Greater Zion Area
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| Zion History |
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