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Visitor Information Center

The Greater Zion Visitor Center is a must for anyone interested in exploring the natural wonders of southwest Utah.

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Greater Zion Visitor Center

Your first stop in Greater Zion.

Just as ecosystems converge here, so do the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office and the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, creating this center to celebrate and protect all this region offers.
 
We encourage you to get out and explore, but first use this space to learn about our boundless adventures, meet the animals that call this place home, and be inspired by a slice of history that continues to shape our existence here in Southwest Utah.

Ask questions. Be curious. And be in awe.

The Greater Zion Visitor Center is a must for anyone interested in exploring the natural wonders of southwest Utah. Combined with the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve Discovery Center, this impressive facility is located in the heart of St. George, inside the Washington County Administration Building and open to visitors from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.


Features of the center include:


Displays

The visitor center features beautiful floor-to-ceiling graphic wall displays that showcase the stunning
landscapes and unique recreational opportunities of Greater Zion, including the towering sandstone
cliffs, sweeping vistas, and winding canyons. The displays are designed to be visually stunning and
informative, inspiring visitors to explore the area’s distinctive scenery.

greater zion visitor center david paul green visual terrain inc 057
greater zion visitor center david paul green visual terrain inc 057

Greater Zion Critters

Visitors can get up close and personal with a variety of fascinating creatures of the desert southwest, including colorful slithering snakes, shy salamanders, lumbering desert tortoises, a hairy tarantula, a glowing scorpion and Utah’s official reptile, the Gila Monster. These exhibits provide a unique opportunity to learn about the local wildlife and to safely get up close to these creatures.

Interactive Map

For those who want a more immersive experience, the center also features a 16’ x 9’ interactive, 3D-printed map of Greater Zion. The impressive display is big enough to appreciate the deep canyons of Zion National Park, as well as the soaring heights of the Pine Valley Mountains.

The map includes projected and video animations showcasing the area’s four state parks, 14 golf courses, Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, Zion National Park, and Dixie National Forest. The map’s user-friendly touchscreen interface allows visitors to explore the area in detail and learn about the various hiking and biking trails, scenic drives, off-road adventures and other attractions found throughout the region.

greater zion visitor center david paul green visual terrain inc 057
greater zion visitor center david paul green visual terrain inc 057

Printed information and maps

In addition to these exhibits, guests can pick up printed information, including trail maps, brochures, dining guides and other materials. All free.

Friendly and informative staff

The center is staffed by local experts who are passionate about sharing their love of the area, answering questions, providing recommendations and offer guidance on how to make the most of your time in Greater Zion.

greater zion visitor center david paul green visual terrain inc 057

Meet Our Residents

Bonnie, Clyde, Tortilla and Houdini

This quartet of desert tortoises represent an ancient desert species, known as the engineers of the desert.

Hercules

Herc, a Gila monster, is the veteran of the Center, likely one of the oldest living ever. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to see him up and moving.

Charlie

Charlie the California Kingsnake is nonvenomous and is often found doing laps, and he’s well on his way to being an ultimate 3.5-4.5 feet long.

Sierra-Moon

She’s the colorful cousin to our California King, Sierra is our representative for the mountain king snake species

Bill and Ted

Our resident tiger salamander roomies are on a most excellent adventure in the moss, mud and water in their center habitat.

Ryan Reynolds

“Reynolds” for short, a desert hairy scorpion is the newest guy on the block, and is named for another famous Scorpio.

She Who Must Not Be Named

Yep, that’s right, this desert tarantula doesn’t need a name as she suns herself in the heat lamp of her enclosure.

Hours of Operation
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday-Friday

Location
111 E. Tabernacle Street
(first floor of the Washington County Administration Building)
St. George, UT 84770
435-301-7400