Zion Canyon Visitor Center — Attraction in Springdale

Rude & unwelcoming staff, save your time and go to the Trailheads Gear store instead (3 min away). If the unprofessional staff at the Visitor Center represent National Parks’ hospitality, then visitors can do without it. We’re POC and there was immediate disdain towards us as we walked in.

If you have a hard closing time, then why allow visitors into a store when you know you need to kick them out 1 minute later? To go on a power trip and make them feel unwelcome? Your store closing does not justify treating paying customers like garbage, we are not trash to toss out.

It’s not difficult to handle this situation with kindness (instead of contempt) by saying, “I’m sorry, we’re about closed right now. We reopen at 8am, are you able to come back tomorrow?”

This exchange took about 5 minutes: We stopped by the Visitor Center today on 1/24/25. We flew 6 hours and drove 4 hours to celebrate my 40th birthday today. This is our first time ever at a national park, so we weren’t sure if the Visitor Center had a gift shop (or if gift shops were elsewhere in the park). The map we received upon entering the park didn’t list the center’s hours either. We tried googling it multiple times but did not have service, so the page wouldn’t load. We finally got to the gift shop and the door was still open, so we walked in. Upon entering, a staff person (blonde hair, petite, glasses) let us know that the store was closing in 1 minute.

We said okay and knew we needed to rush. We asked where the magnets were, another employee directed us to the back. While my wife picked a magnet, I looked for a tshirt. She put her magnet on the counter and the cashier greeted her. Then she walked over to hurry me and that’s when the initial staff person (blonde) came over and said in a clearly annoyed tone, “We are now closed, if you don’t have anything in your hands, I need to ask you to leave.” My wife responded, “I have something at the counter, you don’t need to be rude.” The staff person doubles down and says, “Well I didn’t need to let you in, I could’ve LEFT you outside.” To which I respond, “The door was open and we walked in.”

My wife spoke up because anyone speaking to us like that is unacceptable, what were we doing wrong? Trying to buy your products?

We didn’t come in to a place we don’t belong, they didn’t need to “let” us in like mongrels waiting outside. It’s a Visitor Center and the door was open. We paid the park entrance fee just like everyone else. The staff person’s words about leaving us outside was disrespectful, unwelcoming, and uncalled for. As POC, we don’t know if this person is just rude to everyone or did they choose to be rude to us? We don’t feel entitled to linger in a store as it’s closing, which is why we understood the rush and were not dilly dallying, we were actively buying your products — there was no reason to treat us as you did.

You have no clue how far visitors travel to get here, if it’s our first time at the parks, what’s going on in our lives, etc. If you treat your guests in such a nasty way, why would anyone want to visit you? It doesn’t take much to be kind, have grace, and be welcoming.

There were 4 other employees in the store, during this unpleasant exchange, at least 2 of them witnessed it but no one else said anything. The cashier was friendly but it didn’t cancel out how nasty the other person was. We purchased the two items we came in for (but later realized the tshirt we picked up was in the wrong size pile, so it’s not even my size). This was a dampening experience to have on my 40th birthday. My wife planned this trip as best she could but we are still getting to know the parks… There are respectful people out there who have the skills to work in tourism and handle this situation professionally, this person we...

A Glowing Review of Zion CanyonZion Canyon is a place that transcends mere description—it's an immersive experience that ignites the senses and stirs the soul. From the moment you enter the canyon, you're enveloped in a world of towering sandstone cliffs, lush hanging gardens, and the soothing melody of the Virgin River.Nature's Masterpiece: The sheer scale of the canyon is awe-inspiring. Towering rock formations in hues of red, pink, and cream reach for the sky, creating a breathtaking panorama that changes with every shift of the light. Whether you're gazing up at the iconic Angels Landing or marveling at the majesty of the Watchman, you can't help but feel a sense of wonder at the power and beauty of nature.A Hiker's Paradise: Zion offers a diverse range of trails, catering to every level of adventurer. For those seeking a leisurely stroll, the Riverside Walk meanders along the Virgin River, offering stunning views and access to the famous Narrows. For the more daring, the challenging hike to Angels Landing rewards you with panoramic vistas that are simply unparalleled. And for those seeking solitude, numerous less-traveled trails offer a chance to connect with the canyon's serene beauty.The Narrows: No visit to Zion is complete without experiencing the Narrows. Wading through the cool, flowing water as you gaze up at the towering canyon walls is an unforgettable adventure. The light filtering through the narrow passageways creates an ethereal ambiance, making you feel as though you've entered another world.A Sanctuary of Serenity: Beyond the epic hikes and stunning vistas, Zion is also a place of peace and tranquility. The gentle sound of the river, the rustling of leaves, and the warmth of the sun create a soothing symphony that calms the mind and rejuvenates the spirit. Whether you're seeking adventure or simply a place to unwind, Zion offers a sanctuary where you can reconnect with nature and find your center.In conclusion, Zion Canyon is more than just a national park—it's a testament to the enduring power and beauty of the natural world. Its stunning landscapes, diverse trails, and serene atmosphere make it a destination that will stay with you long after you've left. If you're looking for an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe, Zion Canyon is the perfect place to discover the magic of the...

Unfortunately Zion is not as handicap friendly as they claim to be. On the website they offer car passes for those with medical disabilities but say "they don't do that" when you arrive. We found that out the first attempt and weren't prepared to travel on shuttles so just drove the part open to all vehicles. Was disappointed there wasn't anything more than a few pullouts here and there for quick photo snaps but nothing like picnic tables for a packed lunch in majestic scenery. We came back a second day strategically towards the end of a day expected to have less crowds in an attempt to see the part only accessible by the park's provided transportation. What a challenge even with less people! Taking the shuttles requires A LOT of patience from the drivers, wheelchair people, and other park passengers. The first two sets of rangers even directed us to the shuttles not even entering the park!! Many of the shuttles seemed to have mechanical problems with the wheelchair lift and required teams of people to operate. Shuttle drivers had been under the impression car passes were issued as well and tried their best but weren't always familiar with operating lifts and/or buckles (though all were willing to do their best to accommodate our desire to see the beauty of the park!). The shuttle windows only open 3 inches so from the shuttle you get a limited view (I included a picture of one stop we didn't even attempt because from the parking lot you could see the steep gravel covered path wouldn't have been safe). But even the stop considered "the most wheelchair friendly" (#9) had handicap bathrooms closed, no handicap port-a-potties, but ironically plenty of empty handicap parking spaces. The trail itself may have been paved but was covered in thick sand. With that said we tried to make the best of it only to discover the family restrooms at the visitor centers when we came back were locked. I am sure this National park could have been a shining star of America the Beautiful, but unfortunately bad training of visitor center rangers, old shuttles (a driver did mention they should be getting new ones finally next year), and false information on the website means this place only caters to physical able parties and not even the handicap veterans that fought...