For outdoorsy travelers, visiting the great wilds of national parks is a blessing and privilege. None two the same, visiting parks all over the country is a great way to learn about the country’s natural history.

Southern Utah is home to Zion National Park’s beautiful natural structures, engaging and challenging hiking trails, rock climbing, ranger-led tours and more.

The first thing to recognize: Visiting national parks isn’t free. Visitors to the park are required to purchase recreation passes. Much of this fee goes toward preserving the park and maintaining park infrastructure. If you plan to drive with a group, these are usually purchasable by carload. The seven-day pass costs $35 per carload.

Zion National Park has many activities, ranging from backpacking to bicycling, hiking, camping and canyoneering. Depending on your taste, there will always be things to do, and an incredible backdrop to do it in. If you’re a big fan of wildlife, Zion is packed with it. California Condors, Perigrine falcons and mountain lions, among many others, call the park home. Overall, the park hosts more than 78 mammal species, 291 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles and amphibians and eight species of fish.

If you plan to be in the vicinity, you should take the chance and stop in to Zion National Park. Visit the park’s website for more specific information on all of the activities and animals mentioned above.