East Zion Discovery Center: A New Gateway to Zion's Tranquil Side

Zion National Park is poised to unveil a transformative addition to its eastern entrance: the East Zion Discovery Center.

 

Slated for a grand opening in spring 2026, this center aims to provide a comprehensive orientation hub for travelers approaching from U.S. 89 near the East Entrance.

 

Located at the Zion East Gate in Mt. Carmel, the campus is designed to offer an accessible space for learning, planning, and direct immersion into nature, all while alleviating the congestion often experienced on the park's western side.

 

The East Zion Discovery Center will feature educational spaces, trail access points, and an electric vehicle (EV) shuttle hub, enhancing the overall Zion experience.

 

Spanning approximately 25,000 square feet on a 30-acre campus, the project is a collaborative effort involving private stakeholders, the National Park Service, the Zion National Park Forever Project, and the Zion Mountain Local Service District.

 

This partnership underscores the project's commitment to conservation, education, and efficient visitor flow.

 

Key features of the center include indoor-outdoor educational spaces, exhibits, a café, and a small retail area.

 

Additionally, the transit hub with EV shuttles is intended to reduce traffic pressure in Zion Canyon.

 

The design is pursuing Living Building Challenge certification, emphasizing the use of locally responsive materials, natural lighting, and an experience corridor that extends learning into the surrounding landscape.

 

Trails play a significant role in the east-side development.

 

As the Discovery Center progresses, the Zion Forever Project continues to implement a purpose-built trail network on adjacent lands.

 

Current plans include over 45 miles of mountain bike trails, designed to connect riders and families to the Discovery Center and nearby communities.

 

Public and philanthropic partners have also supported the broader East Zion initiative, including state investments in roads and infrastructure to ensure the center functions as a true gateway.

 

Within the park boundary, a separate National Park Service project is underway to redesign the East Entrance area with a resilient landscape and a new interagency visitor center, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

 

Together, these east-side additions offer visitors clearer choices and more ways to engage with Zion year-round.

 

Construction of the Discovery Center is currently in progress.

 

Final opening timelines and operating details will be shared as the project nears completion.

 

For updates, follow the Zion National Park Forever Project and the National Park Service.

 

Rendering of the Zion National Park Discovery Center, courtesy of Overland Partners.