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Zion National Park

Hwy 9, near Springdale nps.gov/zion

One of the most popular of all of Utah's natural wonders, Zion Canyon was carved by the Virgin River and then widened and sculpted by wind, rain, and ice. The canyon walls rise up to 2,000 ft (600 m) on both sides, and are shaped into jagged peaks and formations in shades of red, pink, and white.

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t Hiking in the Virgin River through the Narrows, and the Subway pool

Experience Southern Utah

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t The Virgin River winding through Zion Canyon, bordered by lush foliage

Mormon settlers moved to the canyon in the 1860s and named it Zion, after an ancient Hebrew word meaning “sanctuary” or “refuge”. Many of the rock formations, such as the Three Patriarchs and the Altar of Sacrifice, have biblical references. Farming continued on the canyon floor until 1909, when it was declared a national monument. It became Utah’s first national park in 1919.

The lower reaches of the Virgin River meander through the banks of cottonwood oak and willow trees that grow beneath the gradually sloping walls at the start of the canyon. The river seems gentle, but the force of its current is responsible for forming the canyon. Luxuriant foliage along the river banks provides shade for the area's abundant wildlife, including birds, mule deer, and bob-cats. In spring the wild meadows bordering the river banks sport a profusion of wild flowers. However, sudden summer rainstorms may cause floods and areas of the park near the river to be closed.

Did You Know?

From cacti to ponderosa pines, Zion Canyon harbors more than 1,000 plant species.

Park Shuttle

From mid-March to late November the only way to explore the inner core of Zion Canyon is via the park’s frequent shuttle buses. Parking is limited the rest of the year, so visitors are advised to take the free Springdale Shuttle, which ferries people from various stops in town to the park’s entrance. The shuttle inside the park runs from the Visitor Center, making nine stops along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

Exploring Zion National Park

Inside the park, the 6-mile (10-km) Zion Canyon Scenic Drive follows the Virgin River into the ever-narrowing canyon. From the visitor center, board the park’s free shuttle, which stops at nine locations on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, forming a loop. Shortly beyond the southern entrance to the park, stop at the Zion Human History Museum for a fascinating look at the park through the ages. Other stops along the Scenic Drive give access to such geological highlights as the Court of the Patriarchs, the Great White Throne, Weeping Rock, and Angels Landing.

There are a variety of hiking trails along the route; some lead to nearby waterfalls and alcoves, while others, like the demanding East and West Rim trails, climb right out of the canyon. At the end of the the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive lies the park’s most popular trail. Involving no climbing, the 1.3-mile (2-km) paved River Walk follows the Virgin River to where the canyon walls rise to over 2,000 ft (600 m). The trail offers beautiful views of the river as it winds between red sandstone walls. There is a separate entrance to Kolob Canyons, another great area for hiking, in the remote northwestern region of the park. Other pop-ular activities in the park include horseback riding, swimming in the Virgin River, and cy-cling. Bike rentals are available at many rental companies throughout the Springdale area.

Flora and Fauna

The Colorado Plateau, the Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert converge in the park, creating a habitat for a diverse range of plants and animals. Mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, golden eagles, and other raptors are often spotted. The riparian area of the Virgin River is surprisingly lush with huge cottonwood trees and nearby wetlands. Look up to see the park’s unusual hanging gardens of mosses, ferns, and wildflowers on tall cliffs, fed by water seeping out of sandstone.

Weeping Rock

An easy, self-guided trail leads to Weeping Rock, an eroded, bowl-shaped cliff face where water oozes out from between two different sandstone strata. This creates a year-round spring that nourishes hanging gardens of moss, ferns, grass, as well as wildflowers in spring.

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t Visitors at Weeping Rock, with water "seeping" out of the rock

The Narrows

Rock walls tower 1,000 ft (305 m) high along the slenderest stretch of Zion Canyon. The only trail through this awesome gorge is right in the Virgin River itself. Explore it on a short splash upstream, make the strenuous, all-day hike to Big Spring and back (10 miles/16 km round-trip), or get a permit for the adventurous downstream hike (16 miles/26 km) from Chamberlain’s Ranch.

Kolob Canyons

Towering peaks of Navajo sandstone surround this wilderness area in Zion National Park, 40 miles (64 km) north of the crowded Zion Canyon. There are viewpoints along a 5-mile (8-km) scenic drive, while hiking trails lead to waterfalls, old homestead cabins, and rock formations such as Double Arch Alcove, West Temple, and the Kolob Arch.

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Insider Tip

Park Programs

There are many free, ranger-led activities in the park. These include hikes and bird walks, Ride with a Ranger shuttle tours, nature center youth programs, and evening talks on stargazing and wildlife.

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