Zion National Park

From World travel guide

Zion National Park [1] is a United States National Park that is located in southern Utah. The park was established in 1909 as Mukuntuweap National Monument and became Zion National Park in 1919. The park protects the incredible rock formations of Zion Canyon, but is also a favorite spot for hiking and backpacking.

Contents 1 Understand 1.1 History 1.2 Landscape 1.3 Flora and fauna 1.4 Climate 2 Get in 2.1 By car 3 Fees/Permits 4 Get around 4.1 By car 4.2 By shuttle 4.3 By foot 4.4 By bike 5 See 6 Do 6.1 Hiking 6.2 Photography 6.3 Horseback riding 6.4 Rock climbing 7 Buy 8 Eat 9 Sleep 9.1 Lodging 9.2 Camping 9.3 Backcountry 10 Stay safe 11 Get out

Understand

History

Mormon pioneers arrived in Zion in 1863 when Issac Behunin built the first log cabin in Zion Canyon, near the location of the current Zion Lodge. During the remainder of the century small communities and homesteads in the area struggled to survive. The pioneers gave the canyon the name "Zion", a Hebrew word meaning safety, or a place of refuge. Despite the name, the canyon offered little arable land, poor soils, and catastrophic flooding, making agriculture a risky venture.

By the first decade of the 20th century, the scenic qualities of southern Utah, and Zion Canyon in particular, had been recognized as a potential destination for tourism. In 1909, a presidential Executive Order designated Mukuntuweap National Monument, in Zion Canyon. The new monument was, however, virtually inaccessible to visitors, since the existing roads were in poor condition and the closest railhead a hundred miles away. The park's name was changed to Zion National Monument in 1918, and in 1919 the park was expanded and became a national park. Visitation to the new national park increased steadily during the 1920s, and in 1930, the newly completed Zion-Mt Carmel highway allowed motorists to travel through Zion to Bryce and points east. This highway was one of the greatest engineering feats of modern times, requiring the construction of a 5,613-foot tunnel to negotiate the vertical sandstone cliffs of Zion. The Kolob Canyons section was established as a National Monument in 1937 and added to Zion National Park in 1956.

Landscape

Zion National Park encompasses some of the most scenic canyon country in the United States . The park is characterized by high plateaus, a maze of narrow, deep, sandstone canyons and striking rock towers and mesas. Zion Canyon is the largest and most visited canyon in the park. The North Fork of the Virgin River has carved a spectacular gorge here, with canyon walls in most places rising 2000-3000 feet above the canyon floor. The southern part of the park is a lower desert area, with colorful mesas bordered by rocky canyons and washes. The northern sections of the park are higher plateaus covered by forests.

Flora and fauna

Mammals commonly found within the park's borders include bats, jackrabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, gophers, kangaroo rats, beavers, mice, porcupines, coyotes, gray fox, ringtails, skunks, mule deer and mountain lions. Peregrine falcons, rattlesnakes and numerous lizards are also species that visitors may recognize.

Climate

Weather in the park varies greatly with elevation, and even at the same elevation may differ by over 30°F between day and night. During the spring the weather is very unpredictable, with stormy, wet days common, although warm, sunny weather may occur too. Precipitation peaks in March. Summer days are hot (95-110°F), but overnight lows are usually comfortable (65-70°F). Afternoon thunderstorms are common from mid-July through mid-September, making flash floods a danger. Autumn days are usually clear and mild with cool nights. During the winter storms bring rain or light snow to Zion Canyon, but heavier snow to the higher elevations. Clear days may become quite warm, reaching 60°F; nights are often in the 20s and 30s. Winter storms can last several days and cause roads to be icy.

Get in

There are two sections of the park that are not connected by road; the Kolob Canyons area is in the park's northern area and offers some interesting canyon views. The more popular (and more crowded) Zion Canyon area is in the southern portion of the park and contains many of the park's most famous scenic wonders.

By car

The Kolob Canyons entrance is accessible from I-15, exit 40. I-15 passes west of the Park and connects with UT-9 and 17 to the Park. US-89 passes east and connects with UT-9 to the Park. The Zion Canyon area is a short distance from the Park's South Entrance adjacent to the town of Springdale.

Fees/Permits

There is a $20 entrance fee for all private vehicles entering the park that is good for seven days; a National Park Pass may be purchased for $50 that waives entrance fees at all national parks for one year. Motorcycles, individuals on foot, and bicyclists are charged a $10 entrance fee. Private vehicles which only visit the Kolob Canyon section of the park need only pay a $10 entrance fee.

Get around

By car

The park is accessible by car, although Zion Canyon is accessible only by shuttle from March through October. For large vehicles (7'10'' in width or 11'4'' in height) entering or exiting the park from the east entrance, an escort is required through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Vehicles this size are too large to stay in their lane while traveling through the tunnel. Nearly all RV's, buses, trailers, 5th wheels, and some camper shells will require an escort. Escort costs are $15 per vehicle, valid for two trips through the tunnel during a seven day period. Very large vehicles, including those taller than 13'1'', may be prohibited from entering the tunnel.

During the winter Zion roads are plowed, except the Kolob Terrace road, which is closed. Be prepared for winter driving conditions, including potentially icy roads, from November through March.

By shuttle

From March through October Zion uses a shuttle system to eliminate congestion in the canyon. The Zion Scenic Drive is closed to all private vehicles, and a free shuttle runs from 5:45 AM until 11:00 PM each day, leaving as often as each six minutes. Maps throughout the park show shuttle stops.

By foot

The beautiful scenery of the park makes a hike practically a mandatory event. The park offers trails of varying difficulty and length, suitable for twenty minute strolls or multi-day backpacking trips.

By bike

Bicycles are an excellent option for traveling the Zion Scenic drive. Shuttle buses are equipped with bike racks for those wishing to ride only part of the way. Bicycles are permitted only on established roads and the Pa’rus Trail (which leads into Zion Canyon). Cyclists must obey traffic laws. Bicycles are not allowed on hiking trails or off-trail. Ride defensively; automobile traffic can be heavy and drivers may be distracted by the scenery. Park shuttles will not pass bicycles, so use turnouts to allow them to pass. Riding through the Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel is prohibited; bicycles must be transported through the tunnel by motor vehicle.

See

• The Narrows. Accessible from Zion Canyon, the Narrows is an extremely popular off-trail hike. Following the Virgin River along the floor of a very narrow canyon with impossibly high walls, this trek is one of the park's most magical destinations. The full trek is a 16-mile one-way trip, and the area may be closed due to high waters or flash-flood danger. Wading will be required, so wear footwear and leg coverings that can get wet.
• Checkerboard Mesa. Located next to the park road on the east side of the Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel, Checkerboard Mesa is a sandstone mountain that has been etched with a fantastic pattern of lines and shapes through the forces of erosion. The surrounding slickrock area is full of similarly amazing rock formations.
• Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The road through Zion Canyon leads past some of the most fantastic rock formations in the world, with colorful sandstone cliffs rising 2,000 to 3,000 feet from the canyon floor. The seemingly tiny Virgin River has almost singlehandedly created this canyon over a period of 13 million years, with much of the work happening during periods of intense flash flooding.
• Kolob Canyon. Located in the parks northwestern corner, Kolob Canyon is a less-crowded area of the park that contains beautiful red-rock canyons, incredible overlooks, and lush scenery.

Do

Hiking

Zion Canyon Trails:

• Pa'rus Trail (3.5 mile / 5.6 kilometer round-trip). An easy paved trail starting at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and following the Virgin River from the South Campground to the Zion Canyon junction.
• Weeping Rock (0.5 mile / 0.8 kilometer round-trip). A short but steep paved trail that ends at a rock alcove with dripping springs. Hanging gardens of wildflowers decorate the walls in spring and summer.
• Riverside Walk (2.0 mile / 3.3 kilometer round-trip). An easy paved trail that follows the Virgin River along the bottom of a narrow canyon. Hanging gardens of wildflowers in spring and summer.
• Lower Emerald Pools (1.2 mile / 1.9 kilometer round-trip). An easy paved trail that leads from Zion Lodge to pools and small waterfalls.
• Middle Emerald Pools (2.0 mile / 3.3 kilometer round-trip). A moderately difficult trail from Zion Lodge to the lower and middle pools. Swimming, wading, or bathing is prohibited in all pools in order to protect the aquatic wildlife and preserve this fragile area.
• Canyon Overlook (1.0 mile / 1.6 kilometer round-trip). Starting east of the tunnel, this moderately difficult trail over rocky, uneven terrain leads to a spectacular viewpoint of lower Zion Canyon and Pine Creek Canyon.
• Watchman (2.0 mile / 3.3 kilometer round-trip). Starting at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, this moderate trail ends at viewpoint of lower Zion Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, and the town of Springdale. It is recommended that the trail be taken at the beginning or end of the day due to the heat.
• Hidden Canyon (2.0 / 3.2 kilometer round-trip). A moderately difficult hike that is not for anyone fearful of heights. The trail ends at the mouth of narrow side canyon.
• Angels Landing (5.0 mile / 8.6 kilometer round-trip). A steep, strenuous, but spectacular trail that ends at a magnificent overlook of Zion Canyon. The last 0.5 mile / 0.8 kilometer of the trail follows a steep, narrow ridge with chains added to provide handholds. For those in good physical condition and not afraid of hikes, this hike is a must.
• Observation Point (8.0 mile / 12.0 kilometer round-trip). A strenuous climb through Echo Canyon to Observation Point offering excellent views of Zion Canyon. The trail gives access to other East Rim plateau trails: Cable Mountain and Deertrap Mountain.
• Lower West Rim to Cabin Spring (10 mile / 17.2 kilometer round-trip). A strenuous hike that climbs to a high-country viewpoint of canyons. The trail continues to Lava Point, an alternate starting point; the trip to Lava Point should not be attempted as a one-day hike.

Kolob Canyon Trails:

• Timber Creek Overlook (1.0 mile / 1.6 kilometer round-trip). Departing from the Kolob Canyon portion of the park, this easy trail follows the ridge top to small peak which offers views of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace and Pine Valley Mountains.
• Taylor Creek (5.0 mile / 8.6 kilometer round-trip). Another Kolob Canyon trail, this trek follows the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek past two homestead cabins to Double Arch Alcove.
• Kolob Arch (14 mile / 22 kilometer round-trip). A strenuous hike from the Kolob Canyon section of the park along Timber and LaVerkin Creeks to Kolob Arch, possibly the world’s largest freestanding arch.

Photography

Zion offers the photographer a unique and incredible landscape with many opportunities to explore color, texture, and light. The animal life, while not as obvious as in some other parks, offers some opportunity for wildlife photography.

Horseback riding

For those wishing to explore the park on horseback, permits are not required for day trips, but are required for overnight trips. The maximum group size for horseback trips is six animals. For overnight trips the maximum stay in any single location is one night. Stock must be hobbled or tethered to reduce damage to vegetation. To reduce the spread of noxious and exotic weeds, all stock must be fed only certified weed-free hay one day prior to entering the backcountry and when using park trails. When traveling by horseback on trail areas stock must remain on trails. Free-trailing or loose herding is not allowed. Animals must be kept at a slow walk when passing hikers. When standing, stock must be kept at least 100 feet from drainages.

Stock may be used in these areas:

• Trails: La Verkin Creek, Hop Valley Wildcat Canyon, West Rim (above Cabin Springs), East Rim (above rim, includes Cable Mountain and Deertrap trails), Sandbench (November through February only).
• Off-trail areas: Coalpits Wash, Huber Wash, Scoggins Wash, Crater Hill.

Guided trail rides can be arranged with park concessionaires:

• Canyon Trail Rides, Zion Lodge, Ph: (435) 772-3810 (in season), Ph: (435) 679-8665 (off season). Guided trail rides are offered from March through October. Reservations are advised and can be made by calling or in-person at the Zion Lodge.

Rock climbing

Climbing on Zion's sandstone formations requires appropriate hardware and skills. Individuals interested in climbing should check for information at the visitor center and be aware that some routes may be closed when peregrine falcons are breeding.

Buy

The bookstores at the visitor centers offer books of local interest, postcards, prints, film, and other souvenir items. Camping supplies, groceries, and other necessities must be purchased outside of the park.

Eat

The only food within the park is located at Zion Lodge. The Red Rock Grill offers sit-down meals, while a cafeteria features grab-and-go food. Groceries must be purchased outside of the park.

Sleep

Lodging

Zion Lodge is located within the canyon, three miles north on the Zion Scenic Drive. The lodge is open year round. Cabins include two double-size beds, full bath, and fireplace. Motel rooms include either queen-sized beds or a single king-sized bed, air conditioning, and full bath. Rates vary by season but are approximately $130 - $150 per night. www.zionlodge.com

Camping

There are two campgrounds within the park:

• Watchman Campground (Year round). Located near the South Entrance, this campground offers sites on a first-come, first-serve basis from November through March, while reservations may be made up to five months in advance during the rest of the year reservations.nps.gov. Fees are $16 per site without electric hookups, $18 per site with electric hookups, and $20 per site for river sites.
• South Campground (March - October). Also located near the South Entrance, all sites in South Campground are first-come, first serve. Fees are $16 per night.

Backcountry

All backcountry camping requires a permit, which is available for a fee at the visitor center. Maximum group size for backcountry usage is twelve people.

Stay safe

Flash floods can occur in the park without warning. Since the floodwaters originate upstream a flood may even occur when the weather does not seem that bad, so always be aware of weather conditions for the surrounding areas. If hiking in a narrow canyon, should the water begin to rise even slightly begin looking for higher ground. Temperatures can climb to as much as 110°F (33°C) during summer, and during heat waves may be even higher. Most days during mid-summer are above 100°F (38°C) in the lower elevations.

Get out

Zion National Park lies in an area known as canyon country that includes:

• Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon National Park is located 78 miles east of Zion National Park and offers protects an colorful landscape of eroded orange and yellow pillars set amongst a natural amphitheatre.
• Grand Canyon National Park.
• Cedar Breaks National Monument.
• Red Canyon.
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

In addition, other nearby destinations include:

• Las Vegas. Las Vegas is located 150 miles west of the park along Interstate 15. Sin City generally needs no introduction, but for those not interested in gambling it can make a great meal stop, especially after a week or more of backpacking in the wilderness.

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