“ONE OF THE NATURAL WONDERS OF THE WORLD” ZION NATIONAL PARK

Natural Wonders of the World: America’s top five National Parks

Zion National Park Photo Courtesy of the National Park Service
Zion National Park Photo Courtesy of the National Park Service

There is never a better time to begin your Zion National Park Adventure.  As one of the Natural Wonders of the World: America’s top five National Parks; it is on many lists of must see places, including National Geographic Top Ten National Park Landmarks.  There are numerous reasons to visit this world wonder and all of them will fascinate the imagination and leave you breathless at the magnificent views and experience in the park.

Zion National Park Visitors Center Photo Courtesy of National Park Service
Zion National Park Visitors Center Photo Courtesy of National Park Service

Zion Canyon Visitor Center:

Here you will get maps and permits you will need for your exploration of the canyon. Rangers are available to assist you and answer any questions  you may have. There are two  main campgrounds,  gift shops, restaurants, and other attractions.  Here you will find The Watchman trail head.  The towering Watchman, stands some 2500ft/1995m above the canyon floor to keep watch over and protect the canyon.

Zion Museum:

You will certainly want to visit the Zion Museum to learn the creation of Zion Canyon.  Millions of years of erosion left these magnificent Navajo sandstone towers and cliffs. Zion Canyon is but one of the steps in the Grand Staircase that begins at the Grand Canyon and ends at Bryce Canyon.

Court of the Patriarchs Zion National Park
Court of the Patriarchs Zion National Park

Court of the Patriarchs:

With just a short hike, you will come to the base of three sandstone monoliths.  These are named after the ancient old testament patriarchs: Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. From here you can access the Sand Bench Trail, which will take you along the Virgin River to the Zion Lodge.

Zion Lodge Photo Courtesy of the Zion Lodge
Zion Lodge Photo Courtesy of the Zion Lodge

Zion Lodge:

The Zion Lodge lies in the heart of Zion Canyon.  Here you will find gift shops and food service. 

Upper Emerald Pools NPhoto Courtesy of National Park Servide
Upper Emerald Pools Photo Courtesy of National Park Service

Emerald Pools Trailhead:

The trail head to the three Emerald Pools begins at the Zion Lodge.  You can see the reflection of the surrounding cliffs as you look across these crystal clear pools.

 

Angels Landing Photo Courtesy of National Park Servide
Angels Landing Photo Courtesy of National Park Service

The Grotto- Angels Landing & West Rim Trailhead:

One of the most spectacular hikes in Zion,  begins here.  This hike up to Angels Landing is an experience that stops those faint hearted and with a fear of heights.  The 2,000 foot shear cliffs that drop off from both sides of the narrow trail, require a good deal of steal in the bravery department, as you approach the top.  Although this is a psychological and physical test, the view of the canyon floor from the heights above  is certainly well worth the hike.

Weeping Rock Photo Courtesy of National Park Servide
Weeping Rock Photo Courtesy of National Park Service

Weeping Rock- Observation Point Trailhead:

An amazing sight is that of the porous Navajo sandstone monoliths.  Water pervades down through the sandstone and as it reaches impermeable layers that allow the water to flow horizontal until it seeps to the face of the cliffs.  Thus is the case of the Weeping Rock.

Big Bend Photo Courtesy of National Park Servide
Big Bend Photo Courtesy of National Park Service

Big Bend – The Organ:

Big Bend will  have you standing at the base of a 2,000ft/6,010m shear cliff on the north side of Angels Landing.   A 1,100ft Monolith “Organ” (resembling a pipe organ) stands here at the edge of the Virgin River.

Temple of Sinawava Photo Courtesy of National Park Servide
Temple of Sinawava Photo Courtesy of National Park Service

Temple of Sinawava- Riverside Walk-

Is the end of the canyon road, and the beginning of the Riverside trail.  It winds along the banks of the Virgin River which  ends at “The Narrows.”

The Narrows Photo Courtesy of the National Park Service
The Narrows Photo Courtesy of the National Park Service

The Narrows–

Is a one way 16 mile hike through the narrow canyons of the Virgin River.  The towering steep cliffs over 1,000 feet high surround you.

The Great White Throne Photo Courtesy of National Park Servide
The Great White Throne Photo Courtesy of National Park Service

The Riverside Trail

will allow you to go as far as you wish.  The many famous Zion Park photographs are taken in Zion Canyon.  These include the Patriarchs, the Great White Throne, and scenes along the Virgin River.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor Activities include:

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Canyoneer
  • Climbing
  • Golf
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Off Road / ATV
  • Ski
  • Snowboarding

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