Zion National Park in the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area

Zion National Park – Utah’s First National Park

Zion National Park invokes an inner awe that is impossible to ignore for all who visit. From the Utah Pioneer Heritage Arts – “Zion – You’ll Remember Me”.

What is unique about Zion National Park?

Lying in Utah’s high plateau country, the Virgin River’s current has shaped its path through the desert lands.   Cutting through a gorge that is narrow and deep, and where the light of day seldom reaches into the depths of the bottom, Zion Canyon was formed.  Where the canyon broadens, the rapid river current flows with a series of turns with enormous towering walls brimming with glossy rock peaks and hanging valleys.

Photo Courtesy of Visit St. George, Utah and Bill Ratcliff
Photo Courtesy of Visit St. George, Utah, and Bill Ratcliffe

How was Zion National Park formed?

Geologists have determined that flowing water has carved out the white beds of the Navajo sandstone rock wall formation of Zion National Park over a million years. The area was once an immense desert with constant winds blowing the sands from one dune to the top of another.  Over the span of time, these reached heights of over 2,000 feet.  Ancient winds left their elegant markings upon the artful strata cross beds along the mighty Zion’s precipice.

Navajo Sandstone cross bed Photo Courtesy of the National Park Service
Navajo Sandstone cross bed Photo Courtesy of the National Park Service

What makes Zion National Park different from the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon is viewed from the rim across the expanse, whereas Zion is commonly viewed from the bottom, gazing up.  There are amazing sights to behold as you gaze up the canyon walls.

Upper Emerald Pool Photo Courtesy of National Park Servide
Upper Emerald Pool Photo Courtesy of National Park Service

What are the types of vegetation (flora) in Zion National Park?

On the canyon floor, you will find an abundance of Box Elder, Willow, Fremont Cottonwood, and, within a short distance, the Utah Juniper and cactus.  As the terrain quickly rises to nearly a mile high, the vegetation quickly changes.

How big is Zion National Park?

You will find narrow canyons and isolated terraces inside Zion’s 232 square miles of gorgeous landscape.  Many of the first explorers missed many of the hidden canyons that yield  20 miles of extraordinary scenery. The back country crisscrosses over 100 miles of wilderness trails, and the paved trails offer 15 miles of a more leisurely visit.

Canyoneering in Sion National Park Photo Courtesy of the National Park Service
Canyoneering in Sion National Park Photo Courtesy of the National Park Service

When was Zion National Park designated?

Zion National Park is Utah’s first and oldest national park.  By a Presidential Executive Order in 1909, Mukuntuweap (now known as Zion) was identified as a great tourist location and given the status of  National Monument.  Although this was a boost for the state of Utah, it was inaccessible to tourists due to the poor conditions of the road.  The Utah State Road Commission began construction and negotiated with the Union Pacific Railroad to provide rail and automobile links, along with tourism facilities in southern Utah.  It was given the prestigious designation of Zion National Park in 1919.

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

What is Zion National Park’s prehistoric history?

The history of a is one that dates back to the beginning of time.  Here, camel, mammoth, and giant sloth were tracked by early hunters.  Approximately 8,000 years ago, there was a climate change, and an overabundance of hunting caused the inhabitants to look for alternative food sources.

Additionally, farming became a necessity for the next 1,500 years.  These inhabitants were known as the Virgin Anasazi.  The Anasazi moved from Zion about 800 years ago for various reasons of existence.

Anasazi Petroglyphs and Pictograph Photo Courtesy of utahpetroglyphs.org.jpg
Anasazi Petroglyphs and Pictograph Photo Courtesy of utahpetroglyphs.org.

John Wesley Powell and Zion National Park. Next, the Paiute Indians adapted to desert seasons to thrive.  By the 1860s, the Mormon pioneers and John Wesley Powell, entered Zion for the firs scientific exploration of the area.

John Wesley Powell Paiute Indian
John Wesley Powell and a Paiute Indian in Zion National Park

What are some of the more popular sites in Zion National Park?

There are many wondrous sights to behold in Zion National Park – here are a few of the most popular:

Zion Canyon Visitor Center:

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

Stop in and get all your questions answered.  Park Rangers are available to assist you in making your experience memorable.  You will also find maps and permits for your canyon explorations.  In addition, check out the campgrounds, gift shops, and restaurants.

The Watchman Trail Head:

The Watchman Tower Photo courtesy of the National Park Service
The Watchman Photo Courtesy of the National Park Service

The towering Watchman stands 2500ft/1995m above the canyon floor to keep watch over and protect the canyon.

Zion Museum:

There is always something new on exhibit at the museum.  Make sure to check out the activities for children.  Learn the history of Zion and the ancient people that once hunted within her walls.

Court of the Patriarchs:

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

Inspiration for naming this formation was taken from the Old Testament, representing the three patriarchs – Abraham, Issac, and Jacob.

Zion Lodge:

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

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

Emerald Pools Trail Head:

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

Visitors feast their eyes upon the reflection of the surrounding cliffs in the Emerald Pools.

The Grotto – Angels Landing & West Rim Trail Head:

Zion National Park Photo Courtesy of National Park Servide
Zion National Park Photo Courtesy of National Park Service

Hiking to one of the most spectacular views in all of Zion is a trek for the most daring.  The hike includes 2,000-foot cliffs that drop off on both sides along a narrow trail.  The hike is more challenging, but the view from the top is certainly worth the effort.

Weeping Rock – Observation Point Trail Head:

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

Sandstone monoliths that actually weep.  This is caused by water flows horizontally until it finally weeps from the face of the cliff.

Big Bend – The Organ:

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

The Big Bend Around The Rock formation is on the bank of the Virgin River.  Visitors are treated to a  2,000ft / 6,010m  formation of a 1,100-foot monolith which resembles an immense pipe organ in a grand church or cathedral.

Temple of Sinawava – Riverside Walk:

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

At the end of the canyon road, and the beginning of the Riverside trail is the Temple of Sinawava.  It winds along the banks of the Virgin River, which takes visitors to the world-famous spot on the Virgin River – “The Narrows.”

The Narrows:

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

The Narrows is a hiking trip unlike any other.  This 16-mile hike takes visitors through the most amazing and narrow canyons of the Virgin River and offers more than one’s own imagination can produce.  Here you will hike next to the 1,000-foot-high towering cliffs that surround you.  It is important to remember that flash floods are deadly in The Narrows, and check future weather forecasts with Park Rangers before attempting this hike.

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

The Riverside Trail allows you hike as far as you wish.  Many famous Zion Park photographs are taken in Zion Canyon.  These include the Patriarchs, the Great White Throne, and scenes along the Virgin River.

What are some of the Outdoor Activities available in Zion National Park?

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Canyoneering
  • Climbing
  • Golfing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Off Road / ATV
  • Skiing
  • Snowboarding

What is Kolob Arch? Protected within Zion National Park is a spectacular cliff-and-canyon landscape and wilderness full of the unexpected, including the world’s largest arch – Kolob Arch – with a span that measures 310 feet (94.5 m). Wildlife such as mule deer, golden eagles, and mountain lions also inhabit the Park.

Learn More about the Park

Zion National Park Overview

Designations and Visitor’s Information about Zion National Park

Mukuntuweap National Monument was proclaimed on July 31, 1909

Incorporated into Zion National Monument on March 18, 1918
Established as a National Park on Nov. 19, 1919.
Phone Number(s):
Call (435) 772-3256 for more information.
Fax (435) 772-3426

Operating Hours, Seasons:
During summer months, the visitor centers are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Spring, fall, and winter hours are shortened. Some visitor centers are closed on some federal holidays. Call our 24-hour number for current updates at 435-772-3256.

What does it cost to visit Zion National Park?

  • Private vehicle: $20.00, 7 Days. This fee is for one private vehicle and its occupants.
  • Commercial Tours: $35 to $190, 7 Days. The fee is based on vehicle capacity. ranges from a car to a full-size bus.
  • Pedestrian/Bike: $10, 7 Days.
  • Per Person: not to exceed $20 per family
  • Zion Park Pass: $40,  Annual.
  • Special Use Permits
  • Backcountry Permit: $5, One Time.
  • Tunnel Escort: $10, 7 Days. Required for all vehicles and trailers 7’10” wide and/or 11’4″ tall.

For Subway reservations, call 435-772-0170 one month ahead of your visit.

(All prices listed are subject to change without notice. For exact current rates, call the numbers listed above.)

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This program receives Federal financial assistance for identification and protection of historic properties. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability or age in its federally assisted programs. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: Office for Equal Opportunity, National Park Service, 849 C Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.