Zion National Park, Utah
|
Zion National Park, Utah
If your plans are to visit Zion National Park, Utah, then your vacation should be outstanding. I cannot think of a more incredible place anywhere. The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway must be the most breathtaking drive in America and without a doubt the most incredible in Utah. You will be awe-struck when traveling from the south entrance of the park, through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, past the geological wonder, Checkerboard Mesa and out the east entrance or visa versa. Navajo Sandstone in the park ranges from orange to white and it comes in many shapes and sizes. Hoodoos, and crossbedding are some of the most interesting designs in Zion. While visiting Zion National Park, make plans to travel the other scenic drives of southern Utah leading to Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks and the North Rim Grand Canyon.
Zion National Park Lodging |
Plan your trip with our "Canyon Country " Vacation
Zion National Park Information
Annual Park Visitation:
2,735,4014
(2009)
Park Visitation: More than 25-million in the last decade
Location: SW Utah (158 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada)
Elevation Range: 3,600' (Coal Pits) to 9,000' (Kolob)
Precipitation: Peaks in March and September.
Popular Hiking: Riverside Walk, Weeping Rock
Popular Trails: Emerald Pools, Zion Narrows, Angels Landing
Popular Backpacking: East Rim and West Rim
Landmarks: Angels Landing, Checkerboard Mesa, Great White Throne
World's 2nd Largest Arch: 287.4' Kolob Section
Pets: Only allowed on Par'us Trail & must be on a leash.
Accessible Trails: Par'us Trail, Riverside Walk and Lower Emerald Pool.
Permit Needed: Zion Narrows, Technical Canyons, Overnight Backpacking
Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel: Oversized Vehicle Escort
Main Waterways: Virgin River, Pine Creek
Drives: Zion Canyon - Zion-Mt. Carmel Hwy - Kolob Canyons - Kolob Terrace
Total Area: 147,000 sq. acres
Established: 1909 as Mukuntuweap National Monument and 1919 as ZNP
Most visited Utah National Park: Zion National Park
Zion National Park Mileage to Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. |
Zion National Park Information
Mammals: 75 species
Fish: 8 species
Birds: 271 species
Reptiles - Amphibians: 32 species
Flora: 800 native species of plants
Rock: Navajo Sandstone
Geographic: Colorado Plateau
Region: Great Basin Desert
Time Zone: Mountain Time
Weather: Summer Days 95-110 F.
Size: 229 square miles
Highest Peak: East Temple
Lowest Point: Coalpits Trail
Elevation Visitors Center: 4,000'
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall
Busiest Season: Summer
First Wagon Road in Zion: 1923
First Mormons to Arrive: 1858
First Humans to Arrive: 500 A.D.
Sandstone in Zion: +2,000'. thick
The Popular Canyon Country Tour
|
Zion National Park Vacation: Canyon Country
Private vehicles can travel SR-9, from Zion's south entrance, out the east entrance (or visa versa) to the junction of SR-9 & US-89 year-round, 24 hours a day. See tunnel restrictions for Oversized Vehicles.
Summer, Spring and Fall, the only access to the Scenic Zion Canyon Drive is via Zion's shuttle. During the winter private vehicles can travel in the canyon. Exact dates the shuttle runs may vary.
|
 Nature Notes
Life in the desert must be persistent to survive. Zion National Park, however, is not all desert; unique areas can be found, such as the riparian environment along the Riverside Walk or the hanging gardens at the Weeping Rock Trail. You'll find an oasis of moist hanging gardens adorned with delicate maiden hair fern. You may even see the Zion shooting star. This member of the primrose family is only found in Zion National Park.
 Next Page
|
|
|
