Zion National Park is Utah’s first National Park. It is also the most visited National Park. It is located in Washington, Iron, and Kane Counties in Southern Utah near the city of Springdale, not far from Las Vegas, St. Lake City, or St. George. Zion National Park is a southwest Utah nature preserve, that is distinguished by Zion Canyon’s steep red cliffs. Set your sights on mammoth sandstone cliffs of red, pink, and cream, that lead up to the bright blue sky.
There is also a distinctive arrangement of animals and plants that will captivate you as you take in the rich history of the past and appreciate the exhilaration of today’s adventures. A prominent feature of the 229-square-mile (590 km2) park is Zion Canyon, which is 15 miles (24 km) long and up to 2,640 ft (800 m) deep. The canyon walls are 2,000-foot reddish and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone eroded by the North Fork of the Virgin River. The Virgin River flows its way through the center of Zion National Park. The natural erosion of the river is responsible for “The Narrows”. The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon in Zion National Park. The edge of the Virgin River is a lush desert oasis.
The Navajo Sandstone cliffs are pine and Jupiter clad slopes and seeps, springs and waterfalls that support lush and colorful hanging gardens. There are even cholla cactus, known for their barbed spines. The park has more than 1000 species of plants, 78 species of mammals, 30 species of reptiles, 7 species of amphibians, 8 species of fish, and 291 species of birds. Endangered California Condors soar above the cliffs of Zion, including Mexican spotted owls. Zion has the highest density of these owls breeding in the state. They live and raise their young in the narrow canyons of Zion.
In Zion National Park you can experience paths where ancient people and pioneers walked. You will have a view of some of the most spectacular scenery. There is an area called “Jurassic Park” understandably named for the unbelievable natural rock formations that closely resemble dinosaurs. Walk over to the cliff’s edge we you can stand and look out at the empty valley with traces of rock towers arranged sparsely throughout, on the horizon of which are miniature versions of Bloomington, St. George, and Washington cities that appear microscopic from your high position on cliffs edge.
Explore Interesting Things to Do Around Zion National Park