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Zion National Park

, Utah

Acreage: 146,597.6
Category: National Park
Date Established: 07/31/1909

Standing at the bottom of Zion Canyon, it is easy to mistake the massive canyon walls for towering mountains! The unique and colorful sandstone of the region color the canyon another worldly cream, pink and red. Striking rock towers and mesas, steep canyons and flowing water create a wide variety of habitat at Zion National Park.

Visitors have an opportunity to explore the dramatic scenery and abundant life found here, as well as learn about the long history of human occupation, from Native Americans to explorations of John Wesley Powell, from the Mormon settlers to the early tourists and the push to protect and preserve this spectacular place.

—By Ann Froschauer

NPCA Recommends

A hike in one of the "less traveled" areas of the park is a truly unique experience. We recently hiked the Right Fork trail, on the western edge of the park. Hiking through an area that had recently burned and seeing the new growth coming up, spectacular vistas and finding a mountain lion track were really awe-inspiring.

Did You Know

Visitors to Zion have the opportunity to “take it all in” without worrying about driving and parking! A free shuttle from the gateway of Springdale offers boundless opportunities to explore the park while minimizing their impact to this beautiful place! 

Threats

According to a Center for the State of the Parks assessment (PDF) published in 2005, the park's operational budget is $3.5 million short of what is needed to adequately care for resources and provide visitor services. As a result of this shortfall, important resource protection projects go unfunded, and the park cannot afford to hire critical staff positions to support basic resource management functions.

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Comments

this was the best park i have ever seen it was very breathtaking who thinks about visiting this park should not hesistate now that i have went i would really love to visit again!
Submitted by loved at: March 10, 2010
does anybody know why zion got preserved? Or if they had any problems trying to preserve, and the results or outcome of the person(s) outcome
Submitted by Anonymous at: December 10, 2009
Well, I've never seen a National Park I didn't like. This was a beautiful park but had to ride the 'bus'. Much prefer to get out and explore/hike, etc. Camped in the last spot available in the campground and it was NOT pleasant. I'd do it again to see more of the park than we did, but Bryce was much higher on the list.
Submitted by Munchkin at: December 8, 2009
We drove through it on our way out from being at Best Friends Animal Society. The drive is beautiful and gorgeous views in any direction. We are not hikers, but there is plenty of space for everyone who likes to do that. Visit it soon. You won't be disappointed!
Submitted by Virginia at: October 8, 2009
You'll know why our Native Americans treated this place as exceptionally spiritual if you get out and about to experience it. The grandeur, the colors, the constantly changing shadows, the awesome heights up the canyon walls, the silence; it's very moving to this persons soul. Clearly the most spiritual experience of my life -- walking down the Virgin River thru canyons so deep that we could (almost) touch both walls but when looking straight up, couldn't see the sky (the canyon "leans" a bit) a thousand feet up above us to the rim. It personifies the southwest and will get you in touch with a part of you that you didn't know existed -- at least, it did for us. A suggestion: Allow 2 days to hike down (and IN) the river -- there is so much to take in that stopping constantly in awe is the high reward for taking the time to soak it up. I shudder to think that I might have never known about Zion. My life would have been a good bit poorer for missing it. Don't let this happen to you!
Submitted by Dirk at: September 27, 2009
I have been visiting this wondrous place since '79 and proposed to my lovely wife there, under a full moon at Court of the Patriarchs in '90. I have a serious ambulatory disability and yet I find this park to be a very intimate, almost religous place, even though I have been able to hike few of the trails.I see different things each visit,no matter what the weather or season. Also, the neighboring town of Springdale offers a friendly, quaint,experience . It is blessed at having changed little in the 30 years I have been visiting. Go, enjoy, feel the seasons, but leave it as it is: the most spritual place I have ever experienced. Peace.
Submitted by ZGuyAZ at: September 12, 2009
Zion National Park has something for eveyone. Its hiking trails are varied and are superb. We have been there five times and have been to many other parks and hiking areas, and it remains one of our very favorites. The shuttles make exploring the park incredibly simple. and the town outside the park - Springdale - is quaint, fun, and accessible.
Submitted by Anonymous at: August 23, 2009
Zion is our #1 park in the Grand Circle and in our visits to at least 20 other national parks. We have visited Zion 4 times and are heading there again in October. We never tire of taking the shuttle up canyon, hiking the narrows, the Emerald Pools and Canyon Overlook. The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway drive through the tunnels is magnificient scenery.
Submitted by merlong at: June 16, 2009
To be honest, Zion park wasn't that great.
Submitted by Durp Doan at: May 15, 2009
This is a very rocky place, but it's perfect for hiking! Even snow comes there sometimes.
Submitted by Anonymous at: April 29, 2009
Zion Park was absolutely breathtaking. I've traveled around the world and this park rates numbero uno #1. The slot canyons, sandstone cliffs, and river offers a variety of diverse landscape. Truely a magical place.
Submitted by Miss-Miami at: March 17, 2009
Zion National Park is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever seen. I fell in love with the land when I took a trip out there this past summer. For a great hike, try Angel's Landing. The hike is a bit more difficult but the views from the top are amazing!
Submitted by Mis-Pittsburgh at: September 10, 2008

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