Zion Canyon National ParkIn the northwestern section of Utah there is a region that offers terrain like no other. Zion Canyon National Park provides some of the most dramatic and variable scenery anywhere within the entire national park system. From creek-laded narrow canyons to the golden sandstone cliffs high over the land, Zion is one of the Earth's finest outdoor sculptured gardens.Through the center flows the Virgin River, continuing its slow process of carving still deeper chasms into the already 2000-foot deep Markagunt Plateau. It flows 16 miles through sandstone arches and well-treed gorges, and it ultimately empties into Lake Mead 200 miles to the southeast. Visitors to the 229 square mile park are the beneficiaries of its work. Zion National Park Narrows Some of the best hiking in the world is within this park. There are sandstone cliffs 2,000 feet high with hiking trails that lead down through some narrow canyons that are topped with high arches. The Great Arch of Zion, carved in a high vertical cliff-face, is one of the more spectacular. The Kolob Arch Trail leads to the Kolob Arch, spanning 310 feet (94 m), one of the largest in the world. Along the way, hikers can follow Timber Creek and look up to see the massive red canyons above. Gradually, the trail descends 1,000 feet to La Verkin Creek. The route provides an excellent opportunity to explore Hop Valley or Bear Trap Canyon. Biking Zion National Park Cyclists can get in on the adventure, too. Pa'rus Trail offers a paved route free of cars that is full of outstanding scenery. Here, visitors can get a great view of the Moenave or Kayenta rock formations. They can stop for a drink and check out some of the fascinating plant life that struggles for existence in this rocky land. Zion National Park horseback Riding Horseback riding is another transportation option in Zion. Overnight excursions will take you from the canyons to the peaks, where you can see firsthand views of the bright moon over the shadow-strewn cliffs. For novice riders, an easy trot travels to Checkboard Mesa, one of the park's most interesting sights. Zion National Park Weather When Visiting Zion National Park When you are here, you will have no trouble spotting some very distinctive wildlife that calls this park home. The Ring Tail, the Chuckwalla Lizard and beavers are easy to find. Less common but occasionally hovering overhead are ravens, Peregrine Falcons and the odd Golden Eagle here and there. The sharp-eyed person may even spot a roadrunner dashing across the trail near Weeping Rock. Video Of Zion Canyon National Park More Information On Zion National Park Several national monuments are on view in Zion and each one has fully earned the designation. Grand Staircase Escalante, Cedar Breaks and others are here. Also in the park are notable sights like the Temple of Sinawava and the Great White Throne, natural features whose appearances have inspired their names. Because the river and its tributaries act as run-off canals for melting snows and spring rains, flash flooding is a common occurrence here. Anyone wanting to explore the park should check for flash flood warnings at Zion before heading out to explore. Zion National Park Lodging Choices I have put together a list of the hotels in Zion National Park and its surrounding area. There are lots of Zion Canyon National Park Lodging choices. Below is a list of some of the best ones that I have come across. Each of these places is clean and safe to stay in. By clicking on each link you will be able to learn about each place as well as book your reservations. The first link will give you several choices of places to stay when you come. Zion National Park Map
Utah has five National Parks. My friend, Rod, runs a site called, Utah Travel Secrets. He has more information on their National Parks and his site can be your travel guide to the most beautifully diverse state in the USA written by someone who lives, works and plays here.
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