Zion National Park is one of the top national park attractions in the United States, in fact Trip Advisor has rated it number one. The park is 30 miles long and 15 miles across at its' widest point, and is a popular destination because of the sheer sandstone cliffs that rise several thousand feet above the canyon floor. This park is unique in that the rock formations have been colored by the oxidization of iron creating reddish and yellowish hues. Visitors can enter the park at two main entry points on Scenic Highway 9 at the southwest section of the park or at the eastern edge of the park. There is one small section of the park that is accessible by vehicle from Interstate 15 near New Harmony, Utah, and one other section of the park that can be accessed from the town of Virgin, Utah.
Plan to visit attractions in the park such as the Temple of Sinewava and Riverside Walk. Other trails to explore are Weeping Rock, Emerald Pools and the Zion Overlook. The mile long tunnel that is part of Scenic Highway 9 passes through the side of a sheer cliff and has windows that allow visitors to view the vast main canyon.
There are several large animals and birds that make their homes within the park including bighorn sheep, mule deer, mountain lions, bobcats, eagles, turkey vultures, and condors. The California condor was re-introduced to the Vermillion Cliffs just south of Zion and these large birds now roam northward into the park on a regular basis.
In former times Native Americans were very fearful of entering the park because they considered Zion to be a place inhabited by their deity. The deep and sometimes dark canyons of Zion still have a sacred feel but today's adventurers seem to love exploring the many narrow slot canyons.
The park is open year-round and Scenic Highway 9 passes through the main part of the park allowing access from either Interstate 15 on the west and Scenic Highway 89 on the east. Zion is just a 2.5 hour drive from Las Vegas and is a four hours drive from Salt Lake City. When visiting Zion you'll enjoy the fact that the Grand Canyon North Rim is just two hours to the south, Bryce Canyon is 1.5 hours to the north and Lake Powell is 1.6 hours to the east. Keep in mind that the Grand Canyon North Rim is only open from approximately May 15 to October 15, depending on weather.
Plan to visit attractions in the park such as the Temple of Sinewava and Riverside Walk. Other trails to explore are Weeping Rock, Emerald Pools and the Zion Overlook. The mile long tunnel that is part of Scenic Highway 9 passes through the side of a sheer cliff and has windows that allow visitors to view the vast main canyon.
There are several large animals and birds that make their homes within the park including bighorn sheep, mule deer, mountain lions, bobcats, eagles, turkey vultures, and condors. The California condor was re-introduced to the Vermillion Cliffs just south of Zion and these large birds now roam northward into the park on a regular basis.
In former times Native Americans were very fearful of entering the park because they considered Zion to be a place inhabited by their deity. The deep and sometimes dark canyons of Zion still have a sacred feel but today's adventurers seem to love exploring the many narrow slot canyons.
The park is open year-round and Scenic Highway 9 passes through the main part of the park allowing access from either Interstate 15 on the west and Scenic Highway 89 on the east. Zion is just a 2.5 hour drive from Las Vegas and is a four hours drive from Salt Lake City. When visiting Zion you'll enjoy the fact that the Grand Canyon North Rim is just two hours to the south, Bryce Canyon is 1.5 hours to the north and Lake Powell is 1.6 hours to the east. Keep in mind that the Grand Canyon North Rim is only open from approximately May 15 to October 15, depending on weather.
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Find more about Zion National Park. Stop by Mark Daniels's site where you can learn all about Zion National Park and how to best experience this park.
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