Zion National Park
Zion National Park , located near the town of Springdale in Southern Utah, is Utah’s first and most visited National Park. Designated as a National Park in 1919, Zion presents massive walls and towering cliffs that seem as though they collide with the brilliant blue skies hovering above them. Slot canyons, including The Narrows, which were carved out by and follow the Virgin River, are awesome to hike, with the river guiding your way up the trail. These landscapes incredible canyons have been said to look like sandcastles, and are made of magnificent Navajo sandstone in brilliant reds, pinks, creams and corals.
Zion Canyon is a natural wonder which cuts through the sandstone. It is over ½ mile deep in some areas and is dramatic and breathtaking. It is about 15 mile long, and offers fascinating exploring. There are many plant and animal species that make their homes in Zion National Park and in Zion Canyon. Mountain Lion, Mule Deer, Bighorn Sheep, and even Golden Eagles and California Condors make their home here.
The road to Zion Canyon ends at the Temple of Sinawava (Coyote God of the Paiute Indians). When you reach your destination and look skyward, the Temple of Sinawava Waterfall can be seen cascading down the tall, vertical rusty cliffs that surround you. This is one of Zion Canyon’s most enduring and enchanting sites.
There are many more special areas throughout the park including Angel's Landing and Kolob Arch, to name just a couple. The hike to Angel’s Landing is a five mile hike; excellent for any individual in average shape, however, the last half mile is quite steep with some very sheer drop offs. Though there are chains and handholds, the last leg of this hike is not for the faint of heart or those afraid of heights. However, if you can handle even part of the hike, the rewards will be spectacular. Though there are many arches to be found in the amazing geological wonders in the park, Kolob Arch, tucked away in the back country, is the most magnificent. Kolob Arch is one of the world’s largest freestanding arches and it is the largest freestanding arch in the Western Hemisphere. Kolob Arch is accessible by hiking and is considered the Crown Jewel in the Zion Back Country.
In addition to being a wonderful place to explore nature, Zion is a treasure trove of archeological sites that reveal information about the past, which archeologists date back as far as 6,000 years. It is estimated that from 6000 B.C.E. through 500 C.E., humans lived in the area and hunted and gathered food in small groups. Because these groups moved from place to place, few artifacts were left behind; however, there have been discoveries of items such as baskets and yucca fiber sandals, found in the dry caves in the area. In addition, in some of the sites that were dug, ancient tools, such as knives, drills, dart points and the shafts upon which they rested were found.
The Visitor’s Center will guide you to sites that are available for viewing. It is important that you be careful not to eat or drink at the available sites or touch any artifacts (the oils from your skin can cause damage). Also, it is important not to camp too close to sites with artifacts, since smoke from campfires can cause damage as well.
A variety of recreation and education is available, showcased in stunning natural beauty.
There are shuttles available to help you explore and enjoy the park, or just get acquainted and get your bearings and a basic look at some of what the park has to offer. You can get on and off the shuttles to explore or hike, and catch another one when you are ready. Private cars are also allowed, but only in some areas of the park.
There are two entrances to Zion National Park. One is about sixty miles south of Cedar City, UT through I-15 to Route 17. The second is the East Entrance, on Utah Route 9, twelve miles east of Mt. Carmel Junction at U.S. Route 89. Hiking, Biking, Off Roading, Horseback Riding and Outdoor Workshops on many subjects pertinent to the area are available.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Zion Canyon is a natural wonder which cuts through the sandstone. It is over ½ mile deep in some areas and is dramatic and breathtaking. It is about 15 mile long, and offers fascinating exploring. There are many plant and animal species that make their homes in Zion National Park and in Zion Canyon. Mountain Lion, Mule Deer, Bighorn Sheep, and even Golden Eagles and California Condors make their home here.
The road to Zion Canyon ends at the Temple of Sinawava (Coyote God of the Paiute Indians). When you reach your destination and look skyward, the Temple of Sinawava Waterfall can be seen cascading down the tall, vertical rusty cliffs that surround you. This is one of Zion Canyon’s most enduring and enchanting sites.
There are many more special areas throughout the park including Angel's Landing and Kolob Arch, to name just a couple. The hike to Angel’s Landing is a five mile hike; excellent for any individual in average shape, however, the last half mile is quite steep with some very sheer drop offs. Though there are chains and handholds, the last leg of this hike is not for the faint of heart or those afraid of heights. However, if you can handle even part of the hike, the rewards will be spectacular. Though there are many arches to be found in the amazing geological wonders in the park, Kolob Arch, tucked away in the back country, is the most magnificent. Kolob Arch is one of the world’s largest freestanding arches and it is the largest freestanding arch in the Western Hemisphere. Kolob Arch is accessible by hiking and is considered the Crown Jewel in the Zion Back Country.
In addition to being a wonderful place to explore nature, Zion is a treasure trove of archeological sites that reveal information about the past, which archeologists date back as far as 6,000 years. It is estimated that from 6000 B.C.E. through 500 C.E., humans lived in the area and hunted and gathered food in small groups. Because these groups moved from place to place, few artifacts were left behind; however, there have been discoveries of items such as baskets and yucca fiber sandals, found in the dry caves in the area. In addition, in some of the sites that were dug, ancient tools, such as knives, drills, dart points and the shafts upon which they rested were found.
The Visitor’s Center will guide you to sites that are available for viewing. It is important that you be careful not to eat or drink at the available sites or touch any artifacts (the oils from your skin can cause damage). Also, it is important not to camp too close to sites with artifacts, since smoke from campfires can cause damage as well.
A variety of recreation and education is available, showcased in stunning natural beauty.
There are shuttles available to help you explore and enjoy the park, or just get acquainted and get your bearings and a basic look at some of what the park has to offer. You can get on and off the shuttles to explore or hike, and catch another one when you are ready. Private cars are also allowed, but only in some areas of the park.There are two entrances to Zion National Park. One is about sixty miles south of Cedar City, UT through I-15 to Route 17. The second is the East Entrance, on Utah Route 9, twelve miles east of Mt. Carmel Junction at U.S. Route 89. Hiking, Biking, Off Roading, Horseback Riding and Outdoor Workshops on many subjects pertinent to the area are available.
Bryce Canyon National Park
