Zion National Park in southern Utah is the state’s oldest national park, known for its scenic canyons and diverse plant and animal life. The park has a rich history, with past inhabitants including the Anasazi and Paiute. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as Angels Landing and Emerald Pools, as well as activities like hiking and canyoning.
Zion National Park is a national park located in southern Utah on the edge of the Colorado Plateau in the United States. The park was first established as Mukuntuweap National Monument in 1909 but later expanded to Zion National Park in 1919 with the Kolob Canyons later added in 1956 and the Zion Wilderness Area designated in 2009. Zion National Park is the Utah’s oldest national park and is known for its scenic canyons as well as the geological process that, over time, has shaped and recorded the area’s history. The park itself is 232 square miles (600.87 square km) with an elevation of 3,666 feet (1,117 meters) at its minimum and 8,726 feet (2,660 meters) at its maximum.
A wide variety of animals and plants are able to thrive in Zion National Park. Several species of amphibians, birds and fish, as well as mammals and reptiles thrive in the area. The most common animals seen include various types of birds, deer and lizards; rarer animals are the Mexican spotted owl, the peregrine falcon and the Zion slug. In addition to these animals, many plant species are able to thrive within the park thanks to the diversity of altitude, temperature and water available. Different types of plants in the area include cacti, ferns and grasses, as well as trees and wildflowers.
Located in Canyon Country, Zion National Park is beautiful, but dangerous, with flash floods, steep cliffs, and barren desert. In its history, the inhabitants of the area included the Anasazi, the Paiute and, later, the European descendants. After the Anasazi left, possibly due to drought, the Paiute settled in the area as their lifestyle suited the desert environment. The Anasazi, Paiute and European descendants had to face the dangers of the area in order to survive.
Zion National Park, open to visitors year-round, boasts many attractions and activities. Zion Canyon is the park’s most popular area, with attractions such as Angels Landing, Emerald Pools, and the Narrows. While Kolob Canyons doesn’t get as many visitors as Zion Canyon, it is another area of the park to visit, offering Kolob Arch and Timber Creek. With many other attractions, Zion National Park also offers visitors many activities such as biking, camping and hiking as well as horseback riding and scenic drives. Also unsurprisingly, canyoning is available in the park.
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