ABOUT | zion

On this page, you can find more information about the history, activities, and some general facts about the park.

History

12,000 years ago was the first known existant of inhabitants on Zion's land. This included mamoths, giant slothes, and camels. Unfortunately, due to the climate changes and overhunting, the animals are no longer existant in that area. Zion's geology provided farmers a wide, level place to grow food and also a river for water. It's a rare thing especially for the desert, and that's why the land was so valuable. The Anasazi moved southeast 800 years ago because of a drought and the Paiute people came in replacement. Shortly after a flash flood destroyed many towns and a drought burned the valuable crops.

Activities

There are many things to do in Zion, including backpacking, bicycling, birding, camping, climbing, hiking and canyoneering. One of the most famous activities in Zion are the narrows. The virgin river carved a gorge in Zion that is now known as the Narrows. It has natural springs, hanging gardens, and sandstone grottos. More than 60% of the hike is spent walking and swimming in the river. There is no trail for the river since it is in the river. This can be a very difficult hike since the water is cold, the current is swift, and the rocks are swift. Some other dangers are flash flooding and hypothermia but good planning and the right equipment can make a very safe and successful trip.

Facts and Information to Know

Zion National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

All visitors need to buy a recreational use pass.

There are fee free days that include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day weekend, National Park Week, National Park Service Day, National Public Lands Day and Veterans Day.

Zion has the most diverse groups of plant, with over 900 species of plants.

There's a trail for pets, the Pa'rus trail that winds along the Virgin River.

Resources

States. National Park Service. (2014, May 1). Things To Do. National Parks Service.

Retrieved May 22, 2014, from http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/things2do.htm

States. National Park Service. (2014, May 16). History & Culture. National Parks Service.

Retrieved May 20, 2014, from http://www.nps.gov/zion/historyculture/index.htm

History Of The Zion Congregation. (n.d.).History of Zion, Illinois Church of Christ.

Retrieved May 23, 2014, from http://www.padfield.com/aboutus/history.html

J.L. Crawford family homestead, Zion National Park. (n.d.). PBS.

Retrieved May 23, 2014, from http://www.pbs.org/nationalparks/media_detail/471/

Berkes, H. (n.d.). Walking Through History At Zion National Park. NPR.

Retrieved May 23, 2014, from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112270247

Zion National Park Hiking Adventures - Utah. (n.d.). Zion National Park Hiking Adventures - Utah.

Retrieved May 23, 2014, from http://www.zionhiking.com/

randomSPACE. (n.d.). Zion Narrows, Utah: Photos & Trip Report. Retrieved May 23, 2014, from http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jensenl/visuals/album/2006/narrows/

States. National Park Service. (2014, May 1). South Campground. National Parks Service.

Retrieved May 23, 2014, from http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/south-campground.htm