Zion National Park Information
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Zion National Park Information
Exerience the breathtaking beauty of Zion National Park

Zion National Park Zion National Park Consists of deep sandstone canyons. Zion National Park extends over 30 miles from the Kolob Canyons visitor center of I -15 to Parunuweap Canyon that is located along the east fork of the Virgin River, and expands over 229 miles. Early mormon settlers (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) Named the canyons of Zion National Park along with several of the park’s formations that have been named from the bible. Zion National Monument was first established as Mukuntuweap National Monument in 1909 -- mukuntuweap is a Paiute Indian word meaning "straight arrow" -- its name was changed to Zion National Monument in 1918, and the area gained national park status the following year. Throughout the park iron oxide has colored the sandstone a myriad of shades of red. Zion National Park with its many canyons contains 75 species of mammals, 271 birds, 32 reptiles and amphibians and 8 fish in the streams and rivers, which have carved these canyons.

Zion National Park

Preserved within Zion National Park you can explore high plateaus, a maze of narrow, deep, sandstone canyons, striking rock towers and mesas that characterize the park. Kolob Arch, the world's largest arch, is just one of the many beautiful structures that await your discovery. Zion national Park presents a diverse collection of nature's wonders that include such features as the towering and magnificent 2,200-foot Great White Throne, the park's most famous landmark; the Court of the Patriarchs; the Sentinel; the Watchman; Checkerboard Mesa; Kolob Arch, at 310 feet the world's largest known natural span; and the Narrows of the Virgin River, where a person can walk upstream to places so narrow that both sides of the canyon walls can almost be touched with one's outstretched hands.

Zion National Park was born when mud, silt, and sand settled in ancient swamps and along streams. Later, massive dunes, formed from windblown sand, covered the muddy underlayers. These raw materials eventually formed the rocks we see today -- the slope-forming shale and the cliff-forming sandstone. The land mass, as it accumulated layers of sediment thousands of feet thick, began to sink. The sinking occurred at about the same rate as the materials piled up, so the elevation remained nearly constant. Eventually, the land sank below sea level and was flooded by a shallow inland sea. Water seeped down between the grains of sand and other particles, carrying minerals with it. Together with the tremendous force of compression, these minerals cemented the sand grains together, turning them into stone.

Activities

Hiking - Zion National Park offers a wide-range of hiking opportunities, with something suitable for every age and experience level.

Wildflowers & Fall Colors - The variety of mountain and canyon environments makes Zion an excellent location for wildflower walks in the spring and summer and brilliant leaf colors in the autumn.

Ranger-led activities - During the summer, join a Park Ranger to learn more about Zion National Park. Programs include guided walks, short talks at the visitor centers and evening programs at the campground amphitheaters and Zion Lodge. All programs are free. Check the weekly schedules posted at visitor centers and bulletin boards throughout the park for times, places, and subjects.

Zion National Park

Vehicle Restrictions - Vehicles sized 7'10'' in width or 11'4'' in height, or larger, are required to have an ''escort'' (traffic control) through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Vehicles this size are too large to stay in their lane while traveling through the tunnel. Nearly all RV's, buses, trailers, 5th wheels, and some camper shells will require an escort.

Entrance Rates - $20 per vehicle, good for 7 days.

Individual - $10 per person not to exceed $20 per family (pedestrian, bicycle, motorcycle, and organized group), good for 7 days.

Annual Pass - $40 - good for one year from date of purchase at Zion National Park only.

National Parks Pass - $50 - good for entrance to all units of the National Park System for one year from date of purchase.

Golden Access Passport - Free - lifetime pass for U.S. citizens who are permanently disabled.

Golden Eagle Passport - $65 - good for entrance for one year from date of purchase in all federal fee areas.

Golden Age Passport - $10 - lifetime pass for U.S. citizens 62 or older.

Commercial Tours - Price varies according to seating capacity of vehicle. Inquire upon arrival or call (435) 772-0177 for current rates.

"What a great staff. All were helpful and professional and courteous.  Thanks for making our stay memorable."   -Marco S. - Thousand Oaks, CA
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