 Zion
National Park is a myriad of deep sandstone canyons,
which extend over 30 miles from end to end and covers 229 square
miles. The Canyons of Zion National Park were named by early Mormon
settlers (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints)
and many of the formations in the park have names from the bible.
The park was established in 1909 as Mukuntuweap National Monument
and expanded in 1919 to Zion National Park. The park is composed
mostly of sandstone stained by the oxidizing of iron in the rock.
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.
Protected within
Zion National Park is a spectacular cliff-and-canyon landscape and
wilderness full of the unexpected including Kolob Arch - the world's
largest arch - with a span that measures 310 feet. Zion National
Park is full of beautiful colors, scenery and wildlife. Wildlife
such as mule deer, golden eagles, and mountain lions, also inhabit
the Park. The sandstone which makes up most of the rock in Zion
National Park was formed by the compacting of sand about 150 million
years ago. This occurred when cementing properties of compounds
such as calcium carbonate compacted the sand which covered the huge
desert of the west.
Dunes were at
that timed formed into the present day Navajo Sandstone. The next
stage of creation occurred starting close to 4 million years ago
when streams running of the Colorado Plateau caused the Virgin River
to flood. As the river flowed through current area of Zion National
Park, it eroded the rock away taking boulders, sand, and pebbles
with it. Over time it formed, or rather carved the canyons of Zion
National Park that we see today.
Activities
Hiking
- Zion National Park offers many trails rangingfrom short "leg-stretcher"
walks to strenuous adventures.
Wildflowers
& Fall Colors - A variety of life zones and habitats makes
Zion an excellent location for wildflower walks in spring and brilliant
leaf color in autumn.
Photography
- Zion National Park offers the photographer many opportunities
to explore color, texture, and light.
 Bicycling
- The Pa'rus Trail offers a paved, care-free alternative for bicyclists
to connect with the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Shuttle buses are
equipped with bike racks.
Rates
$10.00 Single
Person Entry into Zion National Park by foot, bicycle, or motorcycle
for 7 days.
$20.00 Single Vehicle Entry Valid at Zion National Park for 7 days.
$40.00 Zion National Park Pass Valid at Zion National Park for 1
year from month of purchase.
$10.00 Golden Age Passport Lifetime pass, available to U.S. residents
62 years old and over, valid at all Federal fee areas.
$50.00 Golden Eagle Passport Valid at all Federal entrance fee parks
or areas for 1 year from month of purchase.
Commercial
Tour Vehicle Fees
Commercial tour fees are charged. Operators should contact the park
at (435) 772-3256 for specific information on rates. Commercial
tour operators fee is based on bus capacity and ranges from $35
to $190
Tunnel
There are size restrictions on vehicles traveling through the 1.1-mile
(1.7 km) tunnel on the Zion National Park - Mt. Carmel Highway (SR9).
The tunnel height at its east entrance is 11 feet 4 inches (3.5
m). A $10 fee may be required for escort service for large vehicles
through the narrow tunnel. Parking of large vehicles is regulated
in various locations throughout the Park during the summer.
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