Zion National Park is one of the most unique places on the edge of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert region and was founded on November 19, 1919.It is located in the southwest near Springdale, Utah, in the United States, measuring 148,016 acres (59,899.95 ha). The nature of the region preserves Zion’s steep red cliffs.It consists of various life zones, including unusual plants, endangered species, and high levels of animal diversity. Due to constant erosion over 2 million years, the upper half of Zion has been carved into a scenic beauty valley. During the recent past geologic time, the natural stone arches were raised and eroded to the current form of Zion National Park. One of the more popular canyons in the backcountry of Zion is the Left Fork of North Creek. The Park is known for typical geographical features, including Virgin River Narrows, the Three Patriarchs, and Kolob Arch, Hidden Canyon, and Emerald Pools. The best spot to watch the sunset in the Park is Lava Point.The original name of Zion was ‘Mukuntuweap’, a name used by the local Mormon community who used this area for timber and cattle grazing. They were the first people to settle on the river Virgin. In 1917 the name was changed to ‘Zion’ by the acting director of the newly created National Park Service during his visit to the Canyon. This name given by the National Park Service director means ’the Kingdom of Heaven’!Did you know that the Zion snail species is only found in this park?If you find this article on about Zion National Park interesting, check out our other articles on why the Grand Canyon became a national park and Glacier National Park facts.Zion NarrowsThe narrowest part of Zion Canyon is called ‘The Narrows’ caused by the actions of the North Fork Virgin River.This is considered to be one of the most popular places in Zion, with the narrow passages of the canyon walls measuring up to 1000 ft (305 m) tall. The 20-30 ft (6.09-9.14 m) wide rivers are one of the most popular areas in Zion National Park.The Narrows can be seen while trekking along the floored Riverside Walk for 1 mi (1.6 km) from the Temple of SinawavaExploration And SettlementThe European-Americans explored the settlement of southern Utah during the late 18th century.In 1858, interpreter Nephi Johnson and Southern Paiute guide reached the Zion Canyon and the upper River Virgin area.During the Great Flood of 1861 -62, the poor quality of soil around the upper Virgin River made agriculture a risky venture.In 1862, Isaac Behunin settled in the Zion Canyon and farmed fruit trees, corn, and tobacco. Isaac Behunin and his family lived in Zion Canyon near the Zion Lodge of today during the summer and shifted to Springdale during winter. He was the founder and named the place Zion Canyon. In 1869, the Powell Geographic Expedition team entered the region through the Grand Canyon and returned in September 1872.The first descend of ‘The Zion Narrows’ was recorded from the Navajo Lake to Zion Canyon in 1872 by Geologist Grove Karl Gilbert, who named this fantastic section of the Canyon in the process.In 1909, President Taft, in tribute to the Paiute Indians, named the area Mukuntuweap National Monument, also called the Zion National Monument. Later, in 1918, it was renamed as the name it is today.Protection And TourismThe road into Zion Canyon was built in 1917 until The Grotto by upgrading wagon roads, and the first automobile roads started being built in 1910.During the pre-national park days, traveling was rare due to the remote location and limitations on accommodation, and lack of infrastructural roads in the state.In 1923, the Utah Parks Company, a Union of Pacific Railroad subsidiary, acquired the Willie Camp and offered rail and bus tours to Zion, Kaibab, Bryce, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.In 1925, the Zion Lodge was built at the site of the Willie Camp.In 1930, the roads were opened and traffic significantly increased. One of the best features of the highway is on the 1.1 mi (1.8 km) stretch through the Zion-Mount Canal Tunnel. The Tunnel has six large window cuts all through the cliff. Motorists are taken directly along the canyon floor through the south side of the Tunnel. Visitors who wish to travel by car use Highway 89 to reach other national parks, including Bryce and Grand Canyon. In 2000, park facilities were designed, and the visitor center was made into a human history museum. In the southern desert section of the Park, you will find the Coal-Pits Wash drainage section.Private cars are absolutely not allowed to drive along the scenic drive in Zion Canyon from April through October. Instead, visitors use frequent shuttle buses for visiting tourist spots. Tips For Traveling To Zion National ParkAn early start is the best way to start your journey, as the parking lots are available on a first-come basis in the Zion National Park and are fully occupied by 9 am.Park Rangers are there to guide you and to keep you safe. Listen to them during the crowded peak hours while hiking. Be ready with a backup plan as there is so much more in Zion National Park apart from the Canyon. Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resorts have organized plenty of East Zion adventures like jeep and canyoneering tours, guided hikes, horseback rides, and canyon wall climbing. You can also find the Bryce Canyon, Grand Circle, Grand Canyon North Rim, and The Grand Staircase.Zion National Park is a very spacious canyon having spectacular features and is one of the best places in the world for canyoneering.On the west side of Zion National Park, the Kolob Terrace area is privately held. The Zion Canyon averages 2,000 ft (609.6 m) deep and is a popular destination for hiking along its floor in the 20-30 ft (6.09-9.14 m) wide section known as The Narrows. Horse Ranch Mountain is the highest point measuring 8,726 ft (2,660 m).The park is engulfed with high walls measuring 229 mi (368.54 km), majestic scenic beauty, and narrow canyons. The proximity to Las Vegas is about 160 mi (257.49 km), and to Salt Lake City, it is about 300 mi (482.80 km). The best period to visit Zion National Park is April through November. The stunning landscape and some of the sandstone cliffs make the Park one of the most popular destinations in the world.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked these Zion National Park facts, why not look at Yosemite National Park facts or Acadia National Park facts.
Zion National Park is one of the most unique places on the edge of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert region and was founded on November 19, 1919.
