Zion National Park
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Geology:
Zion is a series of layers of sediment that were deposited over time and each layer brings something different to the canyon. Scientists claim that the tan to orange-red sandstone of the Navajo Formation is 170 million years old. The oldest rock layers in Zion National Park is the Triassic Moenkopi formation. Zion is known for its majestic towering rock mountains which rise thousands of feet above the valley floor.

Water / Snow Melt / Rain: The flowing waters of the Virgin River and captured rain waters that seep into the sandstone make Zion a lush green oasis. Sheer, milky-white cliffs and pristine are accented and stained by enormous curtained waterfalls. During rain storms the water gathers on massive plateaus at the top of the cliffs and is funneled into narrow slot canyons before being jettisoned over precipices and into the valley below. Zion, simply put, is one of the most beautiful places in the west. It would be hard to find a place in America that compares with the grandeur and beauty that Zion National Park possesses. Here in Southern Utah, where the sky is usually clear, and the landscape is breathtaking, lies an unsurpassed masterpiece of nature. Zion National Park is a symphony of dramatic stone pillars, buttes and crevices. The vertical topography of Zion National Park seems to reach to the clouds show-casing some of the worlds highest and most beautiful monoliths.

Zion is home for a large variety of animals with 60 different mammals been found in the park, including mice, rabbits, coyotes, foxes, porcupines, skunks, ringtail cats, mountain lions, bobcats, and bighorn sheep. Elk and black bears are occasionally seen on the upper reaches of the park. Visitors commonly see mule deer, squirrels, and a variety of bats. About 271 varieties of birds are found in the park, ranging from hummingbirds to eagles. Canyon Wrens, Black-headed Grosbeaks, and Common Flickers are easily found in Zion Canyon. During summer, almost every visitor will see lizards; there are about 13 types in the park. Snakes are more shy and much harder to see. Of the 12 species, only the Western Rattlesnake is poisonous.

The Park is accessible from the South, West and East with the southern access through the town of Springdale. Visitors to Zion Mountain Ranch will travel through Springdale and up through the mile-long tunnel to access the resort, or they will come in from the east side on Scenic Highway 89. The usual approach to the southern access is from the West via State Route 9. Check out our daily travel itineraries to help plan your vacation to the area. Zion National Park and the surrounding area offer many activities to do in the summer as well as the winter