Introduction movie

Литература

• Harris, Ann G.; Tuttle, Esther; Tuttle, Sherwood D. 2: Zion National Park, Southwest Utah // Geology of National Parks (неопр.). — 5th. — Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Publishing, 1997. — С. 28—42. — ISBN 0-7872-5353-7.  (англ.)
• Kiver, Eugene P.; Harris, David V. Geology of U.S. Parklands (неопр.). — 5th. — New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1999. — ISBN 0-471-33218-6.  (англ.)
• Leach, Nicky. Zion National Park: Sanctuary in the Desert (англ.). — 6th. — Mariposa, California: Sierra Press, 2007. — ISBN 1-58071-020-4.  (англ.)
• NPS contributors.  (англ.). Washington, D.C.: National Park Service.
• Schneider, Stuart. Kolob Canyons Road Guide (неопр.). — Zion Natural History Association, 2001. — ISBN 0-915630-28-1.  (англ.)
• Tufts, Lorraine Salem. Secrets in The Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks (англ.). — 3rd. — North Palm Beach, Florida: National Photographic Collections, 1998. — ISBN 0-9620255-3-4.  (англ.)
• Woodbury, Angus M. A History of Southern Utah and Its National Parks (англ.). — Utah State Historical Society, 1950. — Vol. XII.  (англ.)

How to Beat the Crowds in Zion

You thought you were coming to Zion for some peace and solitude, but the parking lot can be as full as a Beyoncé concert. Zion is one of the most visited parks in the whole country, but you don’t have to spend your vacation idling in an entry line. Here are a few things to know if you want to beat the system.

• The park is busiest from March to October. Expect long lines to get in and full parking lots by 10:00 a.m. Leave early to beat the rush or park in Springdale and ride the free shuttle in. (And carpooling is always good.)
• Not into the shuttle? Take to two wheels and bike into the park.
• Pack some layers and make the most of the less crowded off-season, November to February. Zion never stops being beautiful.

Hours

Zion National Park is open year-round.

The park has two visitor centers that are also open throughout the year. Visitors are encouraged to stop and learn how to visit the park with minimum impact on the fragile desert environment. At the visitor centers, you will find maps, brochures, and books available to help you enjoy your visit.

Zion Canyon Visitor Center

Located just inside the South Entrance of the park near Springdale.
This visitor center is open daily during the following hours:

• Spring: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Summer: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Fall: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Winter: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Museum

Located one-half mile north of the Zion Canyon Visitor Center at the park’s South Entrance, the museum is open 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily with longer summer hours. It is closed November through February. Permanent and temporary exhibits display the history of Zion National Park. A 22-minute video plays every half hour to allow visitors to get a quick overview of the park.

Kolob Canyon Visitor Center

Located at the West Entrance of the park, off exit 40 from I-15. To contact the visitor center, call (435)772-3256.

This visitor center is open daily during the following hours:

• Spring: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Summer: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Fall: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Winter: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m

Both visitor centers are closed December 25.

Activities

Zion National Park is Utah’s oldest national park, and with nearly three million visitors per year; it is also Utah’s most heavily used park. More than 150 miles (240 kilometers) of maintained trails provide access to the roadless interior of Zion. Seven popular trails with round-trip times of half an hour (Weeping Rock) to four hours (Angels Landing) are found in Zion Canyon. Two popular trails, Taylor Creek (four hours roundtrip) and Kolob Arch (nine hours roundtrip) are in the Kolob Canyons section of the park (near Cedar City).

The Virgin River has gnawed through native sandstone creating incredible scenery found in Zion Canyon, which also features soaring towers and monoliths and is known for its incredible slot canyons, including The Narrows, which attract canyoneers from around the world.

The river itself serves as a natural corridor for exploring the park. There are several easy, self-guiding trails along the river, along with more challenging hikes where the river and its tributaries cut through narrow canyons. Hiking up into The Narrows from the Temple of Sinawava is a popular summertime diversion, with the rushing water of the stream serving as its trail. The Riverside Walk (Gateway to the Narrows) is suitable for all, while Angels Landing and the Zion Narrows offer more adventurous or strenuous hikes. With canyon walls that are hundreds of feet high and at times only an arm’s-stretch-apart, the Narrows provide an exciting hike, but can be dangerous.

As a natural drainage for the area, the Virgin River carries flash floods during summer thunderstorms. Floods can roar down canyons in seconds, washing away or stranding hikers.

Zion is a center for rock climbing, with short walls like Touchstone, Moonlight Buttress, Spaceshot and Prodigal Son being very popular. There are many short free climbs, and a large number of hard, long aid climbs.

Horseback riding in Zion

Zion is the country’s most concentrated center for canyoneering. Popular routes like Pine Creek and Mystery Canyon were first descended in the 1950s and 1960s, with the last of the big drainages (Heaps) descended in 1982. Zion has a concentration of about 50 technical canyons, characterized by downclimbing and rappels in beautiful sandstone canyons. The most difficult canyons have long sections of entrenched narrows, with keeper potholes that require technical gear and specialized techniques to escape.

Lodging in the park is available at Zion Lodge, located halfway through Zion Canyon, and is open year-round. Three campgrounds are available; South and Watchman at the far south side of the park, and a primitive site at Lava Point in the middle of the park off Kolob Terrace Road. Camping in the backcountry requires permits.

Guided horseback riding trips, nature walks, and evening programs are available from late March to early November. The Junior Ranger Program for ages six to 12 is active from Memorial Day to Labor Day at the Zion Nature Center. Zion Canyon IMAX in nearby Springdale shows documentaries about the natural history of Zion Canyon and the American Southwest.

Adjacent to the park on the south, is the town of Springdale, Utah, which offers services such as lodging, food, and entertainment. There is also lodging, food and entertainment offered on the east side of the park along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and in Mount Carmel Junction, Utah.

Создание национального парка[ | код]

В 1909 году президент США Уильям Тафт с целью сохранения каньона присвоил этому месту статус национального монумента под названием «Национальный Монумент Мукунтувип». Тем не менее в 1918 году исполняющий обязанности директора недавно созданной Службы национальных парков переименовал этот парк в Зайон (Цион), так как предыдущее название не прижилось. Конгресс США узаконил статус национального парка 19 ноября 1919 года. Расположенный на северо-западе каньон Колоб (Kolob) был провозглашен как отдельный «Национальный Монумент Зайон» в 1937 году, а в 1956 году был объединен с национальным парком Зайон.

До создания национального парка, туризм в этой области был развит слабо из-за удаленности и отсутствия сервиса. Начиная с 1910 года, старые железные дороги стали переоборудовать в автотрассы, а в 1917 году была проведена дорога в Каньон Зайон.

Дорога в Каньон Зайон протяжённостью около 10 км заканчивается у Храма Синававы («Синавава» относится к божеству индейского племени паютов в образе койота). После храма дорога сужается, и дальше идут пешеходные тропы в ущелье Зайон Нэрроус (Zion Narrows) шириной 6 метров и высотой до 600 метров. С начала апреля по конец октября из-за загруженности движение по дороге Каньон Зайон ограничено: по ней регулярно курсируют бесплатные автобусы. В остальное время года дорога открыта для личного транспорта.

Въезд в парк с восточной стороны – с дорожной магистрали 9 штата Юта от горы Кармель, дорога проходит через туннель. Наиболее заметными достопримечательностями парка с восточной стороны являются Шашечнообразная Гора (Checkerboard Mesa) и Восточный Храм (East Temple).

Особенностью каньона Колоб является то, что в отличие от других мест плато Колорадо, слои расположены не горизонтально, а под большим наклоном, связанным с геологическими напряжениями и изгибами, происшедшими перед подъемом плато Колорадо. Дорога проходит высоко в горах, температуры там заметно ниже, и это также отражается на растительности.

Climate Friendly Parks

Zion National Park Recycling Program

Экскурсионные маршруты

Для осмотра в парке проложены тропы в верхней части каньонов, с которых открываются превосходные виды на уникальные скалы. Часто тропы проходят в непосредственной близости от пропасти. Более безопасно осматривать каньоны в нижней их части. Обычно совершать осмотр парка можно, пользуясь экскурсионными автобусами. В этом случае можно за короткое время увидеть много интересных объектов.

Национальный парк Зайон прекрасен и неповторим в любое время года. Здесь господствует ясное солнечное небо, а пасмурные и дождливые дни – редкость. Поэтому посещать эту уникальную местность можно всегда, как только появится такое желание.

У нас есть ещё несколько статей про национальные парки США: Парк Эверглейдс, Глейшер и Йеллоустон.

Scenic Driving

There are a lot of scenic drives to choose from in and around Zion that are flat-out incredible, but we’ll mention two of our favorites. Our first recommendation, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, is closed to private vehicles from March to November (unless you’re staying at the Zion Lodge). The shuttle system is the only way to get around. But during Zion National Park winter months, it’s open! This is such a beautiful stretch of land and cruising it with no traffic and pure freedom is a true vacation highlight. Another one to try is the area between Springdale and Kolob Canyon which you can access right outside Springdale on Hwy 9 and then onto Hwy 15. The drive is about 40 min. You’ll experience roads that are easily passable, continuously plowed, and traffic-free in addition to the incredible scenery. But in general, the fact that almost all the roads inside the Park become open to private vehicles as the shuttle system shuts down opens up so many options as a tourist that you just won’t have during the summer.

Observation Point

December through March can offer a wonderfully rare opportunity between the East Rim Trail and Observation Point. Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing! This trail takes you to a majestic forested plateau courtesy of Zion Ponderosa and is without a doubt one of the most spectacular views in Zion during any time of year. Of course, you can just hike it in the traditional sense, snow or otherwise. Either way, you are going to be richly rewarded. Make sure to check weather conditions before adding this to your itinerary, particularly regarding whether or not there is actually snow in the above-mentioned area.

Zion Express Membership

• Zion Express Membership allows visitors who regularly visit the park, and are familiar with the park resources to obtain a login account to create online reservations and convert them into Wilderness Permits from home.

• To become a member, applicants must watch three orientation films at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Desk. (Membership cannot be obtained in the Kolob Canyons.)

• After watching the films, applicants will sign a Zion Express Program Agreement form and obtain a username and password for their member account.

• Before creating a reservation, members must login to their Zion Express account. Online reservations that are created before obtaining a Zion Express Membership, or without first logging in, CANNOT be converted into a Wilderness Permit from home.

• There is no cost for enrollment. Membership is valid for the remainder of the current year and for the next two calendar years.

• Memberships may be cancelled if any regulations are violated.

Also Nearby

You can never get enough red rock and Zion is definitely not the only show in town. As with almost every area in Utah, there are mind-melting sights within a stone’s throw of this national park. So tack an extra day onto your trip and hop, skip or jump to pay a visit to Zion’s scenic siblings.

Kolob Canyon

Nestled into a lesser-known part of Zion, Kolob is every bit as scrumptious. It’s name means “residence closest to heaven” in Mormon scripture and it more than earns the title, with soaring sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and a warren of canyon offshoots in ample backcountry. Just off I-15, it’s the perfect stop for a scenic drive or quick hike.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Want to feel like a modern Moses? Walk on this massive red sea of shifting sand dunes and raise your arms to the sky. The sand will shift, but not because of you — the howling winds that funnel through a notch in the nearby mountain ranges deposits sand grains here and can shift the dunes up to 50 feet per year. When you’re done having your majestic moment, play, hike, or ride ATVs up and down the slopes.

Snow Canyon State Park

This stunning Mars-scape of pink and white cliffs, slickrock and black lava rock is located a short drive (or bike ride!) away from St. George. Boasting rock climbing havens, 15 hiking trails, a bike path and horseback riding trails, you might just shack up and never leave this paradise.

Where to Stay Near Zion National Park

If you’re looking to line up lodging for your Zion vacation, Springdale has the corner on the market. It’s within spitting distance in the park and has great options on any budget. If you want to range farther afield, there are excellent lodging options in Mount Carmel, Kanab or even St. George. Of course, if you like to be right in the middle of the action, you’ll want to stay in-park at the Zion Lodge, wearing dark glasses and pretending to be famous.

Some of our favorite lodging options include:

• Cliffrose Lodge

Watchman Campground

• Individual sites (reservable): $20–30/night
• Group sites (reservable): $50–130/night depending on group size

View a list of nearby hotels and campgrounds.

Green Transit

Hiking

Hiking in Zion National Park is perhaps one of the most rewarding things you will ever experience. The wide array of trails vary in difficulty levels as well as scenic views. Many of the park’s most popular trails are accessed from the valley floor along the 6 mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. From April to October, this area is closed to private vehicles and accessed by the free Zion Canyon Shuttle System. During the remaining months, you can drive your own vehicle to the trail head parking areas. More information about the shuttle system can be found here. For some of the more remote trail heads such as the Zion Narrows, West Rim Trail, and The Subway. Below are some helpful links for choosing your trails, as well as a brief overview of some of the park’s most popular hikes.

Strenuous Hikes

Angels Landing via West Rim Trail

Arguably the most iconic landmark in Zion, Angels Landing is written on the bucket lists of travelers all over the world. Owning one of the most incredible views you will ever see, this hike is challenging and not for the faint of heart. Long drop-offs, including a final section along a steep, narrow ridge to the summit render this hike not suitable for small children or anyone with a fear of heights. Angels Landing is certainly a day hike lasting around 4-5 hours so an early start is recommended. Your legs will burn but you will never forget it! Tens of thousands of visitors return to Springdale every year to conquer the Landing over again because it’s just that incredible!

Location: The Grotto
Distance: 5.4 miles/approx. 4 hours

Hidden Canyon Trail

Many Zion adventurers consider this one of their most favorite hikes in the entire Park. Located east of the Great White Throne, this manufactured hike is more about the trail itself than reaching a viewpoint destination. A lot of uphill hiking through the mouth of a narrow canyon is involved here, including some sandy switchbacks and exposed sections with guiding chains. Once you get to the mouth of Hidden Canyon (which is the official trail’s end), you have the option to continue a bit further, scrambling over rocks and some overgrown, moss-covered sections until reaching an impassable wall at which point you would turn back and return the way you came. This is a phenomenal section of the Park that you will love.

Location: Weeping Rock
Distance: 2.4 miles/approx. 3 hours

Observation Point via East Rim Trail

One of the longer hikes in the main canyon, Observation Point provides its visitors with one of the most spectacular views ever. A bit more strenuous than even Angels Landing, this paved trail will take you across many zig-zags, bringing you into Echo Canyon, a slot canyon that is a refreshing change of scenery (and temperature) and eventually up to a sandy plateau that is the main viewing area. From this vantage point, you can see Angels Landing far below as well as other landmarks including the valley road that will look tiny from up there. Prepare for a great workout when embarking on Observation Point. Some people have been so sore afterward that they have contemplated hiring an injury lawyer-but seriously, you’re going to be just fine. This hike is approximately 8 miles round-trip and should take somewhere around 6 hours total.

Location: Weeping Rock
Distance: 8 miles/approx. 6 hours

The Narrows via East Rim Trail

The legendary Narrows of Zion is a location unlike any other in the world and is simply one of the most magical and incredible sites anywhere. This “bottom-up” version of the Narrows hike is the most popular route by far and involves trekking through the Virgin River as it flows through the slot canyon. Throughout the journey, the water depth will fluctuate depending on the stretch, from ankle deep to waist deep so dress accordingly and bring plenty of drinking water. The further upstream you go, the more incredible the sights become. Go as far as you desire and then turn back the way you came. Prepare to be wowed by Mother Nature on this hike. This experience is unforgettable and the area is a true natural wonder. Note: always check the conditions at the visitor center before attempting as water levels can sometimes be too high to allow entrance.

Location: Temple of Sinawava                                                                                                                                         Distance: 9.4 miles/approx. 8 hours

Kolob Arch via La Verkin Creek Trail

The journey to the famous Kolob Arch is an extremely pleasant and lengthy day hike that is surely the most popular way hikers utilize the La Verkin Creek Trail. Boasting desert, forest, and mountainous terrain, this trail is delightful and not too strenuous in and of itself but its length certainly categorizes it as strenuous overall. You’ll get to do a bit of rock scrambling on your way to the impressive Kolob Arch (one of the world’s largest freestanding arches) as well as pass through various campsites. This is a popular route for backpackers and overnight campers. If you prefer longer hikes that are somewhat straightforward, this is the choice for you. Remember that a max of 12 people are allowed per group on this hike.

Location: Kolob Canyons Road
Distance: 14 miles/approx. 8 hours

What is open?

Zion National Park will continue be open for day use, during daylight hours only. Our park information sheet also describes what is open. Download it to your device and bring it with you. Please remember that all printed material is subject to change at any time.

Open Park Roads:

• The collection of entrance fees has been temporarily suspended at Zion National Park. This is being done to help limit the exposure of park staff and visitors to COVID-19.
• Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open to private vehicles until parking is full. After parking is full, the road will be open only if there is available space. No vehicles over 23 feet long. Last entry to the Scenic Drive is 6pm.
• The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (State Route 9) is open. It may be temporarily closed to vehicles in the event of severe traffic congestion.
• Mount Carmel Tunnel – One-way traffic control for large vehicles from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
• The status of other park roads can be found on our Current Conditions page.

Open Trails:

• Pa’rus Trail — A great hike from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center where there is usually plenty of parking.
• Archeology Trail — Hike from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
• Grotto Trail — A great way to hike from the parking at the Zion Lodge to the Grotto Trailhead.
• Riverside Walk — The closest thing to the Narrows without getting wet.
• Watchman Trail — A great hike from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center where there is usually plenty of parking.
• Sand Bench Trail — a longer moderate hike that can be started from the Court of the Patriarchs.
• Upper Emerald Pools and the Kayenta Trail — the only access to Upper Emerald Pools is from the Grotto Trailhead and the Kayenta Trail. Lower Emerald Pools remains closed.
• The West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout — The Angels Landing Chains Section remains closed.
• The Narrows — it is unlikely that you will be able to find parking at the trailhead for the Narrows. Please arrive with a backup plan.

Operations Open:

• Rangers are patrolling park land and roads.
• Zion Forever bookstore is open 8am — 6:30pm.
• Outdoor visitor orientation and information services will be in designated areas near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center from 8am — 5pm.
• The Watchman Campground is open by reservations only.
• Zion Lodge is open with limited services.
• Canyon Trail Rides is open.

Kolob Canyons Visitor Center

The Kolob Canyons Visitor Center is located at Exit 40 on Interstate 15, 40 miles north of Zion Canyon and 17 miles south of Cedar City. A ten-mile roundtrip journey along the Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive allows visitors to view the crimson finger canyons and gain access to the various trailheads and scenic viewpoints. All visitors are required to stop at the park visitor center to show their park pass or to pay the Zion National Park entrance fee. The Kolob Canyons Visitor Center offers a Zion Wilderness Desk where backcountry travelers may obtain permits for all the backpacking campsites., canyoneering routes, narrow canyons and wilderness areas within the park. A Zion Natl Park Forever Project Park Store is also located inside the visitor center. Unique items are available for purchase such as the parks official collector coins, pins, patches, posters, books, hats, and tee-shirts.

Credits

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Zion Human History Museum

The Zion Human History Museum is located inside the park, one-half mile north of the park’s South entrance on the main park road, or 11 miles west from the park’s East entrance. Entrance to the History Museum is free and you’ll find permanent exhibits displaying the rich human history of Zion Canyon and the area. Exhibits on American Indian life and culture, as well as historic pioneer settlement, offer visitors a quick glance into the lives of those who called this canyon home. On the hour and on the half-hour, a free film is shown at the Zion Human History Museum, which provides an excellent overview of the park. During open hours, NPS Park Rangers are available to answer questions and provide assistance. A park store, operated by the Zion Natl Park Forever Project is located inside the Museum. Items available for purchase are unique, park approved products such as official collector coins, pins, patches, posters, books, hats and appropriate plush animals including the popular desert bighorn available through the “Adopt-A-Bighorn” program.