Zion contains the world's largest natural arch, Kolob Arch, which spans 287 feet.
The park's sandstone walls are primarily formed from the Navajo Sandstone formation, deposited as an ancient erg 190 million years ago.
The Virgin River cuts through the canyon at a rate of 100th of an inch per year, constantly deepening the gorge.
Zion serves as a critical habitat for the endangered California Condor, which has a wingspan of up to 9.5 feet.
The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, completed in 1930, was the longest of its kind in the United States at the time of construction.
The Hanging Gardens of Zion occur where water seeps through permeable rock layers until it hits an impermeable shale layer, forcing it out the canyon wall.
Human presence in the park dates back to the Archaic period, approximately 8,000 years ago.
The park's elevation change allows for life zones ranging from Lower Sonoran desert to Ponderosa Pine forest within a short distance.
Zion National Park is defined by the massive Navajo Sandstone cliffs that reach heights of 2,000 feet above the Virgin River. The park encompasses 147,000 acres of diverse desert and forest ecosystems ranging from 3,666 to 8,726 feet in elevation. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive provides the primary access to major trailheads and the canyon floor. Notable geological features include the Narrows, a slot canyon where the river walls close in to 20 feet wide. Visitors can access the park via the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, which features iconic window galleries carved into the sandstone. Diverse habitats support 78 species of mammals, 291 species of birds, and 1,000 species of native plants. Rock climbing is permitted on large sandstone faces, with routes ranging from moderate to expert difficulty. The park is characterized by its high-walled, vertical-relief landscape created by the cutting action of the Virgin River.
The Watchman viewpoint near the Canyon Junction Bridge during sunset.
Use the mandatory shuttle system during peak seasons to access the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
Bring specialized footwear with ankle support if you plan to hike in the Virgin River, as the bottom is composed of slippery, uneven river stones.
Check flash flood potential via the visitor center rangers before entering slot canyons like the Narrows, as water can rise rapidly from storms miles away.
Attempting to hike the Narrows without checking the current flash flood rating or attempting to walk the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel road on foot, which is prohibited.
The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles during most of the year; a shuttle is mandatory. Some high-elevation trails are closed during winter months due to ice and snow.
Practice 'Leave No Trace' principles: pack out all trash, do not feed wildlife, and stay on marked trails to protect fragile cryptobiotic soil.
