Zion
National Park is Utah first National
Park. Similar in terrain of Utah,
the canyon offers tall, unique shaped
cliffs that appear to touch the sky in
many different and brilliant colors.
The Zion Natural History Association (ZNHA),
a partner of the National Park Service
manages the park's bookstores and the
ZNHA Field Institute and Junior Ranger
Program provides learning programs for
people of all ages.
Activities
include bicycling and the shuttle buses
are equipped with bike racks. Zion
National Park has over 200 species of
birds for the bird watching lovers,
hiking for the young and the restless
and horseback riding. The terrain
is perfect for the photographer and the
park is a good family vacation choice.
Guided tours are also available starting
in March through October.
One of the hiking/ backpacking trails
is the Virgin River, which is the source
that has carved a spectacular gorge in
the upper reaches of Zion Canyon.
The river is16 miles long, up to
2000-feet deep, and at times only 20 to
30-feet wide. The hike offers
breathtaking scenery with the its cliff
towering walls, sandstone layered
grottos, natural springs, and hanging
gardens. This hike is not for
every one for more than 50% of the hike
involves is spent wading, walking,
and at times, swimming in the river.
The river/ terrain can be dangerous for
the water is cold, current can be swift
and the rocks are slippery. Back
country camping is allowed with a
permit.
