Why you must visit – Zion National Park, Utah
More than 4.5 million people visit Zion National Park per year. The third most visited National park in the USA.
The best way to get to Zion is – driving. As I made my way down this steep hillside, about 9.7 km into the Canyon, down to the Temple of Sinawava (Coyote God of the Paiute Indians), the gorge narrows, to almost 6m wide and up to 610 m tall.
Zion National Park is another one of natures miracles. The park is a proud owner of magnificent mountains, green canyons, red cliffs, buttes, mesas, monoliths, rivers, slot canyons, and natural arches. If you are a lover of wildlife, you will love the 67 species of mammals, 13 species of snakes, 291 species of birds and over 900 species of plants. I was fortunate enough to see some Elk and canyon tree frogs.
Zion Canyon has been in the making for thousands of years. Zion Canyon is part of the Navajo sandstone Colorado Plateau, which contained many joints and cracks when first uplifted. From the North Fork of the Virgin River, the wind, and the rain – creating flash floods which had enough force that it carved this deep and narrow gorge in southwestern Utah. What I saw today is a very light flow of the river, and the water was very muddy.
THINGS TO DO IN ZION NATIONAL PARK
The best way to get around this park is by shuttle. The shuttle system in Zion is an excellent way to see the park. It is a free service provided by the park. You can hop off at the stops and explore.
Follow the paths where ancient native people and pioneers walked. Remember to feel the magic you need to keep your mind open and eyes closed in some places. (Please don’t do this while you are walking)
Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. The natives referred to this place as a spiritual sanctuary.
Experience wilderness in a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past.
Enjoy the excitement of hiking the trails. Zion has four of the best hiking trails. Angles Landing, Canyon Overlook / Observation Point, Emerald pools and the Narrows.
For all the keen hikers, remember to wear a sunhat, sunscreen, and drink lots of water.
During your visit make sure you stop at the local museum and galleries. Pick up a little souvenir or wander around admiring the masterpieces of art and paintings from the history of Zion National Park.
Places to stay the night at Zion National Park.
Zion National Park Hampton Inn – I stay here, was close to everything.
Majestic View Lodge at Zion National – this is more comfort style
Zion Luxury Camping – budget option.
You do require permits and pay a fee to enter the park. Up to date information is available from the Zion National Park services.
#Travelquote: “When we get out of the glass bottle of our ego, and when we escape like the squirrels in the cage of our personality and get into the forest again, we shall shiver with cold and fright. But things will happen to us so that we don’t know ourselves. Cool, unlying life will rush in.” by D.H. Lawrence