National Park INFORMATION

Along the bottom canyon flows the Virgin river. This river has carved a gorge through Zion Canyon. Over thousand of years this little river flowed through Zion much the way it does today. Periodically a flash flood will roar through, the water turns muddy as it carries anything in it's path downstream.







There are many animals in the canyon, deer can be seen in the morning hours grazing along the highway. You can get very close if you're taking pictures, just be careful. I'm sure you've seen when animals attack. The last time I went through in February 2001, I saw a dow with 3 fawns just off the Mt. Carmel road. They will even venture into your campsites.







If you plan to camp be aware of the winds that sometimes sweep through Zion Canyon. During early evening they will be mild, but secure your tents, and belongings as the evening goes on they will roar through the canyon. Scary at times, we had two of our tents blow completely over and had to use vehicles to block the force of the gusts.







There are many hiking trails the run through Zion. Some easy, and a few that are very strenuous. If this is your first visit I suggest the Emerald Pools hike, it takes aproximately 30 minutes each way. Usually if you have kids they can handle the hike, and the pools are very beautiful.









If you're looking for a real adventure, Angels Landing, it's a major trek almost 4 hours total. I wouldn't set out on this one unless you really love to hike. It is very strenuous, has long scary dropoffs, but great views of the Zion Canyon.







There are all kinds of adventures your can experience in this park, many hikes, the Zion Lodge is located centrally within the canyon if you want a relaxing stay, and depending on the time of year you decide to enter the park, the colors are wonderful.







Though you are in Utah, in the summer months it gets extremely hot, 90 degrees on the valley floor. Always bring plenty of liquids. And if you're planning on one or more of the hikes bring a lunch, or snack. You will fall in love with this National Park, and want to return again, and again.







At the Northern end of this valley is a rock formation know as the "Temple of Sinawava" and the entrance into the "Narrows", A 16 plus mile canyon cut through the solid rock by the swift "Virgin River". Interested in hiking through the Narrows ? Though the adventure can be rewarding, it can also be hazardous. For imformation about a hike through the Narrows contact the local National Park Service.









During the summer months when the river level is low you can hike through the canyon. Be prepared to endure water up to your waist at some spots ,but well worth the discomfort. Actually you may cool water as the tempatures rise to 90 degress on the valley floor during this time of the year. If you're taking pictures bring a good tripod ,fast film, and take measures to water protect your equipment. I suggest packing a lunch as time seems to slip away while hiking through this little paradise.











This photo was taken on the hike to the Emerald Pools. There were many chances to photograph the surrounding landscape, and flora. The pools themselves are at the end of the hike, and are a great photo shoot in the early morning hours.











Almost at the pools, this runoff is just below. Just after winter there are many cascades in the areas around the canyon. This one had almost run out of water, but offered a nice photograph.












The pictures below are of the eastern most part of Zion National Park. These beautiful rock formations are of a multiple of colors and can be accessed just off the Mt. Carmel Highway which exits the eastern portion of the park.












Once inside Zion you'll come to a fork just about a mile inside the park. If you take the Mt. Carmel highway you'll be headed toward the eastern portion of the park. On the way you'll be going up some steep switch backs on the highway and once you've reach almost the top you'll enter the Mt. Carmel tunnel. It's actually 2 tunnels connected together 1.1 miles longs. It's quite a drive.







After exiting the tunnel you'll be in the eastern region of the park. There are no major trails here, but you can find many places to hike and to enjoy this portion of the park. Many little canyons are just off the highway.









A friend and I went up a few of the canyons just off the highway. They were easy hikes, and if you have kids they'll love to explore them. Watch out for critters, any time you are hiking theres always a chance of meeting up with a snake, or other wildlife. If you treat them with respect you shouldn't have any problems.









This rock formation with a lone juniper is one of my favorites. Look at how the two different colored rock formations merge into each other. Almost doesn't seem possible. Thousands of years ago when the earth was forming hot molten rocks came together here.









Zion Canyon and the near by areas were homes to the Anasazi Indians, and later the Mormans. What a discovery this must have been, seeing these wonderful colors, and shapes as they explored for the first time in these canyons, and the surrounding mountains.









Don't forget that just off highway 15 just east of St. George is the Kolob turn-off. Once you have experienced the main portion of the park, take a drive to this area. There are even more spectacular colors, shapes, and views to enjoy.

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