Zion National Park was Utah’s first national park and was established in 1909 as Mukuntuweap National Monument. It became Zion National Park in 1919. The name "Zion" meaning "place of refuge," was given to the canyon by Mormon pioneers.
The Virgin River has gnawed through native sandstone to create the incredibly scenery found in Zion Canyon. Massive canyon walls with a height of up to 2,500 feet ascend on both sides of the river, the cliffs range in color from cream, to pink, to red.
The river itself now serves as a natural corridor for exploring the park. To experience Zion, you need to walk among the towering cliffs. There are several easy trails along the river, along with more challenging hikes where the river and its tributaries cut through narrow canyons. Zion is also known for its incredible slot canyons, including The Narrows which attract adventurers from around the world.
Mount Carmel Highway (Utah 9)
If you are approaching Zion from the east, just getting there is the first adventure. We came from Bryce Canyon via Utah 89 and Mount Carmel Junction.
Once you entered Zion, its another 11 miles to reach the visitor center at the other end of the park – steep switchbacks, tunnels, a really enjoyable mountain road. The road was an engineering masterpiece at the time when it was built (1930), connecting the high plateaus of Checkerboard Mesa to the east with lower Zion Canyon to the west. The road leads through two narrow tunnels (one of them is 1.1 miles long) and sometimes RV drivers figure out too late that they can’t pass.
Being the centerpiece of the park, this short (6 mile) drive leads into Zion Canyon and ends at the Temple of Sinawava (named after the Coyote God of the Paiute Indians). Sheer red and white sandstone cliffs tower up to 2,500 feet above the Virgin River, flowing at the bottom of the canyon.
Weeping Rock is an alcove cut by water into the cliff. Water seeps from the cliff and falls like tears, forming a curtain across the front of the alcove. Hanging gardens of delicate plants cling to the cliff face.
This 2 mile round trip hike begins at the farthest end of Zion Canyon, the Temple of Sinawava and ends where the renowned Zion Narrows Trail begins. The towering monoliths surrounding this hike make it quite special as well as the Virgin River flowing alongside the walking path.
Directions
If you are approaching the area from the east , use Utah 89 until you reach Mount Carmel Junction. Then take Utah 9 West towards Zion, you will reach the east entrance of the park after about 13 miles. Zion Canyon itself is another 9 miles after you have passed the park entrance.
If you are coming from the west (via Interstate 15), take Utah 17 until you reach La Verkin. Then take Utah 9 East towards Zion, you will reach the south entrance of the park after about 20 miles.
