Page 519 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

UT AH  517

p Zion National Park VISITORS’ CHECKLIST

At the heart of this beautiful national park lies Zion Canyon, Practical Information
Hwy 9, near Springdale. n Zion
perhaps the most popular of all of Utah’s natural wonders. Canyon Visitor Center, (435) 772­
It was carved by the powerful waters of the Virgin River and 3256. Open mid­Apr–mid­Oct:
then widened, sculpted, and reshaped by wind, rain, and ice. 8am–6pm daily (to 7:30pm in
Its majestic walls rise up to 2,000 ft (600 m) and are shaped summer); mid­Oct–mid­Apr:
8am–5pm daily. & 7 partial.
into jagged peaks and formations in shades of red and white. 8 0  ∑ nps.gov/zion
Wild meadows and luxuriant foliage along the river
account for the area’s abundant wildlife. In summer, the
park shuttle is the only way into the canyon. A number
of hiking trails of varying length and difficulty start at
the shuttle stops along the way. The Zion Narrows Trek,
which entails a tough 16-mile (26-km) hike wading
through the river, is the most challenging of all.
The spectacular Zion–
Mt. Carmel Highway

Zion Canyon
The Virgin River
meanders quietly
through banks of
wildflowers, cotton­
wood, oak, and willow
trees, which grow
beneath the sloping
walls of the canyon.
Be aware that sudden
summer rainstorms may
cause floods, so visitors
are advised to check
conditions first.

Exploring Zion Canyon Weeping
A guided trail takes visitors along the Rock
6­mile (10­km) scenic road that follows
the Virgin River into an ever­narrowing
canyon. In summer a shuttle bus
operates along the Zion Canyon
Scenic Drive and from the Information
Center to the town of Springdale. Emerald
Pools
Key
Highway
Hiking trail

Hiking
Numerous guided walking and
hiking tours of Zion’s geology
and history leave daily from the 0 meters 500 South Entrance The
visitor center. Emerald Pools Trail 0 yards 500 Zion Canyon Visitor Center Great
and Canyon Overlook Trail are Springdale Arch
particularly popular trails.
For keys to symbols see back flap

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