Page 161 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Southwest USA & National Parks

SOUTHERN UT AH  159

Hiking Tours
Numerous guided walking and VISITORS’ CHECKLIST
hiking tours of Zion’s geology
and history leave daily from the Practical Information
visitor center. Popular trails are Road map 2B. Hwy 9, near
Emerald Pools Trail, and Canyon Spring dale. n Zion Canyon
Overlook Trail, which leads to a Visitor Center (435) 772-3256.
superb west-facing viewpoint Open 8am–5pm daily (to 7pm
over the canyon. Jun–Aug; to 6pm Sep). & 7
partial. 8 - = 0 
∑ nps.gov/zion

Sculpted monoliths of rock
rise above the Virgin River as it
flows along the canyon.

Weeping Rock
An easy, self-guided trail leads to
the rock and its hanging gardens,
which are full of wild flowers in
spring. This spot owes its fertility
to the spring- and seep-water that
flows from the rock.

Luxuriant foliage along the
banks of the Virgin River
provides shade for the area’s
abundant wildlife, including
birds, mule deer, and bobcats.

The Virgin River seems
gentle, but the force of its
current is responsible for
forming the canyon.
Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway
The only driving route through the
park, the dramatic Zion–Mt. Carmel
highway climbs out of the canyon via a
set of hairpin switchbacks with splendid
views, then burrows through a mile-
long tunnel (permit required for large
vehicles) to reach the pastel-colored
sandstone of the surrounding peaks.
For hotels and restaurants see pp240–41 and pp254–6

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