Zion National Park

Zion National Park protects 229 square miles of dramatic sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and unique desert landscapes in southwestern Utah. Located at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert regions, the park features massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into brilliant blue skies. The park's centerpiece, Zion Canyon, stretches 15 miles long and reaches depths of 2,640 feet, carved by the Virgin River over millions of years. The park's unique geography creates diverse life zones supporting unusual plant and animal diversity, with 289 bird species, 75 mammals including 19 bat species, and 32 reptiles inhabiting four distinct ecosystems: desert, riparian, woodland, and coniferous forest. The Virgin River creates a ribbon of life through the desert, supporting cottonwoods, willows, and unique hanging gardens while desert bighorn sheep navigate the high cliffs and peregrine falcons nest in canyon walls. Zion implements innovative conservation strategies including shuttle systems to reduce vehicle impacts, wilderness protection covering 85% of the park, and extensive restoration programs for native plant communities. The park manages over 4.3 million annual visitors through timed entry systems, permit requirements for popular trails, and sustainable infrastructure development. Research programs monitor air quality, wildlife populations, and the effects of climate change on desert ecosystems while restoration efforts focus on removing invasive species and protecting riparian habitats.

Water Features

Virgin River, Emerald Pools, The Narrows

Ecosystem

This destination features a desert ecosystem.