Another superb travel spotlight via our friends at ShareAmerica.
With massive, towering cliffs and deep canyons, Zion National Park consistently ranks as one of America’s most popular spots for outdoor adventure. Designated as a U.S. national park in 1919, Zion, in southwestern Utah and two hours from Las Vegas, now attracts 5 million visitors annually.
Tallest Sandstone Walls In the World
They come for red-and-white sandstone walls, among the tallest in the world, that soar to heights of 2,000 to 3,000 feet (609 to 914 meters) above the canyon floor. Zion’s immense scale and dramatic rock formations lead many to describe the park in spiritual terms. Mormon pioneers who arrived at the canyon in the 1800s gave it the biblical name Zion, meaning “sanctuary” or “refuge.”
Sandstone walls, wildlife and trails
Hikers will find numerous trails, from the near-effortless to the very challenging. Less difficult hikes like the Pa’rus, Riverside Walk and Canyon Overlook provide stunning views and the chance to spot wildlife, including bighorn sheep and mule deer. The more challenging Angels Landing offers panoramic views of Zion’s iconic cliffs, including the Court of the Patriarchs, composed of three biblically named peaks: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Hiking Amazement
Hiking The Narrows trail is a signature Zion adventure. Hikers tread upriver in shallow water into a gorge with soaring cliff walls 1,000 feet (300 meters) high. Boots and hiking poles can help navigate the rocky riverbed. The Narrows is most popular in June through September, when the water is warm and river levels are low.
Another sightseeing option is the Zion Canyon Shuttle , which takes visitors from one scenic spot to the next. The shuttle operates March through November or December and is the only way to access Zion’s Emerald Pools trails, which feature waterfalls and hanging gardens.
Guided tours on horseback are available for those seeking an authentic Western experience. Zion’s Nature Center offers programs for families, including an interactive exhibit where children can explore the park’s geology, history and wildlife.
Stargazing and nature photography
Certified as an International Dark Sky Park, Zion’s high elevation and minimal light pollution make it a premier spot for stargazing and astrophotography. Expect clear nighttime views of the Milky Way, planets and distant galaxies, but bundle up because temperatures drop after sunset.
Nature photography is a Zion favorite at any time of day. The National Park Service recommends taking advantage of nature’s golden hours at sunrise and sunset to capture the changing light on the park’s vivid red cliffs.
Ansel Adams documented Zion on numerous visits to the park. A series of the legendary photographer’s black-and-white images of Zion taken in 1941 and 1942 are held at the U.S. National Archives, and several can be viewed online . Adams’ photographs are still enticing visitors to experience the rugged beauty of Zion National Park.
For the Silo, Lauren Monsen/ Share America.
Featured image- Margaret Wiktor/Shutterstock.