National parks offer us a wonderful way to discover and learn about nature, the landscape, and our history. One park that proves to be popular among tourists year after year is Zion National Park in Utah. This park is loaded with unbelievable landscape that has to be seen in person in order to believe it. The Narrows hike is one of the most incredible ways to experience the park, but that’s not to say it ends there. In fact, Zion National Park offers a little something for everyone.
A Premier Destination
Not only is Zion National Park in Utah an absolutely stunning place to visit, it also is important in that it was the first National Park in the state. Visitors can literally hike along the trails that pioneers and the natives walked so many years ago. History buffs will love being able to experience it in person and see the land through the eyes of those that came before us.
The park can be found in the southwestern region of the state, which is known for its canyon landscape. It’s dry, rugged, and unforgiving. As you stand there and take in your surroundings it’s almost as though time stopped hundreds of years ago. The park itself is 229 square miles and features such attractions as sandstone canyons, a variety of plateaus, and the Virgin River. The highest point in the park is 8,726 feet at the Horse Ranch Mountain, which offers a beautiful view of the scenery.
Don’t Forget the Animals
While many tourists come to experience the landscape and history, there is also the fact the park is loaded with all kinds of animal life. You’ll find a huge selectin of reptiles, birds, amphibians, mammals, and fish that live in the park. Because there are such variations in elevation and terrain, the animal life varies along the way. Some of the larger mammals that live in the park are the mountain lion, the mule deer, and the bighorn sheep. Depending on what time of year, the time of day, and where you are in the park you’re bound to see some pretty spectacular looking animals.
When to Visit
If you are interested in planning a visit to Zion National Park, it’s always good to keep weather in mind. The park itself is open year-round but the Virgin River is known for flash floods. The park is also known for its rapidly changing weather patterns thanks to the various elevations. Weather changes quickly and often, which can make it unpredictable at best. Spring and winter tend to be the most unpredictable weather periods, with fall being the best time to visit. In the summer, temperatures can soar well over 100°F/38°C, which is not exactly comfortable, plus severe thunderstorms are common.
A Memorable Experience
Zion National Park offers tourists of all ages a memorable experience thanks to its stunning scenery, history, and wildlife. It’s one that you can you visit multiple times and experience something different each and every time.