25 Fun Facts About Zion National Park You Might Not Know

facts about Zion National Park

Discover the majestic beauty of Utah with these engaging, fun facts about Zion National Park. Zion National Park is one of America’s most iconic natural wonders, known for its stunning rock formations, diverse ecosystems, and rich history.

From ancient native settlements to modern-day outdoor adventures, Zion has an incredibly diverse and captivating history. So, what exactly do you know about Zion National Park? Let’s get to the facts.

Zion National Park Facts At-a-Glance

Location: Southwestern Utah, United States.
Area: The park covers an area of approximately 146,597 acres (59,326 hectares).
Elevation: Varies from 4,000 feet (1,220 meters) at the lowest point to 8,726 feet (2,660 meters) at Horse Ranch Mountain peak.
Visitors: The park attracts millions yearly.
Established: Zion was established as a National Park on November 19, 1919.
(Park Resources: National Park Service)

1. Origin of the Name

A tourist admires the panorama in Zion National Park.
A tourist admires the panorama in Zion National Park.

Zion National Park was named by Mormon pioneers in the 1860s, with “Zion” meaning a place of peace and refuge. This reflects the settlers’ view of the area’s exceptional beauty and grandeur.

2. Early Designation of Zion National Park

Initially known as the Mukuntuweap National Monument, President William Howard Taft designated the area for protection in 1909.

3. Established as a National Park

Zion became a National Park on November 19, 1919. This designation was part of the broader movement to preserve America’s natural landscapes for future generations.

4. Ancestral Inhabitants of Zion Canyon

The Anasazi settled in Zion Canyon around 1,500 B.C. and were the area’s first inhabitants. The park still contains evidence of their once flourishing civilization, including sandstone settlements, extensive road networks, and rock art.

5. Unique Geography

Exploring the unique geography of Zion National Park's dramatic landscape
Exploring the unique geography of Zion National Park’s dramatic landscape.

The park is known for its stunning rock formations, mostly sedimentary rocks from ancient sand dunes, rivers, and seas. These layers have been eroded over millions of years to form the park’s iconic cliffs and canyons.

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6. The Narrows

One of Zion’s most famous hikes is The Narrows, where visitors can walk between towering canyon walls, sometimes with water up to their knees or higher. This hike showcases the park’s unique geology and hydrology.

7. Hikers’ Paradise

Zion National Park’s hiking trails are globally celebrated. They offer expansive views, crystal-clear pools, natural arches, and slender canyons.

8. Home to Diverse Wildlife

Zion National Park supports diverse ecosystems, hosting over 289 species of birds, 75 mammals, and 32 reptiles and amphibians, illustrating the park’s rich biodiversity.

9. California Condor Habitat in Zion

Zion National Park is home to the California Condor, with sightings common around the Angels Landing hiking trail and the Kolob Terrace Road, especially near Lava Point.

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10. The Great White Throne

An iconic monolith within Zion, the Great White Throne rises over 2,000 feet above the canyon floor and is one of the park’s most recognizable and photographed features.

11. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

Zion Mount Carmel highway
Driving through the stunning Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.

This drive offers stunning views of the park’s prominent features and is a popular way for visitors to experience the park’s majestic landscapes.

12. Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel: An Engineering Marvel

When dedicated in 1930, the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, located within Zion National Park, was the longest of its kind in the United States. Known for its length and winding curves that lead into darkness, it remains a notable attraction within the park.

13. Weeping Rock

Now closed due to rockfall danger, Weeping Rock was a famous landmark where water seeped from the cliff face, creating a perpetually wet environment conducive to hanging gardens.

14. Kolob Canyons

Part of Zion National Park, the Kolob Canyons section is known for its stunning red rock formations, high plateaus, and narrow canyons. It offers a quieter experience than the main canyon. 

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15. Kolob Arch

Within Zion National Park, Kolob Arch is a remarkable natural formation, renowned as one of the world’s largest freestanding arches spanning 287 feet.

Only the Landscape Arch in Arches National Park, which extends 290 feet, surpasses Kolob Arch in size. It offers visitors a spectacular sight nestled in a beautiful landscape.

16. Angels Landing Trail: A Strenuous Journey

Hiking the challenging Angels Landing Trail in Zion National Park
Hiking the challenging Angels Landing Trail in Zion National Park.

Angels Landing Trail in Zion National Park, famed for its scenic vistas, presents a challenging 2.2-mile hike to the summit with steep switchbacks, narrow paths, and significant drop-offs, exposing hikers to vertiginous heights. It is considered one of the most dangerous hiking trails in the United States.

17. Accessible Trails in Zion National Park

Zion National Park offers 15 miles of paved trails, providing accessible options for all visitors. Notable among these is the Riverside Walk, a 2.2-mile round-trip hike along the Virgin River designed to accommodate people of various ages and abilities.

18. Virgin River

Virgin River winding through the scenic landscapes of Zion National Park
Virgin River winding through the scenic landscapes of Zion National Park.

The Virgin River, instrumental in shaping Zion’s landscape, has carved a dramatic 16-mile-long gorge in Zion Canyon’s upper reaches. The gorge’s depths reach up to 1,000 feet, and certain points narrow to just 30 feet wide.

19. Sandstone Monuments

Zion National Park’s Court of the Patriarchs consists of three sandstone cliffs named after Old Testament patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

20. Optimal Times to Visit

The optimal times to visit Zion National Park are spring and fall, offering moderate weather despite potentially cool, rainy periods.

Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F, while winter brings daytime highs around 50°F and sub-freezing nights. The park’s record low hit -20°F in 1989.

21. Human History

Humans have inhabited the Zion area for at least 8,000 years, with evidence of Archaic, Ancestral Puebloan, and Paiute cultures found within the park’s boundaries.

22. Rock Climbing

Zion is a world-renowned destination for rock climbing. It offers a wide range of climbs, from short, easy routes to big wall climbs that require advanced skills and preparation.

23. Emerald Pools

A popular hiking destination within Zion, the Emerald Pools consist of a series of pools and waterfalls that create a lush oasis against the backdrop of the desert landscape.

24. Annual Visitation

Zion National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, with millions of visitors each year drawn to its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.

25. High Plateaus

The park is part of the Colorado Plateau, a high, rugged, and arid region that includes several of America’s most scenic natural parks, providing a unique geological and ecological context.

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