Imagine yourself hiking the trails of Zion National Park. Soaring cliffs and thundering waterfalls make you feel miniscule when standing below them. Climb to the edge of the cliffs and you feel on top of the world – until you see the awe-inspiring sight of a majestic bald eagle circling overhead. The sounds of Zion echo through the canyons – chirping birds, powerful streams, roaming wildlife and so much more. The unique terrain and breathtaking vistas make Zion National Park a must see destination!
With an elevation change of 5,000 feet, Zion National Park offers a host of diverse topography – from desert to river banks and woodlands. The geographic formations of what became Zion National Park formed over approximately 250 million years. A vast desert covered the region and sluggish rivers meandered through the landscape carving what has become Zion’s famous sculpted 2,000 foot cliffs.
The name Zion itself comes from the Hebrew word meaning “refuge.” Possibly describing the Virgin River, which provides life to the barren desert. Plants and animals thrive on the flowing river creating a ribbon of green lining the river’s course from an aerial view. Today, there are so many diverse outdoor activities to fully experience all that Zion National Park has to offer – hiking, bird watching, ranger-led tours, horseback riding and more – come see for yourself!
Did You Know?
- In Zion National Park, there are approximately 67 species of mammals, 207 species of birds and over 1,000 species of plants
- The peregrine falcon, found soaring above Zion National Park is considered the fastest animal on earth reaching speeds of 100-200 mph
- One of the largest freestanding arches in the world – Kolob Arch, is located in the backcountry of Zion National Park
Zion National Park is featured in the following Mayflower tours:
