Zion National Park in Utah, USA โ photo, description, map
The United States is a country that occupies a leading position not only in terms of the standard of living of the population, but also in terms of the number of protected areas, among which the Zion National Park, located in the southwest of the country in the state of Utah, occupies a special place. This picturesque place is famous for its unique natural landscapes and unearthly beauty of canyons. In a park covering an area of โโ593 sq. km, both desert landscapes and forests are presented, in which various representatives of the fauna live, and many plants grow.
Story
Studies have shown that people lived on the territory occupied by the park 8 thousand years ago. In separate caves, scientists managed to find household items of the ancient Pueblo Indians. Men in these parts hunted, and women were engaged in gathering. Later, agriculture and pottery began to develop here. When the climate changed and long droughts alternating with heavy rains began to annoy the inhabitants, people left these places for a long time. Only in 1860, the once abandoned territory was re-mastered by the Mormons. They discovered an amazingly beautiful canyon within the limits of the Little Zion estate, which received the name Zion corresponding to the estate. Later, in 1919, the name of this canyon was borrowed for the national park, equipped in this area according to the decision of the US Congress.
The unique terrain was formed as a result of the interaction of both tectonic processes and the influence of weathering. The small mountainous Virgin River practically cut into the rocks of the area as a result of the general concept of the territory caused by the vertical movements of tectonic structures. Thus, the largest Zion canyon, 24 km long, was formed here, the depth of which in some places is about 800 m. The wind and the flowing waters of the streams gave the rocks a streamlined shape, and picturesque gorges, smaller canyons and waterfalls formed in the mountains.
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Zion Canyon
Zion Canyon attracts a huge crowd of visitors and is the main attraction of the park. Crowds of tourists rush to it and rush to admire the steep rocky shores formed from sandstone containing a large amount of iron and manganese oxides. These substances give the rocks red and bronze hues. The intensity of the colors can vary depending on the season and during the day, from soft pink to deep purple. The tourist route along the trail along the canyon is 26 km long and is quite difficult and dangerous. Therefore, it is not worth going on an independent excursion without special accompaniment and without preparation along this trail. Going along the Zion Canyon along the river route, you can not only hide from the summer heat, but also enjoy plenty of dripping spring water,
Attractions of the park
Many other canyons surprise tourists with their colorful names. Here you can find the Angel Landing Pad, which is a narrow ledge above the steep bank, the Great White Throne, the Court of the Patriarchs and the Castle Roof. The depth of individual canyons is about 900 m, and their walls sometimes almost touch, forming high vaults, the distance between which does not exceed 10 m. For example, Verkin Canyon is famous for its natural arch, formed as a result of weathering processes, which connects two huge blocks of sandstone. The next attraction of the national park is Checkerboard Mesa or Checkerboard Mountain. The mountain owes its name to intersecting longitudinal and transverse furrows formed by erosion processes and resembling a chessboard in appearance. From a height of 1158 m, on which the top of the park, Mount West Temple, is located, you can admire the beautiful scenery of this area, in particular a series of sharp rocks called the Virgin Towers. From the amphitheater formed by natural processes, called the Temple of Sinawa, you can also enjoy the wonderful neighboring rocks and hills. Delight is caused by the unique Weeping Rock, along the ledges of which water runs from a source located above, and then slowly drips, resembling tears.
The most visited trails have their own unique names. The trail โShelter of angelsโ, located at an altitude of 1400 m, is distinguished by dizzying steep descents and a phenomenal panorama of the Zion Canyon. The Narrows trail has been popular with visitors since the opening of the park in 1919, with the only difference being that until the 1960s, tourists traveled along this trail exclusively on horseback, and later hiking tours were organized here.
At any time of the year and in any weather, Zion Park remains attractive, but after heavy rain, when the resulting waterfalls rush to the Emerald Pond, the park takes on a special charm.
Climate
Significant elevation differences contribute to the formation of different climatic conditions in certain parts of the park area. In conditions of insufficient moisture, drought-resistant plants grow, among which pines and typical desert cacti and yuccas predominate. The banks of the rivers are covered with temperate plants, mostly willows and maples. In spring, the park is covered with a multi-colored carpet of flowers, in autumn visitors are delighted with a riot of golden hues, and winter sometimes sweeps snowdrifts.
The waters of mountain rivers and streams for many years formed voids and caves in huge sandy blocks, in which birds began to nest, individual mammals found shelter, and insects settled. 289 species of birds, 75 species of mammals, among which mountain lions and deer deserve special attention, as well as 32 species of reptiles, freely feel free in Zion Park.
Tour routes
For inspection, the park has trails in the upper part of the canyons, which offer excellent views of the unique rocks. Often the trails pass in the immediate vicinity of the abyss. It is safer to inspect the canyons in their lower part. Usually, you can visit the park using sightseeing buses. In this case, you can see many interesting objects in a short time.
Zion National Park is beautiful and unique at any time of the year. A clear sunny sky dominates here, and cloudy and rainy days are a rarity. Therefore, you can always visit this unique area as soon as such a desire appears.
We have a few more articles about US national parks: Everglades Park, Glacier and Yellowstone.