National Park Zion is located in the western part of the United States, in the state of Utah. Its area is 593 km², from north to south the Zion Canyon stretches for 24 km, and the elevation difference on its territory is 800 m. These places were chosen by people already 5,000 years ago; Indian tribes lived in the park, later displaced by Europeans. The name of Zion National Park means Zion in English. This biblical name was invented specifically to attract visitors, since the area superficially resembled the landscapes of Israel. There are many other symbolic names in the park.
Country style sign at the entrance to Zion National Park.
Despite the fact that the national park is located in an arid and desert area, its landscapes are diverse, and animal and vegetable world rich. The park is located at the intersection of the Colorado Plateau and the Mojave Desert. The most low point The national park is located at an altitude of 1117 m above sea level, and the highest is already at 2660 m. The landscapes of Zion National Park are dominated by mountains - they are visible here from everywhere, mountain ranges are separated by relatively wide valleys (several km wide) or very narrow canyons. The rocks are sandstones, which are easily washed away by water, so karst formations are not uncommon in the mountains of Zion: caves, gullies, tunnels in the rocks. The rocks themselves are often red or bright yellow. Some mountains have layered structure or sharp peaks.
Natural "Subway" tunnel in the rocks of Zion.
The Virginia River, which flows through the park, has the steepest flow gradient in the United States (15-24 m for every mile of channel). Waterfalls are not uncommon in the national park; they are not particularly powerful, but have a significant height. In spring, meltwater fills the rivers and makes them turbulent; during this period, landslides in the mountains are possible.
Waterfalls Emerald pools.
Significant elevation differences create different climatic conditions on the territory of the park. Drought-resistant oaks, pines, and junipers grow on the slopes and in wide, dry valleys; here you can also see typical desert plants - yucca, prickly pear cacti, and wormwood. In narrow, shady canyons and on river banks, the vegetation is similar to temperate forests, with willows, aspens, and maples growing here. Thus, in Zion National Park you can find dense forests, woodlands, and deserts. A riot of colors covers the canyon in the spring, when many plants bloom, in the fall the forests are painted gold, and in the winter snow falls here.
Cacti under the snow - is it possible? In Zion National Park, yes. The continental climate causes hot, dry summers and cold winters.
It is home to 7 species of fish, 6 species of amphibians, 28 species of reptiles, 78 species of mammals and 289 species of birds. It is clear that the diversity of animals associated with water (fish, amphibians) is small, but the species of dry areas feel great here. Reptiles are rarely seen, but maybe that's for the best, because Zion is home to poisonous rattlers.
View of Mount Angel's Descent.
Birds and mammals are at first glance inaccessible to observation. In fact, woodlands and deserts do not allow animals to hide from prying eyes, so they are careful and try to behave unnoticed. But if you are patient and keep silence, Zion will reveal its secrets to an inquisitive observer. One by one, local inhabitants will begin to appear and it will turn out that these places are full of life. There are many birds of prey here: red-tailed buzzards, golden eagles, peregrine falcons patrol the area in search of small birds, animals and reptiles. Another large, but quite peaceful species is the wild turkey. Zion's rarest bird is the California condor.
Twilight reigns in the narrow canyons of Zion.
Among mammals there are many bats, as many as 19 species! But these nocturnal animals live secretly in caves, and on the surface you can find gray foxes, coyotes, squirrels, rabbits, and noses. The most interesting things to watch are the largest animals - pumas and bighorn mountain sheep. There are many of these animals here, but seeing them against the backdrop of the rocks is not so easy.
A pair of bighorn sheep against the background of a rock.
Zion National Park is open to tourists all year round, but not all roads are equally accessible. There are narrow highways in the park, the passage of buses and SUVs is regulated. Runs in the park from April to October public bus. The park covers seven excursion trails, the duration of excursions ranges from half an hour to 4-8 hours. The most interesting places these are the natural Metro Tunnel, Chess Mountains, Angel's Descent and the Great White Throne. Zion National Park is a favorite destination for rock climbers. Tourists also have access to lodges, campsites and hotels in the vicinity of the park, but it is better to book places in them in advance, as there is a large influx of visitors in the summer.
Maintained highways connect different parts of Zion National Park.
). They often combine visits to Zion National Park and Bryce canyon national park in one trip, since the distance between these parks is only about 2 hours, here is the map:
google.com/maps/
We left home (Southern California) at 5 pm, and by 12 midnight we reached the city of St. George, we spent the night there and at 9 am we set off to explore Zion Canyon.
Entrance to the park costs about $20 (2013), cards are accepted. This is the road at the entrance to the park.
We got to Zion Park in mid-December, so it was cold and we couldn’t walk much outside. But I was glad that there were few people. Although even just being in the car and driving around the park is already pleasant, because the views here are beautiful. If you come in the summer during peak season, then, firstly, it can be very hot outside, and secondly, you will have to move around the park on public shuttles, and you will need to park your car. You can come to Zion with a campsite, but you need to make reservations in advance. There are many equipped picnic areas and bicycle trails.
First view point. There are trails at each point.
We dressed warmly and decided to walk along a small path. Just got out of the car when we saw a small family of elk or deer. In general, there are a lot of animals in the park; you can see them everywhere.
The path led upward, so at first it was difficult and very dangerous to walk, because... the trail was narrow and slippery, but the views we had were worth it
This park is passable, so you don't have to go back to the entrance to leave the park, you can just drive through it and get on Highway 89, leading to Bryce Canyon. On the way we saw a beautiful river
The whole road along Route 89 is very beautiful: all around high mountains, rocks, trees. My idiotic smile, which appears when I see something beautiful, again did not leave my face all the way. Zhenya always makes her laugh. The road through the park and along Route 89 simply makes you want to keep your camera in your hands the whole time. It's simply impossible to resist capturing those amazing views.
Zion Park, of course, is beautiful, but if you compare other canyons, then I would still put Bryce Canyon in first place (there is a trip report), then the Grand Canyon and only then Zion. But it's still worth going there if you're planning a trip to Bryce or Colorado.
general information
Zion National Park is a stunning collection of rock formations carved primarily from the main local rock, Navajo sandstone. The high cliffs, gloomy boulders and deep abysses of the park, shimmering with all the colors, from flaming red to soft pink, make a stunning impression; they resemble fairy-tale castles. The sun and seasons play with colors in Zion Park, constantly changing them.
Zion; www.nps.gov/zion; Highway 9;
7-day vehicle pass $25;
tourist center: 8.00-19.00 May-September, 8.00-18.00 April and October, 8.00-17.00 November-March
When planning to visit the canyon, keep in mind that along the scenic road (sightseeing road) You can travel by your own car in late autumn and winter. The most picturesque path to the park runs through the Eastern entrance. You can park your car at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center or before entering the town of Springdale. During the rest of the year, only sightseeing buses National Park. Accordingly, the inspection will take much longer, about 2 hours. The bus route also includes two pedestrian promenades to Weeping Rock. (Weeping rock) and along the Emerald Path (Emerald pools trail).
Zion National Park is especially beautiful after a heavy rain, when waterfalls from the cliffs carry their moisture into the Emerald Pools or along the paved mile-long Coastal Path. This is the final destination of the Zion Canyon Trail. (Zion Narrows Trail)- difficult tourist route 26 km long. River routes Zion Canyon, running along dripping spring water and green hanging gardens in the form of mosses, ferns and lipsticks, provide life-giving coolness, saving you from the heat. Climb the steep 4km trail to Angels Haven, a ledge above a canyon so narrow it takes your breath away.
Zion is rightfully proud of many amazing natural attractions. Checkerboard Mesa (Checkerbord Mesa)- this is a grandiose block of sandstone towering above the road, whose surface seems to be divided into squares by wind and water, and in the Verkin canyon (Canyon Verkin) a natural arch connects two rocks. The most high point park - West Temple Mountain (West Temple), rises to a height of 1158 m. Tower of the Virgin, Virgin Tower (Towers-of-the-Virgin) is a group of sharp rocks stretching along the western wall of the canyon, and the natural amphitheater of the Temple of Sinawawa (Temple-of-Sinavava) offers great view to the surrounding rocks and hills.
Another well-known attraction of Zion National Park is Veeping Rock. (Weeping Rock): Water from a spring located high on the slope flows down the rock and drips like tears from its ledges. A similar phenomenon exists in Hunding Gardens (Handing-Gardens), but there the water does not drain, but is absorbed by plants clinging to the slopes of the rock. Fast waters washed out caves in the stone, in which many birds, small mammals and insects settled. In some of the larger caves, archaeologists have discovered artifacts from ancient Pueblo Indian settlements.
In total, the park has more than 160 km of hiking trails (you can go hiking in the middle of nowhere) and camping.
If you don't have much time, the scenic route is your best option. (Scenic Drive) 9.6 km long, penetrating into the heart of Zion National Park. From April to October you will need to take a free bus (6.45-22.00) at the visitor center, but you can get off at any stop along the way and walk along the trail. The famous Angels' Refuge trail (Angels Landing Trail) 8.6 km long is simply stunning: a real dizziness inducer (elevation 1400 feet, sheer drops), but the view of Zion Canyon is phenomenal. Allow four hours for the journey there and back. To hike through the Narrows (Narrows) (June to September only; trail length 25.6 km), board the backpacker bus after obtaining a backcountry permit in tourist center (orders must be placed in advance via the website). Alternatively, take a walk along the trail from the Riverside Walk (Riverside Walk) 8 km to Big Springs (Big Springs), where the canyon narrows, marking the end of the road. Remember that no matter which direction you go, most of the time you are moving along the bed of the Virgin River (Virgin River).
A site at Watchman Campground, shaded by cottonwoods, on the banks of a canyon river. (Tel: 800-365-2267; http://reservations.nps.gov; Hwy (Highway) 9; tent sites $16, RV sites with amenities $18-30) reserve well in advance. At the nearby South Campground (tent and RV sites $16) Places are taken on the day of arrival. Both campsites have a total of almost 300 sites.
"Rustic" Motel Zion Lodge (Tel: 435-772-7700; www.zionlodge.com; rooms and cabins $160-180), which is located in the middle of the scenic drive, offers 81 well-appointed rooms and 40 cabins with gas fireplaces. Each house has an attached porch with a wonderful view of the red cliffs, but there are no TVs in the rooms. From the hotel's full-service restaurant, Red Rock Grill (breakfast $10-15, lunch $8-20, lunch $15-30; 7.00-22.00, opening hours vary in December-March), also offers an amazing view. In the town of Springdale, near the park's border, you'll find many more restaurants.
Please note: You must pay an entrance fee to drive through the park on Highway 9, even if you are just passing by. If you are with a campervan on a trailer, you will also have to pay an additional amount (escort fee)$15 when traveling through the 1.8 km Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel at the east entrance.
Zion National Park - US national park in Utah, near the city of Springdale, Utah. The area of the park is 593 km². It would be difficult to find another place in the United States that matches the grandeur and beauty of Zion National Park. Here in southern Utah, where the skies are astonishingly clear and the scenery is breathtaking, lies an unrivaled masterpiece of nature. Zion National Park is a harmony of amazingly beautiful rocks, hills and gorges. The national park's topography showcases some of the tallest and most beautiful monoliths in the world. Zion is one of the most visited and spectacular parks in the United States. Its landscape varies from typical desert to forested areas.
Zion is home to mountains, canyons, hills, mesas, monoliths, rivers, slot canyons, and vaults of natural equilibrium.
Zion National Park includes mountains, canyons, hills, plateaus, monoliths, rivers and natural arches. Situated at the intersection of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert, the park has unique natural geographic areas that support a variety of animal life. It's no surprise, then, that Zion is home to over 78 species of mammals (including 19 species of bats), 291 species of birds, and 44 reptiles and amphibians. Large animals can be found here: mountain lions, deer, golden eagles, and California condors.
The lowest point of Zion Park is the Coalpits Wash Desert (1118 meters above sea level), the highest point is Horse Ranch Mountain (2661 meters above sea level).
HISTORY OF ZION NATIONAL PARK. USA |
Archaeologists have divided Zion's long period of human history into three periods: Archaic, Early History, and Historical.
Archaic Period of Zion Park
The presence of the first humans in the region is recorded about 8,000 years ago in areas where they could gather and hunt. About 2,000 years ago, some family groups began growing corn and other crops and gradually became sedentary. Later family groups of this period began to establish settlements called pueblos.
Around 300 AD. some archaic groups developed a culture that archaeologists called the Virgin Anasazi. They were hunters and gatherers who additionally engaged, to a limited extent, in growing crops.
Early Zion History
Around 1300 AD The Virgin Anasazi and Fremont culture were forced to leave the southern Utah region. Long droughts throughout the 11th and 12th centuries, combined with periods of catastrophic floods, made it impossible to live and grow crops in this arid region.
After some time, they were replaced by the Ute and Southern Paiute tribes. They migrated here on a temporary basis for hunting and gathering. Some of them, particularly the Southern Paiute, also began growing corn, sunflowers, and squash. They learned to make ceramic products, which they used for cooking and storing supplies.
Historical period of Zion National Park
The historical period began at the end of the 18th century with the arrival in southern Utah of the Franciscan monks Silvestre Velez de Escalante and Francisco Atanasio Dominguez, who became the first Europeans known to us to visit this region.
In 1847, Young Bringham led members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Saints last days(Mormons) to Utah, establishing settlements in the Great Salt Lake area. Mormon farmers were the first Europeans to settle in the Virgin River area.
Isaac Bewin was the first European to settle in the Zion Canyon valley in 1863 to farm. Soon after him, many other settlers established their farms here. It is Behuin who is credited with the name Zion (Zion is one of the names of Jerusalem in Hebrew). In the Zion Canyon valley, settlers farmed until 1909, when the National Monument was established.
In 1872 geographical expedition under Powell's leadership, she visited Zion and gave it the name Mukuntuweap.
In the first decade of the 20th century, the scenic landscape of southern Utah began to be seen as a potential site for tourism development. In 1909, Mukuntuvip National Monument was established by presidential decree. But it remained practically inaccessible to visitors, since the existing roads were in very poor condition and the monument was located hundreds of kilometers from railway lines. In the same year, construction of the network began highways, which ultimately improved access to the region. State officials also negotiated with Union Pacific Railroad to build railroads, highways, and tourism facilities in southern Utah. By the early summer of 1917, passenger cars were finally able to travel to Wiley Camp, the town where the lodges were located to receive the first visitors.
In 1917, the acting director of the newly created Service national parks visited the canyon and proposed changing its name from the unpopular Mukuntuweap to Zion. The United States Congress, based on the Mukuntuweap National Monument, established Zion National Park on November 19, 1919, significantly increasing its territory.
One of the most impressive construction projects in the park's history, still considered an engineering marvel, was a 1,712-meter tunnel through solid sandstone. Construction of the tunnel began in the late 1920s and was completed on July 4, 1930. The tunnel has viewing “galleries” - peculiar windows carved into the rocks, allowing drivers to better see the canyon lying below. At the time, it was the longest tunnel of its type in the United States. The purpose of the tunnel was to create direct access to Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon from Zion National Park. All three parks are located within a radius of 160 km from each other. The completion of the Zion-Mt Carmel highway allowed motorists to travel to Bryce Canyon through Zion National Park and since then, visits to Zion have increased significantly.
In 1920, 3,692 tourists visited the park. In 1996, visitation increased to 2.5 million people, and this figure continued to increase. In order to overcome traffic problems and protect the environment, in Zion, starting in 2000, a system of movement throughout the park was created using buses making shuttle trips back and forth. This system operates during the period of maximum influx of tourists to the national park from April to October inclusive. From November to March, entry of passenger cars is allowed.
ZION NATIONAL PARK ATTRACTIONS |
The main attraction of the park is Zion Canyon in its southern part with impressive cliffs and a gorge. Zion Canyon is a deep and narrow reddish gorge 24 km long and 800 meters wide, cut through the Navajo Sandstone by the North Fork of the Virgin River over millions of years. The river was the main driving force carving the canyon, mainly as a result of flash floods, since the average flow of the river is negligible.
Strong winds continue to sculpt the canyon walls, creating natural arches. Worldwide number natural arches number in the thousands, but perhaps there is no place on our planet more suitable for their formation than the Colorado Plateau, where Zion National Park is located. Zion's magnificent geology has created a natural environment as broad and varied as the landscape of the park itself. Hidden within this geological grandeur are dozens, maybe even hundreds, of free-standing arches of all shapes and sizes. Although free-standing arches can be found in a variety of geological formations, the Navajo sandstones that formed the magnificent Zion Rocks provide the most favorable conditions for the creation of these strips of rock that last for a while and then give way and break away under the relentless forces of erosion.
Among the many arches located in Zion, two occupy a special place. Crawford Arch(Crawford Arch) is perhaps the most notable. The National Park Service eventually named it after the Crawford family, who were among the first Mormon settlers to settle here and work hard to cultivate land plot near this arch.
The other, more famous arch at Zion is not as clearly visible. In a remote part of the park, in a relatively small gorge, high on the wall, like a clumsy giant, settled Kolob Ark(Kolob Arch). Due to its remoteness and inaccessibility, Kolob Ark has challenged hikers, climbers, rangers and photographers over the years. For much of the 20th century, many believed that Kolob Arch was the largest free-standing arch in the world, providing additional motivation for adventurous people to scale its massive span for precise measurements.
Despite its remote location, Kolob Ark has become a favorite destination for many visitors to Zion. While many experts agree that Kolob Arch is not the world's largest span, most park visitors agree that it ranks among the most beautiful and largest arches surrounded by the magnificent Zion landscape. In 2006, the Society of Natural Arches and Spans measured Kolob Ark. The span length was 87.6 m, which is slightly shorter than the world's largest Landscape Arch in the Arches National Park.
Hiking is the dominant activity in Zion. The trails range from easy walks to the incredibly challenging and dangerous Angels Landing and Narrows trails.
Every year thousands of people flock to Zion to hike the Narrows trail - sections of the canyon along the north fork of the Virgin River. From the park's creation in 1919 until the 1960s, tourists crossed the Narrows on horseback. Walking this route entirely on foot has gained popularity since the late 1960s.
Virgin River carved a stunningly beautiful gorge in the upper reaches of the Zion Canyon, 26 km long, with cliffs up to 600 m high, and in some places only 6-9 meters wide. Traveling in the shadow of its vertiginous walls, sandy caves, natural springs and hanging gardens leaves a lasting impression on travelers. This is one of the most unusual excursions walk to the Colorado Plateau. Hiking the Narrows took fifth place in the ranking of the famous American magazine National Geographic in the “America's 100 Best Adventures” category.
However, this journey should not be underestimated. Hiking the Nerous means traveling along the Virgin River. At least 60% of the entire crossing is occupied by the passage downstream of the river. There is no path - the path goes along the river. The current is fast, the water is cold and often muddy, and the stones underfoot are round and slippery. There is a constant threat of flash flooding and hypothermia. Part of the way you have to overcome waist-deep water, and sometimes you have to swim downstream.
The 9.7 km road leading into the canyon ends at Temple of Sinawava , dedicated to the Coyote God of the Paiute Indians. After the temple, the road narrows and turns into a hiking trail leading into the Zion Narrows gorge with a thin and high wall (6-9 meters by 610 m).
Another attraction of Zion is rock Great White Throne 671m high, which is often used as a symbol of the National Park.
Angels Landing – a rock whose peak is located at an altitude of 1763m above sea level. The trail, carved in 1926, leads to the top of Angels Landing, where the views beautiful view to Zion Canyon. The climb to the top is unsafe and sometimes results in accidents.
Also one of the most famous and interesting attractions of Zion National Park is tunnel about 2 km long, cut through solid rock. It connects the park to Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Parks. Occasionally, the sun's rays reach the bottom of this canyon. And this little light is enough for the green algae that have settled in the waters of the stream flowing along the bottom of the canyon. Unusual colors and landscape look like something from a fantasy game. By the way, Zion Park appears in one of the addons of the post-apocalyptic video game Fallout New Vegas- Honest Hearts.
Checkerboard Mesa- this is a grandiose block of sandstone towering above the road, whose surface seems to be divided into squares by wind and water. IN Verkin Canyon a natural arch connects two rocks. The park's highest point is West Temple Mountain, rising 1,158 m above the canyon floor. Towers of the Virgin is a group of sharp rocks stretching along the western wall of the canyon.
Another well-known attraction in Zion National Park is Viping Rock (Weeping Rock) : Water from a spring located high on the slope flows down the rock and drips like tears from its ledges. A similar phenomenon exists at Hunding Gardens, but there the water does not drain, but is absorbed by plants clinging to the slopes of the rock. On the light slopes of the western rim of Zion Canyon, one can clearly see how layer after layer of Navajo sandstone was formed. Fast waters washed out caves in the stone, in which many birds, small mammals and insects settled. In some of the larger caves, archaeologists have discovered artifacts from ancient Pueblo Indian settlements.
Other popular routes hiking- Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock, and Riverside Walk - allow you to see these beautiful rock formations.
VISITING ZION NATIONAL PARK |
Horseback rides are available from March to November. Next to the national park is the nearby town of Springdale, which offers all the services necessary for tourists: hotels, cafes and restaurants, shopping centers and other entertainment. The park can also be reached from Las Vegas (240 km).
The park offers: cycling, hiking, horseback riding (from March to October). There is a highway running through the entire park, along which you can drive slowly and stop at numerous parking lots.
Park climate varies depending on the season.
In summer, the heat reaches 35-43 C, at night the temperature drops to 18-21 C. From mid-July to mid-September, thunderstorms and rain are possible in the afternoon.
Autumn is a very beautiful time of year in the Canyon; many tourists like to come in the month of October, which is optimal in terms of weather.
In winter, snow falls in the park. During the day the air temperature reaches +16 C, at night it drops to -7 C. A winter snow storm can last for several days and make the roads icy. Roads in the park are being cleared, with the exception of Kolob Teracce Road.
In spring the most a large number of precipitation, especially in March. From April to June is the time for flowering in the canyon.
Schedule : the park is open to visitors all year round,
- In spring – from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Summer - from 8 am to 08:00 pm
- In autumn – from 8 am to 6:00 pm
- In winter - from 08 am to 5:00 pm, some roads are closed.
The park is closed on December 25th.
When you purchase a park ticket ($25 for a week), you are given a booklet with routes. In the evenings, you are likely to see deer on the banks of the Virgin river. Although in the evening they meet on the road.
PHOTOS OF ZION NATIONAL PARK. USA |
(this time without stopping)
and get out onto the federal highway US-89,
along which we are moving south direction over 80 km
through the Kane County wilderness.
At Mt Carmel Junction, turn right onto Utah State Road UT-9,
and after 20 km we stop at the “Eastern” checkpoint in Zion National Park (sometimes translated as “Zion”).
All formalities have been completed and the road to the park is open for us.
Our bus passes by cacti - a typical representative of the flora of the area
and rushes into the canyon.
The length of the canyon is about 20 km with a cliff height of up to 800 meters. At one time, one of the tributaries of the Virginia River “worked” here, which washed this attraction into the local sandstones. We are now moving along the bottom of the canyon, in which today a small river, Pine Creek, flows.
The first settlers of these places were Indians. As for the creation of a national park, the first attempts in this direction were made in 1909.
However, Zion (Zion) acquired official status only in 1919, when the US Congress adopted a corresponding decision. From that moment on, the tourist “development” of the reserve began.
Initially, a railroad ran along the bottom of the canyon. Due to its low efficiency, the railway track was dismantled and a highway was laid in its place (we are moving along it now), with the advent of which tourist traffic increased tens or even hundreds of times.
While we were fascinated by the history of the Zion Canyon (Zion), one of the attractions of these places “floated” past us - Checkerboard Mountain (Checkerboard Mesa), which received its name from the “light hand” of Preston Patrow (researcher), who saw a semblance of a chessboard in the slopes of the mountain.
Continuing our route,
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after a while we find ourselves in front of the entrance to the tunnel Zion-Mount Carmel (The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel).
The length of the tunnel is 1700 meters. Its construction began in 1920 and ended 10 years later. This tunnel was cut into the rock to provide direct access to the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon from Zion National Park. When leaving the tunnel there is also
a “pocket” for vehicles in which you can make a “sanitary” stop.
This is where we encountered tourists making walking through the National Park.
Behind the tunnel the most scenic spots Zion Canyon (Zion). In connection with this, our bus stopped and the guide gave us several tens of minutes of free time.
Before us is another local attraction called The East Temple.
However, besides the Eastern Temple there is something to see here...
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In one of the nearby rocks we saw a certain “hole”.
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Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a technical opening in the tunnel through which we had recently passed.
Enjoying the views of the canyon
we got on the bus and continued our route.
However, as it turned out, there was nothing special to continue: after a couple of minutes we passed the “South Gate” (exit) of Zion National Park (Zion),
beyond which is the small town of Springdale with a population of about 600 people.
Since it is located in close proximity to Zion National Park (Zion), its entire infrastructure is focused on the tourism business associated with this place.
The town is full of parking lots and campsites.
and there are even campgrounds.
Our bus turns off the highway and stops near one of these “habitable” places.
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We have free time, during which we satisfied our “material” needs (had a snack in one of the cafes),
and looked around a little.
Not far from us there was a stop for local shuttles - buses running along certain routes of the National Park. During the “high” season, entry into the park by private vehicle is prohibited and then shuttles are the only means of transportation.
There are also various centers where you can order and pay for a walk along one of the official walking routes.
There are several of them (routes). There are quite simple ones, such as Lower Emerald pool, Middle Emerald Pool, Upper Emerald pool , but there are also quite complex ones ( Angels Landing, Narrows ), where both physical strength and endurance are required.
We would be very happy to take a walk in one of the above “directions” (of course, we would start with simple ones), but that will be for next time. Now our "picnic" time is running out
and we hurry to our bus, stepping over the hordes of caterpillars that litter the bridge along the way
across the Virgin River.
This is our excursion program for national reserves ends. In a couple of days we explored the City Canyon, Glen Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Red Canyon, and Zion Canyon. Naturally, in such a short time we were only able to superficially familiarize ourselves with American natural attractions, but nevertheless, we formed a general idea - we will remember these wonderful moments from our trip to the USA for a long time.
