Geology
The geological forces needed to create Zion and Kolob Canyons are difficult to fully understand, but the resulting displays are fascinating: Angel's Landing, Kolob Arch, Crawford Arch, and so many others.
Standing at the top of the canyon, the sheer sandstone cliffs seem to made by magic. A massive feature like Angel's Landing protrudes incredibly into the very heart of the canyon and Kolob Arch could have been carved by a sculptor's hand.
A Geology Lesson
There are five steps in the Grand Staircase that rise up to the Colorado Plateau, with the bottom layer at Bryce Canyon forming the top layer of Zion. These layers of rock started 275 million years ago in a flat basin, where sediment gathered from the surrounding area.
10,000 feet of sediment was formed, which then went through a process called lithification, where minerals seep through the rock, changing its structure to form limestone, mudstone, shale, and sandstone, all with different colors and hardness.
Uplift in the Earth's crust caused huge areas of land to rise and separate from the surrounding rock, giving power and eroding force to the rivers, like the Virgin River that excavated Zion Canyon.
Lastly, volcanic vents broke through the surface, creating cinder cone volcanoes and lava flows in the Kolob Terrace and Southwestern Desert.
Hikes and Attractions
- Angel's Landing and Observation Point are two day hikes that put visitors in position to analyze the geology of Zion National Park as a whole. Looking over the entire canyon, distinct layers of rock are visible from their lines and color.
- La Verkin Creek Trail has one of the finest displays of Zion geology, following Timber and La Verkin Creek as they cut through the soft sandstone and ending at one of the world's largest freestanding arches, Kolob Arch. The remote and isolated location doesn't deter people from visiting this amazing geological wonder.
- Crawford Arch is one of the most visible displays of the delicate aspect of erosion. Located in easy viewing distance from the Zion Human History Museum, this sliver of a rock seems to spill from the wall like a water fountain.
- Lava Point or the lookouts on Kolob Terrace Road are great places to see lava and cinder cones up close. From the vantage points on Kolob Terrace, the plateau stretches out in the distance, only to abruptly end at the Zion Canyon rim.
Learn More
To get a better understanding about Zion National Park geology, visit the Nature Center or any of the Visitor Centers to talk with the rangers and volunteers about the forces that shaped the area. Even better, check the park schedule and attend one of the many ranger-led programs that focus on the topic.
For those looking to get an more in-depth understanding of Zion's geology, consider connecting with the Zion Canyon Field Institute, which offers longer classes and detailed programs.
