Zion Canyon in Zion National Park

Zion Canyon National Park has come along way in one hundred years. Located in Utah, it has become one of the state's prime destinations and its incredible canyon, cliffs and natural habitats have become a source of great interest for visitors and researchers. The park offers varied activities and attractions that are designed to entertain and educate.

Utah is home to Zion Canyon National Park, a huge canyon with deeply ascending walls ascend that reach down from clear skies to challenge tourists with its incredible uniqueness. It is not just a place for recreation, but one of the biggest natural history spots in the country. Many come from far and wide to learn about this amazing place, which has been alive with human habitation for thousands of years.

At the beginning of last century, most people were unable to get into the park – access was close to impossible. Few had experienced the sights of its cliffs, canyons and beautiful scenery. However, despite a history of human existence in the park for over eight thousand years and recent Mormon settlements, it was not until the early 20th century that interest in the park picked up.

The park is privileged to have an exclusive location, consisting of various living habitats for both animals and plants. It sits high on a plateau, bordered by the Mojave Desert and the Great Basin. Other features include deep canyons of sandstone, rocky towers and flowing grassy mesas. Its geology alone has been solely responsible for it becoming a sanctuary for desert plants and its incredible scenery.

Evidence is apparent in varied spots of ancient American Indian tribes, namely the Anasazi, and the Paiutes (still prevalent today). Settlements from the 19th century Mormons can also be seen, showing the incredible isolation that pioneers endured. However, since then visitors to the park numbers over 3 million per year.

Visitor centers/museums offer tourists better insight into these things. Run by the Zion Natural History Association and the National Park Service, they enhance any visit to Zion with books, other resources, ranger programs for young and old, and varied tours that should not be missed.