Zion National Park
possesses a grandeur that is inspirational. Hence, massive rock
monoliths that soar to the sky have spiritual names:
Watchman, Angel's Landing, Temple of Sinawava and Great White
Throne.
Only 2 1/4 hours
from page, Zion is a day's outing or an overnight stay. Access
to the park is via Highway 89 then Highway 9 from Mount Carmel.
The Pine Creek tunnel penetrates the canyon wall for 5,607 feet
with one-way traffic at times to allow large vehicles access to
the canyon below.
In the grand scheme
of geologic history, Zion would be the middle story with the
Grand Canyon ancient history and Bryce Canyon a youngster in
geologic time. All three park areas are located within 120 miles
of each other.
Hiking trails range
from easy to strenuous and you can do day hikes or overnight
backpacks. You can also do horse back rides through the groves
of trees along the canyon floor. Rooms are available in Zion
Park Lodge and in cabins—tents and RV's are accommodated in
Watchman Campground.
Zion began as
Mukuntuweap National Monument in 1909 by presidential
proclamation. In 1918, the locally unpopular name was changed to
Zion and in 1919 the area was made a national park.
