ZiOn NaTiOnAl Park PhOtOs

Hiking in Zion

A woman works her way across a rocky riverbed in Springdale, Utah. Originally founded as a Mormon farming community, Springdale now serves as “the Gateway to Zion National Park.”

Mount Spry

Snowy Mount Spry is named after Englishman William Spry, who converted to Mormonism after immigrating to the United States as a young boy. He also served as the third governor of Utah from 1909 to 1917 and held a variety of public offices.

Mountain Lion

Stealthy inhabitants of Zion National Park, mountain lions are solitary animals that prefer remote, dry areas with deep canyons and steep cliffs. The cat's long, graceful tail helps it keep its balance while stalking, running, leaping, and climbing.

Backpacking in Zion

A trekker hoists his backpack over his head while crossing a river in Zion National Park. The park's extensive trail system—a wide range of choices from walks of half an hour to backpacking trips lasting for days—draws hikers.

The Subway

Experienced hikers flock to the Subway, a canyon that runs through the Left Fork of North Creek at Zion National Park. Be ready to get wet and dirty—both routes require crossing streams, scrambling over slippery boulders, and climbing steep ascents.

Canyoneer

Canyoneers flock to Zion National Park, ready to scramble, jump, rappel, and climb their way to new heights—and lows. Traversing the park’s rugged canyon walls requires deft maneuvering, fancy footwork, and nerves of steel.

Sandstone Cliffs

Zion's sandstone cliffs—in hues of creams, pinks, and reds—reveal clues to the geologic events that were important in shaping this national park, the first established in Utah.

Lizard

In Zion National Park, keep watch for tiny creatures: canyon tree frogs, pocket gophers, and desert horned lizards. There are also more than 270 species of birds, including roadrunners, peregrine falcons, and water-skimming American dippers.