Zion National Park

The visitor experience in Zion is unique because of the option of accessing the top or bottom of the park via car or shuttle. Zion National Park is the highlight of Utah's five national parks and one of America's most scenically attractive parks. Zion National Park measures 30 miles in length (northwest to southeast) and over 15 miles at its widest point. At Zion is found the world's largest natural Arch (kolob Arch) and the park ranges in elevation from 4,000 feet in the valleys to over 8,700 feet high.

Zion is a series of sediment layers that were at the bottom of an ancient lake. As lake waters receeded, rain and snow melt carved crevices into the sandstone and this eroding action began to reveal the layers of sediment. These crevices are now large canyons and the Virgin River is mainly responsible for carying tons of sediment away from the park. You'll see signs of erosion at every turn within Zion and count yourself lucky if you happen to be in the park on a rainy day or early spring day. During these times waterfall cascade from every possible collecting point on Zion's plateaus.

Zion Mountain Resort is found at the east gate of Zion and offers the closest accommodations on the east side of the park. The eastern elevation of the park is 6,000 feet and visitors will enjoy the cooler temperatures and star-filled night skies.