Zion is perhaps the most well known
national site in all of Utah, attracting swarms of visitors annually.
This distinction is clearly deserved, since the approximately
150,000 acres provide some of the most awe-inspiring views in
the American southwest. Luckily, the tourist hordes tend to remain
concentrated in a few select areas, and Zion’s vast spaces
offer plenty of unaltered wilderness.
Long, varying hiking trails have been mapped out by the parks
system. They range from scenic strolls through largely accessible
portions of the park to winding, challenging jaunts, carved into
rough terrain. The latter are perhaps the most rewarding, weaving
through the Virgin River valley. Kolob Canyons and several pristine,
rocky rivers slice through the grounds and provide adventurous
souls with marvelous scenery and formations that are almost unrivalled.
In upper sections, the North Creek cascades along steep river
walls and rolls powerfully through the land. Huge Utah hardwoods
and pines stagger the banks.
Cliffs and canyons make up the southeast portion of the park,
giving hikers expansive, panoramic views. The Great Arch and Checkerboard
Mecca are aptly named natural wonders, well worth the steep, challenging
excursion.
Of course, visitors should give themselves plenty of time to traverse
the park. Zion is as grand as its name, and one of the best parks
the country has to offer.
