The United States is a country occupying a leading position not only in terms of living standards, but also in the number of protected areas, among which Zion National Park, located in the southwest of the country in Utah, occupies a special place. This picturesque place is famous for its unique natural landscapes and unearthly beauty of the canyons. In the park covering an area of 593 sq. km, both desert landscapes and forests are represented, in which a variety of fauna live, and many plants grow.
History
Studies have shown that people lived on the territory occupied by the park 8 thousand years ago. In some caves, scientists managed to find household items of the ancient Pueblo Indians. Men in these parts hunted, and women were engaged in gathering. Later, agriculture and pottery began to develop here. When the climate changed and the inhabitants began to be annoyed by prolonged droughts, alternating with heavy downpours, people left these places for a long time. Only in 1860 the once abandoned territory was reclaimed by the Mormons. They discovered within the limits of the estate "Little Zion" an amazingly beautiful canyon, which received the corresponding name of the estate Zion. Later in 1919, the name of this canyon was borrowed for the national park, established on this territory according to the decision of the US Congress.
The unique area was formed as a result of the interaction of both tectonic processes and the influence of weathering. The small mountain river Vergin almost cut into the rocks of the area as a result of the general concept of territory, caused by the vertical movements of tectonic structures. This is how the largest canyon Zion, 24 km long, was formed here, the depth of which in some places is about 800 m. The wind and flowing waters of the streams gave the rocks a streamlined shape, and picturesque gorges, smaller canyons and waterfalls were formed in the mountains.
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Canyon zion
Zion Canyon attracts a huge crowd of visitors and is the main attraction of the park. Crowds of tourists rush to it and rush to admire the steep rocky shores formed from sandstone containing a large amount of iron and manganese oxides. These substances give the rocks a red and bronze hue. The intensity of the colors can vary with the seasons and throughout the day, from pale pink to deep purple. The tourist route along the trail along the canyon is 26 km long and is quite difficult and dangerous. Therefore, it is not worth going on an independent excursion without special escort and without preparation along this path. Going along the Zion Canyon along the river route, you can not only hide from the summer heat, but also enjoy the sight of dripping spring water, green hanging gardens formed by the interweaving of mosses and ferns, and if you are lucky, you can see the local inhabitant of the California Condor, listed in the Red Book.
Attractions of the park
Many other canyons surprise tourists with their colorful names. Here you can find the Landing Pad of Angels, which is a narrow ledge above the steep coast, the Great White Throne, the Courtyard of the Patriarchs and the Roof of the Castle. The depth of individual canyons is about 900 m, and their walls sometimes almost touch, forming high vaults, the distance between which does not exceed 10 m.For example, the Verkin Canyon is famous for its natural arch formed as a result of weathering processes, which connects two huge blocks of sandstone. The next attraction of the national park is Checkerbord Mesa or Chess Mountain. The mountain owes its name to the intersecting longitudinal and transverse grooves formed by erosion processes and resembling in their appearance a chessboard. From a height of 1158 m, on which the top of the park, Mount West Temple, is located, you can admire the beautiful landscapes of this area, in particular, a series of sharp cliffs called the Virgin Towers. The amphitheater called Temple of Sinava, formed by natural processes, can also enjoy the wonderful nearby cliffs and hills. Delight is caused by the unique Weeping Rock, along the ledges of which water runs from a source located above, and then slowly drips, resembling tears.
The most visited trails have their own unique names. The trail "Shelter of Angels", located at an altitude of 1400 m, is distinguished by dizzying steep slopes and an opening phenomenal panorama of the Zion canyon. The Nerrows Trail has remained popular with visitors since the park opened in 1919, with the only difference that until the 60s tourists traveled along this trail exclusively on horseback, and later walking excursions were already organized here.
At any time of the year and in any weather, Zion Park remains attractive, but after heavy rain, when the forming waterfalls rush to the Emerald Pond, the park acquires a special charm.
Climate
Significant elevation differences contribute to the formation of different climatic conditions in certain parts of the park zone. In conditions of insufficient moisture, drought-resistant plants grow, among which pines and typical desert cacti and yuccas prevail. The river banks are covered with plants of the temperate zone, mostly willows and maples. In the spring, the park is covered with a colorful carpet of flowers, in the fall, visitors are delighted with a riot of golden hues, and in winter, sometimes snowdrifts.
For many years, the waters of mountain rivers and streams have formed voids and caves in huge sandy blocks, in which birds began to nest, individual mammals took refuge, and insects settled. In the Zion Park, 289 species of birds, 75 species of mammals, among which mountain lions and deer, as well as 32 species of reptiles deserve, feel free.
Excursion routes
For exploring in the park, trails are laid in the upper part of the canyons, from which excellent views of the unique rocks open. Trails often run in the immediate vicinity of the abyss. It is safer to view the lower canyons. Usually, you can explore the park using the sightseeing buses. In this case, you can see many interesting objects in a short time.
Zion National Park is beautiful and unique at any time of the year. A clear sunny sky reigns here, and cloudy and rainy days are rare. Therefore, you can always visit this unique area as soon as such a desire arises.
We have a few more articles about US national parks: Everglades Park, Glacier and Yellowstone.
