Zion National Park

Rock formations in Zion National Park.

Established in 1909 as Mukuntuweap National Monument and renamed Zion National Park in 1919, this is a region of massive, multi-colored vertical cliffs and deep canyons.

The roads of Zion introduce visitors to the park's cliff-and-canyon landscape. The six-mile drive into the heart of Zion Canyon offers views of the Great White Throne, the Court of the Patriarchs, Angels Landing and the Riverside Walk, which is wheelchair-accessible.

This road is open only to shuttle buses, cyclists and pedestrians from April through October.

Two roads lead into the northwestern corner of the park, where streams have carved spectacular canyons at the edge of the Markagunt Plateau. The Kolob Canyons Road off I-15 penetrates five miles into the red rock, perpendicular-walled Finger Canyons.

The names of the trails, including Emerald Pools, Hidden Canyon, the Narrows and Canyon Overlook, hint at what is hidden beyond the roads in Zion Canyon.

There are surprises too, including a desert swamp, springs and waterfalls, and the always unpredictable appearance of roadrunners, peregrine falcons, mule deer, lizards and wild turkeys.

Guided horseback trips, technical climbing, backpacking and biking are popular ways to enjoy the wonders of Zion.