| Zion National Park lies in the northwestern section | | | | stop along the way to check out some of the |
| of Utah and provides some of the most dramatic | | | | fascinating plants which struggle for existence in |
| and variable scenery to be seen anywhere in the | | | | this rocky landscape. |
| national parks system. From golden sandstone | | | | Another transportation option in Zion National Park |
| cliffs towering high over the land to | | | | is horseback riding and overnight excursions lead |
| creek-laded narrow canyons, Zion National Park is | | | | from the canyons to the peaks, where you can |
| one of the world's finest outdoor 'sculpture | | | | witness views of the bright moon across the |
| gardens'. | | | | shadow strewn cliffs. If you are a novice rider |
| The Virgin River flows through the center of the | | | | then there is also an easy trot which travels to |
| park and today continues its slow task of carving | | | | one of the park's most interesting sights at |
| deeper and deeper chasms in the already 2,000 | | | | Checkboard Mesa. |
| foot deep Markagunt Plateau. Running for a total | | | | However you choose to travel you will have no |
| of 16 miles through sandstone arches and well | | | | difficulty spotting some of the distinctive wildlife |
| trodden gorges, it finally flows into Lake Mead 200 | | | | which lives in the park. The ringtail, the Chuckwalla |
| miles to the southeast. | | | | lizard and beavers are all easy to find and, less |
| Within the park you will find some of the best | | | | common, you can also occasionally see ravens |
| hiking in the world along sandstone cliff top trails | | | | hovering overhead, as well as peregrine falcons |
| at a height of 2,000 feet which lead down | | | | and the odd golden eagle. If you are really keen |
| through narrow canyons topped with high arches. | | | | eyed you might even spot the odd roadrunner |
| The Great Arch of Zion, which is carved into a | | | | dashing across the trail near Weeping Rock. |
| high, vertical cliff face is one of the more | | | | There are also several national monuments on |
| spectacular sites and the Kolob Arch Trail leads to | | | | view in Zion and each has truly earned the |
| the Kolob Arch, which with a span of 310 feet is | | | | designation. These include the Grand Staircase |
| one of the largest arches in the world. | | | | Escalante, Cedar Breaks and, most notably, the |
| Hikers can also follow Timber Creek and gaze up | | | | Temple of Sinawava and the Great White Throne |
| at the massive red canyons above as the trail | | | | which are natural features whose appearances |
| gradually descends 1,000 feet to La Verkin Creek. | | | | have given rise to their names. |
| This route also provides an excellent opportunity | | | | One word of warning though. Flash flooding is a |
| to explore both Beartrap Canyon and Hop Valley. | | | | common risk because the river and its tributaries |
| If you enjoy cycling then you can get in on the | | | | act as a run off for melting snows and spring |
| adventure. Pa'rus Trail provides a paved car free | | | | rains. For this reason, anyone who wishes to |
| route that is littered with outstanding scenery. For | | | | explore the park should check for flood warnings |
| example, you can get a wonderful view of the | | | | before doing so. |
| Kayenta and Moenave rock formations and can | | | | |