This is the eighth in a series of articles that offer suggestions for your 1999 camping/vacation destinations. The articles share our personal experiences at these great places and provide links to more explicit information on attractions, parks and campgrounds.As my wife Pam so aptly puts it, at Bryce Canyon National Park (article: June 8, 1999), one looks down onto nature's wondrous works, while at Zion National Park, visitors gaze upward to view its striking beauties. Both parks are located in southwestern Utah and each exhibits spectacular landscapes and colorful rock formations. However, they are totally unique unto themselves. Zion displays sheer, multi-colored cliffs that rise two and three thousand feet into the air! Springs and seeping waters drain from its canyon walls and produce lush, green hanging gardens - contrasting with the copper and pastel walls. Flowing through her magnificent canyon, the Virgin River (most often gentle yet, on occasion, raging) slowly continues her sculptor's work. Zion National Park is truly one of a kind - a rare natural work of art!About the Park Zion National Park is located 43 miles northeast of St. George, Utah. From I-15, take Utah Route 9 or exit further north on Route 17 to Route 9 to enter the park via the south entrance. Entering from the east, take U.S. 89 to Utah Route 9. The 229-square-mile park is open year-round. The elevation ranges from 3,666 feet to 8,726 feet.Zion is a part of the Grand Circle of National Parks. Summer days here are hot in the canyon, springtime weather can be wet and winters are mostly on the mild side. We camped at Zion in late spring and in midsummer. The springtime wildflowers are just gorgeous, and the abundant park wildlife ventures out more often during the spring. The canyon does, indeed, change its personality with the seasons.Park Attractions and Activities Sightseeing is, of course, Zion's main attraction for visitors. There are three unforgettable scenic drives, with Zion Canyon Scenic Drive being the most famous. The drive begins near the Visitors Center and runs through the narrow and deep canyon, ending at the Temple of Sinawava. The massive Great White Throne welcomes your entrance to the Canyon.
Zion-Mt Carmel Highway (Utah Route 9) begins at the park's eastern portal and joins with Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. We thoroughly enjoyed this particular drive, especially its abrupt change of landscape along the way. The road passes through two tunnels, with Long Tunnel (1.1-mile) being very impressive as it bores through solid rock. Larger vehicles must wait to be escorted through by park rangers.
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