Zion National Park

Established by the National Park Service in 1919, Zion NP protects 229 square miles of scenic cliffs, deep green canyons and the scarlet-walled, darkling Virgin River Gorge.The world's largest arch - the Kolob - is accessible via backcountry permit, deep within park boundaries.

The name Zion means "holy land" for both Judiac and Mormon religions. The massive main canyon is like a stained-glass cathedral, nature's monument to the sacred. Sandstone formations bear monikers like Sinawava Temple, Angel's Landing and the Great White Throne - denoting heavenly grace. As expected, the park is a grand and special place.

Start your pilgrimage at the Park Entrance Visitor Center. Tour the museum and watch the slideshow; browse the books, maps and Native American gifts. Be sure to nab a free copy of The Sentinel Newsletter for the scoop on ranger-led programs and shuttle times.

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Scenic Drives/Bike Rides

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive rolls seven miles under the towering formations that lend Zion its cathedral-like ambience.Visitors must hop the free shuttles running all day since the drive is no longer open to private vehicles. Or bike it. It's an easy, breezy ride, suitable for the whole family.

Shuttles are equipped with bike racks for those wishing to ride only partway.

East Entrance Road climbs seven steep, switchbacked miles past Checkerboard Mesa to the cool pines of East Zion. Large RVs must pay a fee for escort through the 1.1-mile Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Cycles may not cross the tunnel, unless carried by a motor vehicle.

Kolob Terrace Road traverses 40 miles up the steep, lovely drive to high, spreading views at Lava Point. A hour-long relaxing drive or a full-day, challenging bike ride for the pros.

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Hiking in Zion

Zion scenery is outstanding at all levels of hiking. Here's my short list, from easiest to hardest, of the main canyon's best hikes.

Nice and Easy: (Note: these three are considered accessible to the disabled with 'some assistance')

Weeping Rock is a sandstone monument crisscrossed with geologic bedding layers that "weep" threads of water - enough to support thick fern and flower alcove gardens. An easy half-mile (round trip) along a self-guiding trail.

Riverside Walk wanders an easy 2 miles along the Virgin River to the imposing Zion Narrows entrance. Hanging gardens of flowers and shady tree branches hang over the paved trail.

The Emerald Pools offer three levels of effort for intrepid explorers. Lower Pool is an easy 1.2 mile round-trip to the pool and three waterfalls. Middle Pool is only .5 mile further, moderately strenuous. Upper Pool is a more difficult proposition along a loose trail with numerous dropoffs - follow the cairns steeply up from Middle Pool, yet another mile.

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