Il Parco nazionale di Zion (in inglese Zion National Park) è situato nel sud-ovest degli Stati Uniti, nello stato dello Utah. Ha una superficie di 593 km² e un'altitudine che varia dai 1.128 metri s.l.m. del letto del torrente Coalpits ai 2.660 metri del monte Horse Ranch.
Cuore del parco è il canyon di Zion, una gola lunga 24 km e profonda 800 m, scavata dal ramo settentrionale del Virgin River (North Fork Virgin River). Nel 1909, al fine di proteggere il canyon, venne istituito il Monumento nazionale Mukuntuweap, trasformato nel Parco nazionale di Zion nel 1919. La sezione dei Kolob Canyons, dichiarata monumento nazionale nel 1937 e inizialmente distinta dal parco, ne divenne parte nel 1956.
Il Parco nazionale di Zion protegge un ambiente unico dove si incontrano imponenti formazioni rocciose e profonde gole incise e modellate dalla forza delle acque del Virgin River e dei suoi affluenti. L'azione erosiva dell'acqua ha messo a nudo l'antichissima storia geologica di questa regione, che può essere letta nelle pareti di roccia dei canyon. La varietà di ambienti naturali garantisce inoltre una enorme varietà di flora e fauna, tra cui numerose specie a rischio di estinzione, che nel parco sono protette e tutelate. Oltre alle ricchezze naturali, il parco di Zion può vantare una presenza millenaria dell'uomo che in questi canyon ha lasciato numerose tracce del suo passato
Il nome Zion, adottato ufficialmente per designare il canyon nel 1918, viene fatto risalire a Isaac Behunin, uno dei primi coloni mormoni insediatisi nel canyon nel 1863, il quale riteneva di aver trovato in quel luogo la Sion descritta dal profeta Isaia nella Bibbia. Nomi di derivazione biblica hanno anche molte delle formazioni di roccia che costituiscono le principali attrazioni del parco. Formazioni come i Templi della Vergine, la Sentinella, i Tre Patriarchi devono infatti i loro nomi ad un pastore metodista che visitò l'attuale zona del parco nel 1916.
Such a gorgeous place. If you plan to be there all day make sure you are prepared with enough food and water. Have the right shoes on and bring bandaids in case you start to get blisters. Narrows was very cool but dangerous when walking in the water around rocks. If you have bad ankles I don’t suggest it. Angels landing is a bit scary but worth the climb. This past week while we were in the area the park had two flash floods so be careful this time of year. They do close down several trails if it happens but you don’t want to be stuck out on a trail that gets flooded. Lots of friendly wild life to see. They run a free shuttle bus in and outside the park to help you get around which was nice but masks are required to ride on the shuttle. Not pet friendly because of the risky trails. Dogs aren’t allowed on the shuttle and can only go on one trail.
This park has so much to see. The shuttle system was great, you have to wear masks on the shuttle) and our drivers were entertaining as well as informative. We couldn't do the Narrows hike due to flash for food warnings, so I'll have to go back. Don't go in July or August, if you can help it. It was WAAAAYYY too hot.
What an awesome place. My greatest worry for this place is that since the COVID Pandemic, people have gone out to see these national treasures. The don't know how to respect the natural landscape and have destroyed and vandalized these places like they are some random building. The difference is nature isn't some canvas that can be repainted or repaired. I hope everyone can visit, just please take only photos and leave only footsteps.
The water in this area tastes so good, it's sort of sweet. I made my tea with it and it tastes like heaven. What a stunningly beautiful place! It's probably even nicer in the winter when the snow covers the red peaks. Going through the tunnels is part of the fun, as we got to catch a quick glimpse of the different rock formations at every window before driving into the darkness again.
Zion holds its own against the great National parks! This place is one beautiful view/experience after another. Will definitely be back with future generations😀
One of the best national parks! Tons to see and do. The very best range in scenery from peaks to valleys. I could spend years exploring this park and never tire!. Even if youre not an expert hiker there are scenic and fun trails for you!
In terms of scope and grandeur, you'd be hard pressed to beat Zion. A glorious view no matter where you look. Sights were almost all surprisingly accessible.
I absolutely loved Zion National Park and I recommend coming here 10/10. The trails and the whole park was amazing and had insane views. The trails built were also amazing. There are easy trails for the family and hard trails for hikers wanting to push their limits. Angel’s Landing and the Narrows are a must visit and one of the best trails to hike for some amazing views.