ZID N NATIONAL PARK - UTAH UNITED STATES Historic Events DEPARTMENT OF THE Ml 6 Father Escalante in search of route to Pacific crossed Virgin River near Hur­ INTERIOR ricane. Zion Harold L. Ickes, Secretary 1826 Jedediah Smith, fur trader, with a NATIONAL party of about 16 men exploring the region, traversed Virgin River. PARK OPEN 1847 Brigham Young and his band of Mor­ UTAH mons founded Salt Lake City and be­ ALL gan the colonization of Utah. YEAR 1858 The colonization of Utah's "Dixie" NATIONAL PARK SERVICE begun by the Mormons. Newton B. Drury, Director 1858 Zion Canyon discovered by Nephi Johnson, a Mormon scout. THE FIRST PATRIARCH c o J\T E j\r s 1861 Joseph Black explored the canyon and 1 or 2 years later was followed by a few settlers who farmed in the can­ The Great White Throne . Cover yon, which they called "Little Zion." ION NATIONAL PARK, with gin began to flow there was no can­ Formation of Zion Canyon . 3 1872 Maj, John Wesley Powell visited the an area of about 135 square yon. During the long period since Wildlife 6 region and gave name "Mukuntu- f miles and located in the heart its course was established the river has weap" to north fork and "Parunu- Z of the spectacular desert and canyon slowly deepened its channel and ex­ Park Season 6 weap" to east fork of Virgin River. country of southern Utah, has as its tended it headward until its original How to Reach Zion .... 6 1909 Mukuntuweap National Monument chief feature the great multi-colored shallow valley has become a long nar­ established by Presidential proclama­ gorge, Zion Canyon. The sandstone row trench between towering walls. Roads in the Park . . . ' . '7 tion. cliffs, rising sheer to form the canyon Though now deeply entrenched in the The Trail System 10 1914 Frederick Vining Fisher visited Zion walls and encircle the valley, are awe­ rocks of the Kolob Plateau, the river Administration 13 • Canyon and gave names to many of some; but it is the vivid coloring which maintains substantially its original pat­ the outstanding formations, such as most amazes. The deep red of the Ver­ tern. It flows in the same direction, and Educational Service . . . . 13 Great White Throne and Angels Landing. milion Cliffs is the prevailing tint. Two- the curves and straight stretches of its Museum 13 thirds of the way up these marvelous present walls duplicate the meanders of 1917 Wylie Way Camp, first tourist accom­ walls and temples are painted varying the stream when it flowed some 5,000 Accommodations and modations, constructed. shades of red; then, above the reds, feet above its present level. Expenses 13 1918 Monument enlarged and the name they rise in startling white, sometimes For many thousand years the Vir­ Free Public Campgrounds . . 15 changed to Zion by Presidential proc­ surmounted by a cap of brilliant red. lamation. gin and its tributaries have been busy Post Office and Communica­ with two tasks, namely, deepening their 1919 Monument changed to a national park FORMATION OF ZION CANYON channels and transporting material tion Service. . . . . 15 by act of Congress. Zion Canyon, the best known ex­ weathered from the canyon walls. At Miscellaneous Services ... 15 1923 President Warren G. Harding visited ample of a deep, narrow, vertically present the Virgin carries away from the park on June 27. Transportation 15 walled chasm readily accessible for ob­ the park each year about 3,000,000 1930 East Rim road and tunnel completed servation, was made by the north fork tons of ground-up rock at an average Saddle Horses 15 and dedicated. of the Virgin River, the stream which rate of 180 carloads a day. For such now flows through it. Before the Vir­ effective work the many-branched river

2 Zion National Park • Utah Zion National Park • Utah 3 seems incompetent. But though rela­ canyons, the Virgin itself and the other tively small in volume, this stream sys­ streams heading on the adjoining tem falls from 50 to 70 feet per mile plateaus are only incidentally con­ (nine times the fall of the Colorado in cerned with the detailed carving that Grand Canyon)' and is at work on makes Zion Canyon unique. The walls rock, chiefly sandstone, that disinte­ are retreating in consequence of ground grates with exceptional ease. Many water which emerges as springs and tributaries are on bare rock, little re­ seeps, rain which falls directly into the tarded by vegetation, and are fed by canyon, water that spills over the rim, short but violent showers. Consequently, frost and tree roots which pry off slabs, they are brought to flood stage not only and chemical agencies which weaken seasonally but with each period of the rock by the removal of the cement heavy rainfall. Because they flow only about individual grains. Continuous in response to showers, the smaller sapping at or near the contact of the tributaries are unable to cut channels as porous Navajo sandstone and the more deep as the perennial master stream. impervious underlying beds has devel­ From their mouths high on the canyon oped alcoves in the canyon walls at walls, they descend as waterfalls. Wiley Retreat, the Stadium, Weeping Though they are primarily responsi­ Rock, Emerald Pool, Birch Creek, Oak ble for the depth and position of the Creek, and elsewhere.

After H. E. Gregory Union Pacific Railroad photo

GENERALIZED SECTION OF SEDIMENTS IN ZION AND BRYCE CANYONS. THE SENTINEL VIEWED FROM ONE OF THE WINDOWS OF THE MOUNT CARMEL TUNNEL. 4 Zion National Park • Utah Zion National Park • Utah 5 In the development of the amazing Several species of birds are resident cine System. From this point motorbus High-speed, de luxe airplane service variety of architectural features on the on the floor of the canyon, the best service is provided by the Utah Parks from all points in the United States canyon walls, the composition and known being the spurred towhee, robin, Co. to Salt Lake City is available through structure of the Navajo formation have canyon wren, and yellow warbler. Buses of the Burlington Transporta­ United Air Lines. Service is also avail­ served as controlling guides. In addi­ Among the ponderosa pines back of the tion Co. and Interstate Transit Lines able from Los Angeles by Western Air tion to the bedding planes—horizontal, canyon rims are such colorful songsters operate from Salt Lake City and Los Express, with stops at Las Vegas, Nev., oblique, and curved surfaces — the as the western tanager, Audubon's Angeles to Cedar City, where passen­ and Salt Lake City, Utah. Navajo has developed parting planes warbler, and western warbling vireo. gers may transfer to the buses of the (joints) that extend downward for Of absorbing interest are the many Utah Parks Co. for the park. On prior ROADS IN THE PARK notice, connections can be made with short distances or pass through the for­ varieties of harmless reptiles in the can­ There are 20 miles of improved roads the Santa Fe Trails System at Mount mation from top to bottom. These bed­ yon. Lizards, such as the blue-bellied in Zion Park. One road leads from Carmel Junction. ding planes and joints determine the swift and brown-shouldered uta, are the park's entrance to the Temple of shape and size of the blocks that spall Motorists on the Arrowhead Trail, commonly observed around the brush- Sinawava, a distance of 8 miles. No off from the towering cliff walls. Un­ United States Highway No. 91, from covered slopes, while the Boyle's king- one has really seen Zion Canyon until like that of humid regions, this type snake and wandering gartersnake are to the north may turn off at Anderson he has made a trip over this road, and of erosion progresses from below up­ be found in the dense vegetation near Junction, 33 miles south of Cedar City, visitors driving in closed cars should ward; it causes the canyon to widen the river. and those from the south may turn off at Harrisburg Bench Junction, 10 make frequent stops so that they may and still retain its vertical walls. PARK SEASON miles north of St. George, and reach get out and enjoy the magnificent view. Each season of the year is distinctive WILDLIFE Zion over State Route No. 15. Motor­ Within the park also is a stretch of in Zion. In winter, the colored cliffs With the lower reaches of the park ists on United States Highway No. 89 the remarkable Zion-Mount Carmel stand out in startling contrast to the should turn off on State Route No. 15 Highway, 11% miles in length. Run­ extending into the desert regions to the snow-covered levels and slopes; in at Mount Carmel Junction, entering ning east from the Virgin River Bridge, southward, and the northernmost por­ spring, melting snows cascade over the Zion by the east entrance. this road forms a connecting link tions reaching into the spruce-covered cliff faces in foaming white waterfalls. highlands, Zion offers the visitor a wide Summer brings with it the greens of variety of wildlife forms. Among the the valley as a foreground for the color­ larger mammals, the mule deer are espe­ ful formations; and in autumn when cially numerous and can frequently be the skies are deepest blue, the trees observed along the floor of Zion Can­ of the valley floor and slopes take on yon in late evening. A few bighorn variegated hues. are present but spend their time in the Although Zion Lodge is open only relatively inaccessible canyons, hence between May 30 and September 30, are seldom seen. Other mammals, such the South Entrance Camp, with cafe­ as the mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, teria, store, and housekeeping cabins, and fox, are resident within the park, and the public campground at the south but are rarely encountered because of entrance are operated the year round. their timidity. Ground squirrels and The Grotto Campground is open from chipmunks are numerous and frequently May 15 to October 1. tame. It is wisest to enjoy them with­ out actual contact, however, for some HOW TO REACH ZION rodents have been known to carry Zion National Park is reached from dangerous diseases. Grater photo Cedar City, Utah, on the Union Pa- THE GREAT ARCH OF ZION.

6 Zion National Park • Utah Zion National Park • Utah 7 ZION NATIONAL PARK 8 9 between United States Highways Nos. rims of the canyon which are closed by 91 and 89. Of special interest along snow during the winter months. this highway is the Zion Tunnel, A number-of footpaths at different started in 1927 and completed in 1930. levels in the canyon have also been Its total length is 5,607 feet. While constructed. The most popular of these the tunnel is the most spectacular por­ paths is the one extending a distance of tion, other sections are of even greater 1 mile up the canyon from the end of scenic interest. the road at the Temple of Sinawava to the beginning of The Narrows. Other short and interesting trails recom­ THE TRAIL SYSTEM mended for easy hiking include Weep­ Approximately 26 miles of trails lead ing Rock, Emerald Pool, and the Great to the more important sections of the Arch Trail. park which are not reached by roads. Below are listed a few trail distances. These trails are well maintained and Detailed information may be secured can be used at all seasons of the year, from park rangers or from attendants with the exception of those to the on duty at the park museum.

Length Starting Aver. Time Name of Trail One Way Point (Pound Trip) Remarks The Narrows 1 mi. Temple of 2hrs. Easy, no steep grades. All-weather trail. Sinawava Fine view of river flood plain. Trailside exhibit near Temple of Sinawava.

Weeping Rock i/4 mi. Weeping Rock l/2 hr. Easy surfaced trail. Water drips from Parking Area overhanging cliff; springs issue from it. Hanging gardens; travertine deposits. Emerald Pool 1 mi. Zion Lodge 2hrs. Cross river on foot bridges. Small pool (lower) or Grotto formed by 2 falls. Loop or 1-way trail. Campground

Emerald Pool ll/2 mi. do. 3hrs. y2 mi. above lower pool. Mostly easy (upper) walking; few steep grades. Loop or 1- way trail. Great Arch Vimi- Parking area, lhr. Mostly easy walking. Excellent view of upper end of Pine Creek Narrows and west side of large tunnel canyon.

Hidden Canyon 1 mi. Parking area, 2l/2 hrs. Fairly strenuous; steep grades, switch­ Weeping Rock backs. Cross foot bridge, climb to East Rim Trail sign, follow to turn-off into Hidden Canyon. East Rim 3V2 mi. do. 5hrs. Fairly strenuous foot and horse trail. Carry water, lunch. Cross foot bridge and climb to East Rim Trail sign.

West Rim 6y4 mi. Grotto Camp­ 8 hrs. Strenuous foot and horse trail. Carry ground water, lunch. Cross river on foot bridge. AngeU Landing 2y> mi. do. 4 hrs. Fairly strenuous; steep climb. Half of trail hard-surfaced. Cross foot bridge over river. Excellent view of canyon. Lady Mountain 2 mi. Zion Lodge 41/2 hrs. Strenuous mountain climb even for ex­ perienced hikers. Cross foot bridge over Union Pacific Railroad photo river. Carry water. ANGELS LANDING, RISING 2,500 FEET ABOVE THE CANYON FLOOR.

10 Zion National Park • Utah Zion National Park • Utah 11 EAST SIDE OF ZION CANYON.

ADMINISTRATION places throughout the park. The edu­ The representative of the National cational service is furnished free of Park Service in immediate charge of charge by the Government. Zion National Park is the superintend­ ent, whose post office address is Zion MUSEUM National Park, Utah. All comments The National Park Service has estab­ regarding service in the park should be lished an official information office and addressed to him. museum at park headquarters which is open daily throughout the year. Here EDUCATIONAL SERVICE park visitors may secure information During the summer season ranger and publications regarding this and naturalists conduct parties into the field other national parks free of charge. to interpret the natural features of the The museum exhibits are arranged to area several times daily, leaving the give a general idea of the outstanding Temple of Sinawava according to sched­ features of Zion National Park. These ules posted by the naturalist service. exhibits cover such subjects as geology, Evening lectures on the natural features biology, archeology, and history. A of the park are also given daily at the small exhibit of live reptiles is also public auto camp and Zion Lodge by maintained at the museum. members of the educational division. All park visitors are urged to avail ACCOMMODATIONS AND themselves of this educational service. EXPENSES Schedules of nature walks, lectures, and An attractive lodge is operated by the other activities are posted in public Utah Parks Co. from about May 30 to DE LUXE CABINS, ZION LODGE. 12 Zion National Park • Utah Zion National Park • Utah 13 September 25. It consists of a central is on sale and laboratories are main­ building and a number of cabins. Rates tained for developing and printing. (European plan) start at $2 per day Curios and post cards may be obtained for 1 person in "standard" cabins; $5 here. per day for 1 person in the "de luxe" Garage service, including storage, re­ cabins (private bath, porch, and fire­ pairs, tires, batteries, gasoline, and oil, place) . Meals in the lodge dining is provided during the regular lodge room are table d'hote; breakfast 85 season. cents, luncheon 90 cents, and dinner A registered nurse is on duty at the $1.50. Children under 8 are allowed lodge during the season. half rate for meals. There is also a cabin development TRANSPORTATION which is open all year. Here may be Motorbus transportation and all- found a cafeteria, food store, and sleep­ expense tours to Zion, Bryce Canyon, ing and housekeeping cabins. Rates for and the North Rim of Grand Canyon sleeping cabins with private shower and National Parks, the Kaibab Forest, and toilet start at $3 per day for 1 person. Cedar Breaks National Monument are Housekeeping cabins start at $2.50 per furnished by the Utah Parks Co., Cedar day for 1 or 2 persons and are equipped City, Utah, during the summer season with electricity, running water, double and by special arrangement through­ beds, cooking stoves, table, sink, out the remainder of the year. An shelves, and chairs. automobile trip from Zion Lodge to A 15 percent discount on lodgings the Temple of Sinawava is offered for is allowed for a stay of 1 week or more. $1 during the summer season.

FREE PUBLIC CAMPGROUNDS SADDLE HORSES Free public campgrounds are main­ Saddle horses may be hired for $1.50 tained throughout the year for visitors for 2 hours or less, $3 for 2 to 4 hours, carrying their own equipment. Camp­ $5 for 8 hours. Escorted trips to the ing is limited to 30 days a year. East or West Rim of Zion Canyon are made daily; the cost is $5 per per­ POST OFFICE AND COMMUNI­ son. Escorted half-day horseback trips CATION SERVICE to The Narrows or Angels Landing are Zion Lodge is provided with post $3. Special guide service, when avail­ office, telegraph,and long-distance tele­ able, may be obtained for $5 a day or phone service. The summer post office $3 for a half day or less. Riding outfits address is Zion National Park, Utah; for women may be rented at the lodge, during the remainder of the year it is Rates mentioned herein may have Springdale, Utah. changed slightly since issuance of this booklet, but the latest rates ap­ MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES proved by the Secretary of the Interior are on file with the superintendent and Union Pacific Railroad photo In the lodge, fountain service is park operator. OVERHANGING TREES FRAME THE FORMATION KNOWN AS THE TWIN BROTHERS. available. A full line of photographs

14 Zion National Park • Utah Zion National Park • Utah 15 RULES AND REGULATIONS [Briefed]

Let no one say, and say it to your shame, That all was beauty here until you came.

Park Regulations are designed for the self as well as others using trails. Before protection of the natural beauties and attempting more difficult trails seek ad­ scenery, as well as for the comfort and vice from a park ranger. convenience of visitors. The following Automobile Regulations. — (a) Per­ synopsis is for convenient reference and mit.-—A charge of $1 for each automo­ general guidance of visitors: bile is made at Bryce Canyon and Zion Preservation of Natural Features.— National Parks. One permit is good The parks are established primarily for for both parks, and is good for the preservation of natural features. Do remainder of the year in which issued. not destroy or disturb flowers, trees, House trailer fee, $1. animals, etc. Writing on or otherwise (b) Careful driving.—The roads in defacing rocks and other natural fea­ the park are built purely for scenic pur­ tures is strictly prohibited. Hunting and poses, not as high-speed thoroughfares. the use of firearms are prohibited. Observe speed limits and the usual rules Camping.—Camp only in established of the road; keep to right; do not campgrounds. Keep your camp area park on curves; pass cars going in the clean. BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE. same direction only when the road Picnicking in the galleries of Zion Tun­ ahead is clear and the vision unob­ nel is not permitted. Lunching and structed. Maximum speed limit, 35 picnicking prohibited, except in public miles per hour. auto camp. Camping limited to 30 days. (c) Lights.—Because of mile-long Disorderly Conduct.—Proper conduct highway tunnel, your car must have its is required of all visitors for the benefit lights in proper condition before you of others who are entitled to get the will be permitted to enter Zion Na­ fullest possible enjoyment from the tional Park. park. Penalties.—Maximum penalty for vio­ Pets.—If you are carrying a dog, cat, lation of park regulations is $500 and/ or other pet, you may take it into and or imprisonment for 6 months. through the park provided it is at all Miscellaneous.—The park rangers are times kept tied or confined within the employed to help and advise visitors as car. Pets are not permitted in public well as to enforce regulations. When in buildings or on trails. doubt, ask a ranger. A complete copy Trails.—Do not attempt to make short of the park rules and regulations is cuts; to do so you may endanger your­ available on request.

Zabel Bros. Co., Inc., Phila., Pa. 3-42—125M.