NATIONAL ZION PARK • Contents THE GREAT WHITE THRONE . Cover MUSEUM 13 FORMATION OF ZION . 3 FREE PUBLIC CAMPGROUNDS . . . 15 NATIONAL WILDLIFE 6 ACCOMMODATIONS 15 PARK SEASON 6 TRANSPORTATION 15 How TO REACH ZION 6 SADDLE HORSES 15 PARK ROADS IN THE PARK 8 POST OFFICE AND COMMUNICA­ Zion THE TRAIL SYSTEM 10 TION SERVICE 15 ADMINISTRATION 13 MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES .... 15 Open All Year NATURALIST SERVICE 13 Historic Events 'ION NATIONAL PARK, lished the river has slowly deepened 1776 Father Escalante in search of route to Pacific crossed near Hurricane. located in the heart of its channel and extended it headward the spectacular desert until its original shallow has 1826 Jedediah Smith, fur trader, with a party of about 16 men exploring the and canyon country of become a long narrow trench be­ region, traversed Virgin River. southern Utah, has as tween towering walls. Though now 1847 Brigham Young and his band of Mormons founded Salt Lake City and one of its chief features the great deeply entrenched in the rocks of the began the colonization of Utah. multicolored gorge, . Kolob Plateau, the river maintains 1858 The colonization of Utah's "Dixie" begun by the Mormons. The sandstone cliffs, rising sheer to substantially its original pattern. It 1858 Zion Canyon discovered by Nephi Johnson, a Mormon scout. form the canyon walls and encircle flows in the same direction, and the 1861 Joseph Black explored the canyon and 1 or 2 years later was followed the valley, are awesome; but it is the curves and straight stretches of its by a few settlers who farmed in the canyon, which they called "Little vivid coloring which most amazes. present walls duplicate the meanders The deep red of the Vermilion Cliffs of the stream when it flowed some Zion." is the prevailing tint. Two-thirds of 5,000 feet above its present level. 1872 Maj. John Wesley Powell visited the region and gave name "Mukuntu- the way up these marvelous walls and For many thousands of years the weap" to north fork and "Parunuweap" to east fork of Virgin River. temples are painted varying shades Virgin River and irs tributaries have 1909 Mukuntuweap National Monument established by Presidential proc­ of red; then, above the reds they rise lamation. been busy with two tasks, namely, in startling white, sometimes sur­ deepening their channels and trans­ 1914 Frederick Vining Fisher visited Zion Canyon and gave names to many mounted by a cap of brilliant red. porting material weathered from the of the outstanding formations, such as Great White Throne and Angels 1 canyon walls. At present the Virgin Landing. Formation of Zion Canyon carries away from the park each year 1917 Wylie Way Camp, first tourist accommodations, constructed. Zion Canyon, the best known ex­ about 3,000,000 tons of ground-up 1918 Monument enlarged and the name changed to Zion by Presidential ample of a deep, narrow, vertically rock at an average rate of 180 car­ proclamation. walled chasm readily accessible for loads a day. For such effective work 1919 Monument changed to a national park by act of Congress. observation, was made by the north the many-branched river seems in­ fork of the Virgin River, the stream competent. But though relatively 1923 President Warren G. Harding visited the park on June 27. which now flows through it. Before small in volume, this stream system 1930 East Rim road and tunnel completed and dedicated. this stream established its course falls from 50 to 70 feet per mile (nine there was no canyon. During the times the fall of the Colorado in UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE long period since its course was estab- Grand Canyon) and is at work on rock, chiefly sandstone, that disin­ INTERIOR Douglas McKay, Secretary 1 Condensed from "A Geologic and Geo­ tegrates with exceptional ease. Many graphic Sketch of " by tributaries are on bare rock, little re- NATIONAL PARK SERVICE . . . Conrad L. Wirth, Director Herbert E. Gregory. 3 tarded by vegetation, and are fed by water that spills over the rim, frost short but violent showers. Conse­ and tree roots which pry off slabs, quently, they are brought to flood and chemical agencies which weaken stage not only seasonally but with the rock by the removal of the ce­ each period of heavy rainfall. Because ment about individual grains. Con­ they flow only in response to showers, tinuous sapping at or near the con­ the smaller tributaries are unable to tact of the porous Navajo sandstone cut channels as deep as the perennial and the more impervious underlying master stream. From their mouths beds has developed alcoves in the high on the canyon walls, they de­ canyon walls at Wiley Retreat, the scend as waterfalls. Stadium, Weeping Rock, Emerald Though they are primarily respon­ Pool, Birch Creek, Oak Creek, and sible for the depth and position of elsewhere. the , the Virgin River itself In the development of the amazing and the other streams heading on the variety of architectural features on adjoining plateaus are only inciden­ the canyon walls, the composition tally concerned with the detailed and structure of the Navajo forma­ carving that makes Zion Canyon tion have served as controlling unique. The walls are retreating in guides. In addition to the bedding consequence of ground water which planes —horizontal, oblique, and emerges as springs and seeps, rain curved surfaces—the Navajo has de­ which falls directly into the canyon, veloped parting planes (joints) that

(Union Pacific Railroad photo)

Generalized section of sediments in Zion and Bryce Canyons. viewed from the West Portal of the Mount Carmel Tunnel.

4 5 extend downward for short distances the brush-covered slopes, while the or pass through the formation from Boyle's kingsnake and wandering top to bottom. These bedding planes gartersnake are to be found in the and joints determine the shape and dense vegetation near the river. size of the blocks that spall off from the towering cliff walls. Unlike that of humid regions, this type of erosion Park Season progresses from below upward; it Each season of the year is distinc­ causes the canyon to widen and still tive in Zion. In winter, the colored retain its vertical walls. cliffs stand out in startling contrast to the snow-covered levels and slopes; Wildlife in , melting snows cascade over With the lower reaches of the park the cliff faces in foaming white water­ extending into the desert regions to falls. Summer brings with it the the southward, and the northernmost greens of the valley as a foreground portions reaching into the spruce- for the colorful formations; and in covered highlands, Zion offers the autumn when the skies are deepest visitor a wide variety of wildlife blue, the trees of the valley floor and forms. Among the larger mammals, slopes take on variegated hues. the mule deer are especially numer­ Zion Lodge and the Camp Center, ous and can frequently be observed with cafeteria, store, and cabins, are along the floor of Zion Canyon in open only during the summer season. late evening. Other mammals, such The public campground near the as the mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, south entrance is operated through­ and fox, are resident within the park, out the year, and all types of facilities but are rarely encountered because of and accommodations may be secured their timidity. Ground squirrels and at Springdale, V2 mile outside the chipmunks are numerous and fre­ park. quently tame. It is wisest to enjoy them without actual contact, how­ How to Reach Zion ever, for some rodents have been Zion National Park is reached from known to carry dangerous diseases. Cedar City, Utah, on the Union Several species of birds are resident Pacific Railroad. From this point on the floor of the canyon, the best motorbus service is provided by the known being the spurred towhee, Utah Parks Co. to Zion National robin, canyon wren, and yellow Park, as well as to Bryce Canyon and warbler. Among the ponderosa pines Grand Canyon (North Rim) Na­ back of the canyon rims are such tional Parks and Cedar Breaks Na­ colorful songsters as the western tional Monument. Passengers travel­ tanager, Audubon's warbler, and ing on main bus lines may transfer western warbling vireo. to Utah Parks Co. buses at Cedar Of absorbing interest are the many City. On advance notice, connections varieties of harmless reptiles in the can be made with the Santa Fe Trails canyon. Lizards, such as the blue- System at Mount Carmel Junction. bellied swift and brown-shouldered Motorists on the Arrowhead Trail, Roads connecting Bryce Canyon, Zion, Grand Canyon, and Cedar Breaks uta, are commonly observed around United States Highway No. 91, from

6 7 the north may turn off at Anderson ern Air Lines, with stops at Las Junction, 33 miles south of Cedar Vegas, Cedar City, and Salt Lake City, and those from the south may City. turn off at Harrisburg Bench Junc­ tion, 10 miles north of St. George, Roads in the Park and reach Zion over State Route No. 15. Motorists on United States High­ There are 20 miles of improved way No. 89 should turn off on State roads in Zion National Park. One Route No. 15 at Mount Carmel Junc­ road leads from the park's entrance tion, entering Zion by the east en­ to the Temple of Sinawava, a distance trance. of 8 miles. No one has really seen United Air Lines serves Salt Lake Zion Canyon until he has made a trip City, and from there passengers may over this road. Visitors in closed cars go by Union Pacific Railroad or bus should make frequent stops so that to Cedar City. Air service is also they may get out and enjoy the mag­ available from Los Angeles by West­ nificent view.

(Union Pacific Railroad photo) Overhanging trees frame the formation known as The First Patriarch. PORTION OF ZION NATIONAL PARK

8 9 Within the park there is a section of the year, with the exception of of the remarkable Zion-Mount Car- those to the rims of the canyon which mel Highway, 11 Vi miles in length. are closed by snow during the winter Running east from the Virgin River months. Bridge, this road forms a connecting The most popular of the footpaths, link between United States Highways which have been constructed at dif­ Nos. 91 and 89- Of special interest ferent levels in the canyon, is the one along this highway is the Zion Tun­ extending a mile up the canyon from nel, started in 1927 and completed in the end of the road at the Temple of 1930. Its total length is 5,607 feet. Sinawava to the beginning of the While the tunnel is the most spec­ Narrows. Other short and interesting tacular portion, other sections are of trails recommended for easy hiking even greater scenic interest. include Weeping Rock, Emerald Pool, and Great Arch. The Trail System Below are listed a few trail dis­ Approximately 26 miles of trails tances. These data are for trails at lead to the more important sections their best. Since the weather affects of the park which are not reached by the condition of trails, inquiry should roads. These trails are well main­ be made before attempting any of tained and can be used at all seasons them.

Length Starting Aver, time Name of trail one way point (round trip) Remarks The Narrows 1 mi. Temple of 2 hrs. Easy, no steep grades. All-weather trail. Sinawava Fine view of river flood plain. Trailside exhibit near Temple of Sinawava. Weeping Rock 1/4 mi. Weeping Rock Vi 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 2 hrs. Cross river on footbridges. Small pool (lower) or Grotto formed by 2 falls. Loop or 1-way trail. Campground Emerald Pool H/2 mi. do. 3 hrs. !/2 mi. above lower pool. Mostly easy (upper) walking; few steep grades. Loop or 1- way trail. Great Arch Vl mi. Parking area, 1 hr. 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, 21/2 hrs. Fairly strenuous; steep grades, switch­ Weeping Rock backs. Cross footbridge, climb to East Rim Trail sign, follow to turn-off into Hidden Canyon. East Rim 31/2 mi. do. 5 hrs. Fairly strenuous foot and horse trail. Carry water, lunch. Cross footbridge and climb to East Rim Trail sign. West Rim 6(4 mi. Grotto Camp­ 8 hrs. Strenuous foot and horse trail. Carry ground water, lunch. Cross river on footbridge. 21/2 mi. do. 4 hrs. Fairly strenuous; steep climb. Half of trail hard-surfaced. Cross footbridge over river. Excellent view of canyon. 2 mi. Zion Lodge 41/2 hrs. Strenuous mountain climb even for expe­ rienced hikers. Cross footbridge over (Union Pacific Railroad photo) river. Carry water. Angels Landing, rising approximately 1,500 feet above the canyon floor. 10 11 De luxe cabins, Zion Lodge

Administration Naturalist Service Zion National Park, containing During the summer season ranger 94,241 acres of Federal lands, is one naturalists conduct parties into the of the areas of the National Park Sys­ field several times each day to inter­ tem owned by the people of the pret the natural features of the area, United States and administered for leaving the Temple of Sinawava ac­ them by the National Park Service, cording to schedules posted by the Department of the Interior. In these naturalist service. Each evening talks areas the scenery and the objects of on the natural features of the park historic, prehistoric, and scientific are also given by ranger naturalists. interest are carefully preserved and Schedules of nature walks, talks, and displayed for public enjoyment. other activities are posted in public The representative of the National places throughout the park. All visi­ Park Service in immediate charge of tors are urged to avail themselves of Zion National Park is the superin­ this free service. tendent, whose post office address is Springdale, Utah. All comments re­ Museum garding service in the park should be The National Park Service has Trail to the West Rim. (Union Pacific Railroad photo) addressed to him. established an official information

12 13 The Zion-Bryce Natural History mobile trip from Zion Lodge to the Association maintains a stock of pub­ Temple of Sinawava is offered during lications, maps, and transparency the summer season. slides which are for sale at reasonable prices in the museum. They are Saddle Horses designed to assist in a better under­ Saddle horses may be hired in the standing and appreciation of the park by the hour or day. Escorted region. trips to the East or West Rim of Zion Canyon are made daily. Escorted half- Free Public Campgrounds day horseback trips to The Narrows Free public campgrounds are main­ or Angels Landing may be enjoyed, tained throughout the year for visi­ and special guide service, when avail­ able, may be obtained for a day, a tors carrying their own equipment. half day, or less. These facilities are Camping is limited to 30 days a year available in the summer. for each party.

Accommodations Post Office and Communication An attractive lodge is operated by Service the Utah Parks Co., from about June Zion Lodge is provided with post 15 to September 10. It consists of a office and telegraph service. Long­ central building and a number of distance telephone service is available standard and de luxe cabins. The at both the lodge and cafeteria. The de luxe cabins have private bath, summer post office address is Zion porch, and fireplace. Meals are served National Park, Utah; during the re­ in the lodge dining room. mainder of the year it is Springdale, There is also a cabin development Utah. which is open May 15 to October 15. Here may be found a cafeteria, food Miscellaneous Services store, and sleeping cabins. In the lodge, fountain service is As prices are subject to change available. A full line of photographs from season to season, no rates are is on sale and laboratories are main­ included in this booklet, but they tained for developing and printing. may be obtained from the Utah Parks Curios and post cards are sold here. Co., Cedar City, Utah. Garage service, including storage and repairs, is provided near Zion Transportation Lodge during the summer season. A Motorbus transportation and all- regular service station near the Camp The Three Patriarchs. expense tours to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Center furnishes gasoline, oil, tires, and Grand Canyon (North Rim) Na­ and batteries from approximately office and museum at park head­ exhibits are arranged to give a tional Parks, Kaibab National Forest, May 1 to October 30. Garages and quarters which is open daily through­ general idea of the outstanding and Cedar Breaks National Monu­ service stations in Springdale, which out the year. Here park visitors may features of Zion National Park. ment are furnished by Utah Parks is outside the park, operate through­ secure information and publications These exhibits cover such subjects Co., during the summer season and out the year. regarding this and other national as geology, biology, archeology, and by special arrangement throughout A registered nurse is on duty at the parks free of charge. The museum history. the remainder of the year. An auto­ lodge during the season.

14 15 HELP US PROTECT THIS PARK

National Parks are established "to cat, or other pet, you may take it conserve the scenery and the natural into and through the park provided and historic objects and the wildlife it is at all times kept on leash or therein and to provide for the enjoy­ otherwise under physical restrictive ment of the same in such manner and control. Pets are not permitted in by such means as will leave them un­ public buildings or on trails. impaired for the enjoyment of future Trails. —Do not attempt to make generations." Please cooperate in short cuts; to do so you may endan­ maintaining and protecting this park. ger yourself as well as others using The park rangers will help and trails. Before attempting more diffi­ advise visitors, as well as enforce cult trails seek advice from a park regulations. When in doubt, ask ranger. a ranger. Mountain Climbing. —Mountain The following observations are climbing away from established trails made for your guidance: may not be attempted without per­ Preservation of Natural Fea­ mission of the superintendent. tures.—Trees, flowers, vegetation, Automobile Regulations. —(a) rocks, mineral formations, or any Permit.— A charge of $1 is made for animal, bird, or other life may not be each automobile, motorcycle, and disturbed, injured, or destroyed; and house trailer entering Bryce Canyon formations, rocks, and other natural and Zion National Parks. This per­ features, may not be defaced by writ­ mit is good for 15 days and covers ing, carving, or otherwise marring both parks. An annual permit, for them. Since the park is a sanctuary the calendar year in which purchased, for wildlife, hunting and the use of costs $2. firearms are prohibited. (b) Careful driving.—These scenic Camping.—Camp only in estab­ roads are not high-speed thorough­ lished campgrounds. Keep vour camp fares. Observe speed limits and area clean. BE CAREFUL WITH the usual rules of the road; keep to FIRE. Picnicking in the galleries of right; do not park on curves; pass Zion Tunnel is not permitted. Lunch­ cars going in the same direction only ing and picnicking prohibited, ex­ when the road ahead is clear and the cept in public auto camp. vision unobstructed. Maximum speed Disorderly Conduct. — Proper limit, 35 miles per hour. conduct is required of all visitors for (c) Lights. — Because of mile-long the benefit of others who are entitled highway tunnel, your car must have to get the fullest enjoyment from the its lights in proper condition before park. you will be permitted to enter Zion Pets.— If you are carrying a dog. National Park.

U S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE REPRINT 1954 0-F —291 184