NATIONAL PARK • Contents THE GREAT WHITE THRONE . Cover MUSEUM 13 FORMATION OF 3 FREE PUBLIC CAMPGROUNDS . 15 WILDLIFE...... 6 AccoMMODA TIO NS 15 NATIONAL PARK SEASON . . . . . 6 TRANSPORTATION ...... 15 UTAH How To REACH ZroN 6 SADDLE HORSES ...... 15 ZION PARK• ROADS IN THE PARK 8 POST OFFICE AND COMMUNICA- THE TRAIL SYSTEM . . 10 TION SERVICE ...... 15 ADMINISTRATION . .. 13 MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES . . .. 15 Open All Year NATURALIST SERVICE. 13 Historic Events 177 6 Father Escalante in search of route to Pacific crossed near ION NATIONAL PARK, lished the river has slowly deepened Hurricane. located in the heart of its channel and extended it headward 1826 Jedediah Smith, fur trader, with a party of about 16 men exploring the the spectacular desert until its original shallow valley has region, traversed Virgin River. and canyon country of become a long narrow trench be­ southern Utah, has as tween towering walls. Though now 1847 Brigham Young and his band of Mormons founded Salt Lake City and Xone of its chief features the great deeply entrenched in the rocks of the began the colonization of Utah. multicolored gorge, Zion Canyon. 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 Zion." The deep red of the Vermilion Cliffs of the stream when it flowed some 1872 Maj. John Wesley Powell visited the region and gave name "Mukuntu­ is the prevailing tint. Two-thirds of 5,000 feet above its present level. weap" to north fork and " Parunuweap" to east fork of Virgin River. the way up these marvelous walls and For many thousands of years the 1909 Mukuntuweap National Monument established by Presidential proc­ temples are painted varying shades Virgin River and its tributaries have lamation. of red; then, above the reds they rise been busy with two tasks, namely, in startling white, sometimes sur­ 1914 Frederick Vining Fisher visite.d Zion Canyon and gave names to many deepening their channels and trans­ mounted by a cap of brilliant red. of the outstanding formations, such as Great White Throne and Angels porting material weathered from the canyon walls. At present the Virgin Landing. 1 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 1?23 President Warren G. Harding visited the park on June 27. fork of the Virgin River, the stream competent. But though relatively 1930 East Rim road and runnel completed and dedicated. which now flows through it. Before small in volume, this stream system this stream established its course falls from SO 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 I N T E R I 0 R . Oscar L. Chapman, Secretary rock, chiefly sandstone, that disin­ 'Condensed from " A Geologic and Geo­ graphic Sketch of " by tegrates with exceptional ease. Many NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Newton B. Drury, Director Herbert E. Gregory. tributaries are on bare rock, little re-

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 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 canyons, 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 tal! y 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

A~e of rocks Formation E.ocene Wasatch·. Pink Cliffs :;; " "'a. ~ - - Zz -0 "'::i s.andston cn>­ 0 >::Z II) Undifferentiated ; "'"'0<.) ~ Gray Cliffs a: II) u'" L >­ 0 shale ct "' C r 0

M ESOZ 0 I c°~ White cross- bedded sandstone t. Navajo sandstone; ...,~ Cliffs z 0 Ka enta- in ate N

Chinle :Vermilion Cliffs 5ha!e, 5andstone, ~ ash and limestone 0 >-=--~~~~~~~~~~

RIM OF GRANO CANYON Permian Kaibab limestone

Vertical Scale (Union Pacific Railroad photo) woo fee.t ~~~~ viewed from the West Portal of the Mount Carmel Tunnel. Generalized section of sediments in Zion and Bryce Canyons. 5 4 extend downward for short distances can yon. Lizards, such as the blue­ or pass through the formation from bellied swift and brown-shouldered top to bottom. These bedding planes uta, are commonly observed around and joints determine the shape and the brush-covered slopes, while the size of the blocks that spall off from Boyle's kingsnake and wandering the towering cliff walls. Unlike that gartersnake are to be found in the of humid regions, this type of erosion dense vegetation near the river. progresses from below upward; it causes the canyon to widen and still retain its vertical walls. Park Season Wildlife Each season of the year is distinc­ tive in Zion. In winter, the colored With the lower reac hes of the park cliffs stand out in startling contrast extending into the desert regions to to the snow-covered levels and slopes; the southward, and the northernmost in spring, melting snows cascade over portions reaching into the spruce­ the cliff faces in foaming white water­ covered highlands, Zion offers the falls. Summer brings with it the visitor a wide variety of wildlife greens of the valley as a foreground forms. Among the larger mammals, for the colorful formations; and in the mule deer are especially numer­ autumn when the skies are deepest ous and can frequently be observed blue, the trees of the valley floor and along the floor of Zion Canyon in slopes take on variegated hues. late evening. A few bighorn are pres­ Although Zion Lodge is open only ent but spend their time in the rela­ during the summer season, the Camp tively inaccessible canyons, hence are Center, with cafeteria, store, and seldom seen. Other mammals, such cabins, and the public campground as the mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, at the south entrance are operated and fox , are resident within the park, throughout the year. but are rarely encountered because of their timidity. Ground squirrels and chipmunks are numerous and fre­ How to Reach Zion quently tame. It is wisest to enjoy Zion National Park is reached from I them without actual contact, how­ I Cedar City, Utah, on the Union I CONNECTING ever, for some rodents have been Pacific Sys tem. From . this point ,.., . :zJON. BRYCE CANYON known to carry dangerous diseases. ~,,,, ...... _.. I GRAND CANYON motorbus service is provided by the !...t ) NATIONAL PARKS Several species of birds are resident Utah Parks Co. Passengers traveling ~~ / AND ,,...._ on the floor of the canyon, the best . (~/CEDAR BREAKS NAT'L MOt;, ..~ • ., on main bus lines may transfer to ~ /"S\, UTAH±~ONA ... ,, '-" known being the spurred towhee, I:J / -; (t Seate I: ~,,~ Utah Parks Co. buses at Cedar City. . I // ( j 20 M ilH robin, canyon wren, and yellow I / ( h On advance notice, connections can TO LOS ANGELES \n,/·"' warbler. Among the ponderosa pines be made with the Santa Fe Trails Sys­ back of the canyon rims are such tem at Mount Carmel Junction. colorful songsters as the western Motorists on the Arrowhead Trail, tanager, Audubon's warbler, and United States Highway No. 91 , f~om w,·-~ ~ western warbling vireo. I> the north may turn off at Anderson 0·< , > FOREST Of absorbing interest are the many Junction, 33 miles south of Cedar varieties of harmless reptiles in the City, and those from the south may Roads Cuttnu:ting Bryce Canyon, Zion, Grand Canyon, and Cedar Breaks 6 7 turn off at Harrisburg Bench Junc­ Vegas, Nev., Cedar City, Utah, and tion, 10 miles north of St. George, Salt Lake City, Utah.

/ and reach Zion over State Route No. / 15. Motorists on United States High­ Roads in the Park /

/ way No. 89 should turn off on State There are 20 miles of improved / / Route No. 15 at Mount Carmel Junc­ roads in Zion National Park. One Two lectures here daily during the tion, entering Zion by the east en­ road leads from the park's en trance summer months followed by free conducted trip one mile to The trance. to the Temple of Sinawava, a distance ., Narrows High-speed, de luxe airplane serv­ of 8 miles. No one has really seen N ice from all points in the United Zion Canyon until he has made a trip States to Salt Lake City is available over this road. Visitors in closed cars I' through United Air Lines. Service is should make frequent stops so that also available from Los Angeles by they may get out and enjoy the mag­ Western Air Lines, with stops at Las. nificent view.

ALTAR OF SACRIFICE ~ 7,410 \~ ~ ~l~'...... ~111 .. J//1,,, ~ ¥."'~TOWERS

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I I I

}--- _ LEGEND .....__..___~'""~!~" J National Park Boundary ~ Checking Stations • • Buildings . Note: Mileage shown on border of map Paved Roads denotes distances from Park Headquarters. Secondary Roads Dirt Road (Unimproued) Scale of Mil es Trails 1

(Union Pacific Railroad photo) Drawn by J. J. Black November 1948 NP·ZI0-7002 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 Y2 miles in length. are closed by snow during the winter Running east fr om 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. Si nawava Fine view of ri ver flood plain. Trailside ex hibit near Temple of Sinawava. Weeping Rock y,j mi . Weeping Rock ~l hr. Easy surfaced trail. Water drips fr om parking area overhanging cliff; springs issue from it. Hanging gardens; travertine deposits. Emerald Pool 1 mi . Zion Lodge 2 hrs. Cross ri ver on foot bridges. Small pool (lower ) or Grotto formed by 2 fa lls. Loop or 1- way trail. Campground Emerald Pool 1 Yi mi . do. 3 hrs. Yi mi . above lower pool. Mostly easy (upper) walking; few steep grades. Loop or 1- way trail. Great Arch Yi 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, 2 Yi hrs. Fairly strenuous; steep grades, switch­ Weeping Rock backs. Cross foot bridge, climb ro East Rim Trail sign, follow to turn-off into Hidden Canyon. East Rim 3Yi mi . do. 5 hrs. Fairly strenuo us foot and h orse trail. Carry water, lunch. Cross foot bridge and climb to East Rim Trail sign. West Rim 6 \t4 mi. Grotto Camp­ 8 hrs. Strenuo us foot and horse trail. Carry ground water, lunch. Cross river on foot bridge. Angels Landing 2 Yi 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 4 Yi hrs. Strenuous mountain climb even for expe­ ri enced hikers. Cross foot bridge over (Union Pacific Railroad photo) riv er. 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 to interpret the natural features tem owned by the people of the of the area several times daily, leav­ United States and administered for ing the Temple of Sinawava accord­ them by the National Park Service. ing to schedules posted by the natu­ In these areas the scenery and the ob­ ralist service. Evening lectures on the jects of historic, prehistoric, and natural features of the park are also scientific interest are carefully pre­ given daily by ranger naturalists. served and displayed for public en­ Schedules of nature walks, lectures, joyment. and other activities are posted in The representative of the National public places throughout the park. Park Service in immediate charge of All visitors are urged to avail them­ Zion National Park is the superin­ selves of 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. es tablished an official information

12 13 The Zion-Bryce Natural History Temple of Sinawava is offered during Association maintains in the museum the summer season. a stock of publications, maps, and transparency slides which are for sale Saddle Horses at nominal prices. They are designed to assist in a better interpretation and Saddle horses may be hired in the appreciation of the region. park by the hour or day. E.scorted trips to the East or West Rim of Zion Free Public Campgrounds Canyon are made daily. Escorted half­ 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 tors carrying their own equipment. able, may be obtained for a day, a Camping is limited to 30 days a year half day, or less. Riding outfits for for each party. women may be rented at the lodge. Accommodations Post Office and Communication An attractive lodge is operated by Service the Utah Parks Co., from about May 30 to September 25 . It consists of a Zion Lodge is provided with post central building and a number of office and telegraph service. Long­ standard and de 1uxe cabins. The distance telephone service is available de luxe cabins have private bath, at both the lodge and cafeteria. The porch, and fireplace. Meals are served summer post office address is Zion in the lodge dining room. National Park, Utah; during the re­ There is also a cabin development mainder of the year it is Springdale, which is open all year. Here may be Utah. found a cafeteria, food store, and sleeping cabins. Miscellaneous Services As prices change from season to In the lodge, fountain service is season, no rates are included in this available. A full line of photographs booklet, but they may be obtained is on sale and laboratories are main­ from the Utah Parks Co., Cedar City, tained for developing and printing. Utah. Curios and post cards are sold here. Garage service, including storage Transportation and repairs, is provided near Zion Motorbus transportation and all­ Lodge during the summer season. A expense tours to Zion, Bryce Canyon, regular service station near the Camp The Three Patriarchs. and the North Rim of Grand Canyon Center furnishes gasoline, oil, tires, National Parks, the Kaibab Forest, and batteries from approximately office and museum at park head­ exhibits are arranged to give a and Cedar Breaks National Monu­ May 1 to October 30. Garage and quarters which is open daily through­ general idea of the outstanding ment are furnished by the Utah Parks service stations in Springdale, which out the year. Here park visitors may features of Zion National Park. Co., during the summer season and is outside the park, operate through­ secure information and publications These exhibits cover such subjects by special arrangement throughout out the year. regarding this and other national as geology, biology, archeology, and the remainder of the year. An auto­ A registered nurse is on duty at the par ks free of charge. The museum history. mobile trip from Zion Lodge to the lodge during the season.

14 15 "Let no one say, and say it to your shame, That all was beauty here until you came."

National Parks are established "to otherwise under physical restrictive conserve the scenery and the natural control. Pets are not permitted in and historic objects and the wildlife public buildings or on trails. therein and to provide for the enjoy­ Trails.- Do not attempt to make ment of the same in such manner and short cuts; to do so you may endanger by such means as will leave them un­ yourself as well as others using trails. impaired for the enjoyment of future Before attempting more difficult generations." Please cooperate in trails seek advice from a park ranger. maintaining and protecting this park. Mountain Climbing.-Mountain The following observations are made climbing away from established trails 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 for each auto­ animal, bird, or other life may not be mobile is made at Bryce Canyon and disturbed, injured, or destroyed; and Zion National Parks. One permit is formations, rocks, and other natural good for both parks, and is good for features, may not be defaced by writ­ the remainder of the year in which ing, carving, or otherwise marring issued. Trailer fee, $1 extra. them. Since the park is a sanctuary (b) Careful driving. - The roads in for wildlife, hunting and the use of the park are built purely for scenic firearms are prohibited. purposes, not as high-speed thor­ Camping.-Camp only in estab­ oughfares. Observe speed limits and lished campgrounds. Keep your camp the usual rules of the road; keep to area clean. BE CAREFUL WITH right; do not park on curves; pass FIRE. Picnicking in the galleries of cars going in the same direction only Zion Tunnel is not permitted. Lunch­ when the road ahead is clear and the ing and picnicking prohibited, ex­ vision unobstructed. Maximum speed cept in public auto camp. limit, 35 miles per hour. Disorderly Conduct. - Proper (c) Lights.-Because of mile-long conduct is required of all visitors for highway tunnel, your car must have the benefit of others who are entitled its lights in proper condition before to get the fullest enjoyment from the you will be permitted to enter Zion park. National Park. Pets. - If you are carrying a dog, Park Rangers.-The park rangers cat, or other pet, you may take it are employed to help and advise visi­ into and through the park provided tors as well as to enforce regulations. it is at all times kept on leash or When in doubt, ask a ranger. For sale by the Superintendent of Documents U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D. C.-Price 5 cents REPRINT 1950 O-F-867749