Zion NATIONAL PARK ... Utah UNITED STATES Historic Events DEPARTMENT OF THE 1776 Father Escalante in search of route to ZION INTERIOR Pacific crossed Virgin River near Hur ricane. NATIONAL PARK Harold L. Ickes, Secretary 1826 Jedediah Smith, fur trader, with a UTAH party of about 16 men exploring the region, traversed Virgin River.
41 1847 Brigham Young and his band of Mor OPEN ALL YEAR '9 mons founded Salt Lake City and be gan the colonization of Utah.
1858 The colonization of Utah's "Dixie" be THE SENTINEL. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE gun by the Mormons. Newton B. Drury, Director 1858 Zion Canyon discovered by Nephi C OO^TEo\TS Johnson, a Mormon scout. 1861 Joseph Black explored the canyon and ION NATIONAL PARK, with slowly deepened its channel and ex The Three Patriarchs . . Cover 1 or 2 years later was followed by an area of about 135 square tended it headward until its original a few settlers who farmed in the can Z miles and located in the heart shallow valley has become a long nar yon, which they called "Little Zion." Formation of Zion Canyon . 3 of the spectacular desert and canyon row trench between towering walls. Wildlife 6 1872 Maj. John Wesley Powell visited the country of southern Utah, has as its Though now deeply entrenched in the region and gave name "Mukuntuweap" chief feature the great multi-colored rocks of the Kolob Plateau, the river Park Season 6 to north fork and "Parunuweap" to gorge, Zion Canyon. The sandstone maintains substantially its original pat east fork of Virgin River. How to Reach Zion .... 6 cliffs, rising sheer to form the canyon tern. It flows in the same direction, and 1909 Mukuntuweap National Monument es walls and encircle the valley, are awe the curves and straight stretches of its Roads in the Park .... 8 tablished by Presidential proclamation. some; but it is the vivid coloring which present walls duplicate the meanders of most amazes. The deep red of the Ver The Trail System .... 10 1914 Frederick Vining Fisher visited Zion the stream when it flowed some 5,000 Canyon and gave names to many of milion Cliffs is the prevailing tint. Two- feet above its present level. Administration 13 the outstanding formations, such as thirds of the way up these marvellous For many thousand years the Vir Great White Throne and Angels Land walls and temples are painted varying Educational Service .... 13 ing. gin and its tributaries have been busy shades of red; then, above the reds, with two tasks, namely, deepening their Museum 13 1917 Wylie Way Camp, first tourist accom they rise in startling white, sometimes channels and transporting material modations, constructed. surmounted by a cap of brilliant red. Accommodations and weathered from the canyon walls. At Expenses 13 1918 Monument enlarged and the name FORMATION OF ZION CANYON present the Virgin carries away from changed to Zion by Presidential procla Zion Canyon, the best known ex the park each year about 3,000,000 Free Public Campgrounds . 15 mation. ample of a deep, narrow, vertically tons of ground-up rock at an average Post Office and Communi 1919 Monument changed to a national park walled chasm readily accessible for ob rate of 180 carloads a day. For such cation Service 15 by act of Congress. servation, was made by the north fork effective work the many-branched river Miscellaneous Services . . 15 1923 President Warren G. Harding visited of the Virgin River, the stream which seems incompetent. But though rela the park on June 27. now flows through it. Before the Vir tively small in volume, this stream sys Transportation 15 1930 East Rim road and tunnel completed gin began to flow there was no can tem falls from 50 to 70 feet per mile Saddle Horses 15 and dedicated. yon. During the long period since (nine times the fall of the Colorado in its course was established the river has Grand Canyon) and is at work on
Zion National Par\ * Utah 3 2 Zion National Par\ * Utah rock, chiefly sandstone, that disinte Zion Canyon unique. The walls are re grates with exceptional ease. Many trib treating in consequence of ground water utaries are on bare rock, little retarded which emerges as springs and seeps, by vegetation, and are fed by short but rain which falls directly into the can violent showers. Consequently, they are yon, water that spills over the rim, brought to flood stage not only sea frost and tree roots which pry off slabs, sonally but with each period of heavy and chemical agencies which weaken rainfall. Because they flow only in re the rock by the removal of the cement sponse to showers, the smaller tribu about individual grains. Continuous taries are unable to cut channels as sapping at or near the contact of the deep as the perennial master stream. porous Navajo sandstone and the more From their mouths high on the canyon impervious underlying beds has devel walls, they descend as waterfalls. oped alcoves in the canyon walls at Though they are primarily responsi Wiley Retreat, the Stadium, Weeping ble for the depth and position of the Rock, Emerald Pool, Birch Creek, Oak canyons, the Virgin itself and the other Creek, and elsewhere. streams heading on the adjoining In the development of the amazing plateaus are only incidentally concern variety of architectural features on the ed with the detailed carving that makes canyon walls, the composition and
Geological sketch of Zion National Par/( by H. E, Gregory
GENERALIZED SECTION OF SEDIMENTS IN ZION AND BRYCE CANYONS. THE GREAT WHITE THRONE.
4 Zion 'National Park^ * Utah Zion National Park\ * Utah 5 structure of the Navajo formation have forms typical of areas of heavier rain served as controlling guides. In addi fall. The rare water ouzel can be tion to the bedding planes—horizontal, numbered among the latter. oblique, and curved surfaces—the Probably the most absorbing of all to Navajo has developed parting planes those who are acquainted with them (joints) that extend downward for are the many types of lizards, such short distances or pass through the for as the scaly lizard, the Bailey collared mation from top to bottom. These bed lizard, and the rare leopard lizard. ding planes and joints determine the PARK SEASON shape and size of the blocks that spall Each season of the year is distinctive off from the towering cliff walls. Un in Zion. In winter, the colored cliffs like that of humid regions, this type stand out in startling contrast to the of erosion progresses from below up snow-covered levels and slopes; in ward; it causes the canyon to widen spring, melting snows cascade over the and still retain its vertical walls. cliff faces in foaming white waterfalls. WILDLIFE Summer brings with it the greens of Visitors to Zion National Park will the valley as a foreground for the color be surprised at the interesting and ful formations; and in autumn when varied forms of wildlife to be found the skies are deepest blue, the trees there. The common large game ani of the valley floor and slopes take on mals are the Rocky Mountain mule variegated hues. deer. They are quite numerous and Although Zion Lodge is open only can often be seen by park guests, though between May 30 and September 30, in the summer they usually range the the South Entrance Camp, with cafe rims of the canyons. Bighorn are pres teria, store, and housekeeping cabins, ent, but spend most of their time in and the public campground at the south the most inaccessible portions of the entrance are operated the year round. higher country, hence are seldom seen. The Grotto Campground is open from At rare intervals motorists report small May 15 to October 1. bands along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway near the tunnel. Signs of HOW TO REACH ZION mountain lion are often found in the Zion National Park is reached from park and occasionally a glimpse of the Cedar City, Utah, on the Union Pa animal is caught. Bobcat tracks are fre cific System. From this point motorbus quently observed in mud or snow; the service is provided by the Utah Parks cats, however, are rarely visible. Many Co. small animals, such as porcupines, mar Busses of the Burlington Transporta mots, chipmunks, and gray squirrels, tion Co. and Interstate Transit Lines are abundant and can be seen almost operate from Salt Lake City and Los everywhere. Angeles to Cedar City, where passen Bird life is interesting and the visitor gers may transfer to the busses of the will find most of the arid or semiarid UtahParks Co. for the park. On prior types in Zion, together with a few notice, connections can be made with ZION NATIONAL PARK ZION CANYON AREA.
6 Zion National Par\ * Utah Zion National Par\ * Utah 7 the Santa Fe Trails System at Mount ROADS IN THE PARK Carmel Junction. There are 20 miles of improved roads Motorists on the Arrowhead Trail, in Zion Park. One road leads from United States Highway No. 91, from the park's entrance to the Temple of the north may turn off at Anderson Sinawava, a distance of 8 miles. No Junction, 33 miles south of Cedar City, one has really seen Zion Canyon until and those from the south may turn he has made a trip over this road, and off at Harrisburg Bench Junction, 10 visitors driving in closed cars should miles north of St. George, and reach make frequent stops so that they may Zion over State Route No. 15. Motor get out and enjoy the magnificent view. ists on United States Highway No. 89 Also within the park is a stretch of should turn off on State Route No. 15 the remarkable Zion-Mount Carmel at Mount Carmel Junction, entering Highway, 11J4 miles in length. Run Zion by the east entrance. ning east from the Virgin River Bridge, High-speed, de luxe airplane service this road forms a connecting link be from all points in the United States tween United States Highways Nos. to Salt Lake City is available through 91 and 89. Its total length from park United Air Lines. Service is also avail headquarters to Mount Carmel Junc able from Los Angeles by Western Air tion is 25 miles. Some of the most re Express, with stops at Las Vegas, Nev., markable views of southern Utah are and Salt Lake City, Utah. to be found along this road. While
DISTANCE IN MILES ON MAIN ROAD FROM PARK SOUTH ENTRANCE TO POINTS OF INTEREST
Read down Read up 0.0 Zion National Park south boundary line. — _ 8.0 0.1 Checking station 7.9 0.6 Cafeteria and cabin area - 7.4 0.6 South Entrance Public Campground - _ 7.5 0.6 Oak Creek _ _ 7.4 0.8 West Temple, Altar of Sacrifice, on west side . 7.2 1.0 Bridge Mountain on east _ 7.0 1.3 Park headquarters, museum, and information office _ 6.7 1.5 Virgin River Bridge and Y _ 6.5 3.2 Court of the Patriarchs; garage—gas and oil.. .. . 4.8 4.2 Zion Lodge 3.8 4.5 Emerald Pool Canyon on west — 3.5 4.8 Spear Head Point __ _ 3.2 5.0 Grotto Campground 3.0 5.5 Angels Landing _ 2.5 5.9 The Great White Throne - 2.1 6.2 East Rim Horse Trail and Weeping Rock Trail (parking space for cars) 1.8 6.5 The Great Organ, below road - 1.5 6.8 The Great White Throne, looking south through saddle 1.2 7.9 Sphinx on Altar in the Temple 0.1 8.0 Temple of Sinawava and end of road 0.0 ROADS CONNECTING ZION, BRYCE CANYON, GRAND CANYON, AND CEDAR BREAKS.
8 Zion National Park\ * Utah Zion National Par\ * Utah 9 the tunnel is the most spectacular por levels in the canyon have also been tion, other sections are of even greater constructed. The most popular of these scenic interest. paths is the one extending a distance of 1 mile up the canyon from the end of THE TRAIL SYSTEM the road at the Temple of Sinawava to Approximately 26 miles of trails lead the beginning of The Narrows. Other to the more important sections of the short and interesting trails recom park which are not reached by roads. mended for easy hiking include Weep These trails are well maintained and ing Rock, Emerald Pool, and the Great can be used at all seasons of the year, Arch Trail. with the exception of those to the Below are listed a few trail distances. rims of the canyon which are closed by Detailed information may be secured snow during the winter months. from park rangers or from attendants A number of footpaths at different on duty at the park museum.
Length Starting / iver. Time Name of Trail One Way Point (h \ottnd 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 74 mi. Weeping Rock 'A 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 1 'A mi. do. 3hrs. 72 mi. above lower pool. Mostly easy (upper) walking; few steep grades. Loop or 1- way trail.
Great Arch Vi 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 'A 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 3 'A mi. do. 5hrs. Fairly strenuous foot and horse trail. Carry water, lunch. Cross foot bridge and climb to East Rim Trail sign.
West Rim 6 74 mi. Grotto Camp 8 hrs. Strenuous foot and horse trail. Carry ground water, lunch. Cross river on foot bridge.
Angels Landing 2 Lady Mountain 2 mi. Zion Lodge 4 '/J hrs. Strenuous mountain climb even for ex Grant photo perienced hikers. Cross foot bridge over river. Carry water. ZION CANYON FROM OBSERVATION POINT. ANGELS LANDING IN FOREGROUND. 11 10 Zion National Park\ * Utah Zion National Park\ * Utah (irunt photo 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 MUSEUM ent, whose post office address is Zion The National Park Service has estab National Park, Utah. All comments lished an official information office and regarding service in the park should be museum at park headquarters which addressed to him. 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 DE LUXE CABINS, ZION LODGE other activities are posted in public Utah Parks Co. from about May 30 to 12 Zion National Par\ * Utah Zion National Park\ * Utah 13 September 30. It consists of a central available. A full line of photographs building and a number of cabins. Rates is on sale and laboratories are main (European plan) are $2.25 per day for tained for developing and printing. 1 person and $3.50 for 2, in "standard" Curios and postcards may be obtained cabins; $5 per day for 1 person, $6.50 here. for 2, and $8.25 for 3, in "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. luncheon $.90, and dinner $1.50. Chil A registered nurse is on duty at the dren under 8 are allowed half rate for lodge during the season. meals. TRANSPORTATION There is also a cabin development Motor bus transportation and all- which is open all year. Here may be expense tours to Zion, Bryce Canyon, found a cafeteria, food store, and sleep and the North Rim of Grand Canyon ing and housekeeping cabins. Rates National Parks, the Kaibab Forest, and for sleeping cabins with private shower Cedar Breaks National Monument are and toilet are $3.50 per day for 1 person, furnished by the Utah Parks Co., Cedar $4 for 2, $7 for 3 or 4. Housekeeping City, Utah, during the summer season cabins are $2.50 and $2.75 per day for and by special arrangement through 1 or 2 persons and $3.75 for 3 or 4; out the remainder of the year. An they are equipped with electricity, run automobile trip from Zion Lodge to ning water, double beds, cooking the Temple of Sinawava is offered for stoves, table, sink, shelves, and chairs. $1 during the summer season. A 15% discount on lodgings is al SADDLE HORSES lowed for a stay of 1 week or more. Saddle horses may be hired for $1.50 FREE PUBLIC CAMPGROUNDS for 2 hours or less, $3 for 2 to 4 hours, Free public campgrounds are main $5 for 8 hours. Escorted trips to the tained throughout the year for visitors East or West Rim of Zion Canyon carrying their own equipment. Camp are made daily; the cost is $5 per per ing is limited to 30 days a year. son. EscortecTnalf-day horseback trips to The Narrows or Angels Landing are POST OFFICE AND COMMUNI $3. Special guide service, when avail CATION SERVICE able, may be obtained for $5 a day or Zion Lodge is provided with post $3 for a half day or less. Riding outfits office, telegraph and long-distance tele for women may be rented at the lodge. phone service. The summer post office This booklet is issued once a year address is Zion National Park, Utah; and rates mentioned therein may have during the remainder of the year it is changed slightly since issuance, but the Springdale, Utah. latest rates approved by the Secretary of Grant photo MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES the Interior are on file with the super THE FIRST PATRIARCH. In the lodge, fountain service is intendent and park operator. 14 Zion National Parh\ * Utah Zion National Parh{ * 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 yourself as well as others using trails. the protection of the natural beauties Before attempting more difficult trails and scenery, as well as for the comfort seek advice from a park ranger. and convenience of visitors. The follow AUTOMOBILE REGULATIONS.—(a) Per- ing synopsis is for convenient reference mit.—A charge of $1 for each auto and general guidance of visitors: mobile is made at Bryce Canyon and PRESERVATION OF NATURAL FEA Zion National Parks. One permit is TURES.—The parks are established pri good for both parks, and is good for marily for preservation of natural fea the remainder of the year in which tures. Do not destroy or disturb flowers, issued. House trailer fee, $1. trees, animals, etc. Writing on or other (b) Careful driving.—The roads in wise defacing rocks and other natural the park are built purely for scenic pur features is strictly prohibited. Hunting poses, not as high-speed thoroughfares. and 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 unobstruct nel is not permitted. Lunching and ed. Maximum speed limit, 35 miles picnicking prohibited, except in public per hour. auto camp. Camping limited to 30 days. (c) Lights.—Because of mile-long DISORDERLY CONDUCT.—Proper con highway tunnel, your car must have its duct is required of all visitors for the lights in proper condition before you benefit of others who are entitled to will be permitted to enter Zion Na get the fullest possible enjoyment from tional Park. the park. PENALTIES.—Maximum penalty for PETS.— If you are carrying a dog, cat, violation of park regulations is $500 or other pet, you may take it into and and/or imprisonment for 6 months. through the park provided it is at all MISCELLANEOUS.-The park rangers times kept tied or confined within the are employed to help and advise visi car. Pets are not permitted in public tors as Well as to enforce regulations. buildings or on trails. When in doubt, ask a ranger. A com TRAILS.—Do not attempt to make plete copy of the park rules and regula short cuts; to do so you may endanger tions is available on request. W. H. Kistlcr Stationery Co., Denver, Colorado. 1-20-41—75M.