Elevation and Climate
How did the rocks of Zion form?
The geologic story of Zion has three main parts: deposition (sediments were deposited on layers and later cemented into rock), uplift (the whole area rose high above the sea level) and erosion (water carved into the rock, forming canyons). The rocks of Zion were laik kown during Jurassic times, sometimes called the age of dinosaurs. The lower layers of rocks are mostly mudstones, seltstones, and some sandstone. These were deposited primarily by slow moving streams ane rivers. Navajo Sandstone, the thickest layer in the park, was formed from wind depowited sand grains. What we now see as sandstone was once a huge desert of blowing sand dunes. Movements in the earth's crust caused the land to sink below sea level. A shallow sea covered the dunes, and lime (calcium carbonate) from the shells of sea animals, along with other minerals, seeped into the sand and cemented the grains together, thus forming sandstone. Later in time, more earth movements caused the land to uplift. The sea drained away and the rivers and streams bedan to carve, or erode the sandstone. Eventually, they formed the deep canyons we see today.
What kind of plants are found in Zion?
Related information about plants in Zion National Park can be found at the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) page.
What animals live in the park?
Related information about animals in Zion National Park can be found at the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) page.
What people have lived at Zion?
The next Native Americans who lived in Zion were the Southern Paiutes. The Paiutes were nomadic, that is, they moved around as the seasons changed. In summer, they grew corn and squash, which they irrigated (watered) during dry periods. The Paiutes also gathered the seeds, roots and leaves of native plants. Pinyon pine nuts were a favorite. They also hunted for mammals, birds, insects and reptiles. Skilled weavers, the Paiutes made hunting nets and baskets from plant fibers, and wove warm robes from straps of rabbit pelt. Today, the Paiutes still live in southern Utah and northern Arizona.
The first Europeans to explore the region were two Spanish priests named Dominguez and Escalante. Their exploration party passed near Zion in 1778. A fur trapper named Jedediah Smith also passed nearby in 1826. Mormon pioneers began to settle in Southern Utah in the 1850's, and sent a scout named Nephi Johnson into Zion Canyon. These pioneers grew crops, planted fruit trees, and raised livestock. They lived in dugouts and small log cabins. Issac Behunin, a Mormon settler living in Zion Canyon in the 1860's, first used the name "Zion" for the canyon. He seemed to think that Zion was a "peaceful resting place" or "a heavenly place". Many people today feel the same way.
When did Zion become a National Park?
What are the favorite activities of visitors?
Elevations in Zion range from about 3,800 feet to almost 9,000 feet. The climate varies greatly with the elevation (the higher you go, the cooler it gets). In Zion Canyon, summers are hot with temperatures often over 100 F during July and August. Afternoon thunderstoums are common from mid-July through mid-September. Winters are fairly mild, with average temperatures in the 20's and 30's at night and in the 40's and 50's during the day. Winter precipitation often comes as rain in the canyon and snow in the plateaus. The total yearly precipitation averages about 15 inches.
The rocks of Zion formed over millions of years, and erosion has carved them into the formations we see today. Water is the single most important factor in the geology of this area. Most of the rock layers formed in oceans, lakes, or rivers. Water from springs, streams, and rivers, has sculpted the rock formations into canyons, mesas, and cliffs.
About 800 species of native (not brought by people) plants have been found in Zion. Elevation, rainfall, sun/shade, and soil type affect plant growth. Desert plants such as cactus, yucca, mesquite, and sagebrush grow in hot, dry areas. Along rivers and streams you will find trees including cottonwood, box elder, and velvet ash. Dripping springs allow "hanging gardens" to form at places such as Weeping Rock. Ferns, grasses, and wildflowers grow on these wet trails. A forest of juniper and pinyon pine covers the sunny slopes. On the higher plateaus are ponderosa pine, firs, and even aspen trees. Wildflowers bloom from spring through late summer in various parts of the park. Some common flowers are columbine, penstemon (wild snapdragon), Indian paintbrush, sacred datura, and many types of sunflowers.
Zion is home for a large variety of animals. Over 60 kinds of mammals have been found in the park, including mice, rabbits, coyotes, foxes, porcupines, skunks, ringtail cats, bobcats, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep. Elk and black bears are occasionally seen on the higher plateaus. Visitors commonly see mole deer, squirrels, and a variety of bats. About 271 kinds of birds are found in the park, ranging from hummingbirds to eagles. Canyon Wrens, Black-headed Grosbeaks, and Common Flickers are easily found in Zion Canyon. During summer, almost every visitor sees lizards; there are about 13 types in the park. Snakes are shyer and harder to see. Of the 12 species, only the Western Rattlesnake is poisonous.
Long before Europeans came to the Southwest, there were Native Americans who lived in what are now the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. We call some of these people the Anasazi. Archeologists believe that Anasazi people first lived in Zion about 1,500 years ago. The early Anasazi are known for their fine basketry. Through the years the lifestyle of the Anasazi changed several times; their houses and foods changed and they began to make pottery instead of baskets. Eventually, the Anasazi lived in rock dwellings under the cliffs. They grew and stored crops developed fine painted pottery, and left several types of rock art on the cliff faces. The Anasazi seem to have left the Zion area about 800 years ago.
The beauty of what is now Zion National Park was noted in a report by Leo A. Snow of St. George, Utah, following his 1908 survey of Zion Canyon for the U.S. Geological Survey. On July 31, 1909, President Taft created the Mukuntuweap National Monument by Presidential Proclamation. "Mukuntuweap" was a Paiute name for the canyon. Local pioneers called the area "Zion" and asked the political leaders to change the name in 1918, when the monument was enlarged. By an act of Congress in 1919, it became Zion National Park. A second Zion National Monument (now called the Kolob Canyons) was established in 1937. In 1956, Kolob Canyons was added to Zion National Park. Today Zion contains about 147,000 acres of land. It is one of 358 National Park Service areas which cover nearly 80 million acres.
In 1991, about 2.5 million people visited Zion and they enjoyed a variety of activities. People can stay overnight in the park at Zion Lodge or in the campgrounds. Most visitors to Zion walk on at least one trail. The trails in Zion range from short, easy walks like Weeping Rock, to long strenuous hikes like the East Rim or West Rim trails. On the longer trails, people often carry backpacks and camp in the back country. Horseback riding and bicycling are popular, too. Many visitors join park rangers on guided walks, talks, and campfire/slide programs. During summer, kids from ages 6-12 can join in the Junior Ranger Program at the Zion Nature Center.
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