The Flora and Fauna of Zion National Park

Some unique elements come together to create  a diverse range of ecosystems in Zion National Park.    Elevations in the park range from 3,800 feet (1,158 m) and 8,800 feet (2,680 m) within an area that encompasses 148,000 acres.   Zion is approximately 30 miles long and 15 miles across (at its widest point).  The drastic elevation changes allow for many different life-zones and therefore many types of habitat including grasslands, wetlands, desert, riparian and forests. These habitats support a great diversity of species of plants and animals.

Zion National Park Flora (Plants)

Plants:  In Zion National Park you’ll find more than 900 species of plants.   Bright colors of plants such as the slickrock paintbrush or desert marigold offer a magnificent contrast against the red rock.   Natural springs emerging from within the rock formations provide hanging gardens of ferns, columbines and shooting stars.   Sagebrush and grasses are part of an arid, lower elevation habitat and it takes just one quick look at the vegetation to get an estimate of the elevation.

Riparian:  The Virgin River carves a course through Zion and along the this river and its tributaries, are many plant species.  Fremont cottonwoods dot the banks of the river, providing cool summer shade.   Unique varietiesof grasses, ferns and wildflowers inhabit these areas.

Wetlands:  Marshy areas near the river offer the perfect habitat for aquatic plants such as rushes, cattails, and willows.

Desert:  Desert habitat is most commonly found in the lower elevation areas.   It is here that cactus plants are most abundant.   These spiny plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and all offer springtime blooming flowers.  Sagebrush is also commonly found in these desert areas.

Forests:  In higher elevations, you’ll come across pinion and juniper forests, and in even higher elevations the ponderosa pine.   Aspens, douglas fir and white pine proliferate in some of the top elevations in Zion National Park.

Turkey Vulture

Birds:  A total of 291 species of birds are found at Zion.    Peregrine falcons, which were once nearly extinct, nest and roam throughout the park.    The California condor and bald and golden eagles are three of the  larger species of birds in the park.  Visitors can see flocks of wild turkeys in several areas of the park, including the grounds around the Zion Human History Museum just inside the South entrance.  Other birds found here include blackbirds, herons, woodpeckers, doves, sparrows, ducks, finches, hummingbirds, loons, and many more.

Bighorn Sheep on the east side of the tunnel in Zion National Park

Mammals:  Bighorn sheep are elusive and difficult to view in the park as they prefer high, rocky ledges.   These unique large mammals are adept at moving on cliff faces and are most often viewed above the Zion tunnel on the east side of Zion National Park.    At least 67 species of mammals are found in Zion National Park, and though many are nocturnal, visitors will find wildlife throughout the day.   Squirrels and chipmunks are often spotted along pathways or at campsites within the campgrounds.    The rock squirrel is the most common species found in Zion.  Most visitors have the opportunity to observe mule deer in areas along the Virgin river.   Mule deer are protected inside the park’s boundaries and are accustomed to people, and therefore will often allow visitors to observe them from a fairly close distance.      Some of  the more nocturnal mammals are coyotes, bats, foxes, skunks, beavers, mountain lions,porcupines, raccoons, and ringtail cats.

Rattlesnake

Reptiles:  Western rattlesnakes are a part of Zion and often soak up the sun on rocky ledges.    While rarely seen, they are usually not a threat as long as you give them a wide berth.   Zion hosts 13 species of snakes and a variety of lizards, including the collared lizard, plateau lizard, short-horned lizard, western whiptail, and gila monster.   Amphibians are often found in wetlands and aquatic areas and these include six species, among which are the canyon tree frog, tiger salamander and Arizona toad.

Fish:  Four fish species of fish are native to Zion National Park; the Virgin River spinedance,  flannelmouth sucker, speckled dance, and desert sucker.

Insects:  These are numerous and provide an important function to the ecosystems of Zion National Park.    Some insects help with pollination of the plant life while others provide food to animals.    Tarantulas are plentiful but are rarely seen because of their nocturnal nature.   Even if seen they are generally unable to harm humans.