Posts Tagged ‘Zion National Park’
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
This weekend is a Fee Free weekend at Zion National Park. Park officials indicate that entrance fees to Zion National Park will be waived on Saturday and Sunday, August14 and 15, 2010. Additional fee free weekends are coming up (see below).
 A couple takes in view from Angels Landing at Zion National Park This is not just for Zion National park but for all National Parks in the United States. According to park officials, the purpose of the fee free weekend is to encourage all Americans to visit their National Parks.
It is important to note that the fee waiver applies to entrance fees only and does not include special use fees such as backcountry permits and camping. The free shuttle system will be operating to transport visitors to the points of interest and trailheads in Zion Canyon. All Zion National Park facilities will be open.
Other fee free days are scheduled for:
- September 25, 2010 (Saturday)
- November 11, 2010 (Thursday)
These are individual days and not full weekends.
Tags: Angels Landing, free, national park fee, park fees, zion, Zion Canyon, Zion National Park, zion park utah, zion ut, zion utah Posted in Adventure, Uncategorized, Zion National Park, activities
Monday, August 9th, 2010
 Download this free printable file to your computer. Complete Vacation Planning Guide. Planning your vacation to St. George and Zion National Park has never been easier. Recently we updated our AtoZion.com web-site. Not only does it load faster, but it includes many new pages of information. One of the best resources on the site is our PDF file download for Vacation Planning. This full-color printable vacation planner include many important details that you’ll use as your plan your next vacation to this region. Please note that this St. George and Zion National Park vacation planner has a lot of information and is therefore a larger file, and will take a minute to download to your computer. Once the file is open on your computer you can print it out and use it as a resource at home, work or on the road. We also can send you a vacation planner in the mail. Visit this page to obtain our contact information.
 Vacation Planning Guide for Entertainment, Lodging and more. This vacation planning guide includes; maps, details about Zion National Park, details about St. George, area activities including golf, spa treatment services, museums and galleries, entertainment, historic landmarks, locations for meetings and conventions, local guides and outfitters, events, dining, lodging and many other important details and resource information. Remember that you can find much of this information on the web-site but the easiest way to get a hard printed copy of this information right away, is to click on this link for our official Vacation Planner and print it off on your computer. You may also find the new itineraries on our web-site very helpful in planning your experience. We have already posted itineraries for Zion National Park, Outdoor Adventure, and Golf. Visit www.AtoZion.com and search the drop-down menus for itineraries under the “What To Do” section.
What’s new on the web-site: On the AtoZion.com web-site you’ll find new pages on; State Parks, Scenic Drives, One-week itineraries, maps, nearby attractions, and more.
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
You’re invited to help Zion National Park earn a $100,000 grant from Coca-Cola, by voting in the attached “favorite park” contest.
Please see link below and vote as many times as you wish. Also, please feel free to share this message with others and post on Facebook, Twitter etc. Visit this link: http://www.livepositively.com/#/americasparks
 Hikers in a slot canyon gaze skyward at the towering formations
Monday, July 26th, 2010
 A person rappels into a slot canyon in anticipation of the next set of pools There are many ways to beat the summer heat but there may not be a more exotic or exciting way to do it, than to hike in a slot canyon at Zion National Park. Zion is the king of slot canyons hikes. With names like The Narrows, The Subway, Keyhole, Pine Creek, Orderville and others, you can expect dramatic scenery at every bend in the canyon.
 Looking out of a narrow slot to a more open area in the canyon Slot canyons have been primarily carved by water flowing through the soft sandstone formations of Zion. At times the gathering rain water or snow melt congregates so quickly that these narrows slits fill too quickly with water and a flash flood is the result. For this reason it is best to be aware of weather conditions.
 A hiker slashes into a pool after sliding down the moss covered rocks In summer months the hot sun does not easily penetrate the dark recesses of these slot canyons, and the flowing water stays cool as it cascades over rock ledges and across sloping formations. Water may enter some of these slot canyons via a natural spring, from a side canyon or from water seeping through the sandstone. Whatever the source, the water feeds rich hanging gardens and often creates lush pockets of foliage.
 Water drips from one water pool to another in stair-stepping fashion In early summer tadpoles are plentiful in the pools of water within these canyons. By late summer they have fully matured and the sound of frogs echo up and down the convoluted concourse. Waterfalls make playgrounds for hikers who can handle the distance and negotiate the obstacles. Some slot canyons require rappelling while others can be traversed with a little skill in down-climbing.
 A person catches tadpoles in the pools of this slot canyon in Zion. There are many canyons inside Zion National Park where you can guide yourself on an adventure. Some require permits so check with the park web-site for details. Outside of Zion National Park there are many other slot canyon opportunities where you can be led by an experienced guide.
 This person uses a rope to control his descent over a short waterfall All of these types of canyons are most comfortable in summer months but local outfitters also provide gear such as wet-suits or dry-suits for staying warm in cooler times of year. As always, use caution and prepare properly for any outdoor experience.
Tags: Hiking, rappelling, slot, slot canyon, zion, zion narrows, Zion National Park, zion park, zion slot canyon, zion subway, zion utah Posted in Adventure, Canyoneering / Climbing, Geography, Geology, Guided Activities, Zion National Park, activities
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
 St. George, Utah rests against a scenic red rock backdrop. According to the new August, 2010 issue of CNN Money magazine, St. George still ranks as one of the best places to live in America. St. George comes in at number 80 on this year’s list. Itemizing some of the reasons for rating St. George as one of the best places to live, the publication identifies St. George’s close proximity to Zion National Park, an abundance of excellent golf courses, shopping in the historic downtown district, or playing softball in one of America’s best softball complexes.
 St. George is known for it's great golf courses. Visit RedRockGolfTrail.com St. George is also well know for the many state parks and other natural scenic attractions that surround the community. Health care is highly rated with excellent medical facilities and practitioners. Fine dining, high quality entertainment, mild winter weather and the friendliness of the people are all likely other reasons for the high rating as one of America’s best places to live.
View the story by visiting the link to below or pick up a copy of the August issue of CNN Money
.
Tags: best places, best places to live, CNN, Golf Courses, Money, Money Magazine, saint george, saint george utah, St. George, St. George Utah, Zion National Park Posted in Cities - Towns, St. George Utah, Zion National Park, activities
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
 A view of Kolob Reservoir in summer Kolob Terrace Road begins in the small town of Virgin, Utah about 15 miles west of Zion National Park’s south entrance. This road offers access to several trailheads and overlooks, including the Left Fork of North Creek, The Subway slot canyon, West Rim Trail, Lava Point Overlook, and Kolob Reservoir. From the town of Virgin the road ascends to a plateau and runs for about 25 miles through diverse and dramatic backcountry scenery, disecting Zion National Park between Zion Canyon and its lesser-explored sister, Kolob Canyon. The name “Kolob” comes from Mormon (LDS) scripture, indicating a star near Heaven. Climbing Kolob Terrace Road to nearly 8,000 feet above sea level it’s easy to see this area comes close to Heaven, in both elevation and beauty.
 A horse grazes in tall grass fields on the Kolob Terrace near Zion National Park How to get there: Kolob Terrace Road offers instant access to wilderness and solitude; you won’t find Zion’s crowds here. Look closely for a small sign indicating Kolob at the intersection of Highway 9 in Virgin. The paved road starts out lined with fertile pastures, then climbs steeply into the red cliffs, winding in and out of the park through mountainous alpine forest, rugged canyonland, and the open expanse of the Lower Kolob Plateau. Inside the park you’ll pass the Firepit Knoll cinder cone, cross over Pine Spring Wash, and pass the West Rim trailhead, before reaching one of the park’s literal and figurative high points: Lava Point Overlook. Sitting at 7,890 feet, Lava Point Overlook is the one of the higher peaks in Zion National Park and offers a stunning panoramic view. Lava Point Road also offers access to the remote Blue Springs Reservoir and the Wildcat Trailhead, where the hike through The Subway begins (permit required).
About five miles from Lava Point Road, pristine Kolob Reservoir lies at 8,8118 feet just outside the park boundary. A few ranches and log cabins dot the landscape on the way to the well-stocked reservoir but if you’re seeking solitude, good trout fishing, and primitive camping, this is the place. The final stretch of road around the reservoir and beyond is unpaved. Most people choose to turn around and go back the way they came.
In winter the upper section of this road can be closed with snow but the lower section is still worth the drive. Check road conditions with the ranger station prior to heading out during winter months.
Tags: Kolob, kolob canyons, kolob reservoir, kolob terrace, subway slot canyon, utah, virgin utah, west rim trail, zion, Zion National Park, zion park, zion utah Posted in Adventure, Camping, Canyoneering / Climbing, Geography, Hiking, Lakes / Reservoirs, Scenic Drives, Zion National Park, activities, fishing
Friday, May 21st, 2010
 Hiker looks up at Kolob Arch. One of the two largest arches in the world. Where is it? The Kolob Finger Canyons road is a five-mile scenic drive through the magnificent Kolob Fingers of Zion National Park. Hold your hand in front of your face and you’ll have an idea of the shape of these canyons as you look at your fingers and the space between. Access to this section of the park is from Interstate 15 (Exit 40), north of St. George and near the town of New Harmony, Utah. This is a less frequently visited section of the park and offers grand views, and access to some magnificent hiking and backpacking trails.
What will I see there? The road begins at the Kolob Canyons entrance, and ends at the Timber Creek Overlook. The road climbs over 1,000 feet within the five mile drive and partly follows a fault line for the Markagunt Plateau. On your left you’ll pass five finger-like formations with deep canyons in-between. You’ll find several pull-outs with interpretive signs at various points along the way.
What trails can we hike? Two miles into the drive you’ll pass the trailhead for the middle fork of Taylor Creek. This is a moderate five-mile hike that passes two historic homesteads, several large rock formations, and then ends at Double Arch Alcove.
At the 3.5 mile mark you’ll find the beginning of the Lee Pass Trail-head. This is the trail that leads to the La Verkin Creek Trail to Kolob Arch. This arch is one of the largest free-standing arches in the world. The strenuous back country hike is 14 miles round-trip over soft sand and across streams. It is a good trip for an overnight stay. A permit is required to stay overnight.
Kolob Canyon Road ends at an elevation of 6,369 feet. The road comes to a scenic view point and visitors have access to a picnic area and an easy to moderate one-mile round-trip hike that offers higher views of Timber Creek, the Pine Valley Mountains.
What does it cost to enter this part of Zion National Park? The Kolob Canyon Road is open year-round. During winter months you may want to call ahead to check on road conditions. Visitors can pay the entrance fee ($25 per vehicle, good for seven days to all of Zion National Park) at the Kolob Canyon visitor center. Your Golden Eagle National Parks pass will also give you access to the Kolob Finger Canyons area.
Tags: Finger Canyons, Kolob, Kolob Finger Canyons, Kolob Fingers, utah, Zion Kolob, Zion Kolob Fingers, Zion National Park, zion park Posted in Biking, Forest, Geography, Geology, Hiking, Photography, Scenic Drives, Zion National Park, activities
Monday, May 10th, 2010
There’s nothing quite like outdoor adventure experiences in the St. George and Zion National Park area. Bringing the right equipment can make a day of mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, camping or any type of outdoor adventure, an extremely enjoyable experience. Without it, your experience around St. George or Zion may be less than you expect. Below we have created a list of a few “must have” items for being prepared to enjoy the great outdoors. Remember that even if you’re in familiar territory, challenges can still arise.
 Hiking, Climbing, Biking, Rappelling, in St. George and Zion National Park Always carry rain or cool weather gear, even in the summer, when flash rains or hail storms can change temperatures quickly. Here’s a list of a few key items to have close at hand:
Compass
First Aid Kit
Flashlight/Batteries
Insect Repellant
Map
Pocket Knife
Repair equipment (per activity)
Snacks/Food
Sunscreen / Hat
Sturdy Shoes
Toilet Paper
Water
Waterproof matches
Whistle
In addition to these items you may need repair resources for the vehicle or equipment you are using. Here’s a list of local shops that supply much of what you may need.
Springdale, Utah:
* Biking Zion (1458 Zion Park Boulevard) Bicycle rentals, equipment and repairs
* Zion Adventure Company (36 Lion Boulevard) - Equipment rentals, guides, climbing, camping, hiking and canyoneering gear.
* Zion Cycles (868 Zion Park Boulevard) - Bicycles, parts, service and rentals.
* Zion Rock and Mountain Guides (1458 Zion Park Boulevard) - Equipment rentals, guides, climbing, camping, hiking and canyoneering gear.
Hurricane, Utah:
* Over the Edge Sports (76 E 100 S) - Bicycles, parts, service and rentals.
St George, Utah:
* Bicycles Unlimited (90 S 100 E) - Bicycles, parts, service and rentals.
* Big 5 Sporting Goods(245 Red Cliffs Drive) - Hunting, fishing, camping, outerwear, footwear.
* Desert Cyclery (1091 N Bluff Street) - Bicycles, parts, service and rentals.
* Desert Rat (160 N 500 East) - Climbing, camping, hiking and canyoneering gear.
* Dixie Gun and Fish (1062 E Tabernacle)- Hunting and fishing supplies
* Hurst Ace Hardware (160 N Bluff Street)- Hunting, fishing and camping supplies
* Red Rock Bicycles (100S Bluff Street) - Bicycles, parts, service and rentals.
* Sportsman’s Warehouse (2957 E 850 N) - Hunting, fishing, camping, outerwear, footwear.
* Sunset Cycles (491 N Bluff) - Bicycles, parts, service and rentals.
Tags: biking gear, equipment, hiking gear, outdoor gear, St. George Utah, supplies, zion, Zion National Park Posted in Adventure, Biking, Camping, Hiking, St. George Utah, Zion National Park, activities
Tuesday, May 4th, 2010
Saturday, May 1st, 2010 marked the first time an Ironman Triathlon event has ever been hosted in St. George, Utah. After two years of arduous preparations approximately 2,000 male and female athletes from around the world, began the event by swimming a 2.4 distance in the cool waters of Sand Hollow Reservoir.
 Ironman triathlon competitor in Sand Hollow Reservoir Insulated with wet suits the cool waters were handled quite well by most swimmers who subsequently embarked on a 112 mile road cycling course. This stage of the race follows very scenic roads through the Utah cities of Washington, St. George, Santa Clara, Ivins, Gunlock and Veyo. With Zion National Park in the rear-view mirror, cyclists pedaled a large double loop around Snow Canyon State Park. The final stage, a 26 mile marathon, traveled a course from downtown St. George along the red rock formations that hug the northern skyline of the city.
 St. George Ironman Triathlon cycling competitor races past Red Mountain rock formation A very difficult triathlon course: Participants said that the course may be the toughest within the United States but that the scenery, when they took time to view it, was exceptional. The bike course and marathon stages both involve significant elevation changes but the weather cooperated on this day, with blue skies and mostly mild breezes.
Finishers: Michael Weiss, an Austrian residing in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was the first male to cross the Ironman triathlon finish line in a time of 8 hours, 40 minutes and 8 seconds. Weiss shared in a $50,000 cash prize with other top professional male and female finishers. Heather Wurtele, of Canada, was the top female finisher with a time of 9:35:26. She won over a group of approximately 400 women that competed in the event. There were 413 Ironman triathlon competitors from the host state of Utah and among these were many participants from the St. George area.
Ironman officials and participants alike liberally praised the local effort to organize and manage the logistics of the race, saying that this race felt more like an event that was in its 10th year rather than its first. Spectators from around St. George joined with thousands of visitors along roadways to encourage the athletes. An estimated crowd of over 10,000 lined the 140.6 mile course.
 Runners pass each other as they loop in and out of downtown in the St. George Ironman Triathlon Montana’s Ben Hoffman finished the water portion of the triathlon in 51:13 (2.4 miles), ahead of the pack, but was unable to fend of Weiss who excelled in the bike and running portions of the race.
Economically the event is said to have infused between seven and ten million dollars into the local economy. This was the first of what is intended to be an annual event, and Ironman officials indicate that the triathlon will continue for at least five years. If all goes well the event will continue indefinitely. Based on the success of this first triathlon the St. George Ironman is likely to be going strong in 20 years.
Tags: Biking, cycling, Ironman, ironman st. george, ironman triathlon, marathon, running, saint george ironman, st. george ironman, st. george triathlon, St. George Utah, triahalon, Zion National Park Posted in Cities - Towns, Events, Health & Fitness, Ironman, Lakes / Reservoirs, Sports, St. George Utah, State Parks, Zion National Park, activities
Friday, April 9th, 2010
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.
Tags: animals, bighorn sheep, birds, california condors, condors, desert, eagles, elevations, Fauna, Flora, flowers, insects, life zones, peregrine falcons, plants, rattle snakes, reptiles, riparian, species, tarantulas, wetlands, zion, Zion Canyon, zion fauna, zion flora, Zion National Park, zion park, zion utah Posted in Fauna, Fish, Flora, Mammals, Springdale Utah, Uncategorized, Zion National Park, activities, birds, virgin river, wildlife
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