Happy Birthday Zion National Park!

Happy 97th Birthday Zion National Park! Utah is home to five national parks, all beautiful, but all of them incredibly diverse in their geological makeup. Perhaps most unique out of the ‘The Mighty 5‘ is Zion National Park,  a 147,000 acre protected parkland located in the Southwest corner of the state, about 40 miles from St. George, Utah.

The stunning main centerpiece Zion Canyon is impossible to miss. At 15 miles long and half a mile deep, exploring the canyon can keep adventurers busy for days.

 

Zion also is home to two of the most remarkable and sought after hikes in all of the United States. The Zion Narrows is an out of this world experience, as you hike through a narrow slot canyon up to your chest in the chilly water from the Virgin River. Look up and be amazed the Navajo Sandstone walls that seemingly rise to the sky. The Narrows is truly one of the best hikes you will ever do in your life, but please make sure to consult the Park Ranger station before attempting. Flash floods are common, which have resulted in numerous fatalities over the years.

Like the Narrows, the Subway is a strenuous 9+ mile hike which even can involve repelling. But the surreal pools that await you are like nothing you have ever seen before.

High above the Virgin River lies Angel’s Landing. Famous for its dizzying final half mile, this hike is not for the faint of heart or those with an extreme fear of heights. Holding on tight to the bolted chains on either side, hikers try not to look down at the steep drop-offs to their left and right. But once you reach the top, the view is one of the best in the west, making the fear-inducing hike worth every minute.

We could go on and on about how much we love Zion National Park, but we think the photos speak for themselves. November 19th marks 97 years since Zion National Park was established in 1919. As this amazing piece of American nature approaches its centennial, we only hope that the park remains respected and protected for generations to come.

Thank you to the great photographers who contributed their photos to help us celebrate Zion’s birthday. First and foremost, the incredible film and photos from More Than Parks. Other contributing photographers included:
Scotty Perkins, Danica Cusack, Josh Carlisle, Sean Ensch, Dustin-LeFevre, Matt Anderson, Mark Gvazdinskas, Kyle Ford, Michael Bonocore, Casey McCallister, Scott-Donschikowski, Oscar Nilsson, Mike Diaz, Cindi Roddan