What is special about Zion National Park?
Colorful sandstone canyons, hot rocky deserts, and cool forested plateaus are all part of Zion National Park. Zion Canyon is the largest and most visited canyon in the park. Here, the Virgin river has carved a spectacular forge into the red and white sandstone. The floor of the canyon is covered with trees, grasses and the river. The canyon walls loom high above; in most places they are 2,000 to 3,000 feet high. East of the Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel, you can see fascinating shapes and patterns at the top of the sandstone layers. The southern part of the park is a lower, desert area. Here, colorful mesas are bordered by rocky canyons and washes. The northern sections of the park are from volcanoes and petrified wood from ancient forests. The northern sections of the park are higher plateaus. The cool, green forests overlook broad panoramas of rugged canyon country. Elevation and Climate Elevations in Zion range from about 3,800 feet to almost 9,000 feet. The climate varies greatly with the
