Zion's 229 square miles (147,000 acres) range in elevation from 3666 feet above sea level to 8726 feet. Its name is a Hebrew word referring to a place of safety or refuge and was given to the canyon by Mormon pioneers in the 1860s. In 1909 it became Mukuntuweap National Monument and in 1919 became Zion National Park.
Nearly 800 native species of plants call Zion home, as well as 75 species of mammals, 271 birds, 32 reptiles and amphibians, and 8 fish. Sightings of mule deer, rock squirrels, lizards, roadrunners, and songbirds are common. Rare or endangered species include peregrine falcons, Mexican spotted owls, spinedance fish, and the unique Zion snail.
Kolob Arch is the world's largest with a span of 310 feet and can only be reached by hiking in from either the Hop Valley Trail or the LaVerkin Creek Trail.
Temperatures range from 72 degrees to 110 degrees between May and October. Winter temperatures often reach 40 degrees, and little snow reaches the Canyon floor, though accumulations can occur on the plateaus. Average annual precipitation is 15 inches.
A backpack permit cost me $5 in 1999 for a one night stay. You must declare which campsite you will use in the backcountry. Only 2 trails lend themselves to backpacking: the 11.6 mile East Rim Trail and the 14 mile West Rim Trail. Both are ranked as strenuous. I did the west Rim Trail which has an elevation gain of 1265 feet and a loss of 4825 feet when done north to south. See my photos section and captions for more info.
The 16 mile hike through The Narrows involves walking in the Virgin River and can be dangerous due to flash flooding. You may do a short day hike without a permit. A through day hike or overnight hike require a shuttle and a $5 per person permit.
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