Zion National Park is located in Southwestern Utah near the towns of Mt. Carmel on the east and Springdale on the West. Accessible from Highway 89 North from Arizona and Highway 15 from Nevada. Part of the Grand Staircase of the Colorado Plateau, the North Fork of the Virgin River flows directly through Zion Canyon, which later meets up with the East Fork which then becomes the Virgin River flowing West. Zion is positioned South of Bryce Canyon and North of Grand Canyon, sort of the "Middle step" in te grand staircase between the other two parks. Thought to be inhabited by both the Anasazi and Paiute Native American tribes, Zion was then settled by Mormon Pioneers in the 1860s. Eventually it was established as Zion National Park.Many species of beautiful trees, plants and animals thrive in the canyon alongside the Virgin River including tortoises, mountain lions, bats, and tarantulas.. On the rim, you'll find Elk, Peregrine falcons and Aspen trees. The high cliff walls are very beautiful as they wind through the canyon back to the big bend area of the park and the Temple of Sinawava. On the East end, you'll find a completely differnent landscape with interesting rock formations that look like they could right at home on the moon. One of the most dramatic is "Checkerboard Mesa" which has unique square patterns all the way to the top. The road leading down into Zion from the east entrance is one of the best roads in America. Incredible scenery and many switchback curves leading down to the canyon floor.

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