The Virgin River carved Zion Canyon out of the same rock layers as the rest of southern Utah, creating a gorgeous red canyon. The steep 2,000 foot tall cliff walls support vertical gardens, spotting the red rock with green plants and trees.
It became a national monument, called Mukuntuweap National Monument in 1909 and became Zion National Park in 1919, using the Mormon settlers name for the area.
The beautiful scene is not a secret. Zion is the most visited and famous National Park in Utah, and the fourth most visited National Park in America. Park visitation has increased so much in the last decade that the park infrastructure and resources are strained. Similar to Yosemite National Park, most of the park’s attractions are in the valley, so the visitors are confined to a relatively small area. It definitely feels crowded.
via Zion National Park and Snow Canyon State Park — tinned sokuls
Scratch off map – National Parks
Best of the Midwest! Hiking - nature - photography 
Beautiful pictures!
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Thank you
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One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. It’s on my list of places to go back now that I know more about photography.
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Gorgeous!!! This is my front yard.
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Wow, this park looks beautiful and I think I’ve seen it in the movies before.
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Zion & Bryce are both magnificent; thank you for bringing some light into our dark days!
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Zion is one of my most favorite National Parks! Can’t wait to get back!
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