Zion National Park is fascinating not only for its modern-day hiking trails and landscape, but it's for the incredible history that preceded it. The park wasn't always known as Zion, and it also wasn't always a nationally-recognized region. In fact, its earliest days go back to an ancient civilization that many people don't even know lived on the land before it was open to the public as a park. Along with its indigenous roots, Zion is also home to one of the most dangerous hiking trails in the world - and some of the most breathtaking desert scenery.
Here are ten more things that readers probably did not know about Zion National Park prior to visiting.
10 Before It Was Known As Zion, It Was Called This
Zion National Park only received its modern-day name during the 1800s, when the first Mormons, who were Anglo-European settlers, arrived in the region. The word 'Zion' is Hebrew for 'sanctuary' or 'refuge,' and the park was renamed to reflect this in the early 1900s. Originally, the park was designated as a national monument by former President William Howard Taft, and was called 'Mukuntuweap National Monument.'
9 The First People To Live In Zion Were Not Settlers
As with many indigenous territories in the U.S., before Zion National Park was designated, it was the home of the Anasazi people. Their culture dates back to 1500 B.C. and remnants of their original villages can still be found to this day. Those visiting can find original road networks, sandstone village ruins, and traditional rock art. Therefore, Zion is just as much an archeological marvel as it is a stunning national park.
8 Zion's Landscape Was Carved Over Millions Of Years
It's hard to believe that a canyon such as this took millions of years to create, but it's true. Over the course of century upon century, the Virgin River gradually carved away at the red rocks below, creating a gorge that resulted in the canyon we can see today. Those hiking the Zion Canyon might not even realize that they're privy to a process that is older than many of the natural landmarks in the area, creating the 20-30-foot-wide, 2,000-foot-deep Narrows that are so popular with adventurous hikers.
7 Visitors Are Lucky If They See This Endangered Species There
Zion National Park also happens to be home to the California Condor, which has been on the list of endangered species since 1967. This incredible bird is the largest in North America, with a 10-foot wingspan and the ability to soar as high as 15,000 feet at up to 55 miles per hour. Popular places to see these incredible birds include Angel's Landing and the Kolob Terrace.
6 Angel's Landing Has Both A Good And Bad Reputation
Many people know of Zion National Park due to the disorienting Angel's Landing trail. This hike is not for the faint-hearted, but it's also much more than that - its terrain and height makes it one of the most dangerous hikes in the world. Nearly 1,500 feet above the Virgin River, Angel's Landing sticks out like a sore thumb, offering up incredible views from a unique vantage point. Alternatively, it also offers narrow switchbacks, steep ledges with sheer drop-offs, and not much in between hikers and the bottom of the ravine it overlooks.
5 The Area Is Prone To Flash Floods, And This Is Also Why Its Terrain Is Ever-Changing
If canyons have shown us anything, it's the fact that moving water is a force to be reckoned with. Due to the nature of Zion and the Narrows, flash floods are more common than many people realize. Because of this, the lower part of the canyon is constantly undergoing change to its terrain, which involves the widening and deepening of the chasm. The Virgin River is a powerful force behind this, which is what pushes water through crevices with enough power to re-shape its appearance.
4 While Hiking Is The Most Popular Activity, Rock Climbing Is Also A Zion Sport
It's not uncommon for visitors to witness skilled climbers ascending the sheer rock faces of Zion's canyon. While this feat is nothing short of a daredevil's dream, it's one that takes a skilled climber to perform, as these rock faces are unforgiving and do not provide many footholds. However, this is part of the vertical allure that keeps climbers returning to the park time and time again to take on yet another canyon wall.
3 Hikers Will Need To Climb, Rappel, And Swim On This Specific Zion Trail
A visit to Zion National Park is no ordinary hiking trip. Those who get the proper permits and reserve their time to hike this trail through Zion's natural tunnel known as 'The Subway' will find themselves using a myriad of skills. Due to the nature of the terrain, hikers might find themselves at any one time reaching for their climbing gear, rappelling ropes, or simply taking a dip to swim through the deeper parts of this unique channel.
2 One Of The World's Largest Natural Arches Can Also Be Found In Zion
While Zion is known for its challenging hikes and incredible scenery, it's also known for the Kolob Arch, which is one of the largest in the world. Those hiking through the remote Kolob Canyons District will be able to find this archway, which towers in size at 287 feet in length. The curvature and distinct red color of this arch make it one of the most impressive in the world, as well, and is quite a sight for photographers and hikers alike. And that's not even the only natural archway one can find at Zion National Park!
1 Zion Is Also Part Of An Active Volcano Field
Speaking of the Kolob Canyon District, hikers probably don't even realize that they're also traversing an active volcano field that's estimated to be around 1.1 million years old. This is only one of five, the most recent of which erupted more than 200,000 years prior. Hikers shouldn't worry too much, though - it's estimated that this volcano field only erupts once every 10,000 years. While eruptions during that time are not unheard of, it's not likely that this field will see any major disturbances.