10 Reasons This Utah National Park Is One Of The Most Popular In The U.S.
America’s national parks are our country’s gems, and parks across the country received 331 million visitors last year. Utah’s national parks are some of the most stunning in the park system, and one, in particular, made the list of the top 10 most-visited during 2016. Here are ten reasons that Zion National Park is one of the most popular parks in the United States.
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People come from all over the world to see Zion; it's the third most-visited national park in the country (Great Smoky Mountains National Park was number one, and Grand Canyon National Park was second on the list).
Its beauty is unparalleled. Spend just a few minutes at Zion, and you'll be enchanted, awe-struck... and probably hooked for life.
The beautiful Virgin River and its tributaries are a constant presence in Zion. The river has carved through canyons over the course of millions of years, and it's very steep. Along its 160 miles, it drops a total of 7,800 feet.
While some of Zion's trails are difficult, visitors of all ages and abilities will find several trails that are easily accessible. The most popular trail is the Riverwalk trail, which is two miles long and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Some of Zion's trails require technical skills and special permits, but those who are up for the challenge will see parts of the park that most don't. There are two ways to access The Subway, but both are at least nine miles long and the route from the top down includes swimming through frigid water and rappelling skills.
A lack of light pollution makes it easier to see the stars at Zion. You'll want to spend some time stargazing during your visit.
In even the most forbidding landscape, you'll find signs of life at Zion National Park. This little tree grows right up out of the rock on Angel's Landing.
Whether you're satisfied with an easy stroll, or here to push yourself to your limits, Zion's natural beauty surrounds you, and you'll definitely want to take a moment to sit and enjoy the scenery.
Want to feel a sense of accomplishment? Hike Angel's Landing — a 4.1-mile round-trip hike that takes you up 1,617 feet up the spine of a mountain.
From the tiniest chipmunk to the most majestic bighorn sheep, you'll find plenty of wildlife throughout the park.
With this much natural beauty, you'll be pulling out your camera around every corner.
What’s your favorite reason to visit Zion National Park? Tell us in the comments!
