12. Zion National Park

Today we’re talking about Zion National Park, one of Utah’s mighty 5! It’s tough to recall but I think it was around this time that I had the idea.. What if I painted all 63 national parks? This was at the end of 2022 and I didn’t really set a real goal till 2023. My main idea with this painting was to add another Utah to my growing states collection and of the mighty 5 national parks Zion was really the first to catch my eye. I’d been hearing about the angels landing hike and starting to create a new bucket list. Utah is still a state I haven’t been to but it’s high on my list. Angels Landing is known as a slightly dangerous climb and while I’m no adrenaline junkie there’s some views that seem worth it. Though some say skipping the chain’s and stopping at Scout’s Lookout is perfect too. But if you continue the 1488 foot peak looks out over panoramic views like the scene I painted for Zion. Another popular hike for experienced backpackers is the Narrows. Though if you hike from bottom up you can turn around whenever. Much of the hike is wading or swimming through the virgin river that runs through Zion canyon. The river is the trail so the hike varies in difficulty depending on the river’s flow. 

This park was established November 19, 1919 making it the 1st of Utah’s 5. Its location and that of the Virgin river gives it 4 distinct ecosystems:  desert, riparian, woodland, and coniferous forest. I looked up what the heck A riparian area is and found it’s the transition from the aquatic area to the upland area. Now we both know.

With the diverse ecosystems comes unique plants and animals like the Mule deer wandering the trails to the Desert Tortoise that can only be found in the lower elevation.

Zion is also home to the world’s second largest freestanding natural arch. Kolob Arch spans 287 feet, making it second only to Landscape Arch in Arches National Park and we’ll get to that one someday! Along with one day talking more about how All 5 of Utah’s national parks are international Dark sky parks. Meaning they limit light pollution in the park to give focus to the amazing night sky experience. 

Zion offers a diverse range of climbing opportunities for experienced rock climbers. I’ve gone indoor bouldering a few times in my life and could see how this park would be high on a climbers list. Speaking of height… the highest peak in the park is Horse Ranch Mountain at 8,726 ft  

 President Warren Harding famously said after being the first President to visit Zion National Park 

“I am the first President of the United States to come…but I feel sure when I tell of this trip to my successors all future Presidents will come to visit this country of wonders.” I wonder if it’s true?

I hope to visit Zion soon! Let me know in the Comments if you’ve been and what you loved! Or tell me what’s on your bucket list there.