In 1909 an area of 229 miles near Springdale, Utah in the southwestern portion of the state was established as the Mukuntuweap National Monument. Ten years later, in 1919, this same area became Zion National Park. (The Kolob portion of this region was, for a time, a separate Zion National Monument, but has been part of the Zion National Park since 1956.)

In this corner of Utah a geographic trifecta brings together the Colorado Plateau, the Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert. The result is a breathtaking combination of dramatic cliffs and canyons marked by a high degree of plant and animal diversity. Zion National Park offers hiking at all levels of difficulty, cycling, multiple zones in which to view wildflowers and to enjoy fall color, and the park is home to 271 species of birds.

A photographer could not be happier or have more dramatic landscapes at his disposal than those found in Zion National Park. Utah itself is a picturesque state, but the park raises that level of landscape to breathtaking heights. The high plateaus, deep and narrow sandstone canyons, and the gorge carved by the North Fork of the Virgin River are tailor made for landscape photography. Even amateurs find it hard to take a bad picture in Zion National Park.

There are two campgrounds in Zion National Park, the South Campground, which operates on a "first come, first serve" basis, and the Watchman Campground where it is possible to make a reservation. At Watchman, where sites run $16 a night, an extra $2 will get you a site with electricity. (Sites by the river are $20.) Be advised that both campgrounds fill up quickly, so plan to arrive before noon. Also note that while there are restroom facilities, there are no showers available.

At Lava Point in the park there are six primitive campsite spaces that will accommodate a vehicle up to nineteen feet in length. As the name "primitive" suggests there is no water available and thus, no fee. Numerous privately owned and run campgrounds surround the park.

Pets are welcome in the park as long as they are kept on leashes that are no more than six feet in length. Pets are not allowed in any of the public buildings and may only be walked on the Pa'rus Trail. Be especially careful about leaving your pet in your vehicle while exploring portions of the park. It is not uncommon for the internal temperature of a vehicle to climb over 120 degrees in only a few minutes. Neighboring towns have kennel facilities where you may board your pet even for a few hours.

Spring tends to be stormy in Zion National Park. Utah has regular afternoon thunderstorms at this time of the year and in portions of the park there is a danger of flash flooding. Be sure to observe all warning signs. Summer days range in temperature from 95 to 110 degrees. Both fall and winter tend to be mild although snow is quite common in the park in the winter months making the landscapes even more beautiful.

Without question Zion National Park is one of the jewels in our National Park system. It is a landscape characterized by great drama and diversity. Primarily a park for active lovers of the outdoors - hikers and their ilk - it is hard to go wrong with a visit to this majestic country.