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ZION CANYON |
Zion Canyon:
Zion Canyon is a deep and narrow gorge in southwestern Utah, United States, carved by the North Fork of the Virgin River. Nearly the entire canyon is located within the eastern half of Zion National Park.
The beginning of the canyon is usually delineated as the Temple of Sinawava, a vertical-walled natural amphitheater nearly 3,000 feet (910 m) deep. The canyon actually begins much further upstream, however, and runs southward about 16 miles (26 km) through the Narrows to reach the Temple, where a seasonal tributary of the North Fork plunges over a tall waterfall during spring runoff and after heavy rain. The gorge then runs southwest through the national park, approaching 2,000 feet (610 m) deep in places.
To see this same view for yourself, you’ll have to hike the popular Canyon Overlook Trail. The trailhead is located immediately east of the 1.1 mile long tunnel. It begins with steps carved into sandstone that climb above the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. The winding trail travels along Pine Creek Canyon, a popular canyoneering route and the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. The hike ends at the edge of a cliff that allows a glorious view of lower Zion Canyon. The one mile round trip will take about an hour and is considered a moderately easy climb