Explore Zion National Park’s dramatic elevation changes—from high desert plateaus to canyon depths—plus how its geography shapes wildlife, outdoor activities, and surrounding towns.

Table of Contents

Where is Zion National Park?

Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah near the town of Springdale. It lies within the Colorado Plateau region and features a mix of desert and forest environments shaped by erosion and tectonic activity.

Size and Landscape

Zion covers 229.058 square miles (146,597 acres), offering visitors access to towering canyon walls, high mesas, rivers, and woodlands. The park’s rich topography supports varied plant life and weather conditions, depending on elevation.

Wildlife and Visitors

Several million visitors explore Zion each year, often drawn by its famous hikes and rock formations. Common animals include cougars, bobcats, coyotes, mule deer, squirrels, lizards, eagles, and bighorn sheep.

Elevation Basics

  • Historical elevation relevance: Zion has been home to various Native American groups for thousands of years. Mormon settlers arrived in 1858 and later supported naming it Zion. It became a national monument in 1909 and a national park in 1919.
  • Ecological zones: Zion includes four life zones—desert, riparian, woodland, and coniferous forest—each influenced by elevation.
  • Recreational variety: Activities like hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and camping are shaped by the park's changing elevation and terrain.

Must-Know Elevation Points

  • Elevation span: The park has a dramatic elevation range of 5,060 feet (1,543 m), from its lowest to highest point.
  • Highest point: Horse Ranch Mountain – Located in Kolob Canyons, this peak reaches 8,726 feet (2,660 m).
  • Lowest point: Coal Pits Wash – Found in the southwestern part of the park at 3,666 feet (1,117 m).
  • High desert elevations: Range from 3,500–5,000 feet (1,067–1,524 m).
  • Canyon rim elevations: Range from 5,500–7,500 feet (1,676–2,286 m).
  • Upper elevations: Can exceed 8,000 feet (2,438 m).

Springdale and Utah Context

  • Gateway town: Springdale – This community sits at 3,898 feet (1,188 m) and provides key access to the park.
  • Utah’s elevation ranking: Utah is the third-highest U.S. state, with an average elevation of 6,100 feet (1,860 m), behind only Colorado and Wyoming.
  • Comparison with Bryce Canyon: Zion generally has lower elevations than Bryce Canyon National Park.
  • Utah’s high/low points:
  • Major city elevations:
    • Salt Lake City: 4,226 ft (1,288 m)
    • West Valley City: 4,304 ft (1,312 m)
    • Provo: 4,551 ft (1,387 m)
    • West Jordan: 4,373 ft (1,333 m)

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