Zion National Park, Utah, United States

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Utah's first national park. Zion National Park, Utah, United States

Standing in Zion National Park in Utah, United States, it is impossible not to feel small. Massive sandstone cliffs, sculpted over millions of years, rise towards the sky. It became a national park in 1919, but its history stretches much further back. The Ancestral Puebloans and later the Southern Paiute people lived here, relying on the Virgin River. Evidence of their presence remains in petroglyphs and archaeological sites. Today, the river continues to carve through the landscape, creating canyons that attract hikers and climbers.

The park's highest point, Horse Ranch Mountain, stands at 2,660 metres, while the lowest, Coalpits Wash, sits at 1,117 metres. Trails lead visitors from riverbanks to ridgelines. Angels Landing is one of Zion's famous hikes, offering a steep climb and breathtaking views. Observation Point, a longer but less exposed trek, sits even higher, overlooking Zion Canyon. For those who prefer a more relaxed route, the Emerald Pools Trail offers waterfalls, lush vegetation and shaded pathways. This national park has a diverse plant and animal life. It is home to 289 bird, 79 mammal, 28 reptile, 7 fish and 6 amphibian species. Flora ranges from towering ponderosa pines to delicate hanging gardens clinging to the canyon walls. Zion doesn't just impress—it leaves a lasting mark.