History of Zion National Park in Timeline

Zion National Park, situated in southwestern Utah, is a unique geographical marvel where the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert converge. This junction fosters remarkable biodiversity across its four life zones: desert, riparian, woodland, and coniferous forest, supporting diverse flora and fauna, including hundreds of bird species and numerous mammals and reptiles. The park's landscape is characterized by mountains, canyons, mesas, and the prominent Zion Canyon, a 15-mile-long gorge carved by the North Fork of the Virgin River through reddish Navajo Sandstone. The park's elevation ranges from 3,666 ft to 8,726 ft. With over 5 million visitors in 2023, Zion remains a popular destination.

1900: Cableworks built to lower lumber

In 1900, David Flanigan built cableworks to lower lumber into Zion Canyon from Cable Mountain.

1904: Paintings Exhibited at Saint Louis World's Fair

In 1904, Frederick S. Dellenbaugh's paintings of the canyon were exhibited at the Saint Louis World's Fair.

1906: Lumber lowered by Cableworks

By 1906, more than 200,000 board feet of lumber had been lowered via the Cableworks.

July 31, 1909: Mukuntuweap National Monument Created

On July 31, 1909, President William Howard Taft created Mukuntuweap National Monument.

1909: Mukuntuweap National Monument Established

In 1909, President William Howard Taft designated the area as Mukuntuweap National Monument to protect the canyon.

1909: Farming Ends

In 1909, farming on the canyon floor ended when Zion became a Monument.

1910: Automobile Roads Upgraded

Around 1910, old wagon roads were upgraded to automobile roads.

1917: Touring Cars Reach Zion Canyon and Wylie Camp Established

By the summer of 1917, touring cars could reach Zion Canyon, and the first visitor lodging, Wylie Camp, was established as a tent camp.

1917: Name Change Proposed

In 1917, the acting director of the National Park Service proposed changing the name of the monument to Zion.

1917: Road Built into Zion Canyon

In 1917, the road into Zion Canyon was built, leading to the Grotto.

1918: Proposal to Rename to Zion National Monument

In 1918, Horace Albright, acting director of the National Park Service, proposed enlarging the monument and renaming it Zion National Monument.

November 19, 1919: Zion National Park Established

On November 19, 1919, Congress established Zion National Park.

1923: Utah Parks Company Acquires Wylie Camp

In 1923, the Utah Parks Company, a subsidiary of the Union Pacific Railroad, acquired Wylie Camp and offered tours to Zion and nearby areas.

1924: The Deadwood Coach Film

In 1924, The Deadwood Coach film was released, featuring Zion National Park.

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1925: Zion Lodge Built

In 1925, the Zion Lodge complex was built at the site of the Wylie tent camp.

1926: Angel's Landing Trail Constructed

In 1926, Angel's Landing Trail was constructed, and two suspension bridges were built over the Virgin River.

1927: Arizona Bound and Nevada Films

In 1927, the films Arizona Bound and Nevada, both featuring Zion National Park, were released.

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1927: Zion-Mount Carmel Highway Construction

In 1927, work began on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway to improve access between Springdale and the east side of the park.

1930: Zion-Mount Carmel Highway Opens

In 1930, the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway opened, leading to increased park visits and travel in the area.

January 22, 1937: Kolob Canyons Proclaimed Zion National Monument

On January 22, 1937, the Kolob Canyons area was proclaimed as a separate Zion National Monument.

1937: Kolob Section Proclaimed Zion National Monument

In 1937, the Kolob section was proclaimed a separate Zion National Monument.

1947: Ramrod Film

In 1947, the film Ramrod, featuring Zion National Park, was released.

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July 11, 1956: Kolob Canyons Incorporated into Zion National Park

On July 11, 1956, the Kolob Canyons area was incorporated into Zion National Park.

1956: Kolob Section Incorporated into Zion National Park

In 1956, the Kolob section was incorporated into Zion National Park.

1969: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Film

In 1969, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, featuring Zion National Park, was released.

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1973: Desert Bighorn Sheep Reintroduced

In 1973, Desert bighorn sheep were reintroduced in Zion National Park.

April 12, 1995: Landslide Blocks Virgin River

On April 12, 1995, heavy rains triggered a landslide that blocked the Virgin River in Zion Canyon, trapping guests at the Zion Lodge. A temporary road was constructed to allow evacuation.

May 25, 1995: Temporary Road Completed

On May 25, 1995, a more stable temporary road was completed to allow summer visitors to access the canyon after the landslide.

1996: Permanent Road Constructed

In 1996, a permanent road replaced the temporary road that was built after the landslide.

2000: Public Transportation System Instituted

In the year 2000, a public transportation system using propane-powered shuttle buses was instituted in Zion Canyon to address traffic congestion. The shuttle fleet includes two electric trams each holding up to 36 passengers.