Flora and Fauna

Zion Canyon's unique geography—the park is on the Colorado Plateau and bordered by the Great Basin and Mojave Desert provinces—supports more than 900 species of plants in environments that range from desert to hanging garden to high plateau. (Those so inclined can pick up a plant identification guide at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.) And yes, poison ivy is among the plant species; if you're not sure how to recognize it, take a quick lesson from a ranger prior to your first hike.

You are more likely to see wildlife in off-seasons as the flow of visitors dips. The introduction of the park shuttle, and the exit of public automobile traffic, has led to many animals returning to the park's interior, so even in high season you can spot mule deer wandering in shady glens as you ride through the park, especially in early morning and near dusk.

The best opportunity for viewing wildlife is on the hiking trails. You'll see a large variety of lizards and you may be surprised by a Gambel's quail. Mountain lions and ringtail cats (which are not cats but are similar to a raccoons) prowl the park, but you're more likely to spot their tracks than the elusive animals themselves. Black bear are rare, and when they do stumble into park boundaries, it is in the remote high country. All animals, from the smallest chipmunk to the biggest elk, should be given plenty of space.