Outside Zion

Looking northeast toward lower Zion Canyon in 1995. When one is outside the canyon, the "closed in feeling" soon disappears. Its just another perspective on things. Looking Back: Almost 12,000 years ago, Zion's first peoples, who are now almost invisible,tracked mammoth, giant sloth, and camel across southern Utah. Due to climate change and overhunting, these animals died out about 8,000 years ago. Looking Ahead: In 2008, the Zion Canyon shuttle system will begin its ninth season of operation. Its expected to resume operation on March 21, 2008. Ten years ago, visitation was 2.4 million and increasing. The shuttle system was established to eliminate traffic and parking problems, protect vegatation, and restore tranquility to Zion Canyon.