Due to its location, dry climate (1.42 inch to 0.17-inch rain on average in summer), and topography, Zion National Park is often considered a desert despite the abundance of other biomes.
However, Zion National Park is not only a desert. It contains a diversity of ecosystems, ranging from deserts, widespread pine forests, and riverine areas to woodlands.
Deserts are areas that experience pretty low rainfall, usually less than 10 inches per year, and the commonly known desert Sahara receives less than 1 inch of rain and is famous for its harsh environment.
Lack of water with temperature ranges over 50 °C during the day and -4 °C at night, scarce vegetation, and a dry climate are the most common characteristics of a desert.
The Famous Mojave Desert includes or borders four National Parks, and Zion National Park is one of them. It falls into the category of a Rainshadow desert because of its mountainous terrain.
Here, we will discuss some features of a desert, its types, what category of a biome is Zion National Park, and which areas are most desertic in this park.
So, let’s get started.
What are the main features of a desert?
The main features of a desert include:
- Unique Soil characteristics
- Severe temperatures (-4°C to 54°C)
- Harsh humidity transitions during day and night (10-50%)
- Lack of water resources & precipitation
- Wildlife endemic to this biome
Deserts are areas of extremes. They are often characterized as “dry” or “hot” and cover about 33% of Earth’s land, seeing little to almost no rainfall throughout the year.
Speedy winds, scarce cloud covers, a small population of humans, animals, plants, and salt layer formations define deserts around the world.
Unique Soil characteristics
The soil in deserts is mainly composed of sand and gravel (pebbles), which gives it the ambiance of nothingness.
In the case of Zion National Park, the soil is mainly sedimentary rocks formed by the wear and tear of old stones, giving it a red desert appearance.
Extreme temperatures (-4°C to 54°C)
In deserts, the temperature can go from very hot (50-58°C) during the day to very cold (-4°C) at night. It is due to the lack of sand’s ability to trap heat. To understand the dynamics behind it, check this article out.
Zion National Park’s temperature ranges from -2°C to 38°C on average, with rare sightings of temperatures below -8°C and above 40°C.
Harsh humidity transitions during day and night (10%-50%)
Deserts experience very low (10%-20%) humidity in the daytime, but in comparison, it is relatively high (50%) at night.
Humidity in Zion National Park hovers in the range of 13%-58%.
Lack of water resources and precipitation
Water resources are scarce with very little rainfall, and water sources in deserts are often known as “Oasis.”
Zion National Park experiences 0.17-1.42 inches of rain in the summer months on average.
If you are interested in learning more about desert water conservation, its use, and its deficiencies, check this article.
Wildlife endemic to this biome
Deserts contain animals and plants that have adjusted to the environment; for example, desert reptiles (lizards) and cactus.
Zion National Park is home to over 1000 species of plants and 423 species of animals (aquatic, mammals, birds, and reptiles), with an abundance of them having desert species character.
What are the 5 types of deserts?
The world’s deserts can be split into five classes:
- Polar deserts
- Subtropical deserts
- Coastal deserts
- Inland deserts
- Rainshadow deserts
Polar Deserts, located at the poles of the Earth
Antarctica is known to be the biggest polar desert in the world. As the name suggests, they are cold, and despite the immensity of the water, it is mostly frozen.
Due to the freezing environment, plants are scarcer compared to other deserts.
Subtropical Deserts, the hottest type of desert
Subtropical deserts are characterized by hot temperatures, warm soils, and extremely low rainfall.
They are present in South and North America, Australia, Asia, and Africa. The Sahara desert is an example of this kind.
Coastal Deserts, the driest type of desert
Coastal deserts are the consequence of cold currents from the ocean. There can be fog, but they are usually rainless. Atacama (the driest desert) and Namib (the oldest) deserts are examples of this type.
Interior or Inland Deserts
Interior or Inland Deserts are the product of winds losing moisture before reaching the center, creating a lack of dampness.
China’s and Mongolia’s Gobi desert is an example of this type. Also, some parts of the Sahara can be considered inland deserts.
Rainshadow Deserts, located in mountainous regions
Rainshadow deserts happen due to mountain ranges in the wind’s path, especially in the western winds, which results in air losing moisture before crossing the mountain. Nevada’s Death Valley is an example of this desert.
Zion National Park is on the boundary of the Mojave Desert, which is a Rainshadow desert.
What type of biome is Zion National Park?
Zion National park is the culmination of the following biomes:
- Deserts
- Riverine areas
- Woodland
- Coniferous forest
Desert segments in Zion National Park
Zion National Park falls into the category of a semi-dry desert. Sand and gravel are the land features in this biome.
There are a variety of plants having sticky coatings; for example, cacti, and animals ranging from snakes, desert tortoises (endangered species), lizards, and rats to some insects like spiders and scorpions.
Riverine Areas of Zion National Park
Riverine/Riparian areas are located near water networks, e.g., river banks or streams, serving as shelters for various wildlife and are known as “wetlands.”
Due to the presence of water, it has vegetation all around and provides a clean and natural habitat for aquatic animals.
Woodlands in Zion National Park
Woodlands involve a diverse range of plant life, and these are a shift between forests, grasslands, and deserts.
In Zion National Park, this biome ranges from small trees and bushes to evergreen trees. The animals in this biome are birds, e.g., Mexican Spotted owls (endangered species) and reptiles.
Coniferous forest of Zion National Park
The coniferous forest biome in Zion National Park contains pine trees with their evergreen needle-like leaves, which are the most common tree types and the largest trees in the park.
What are the most desertic parts of Zion National Park?
The Southwest desert is the most desertic part of Zion National Park. In it, there are four trails, each providing a pleasant experience for nature lovers.
- The Petrified Forest/Chinle trail
- Huber Wash
- Coalpits Wash
- Scoggins Wash
Petrified Forest Trail
More commonly known as the Chinle trail, it is quite an easy trail and the only official trail in the park. But it goes through Huber Wash, Coalpits Wash, and Scoggins Wash.
This route is the hottest, and due to many elevations and drops, it is pretty hard to tread during the summer, but during cooler months, it shines due to less traffic of people.
After passing the Huber Wash, the trail leads to a Petrified Forest, where several petrified bits are present. Check this article to find out the secret behind the formation of this trail.
Huber Wash Walk
Huber Wash is barely two miles long and can be an alternative start to Chinle. It is a short hike, and it is usually dry with occasionally muddy patches.
There is roughly little to no elevation change in the route, so it is easy to walk on. The most promising feature of this Wash is the cryptobiotic soil, which holds great importance because of its ability to resist erosion.
This route ends at a dry waterfall, but for adventurous people, you can work your way around and explore new grounds. Remember, unexplored regions can be dangerous.
Coalpits Wash Walk
Coalpits Wash provides a long hiking trip and is known for dark-colored volcanic rocks from where its name originated.
It is a critical drainage point, so a small amount of water is flowing through the passage, which is the cause of the greenery around it.
In the narrow paths of this Wash, there are some oil & drill ruins, and most people prefer to turn back from here. Also, treading on this path is tough, and it is quite a long hike at a minimum a day.
Scoggins Wash Walk
Scoggins Wash is a branch of Coalpits Wash. There is some flow of water in the upper region of this Wash, which provides quite a scenic view.
The starting sections are pretty easy to handle, but as you move upward, the path becomes narrower. Also, it provides a pleasant winter hike experience and is the best way to get away from the crowd.
Check out the official website for full details on hiking activities, and for information on campsites, visit nps.gov. And if you’re planning a long trip to the park, check out our 11 tips for long-distance trips.
Conclusion
Several campers, hikers, activity enthusiasts, climbers, explorers, bird watchers, and luxury seekers visit this park throughout the year.
According to NPS, since 2010, approx. 90% increase has been observed in visits, and it is expected to continue to rise. Check out the complete statistics here.
Keep in mind that Zion National Park encompasses an immense ecological community. It isn’t a simple desert and holds great importance as a cultural site, and is home to a vast diversity of rare flora and fauna.
Before closing off, check out the Top 11 attractions in Zion National Park to not miss out on any attractions.
