Animals and Plants of Zion National Park

Nestled in the southwest corner of Utah, Zion National Park boasts a dramatic landscape carved by the Virgin River. Towering red sandstone cliffs, emerald canyons, and hidden waterfalls create a stunning backdrop for a surprising variety of plant and animal life. Despite its arid location, Zion’s unique geography, where the Colorado Plateau meets the Mojave Desert and Great Basin, fosters a rich biodiversity.

Explore over 78 mammal species, 291 bird species, and diverse plant life in Zion National Park. 

Zion National Park Wildlife

Beyond the breathtaking scenery of towering cliffs lies an area teeming with wildlife. Here are some of the animals that call Zion home: 

1. Mule Deer: These large, long-eared deer are the most common mammal in Zion. They can be spotted year-round throughout the park, especially in meadows and along roadsides at dawn and dusk.
2. Rock Squirrels: These cheeky rodents are a familiar sight in Zion, particularly near campgrounds and picnic areas. Active year-round, they forage for nuts and seeds on the canyon walls and the forest floor.
3. Desert Cottontail Rabbit: Keep an eye out for these quick critters in grassy areas and meadows, especially during the cooler evening hours. They are most active in the spring and summer months.
4. Wild Turkey: Once locally extinct, wild turkeys have made a comeback in Zion. Look for them near streams and meadows, particularly in the lower elevations, during the spring and summer.
5. Collared Lizard: These brightly colored reptiles are common throughout Zion, basking on rocks in all areas of the park. You can spot them year-round, but they are most active during the warmer months.
6. Western Fence Lizard: Another Zion lizard favorite, the Western Fence Lizard is smaller and faster than the Collared Lizard. Look for them darting around on rocks and fallen logs throughout the park year-round.
7. Canyon Wren: This energetic little bird with a loud song is a common sight in Zion’s canyons and cliffs. Listen for their calls year-round, but sightings are more frequent in the spring and summer.
8. Golden Eagle: Soaring high above the cliffs, the Golden Eagle is a majestic sight in Zion. While not as common as some other birds, they can be spotted year-round, especially in winter.
9. Steller’s Jay: This vibrant blue jay with a bold personality is a frequent visitor to campgrounds and picnic areas, particularly in the higher elevation forests of Zion. Look for them year-round.
10. Cedar Waxwing: These beautiful, nomadic songbirds flock to Zion’s berry bushes in the fall and winter, making them a seasonal treat for visitors.

Seeing the native animals of Zion is a privilege. Observe them from a distance, avoid disturbing them, and throw away your food waste properly to keep the park a healthy habitat for all creatures for years to come.

Dangerous Wildlife in Zion National Park

While Zion National Park is teeming with wildlife, there are a few animals you’ll want to be aware of due to their potential danger:

1. Rattlesnakes: These venomous snakes are the most common dangerous animal in Zion. They can be found throughout the park, especially in rocky areas and underbrush. Be sure to stay alert on hikes and trails, and give them plenty of space if you spot one.
2. Mountain Lions: Also known as cougars, these large predators are solitary and elusive. Attacks on humans are extremely rare, but it’s good to be aware of their presence. Mountain lions are more likely to be found in higher elevations of the park.
3. Bears: Black bears are the most common bear species in Utah, and sightings in Zion are rare, but not unheard of. Bears are typically more active at dawn and dusk, so be extra cautious during these times.

Here are some general safety tips to remember when encountering any wildlife in Zion:

• Never approach, harass, or feed any wild animal.
• Make noise while hiking, especially in blind corners, to avoid surprising animals.
• Keep children close and supervised.
• Store food and toiletries properly to avoid attracting animals to your campsite.
• Report any aggressive animal behavior to park rangers.

Plant Life of Zion National Park

From desert cacti to delicate ferns clinging to canyon walls, a variety of plant life thrives in Zion.

1. Utah Juniper: This hardy evergreen is a defining plant of Zion’s landscape, particularly at mid-elevations. Its twisted branches and blueberries add character to the canyons and slopes. You can spot Utah Junipers year-round.
2. Piñon Pine: Thriving on drier slopes, Piñon Pines add a touch of pine scent to Zion. These short, rounded pines with green needles produce edible pine nuts in the fall. Look for them at mid-elevations throughout the year.
3. Desert Paintbrush: A vibrant wildflower, Desert Paintbrush adds colorful splashes to Zion’s desert areas, especially in spring. Its red or orange flowers bloom prolifically, transforming dry washes into fields of color. Look for them from spring to early summer.
4. Gambel Oak: This widespread, drought-tolerant oak is another dominant tree in Zion, particularly at lower and mid-elevations. Look for its rounded leaves and acorns throughout the year.
5. Bigtooth Maple: Thriving near streams and seeps, this maple provides a pop of color with its bright green leaves in spring and summer. Its fiery red leaves in fall are a spectacular sight.
6. Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany: This evergreen shrub with distinctive curly leaves adds texture to Zion’s slopes, especially at mid-elevations. Small white flowers bloom in spring, followed by reddish fruits.
7. Desert Ninebark: Another colorful shrub, Desert Ninebark boasts clusters of white flowers in spring and vibrant red berries in summer and fall. It’s found throughout the park, but thrives near streams and canyons.
8. Sand Sagebrush: A signature plant of the lower desert areas of Zion, Sand Sagebrush is a low-growing shrub with silvery-gray leaves. Its small yellow flowers bloom in spring.
9. Prickly Pear Cactus: This iconic cactus with flat pads and spines thrives in Zion’s dry, rocky areas. Look for its beautiful yellow flowers (and potentially delicious fruits) in spring and early summer.
10. Yucca: Another desert staple, Yucca adds a spiky touch to Zion’s landscape. Several species exist in the park, with tall stalks topped by white flowers in spring and summer.