Zion National Park Historic Trails System, Canyon Overlook, Springdale

Source document Quoted word for word from HAER UTAH,27-SPDA.V,1B-. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

Built with native materials, associated with "National Park Service-Rustic" architectural style and constructed by Civilian Conservation Corps personnel, the Canyon Overlook Trail possesses structural integrity. All stonework and pipe railings are scrutinised hy a field headquarters representative. # Researcher: James.Jurale September 12, Zion National Park Historic Trails System, Canyon Overlook Trail HAER No. UT-40-B (Page 2) The Canyon Overlook Trail is 0.5 miles long and begins across the highway from the parking area at the east end of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.

Starting quite steeply, by means of chiseled sandstone steps, the trail is constructed on a moderate grade after the initial 200 feet and follows the rock ledges above Pine Creek Canyon to a point directly above the Great Arch of Zion. This is one of Zion National Park's most popular self-guiding nature walks. The environment along the trail is entirely different from that of the canyon floor, and the hiker has the opportunity to view a great variety of spectacular sandstone formations, animals and plant life. The foot trail was completed by Civilian Conservation Corps personnel of Camp in November with the exception of guard rails which needed to be approved by the landscape architect. Construction work was supervised by Camp Superintendent F. R.

Roaelle and approved by Zion National Park Superintendent P. P. Patraw. Originally called the Great Arch Trail, it was, and continues to be, one of the most popular footpaths in the park. Man-made improvements along the trail include rock hewn steps and observation platform, dry-laid sandstone brick retaining walls, steel strut and wood plank footbridge, and metal pipe rails with brackets. The adjacent parking area was built in to "provide necessary parking space for visitor use for enjoyment of the geological features, ecological study, photo stops and improved roadway safety." It cost to construct. Bibliography U. S. Department of the Interior. Narrative Reports, Miscellaneous, 0. S. Department of the Interior. "Completion Report for Zion National Park Pullout Parking Areas,