How did Zion National Park get its name?

Mormon settlers made the theme by giving religious significance to some of the features in the canyon - there's a bit of background about it here (Zion National Park). In particular, one rock formation near the entrance had a resemblance to a temple, and it kind of went on from there. read more

The park was originally a seasonal camping ground for the Paiute Indians, but was settled by Mormons in the 1850s who farmed the area and named it Zion, which means ";place of refuge". read more

In 1917, the acting director of the newly created National Park Service visited the canyon and proposed changing its name from the locally unpopular Mukuntuweap to Zion, a name used by the local Mormon community. The United States Congress added more land and established Zion National Park on November 19, 1919. read more

The park’s main attraction is Zion Canyon, at its south end, which exhibits stunning rock monoliths and eroded canyon walls cut by the Virgin River over time. Some of Zion’s most recognized natural wonders are the 2,200-foot Great White Throne, its most famous landmark, the Court of the Patriarchs, Angel’s Landing and the Watchman, which guards its south entrance. read more