If you’ve ever wondered what’s so special about Zion (aside from the obvious) we have an answer that might surprise you—trees! Of course, the first thing that comes to mind are Zion National Park’s towering sandstone cliffs, iconic Checkerboard Mesa, the world-famous Narrows, and the powerful Virgin River. There’s so much to appreciate about this incredible high desert landscape. So if “trees” seems like a surprising answer, here’s why!
Many of Zion’s trees grow in harsh and difficult conditions—on cliffs, in rocky soil, in cracks and crevices. They somehow manage to thrive on little water and 100-degree summer heat. But these hearty, determined trees send their roots deep down to search for water and nutrients. Here are some of the most common and unique trees in and around Zion National Park and East Zion.
Pro tip: Join an East Zion Adventures Jeep tour and learn more fun facts about trees in and around Zion National Park.
Ponderosa Pine
(Pinus ponderosa)
The namesake tree of Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, the Ponderosa pine is a towering coniferous pine that can grow up to 12 inches each year until it reaches maturity—often over a whopping 200 feet! Its signature red and orange bark plates cover the distinctive thick trunk with bright green needles being key to identifying this tree. Its unique vanilla and butterscotch scent is also one of its many identifiers. These pines range everywhere from Canada to Central America usually in mountain ranges with elevations of 3,000-9,000 feet.
Fun facts:
- The Ponderosa Pine has been around since the last Ice Age.
- This tree cannot survive without fire. Low intensity fires thin out the forest floor, allowing seedlings to grow.
- Large Ponderosa pine can live for 500 or more years. Until their 150th birthday, these pines have nearly black bark, rather than their signature red.
- These pines can survive 12 lightning strikes before they die.
Utah Juniper
(Juniperus osteosperma)
Despite its small size, the Utah Juniper is an oasis for a variety of animals throughout the West. What it lacks in height is easily made up for in its extensive root system. These roots can burrow down 25 feet and as wide as 100 feet, making it drought resistant. Its distinct light grey or brown bark and rot resistant sap are key characteristics when determining this tree. It is also known for its small berry-like fruits. These fruits are waxy and blue in color and are key for the diets of animals such as jackrabbits, coyotes, and some birds. These trees can be found in some of the world’s most extreme conditions, though they thrive in Utah’s rocky East Zion hillsides at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 feet.
Fun facts:
- Utah Juniper can live to be 300 to 700 years old.
- These trees can self prune by shedding branches to ensure survival.
- Juniper trees have been used for a wide variety of medical purposes by many different cultures.
- Cedar City was named for its iconic trees… but their identity was mistaken. They are actually juniper trees!
Pinyon Pine
(Pinus edulis Engelm)
Pinyon pines are a slow growing tree that dominate the areas surrounding four corners, Nevada and Eastern California. Commonly found around the Zion area, they are known for their yellow-green needles and delicious pine nuts that hide inside their pinecones. They can grow to be 10 to 30 feet tall and thrive in elevations ranging from 4,500 and 7,500 feet. The beauty of Pinyon pines can be enjoyed in places such as the beginning of the Angels Landing trail.
Fun facts:
- Native Americans used Pinyon pine needles for tea.
- These trees are known for their pine nuts which are harvested every other year and sold in huge batches by locals.
Bristlecone Pine
(Balfourianae)
This variation of pine tree is one of the oldest living organisms on earth. Their unique root systems help to prolong life. As a portion of the roots die, only the portion of the tree that is connected to it dies. The rest of the tree continues to live. These trees usually grow to be 40-60 feet tall and are identified through the way their needles stay attached to the branches. Unlike the rest of the trees on this list, Bristlecone pines have much more niche requirements to grow. They are only found in six states and must be on exposed rocky slopes and ridges at elevations between 6500 and 11,000 feet.
Fun facts:
- Bristlecone pines are the longest-lived species in the world. A few have even lived for over 5,000 years.
- Unlike most trees that shed their needles every few years, bristlecone pines have needles that stay on the tree’s limbs for over 40 years.
- The oldest bristlecone in Bryce Canyon can be found at Yovimpa Point and is a whopping 1,600 years old. (Note: If you want to see one of these historic trees of East Zion, Bryce Canyon is just a 75-minute drive.)
Big Sagebrush
(Artemisia tridentata)
Not technically a tree, sage is one of the most abundant plants in Zion and the surrounding area. Known for its silvery grey-green three teeth leaves, sagebrush can often be found in places such as the pinyon-juniper woodlands, the Kolob Rerrace Road, and Kolob Canyons. Sage is also well known for its pleasant fragrance that is released when it is rubbed. Basic Big Sagebrush specifically is the tallest of all types of sagebrush.
Fun facts:
- Big Sagebrush is estimated to have the biggest biomass of any species of shrub in the world.
- Sage, both fresh and dried, can be used to spice up a wide range of dishes.
Visit EastZion.com to learn more about the sights and adventures and, of course, trees of East Zion and Zion National Park.