We have done a number of trips to Zion National Park in Utah and we have done all of the established trails, and quite a few routes frequented by hikers who scramble, canyoneer, or explore the ridges, canyons, and mountains of the area.

This view was taken from the top of Checkerboard Mesa.

On sandstone ledges we have often found desert Indian paintbrush (castilleja chromosa or angustifolia) in dry, open areas in sandy, gravelly soil.

paintbrush

We expect to encounter arrow-leaved balsam root (balsamorhiza sagittata).   From the USDA Dept. of Agriculture:

“Like the rest of the sunflower family, its “flowers” are actually inflorescences composed of numerous tiny flowers (florets) that take up different jobs: each of the ‘petals,’ for instance, is actually a single floret bearing one enormous petal and a few minute ones; when taken together, these “ray florets” create the illusion of a ring of petals. The inflorescence is bigger than a silver dollar but smaller than a CD; about the size of a small floppy disk.”

arrow-leaved balsam root

In some of the driest, sandy areas we have come across desert wild rhubarb (rumex hymenosepalus).   It is a perennial that groups from tuberous roots.   It was widely used for traditional medicinal purposes.

desert rhubarb

A frequent sighting is desert evening primrose (Oenothera caespitosa var. marginata) in bloom, especially in the morning before the afternoon sun withers the inflorescence.

evening primrose

In the spring we have often encountered yucca in flower.    “Zion is home to five different species of yucca: the Banana or Datil yucca (Yucca baccata), Narrowleaf yucca (Yucca angustissima), Kanab yucca (Yucca kanabensis), Utah yucca (Yucca utahensis), and Mohave datil (Yucca vespertina). Each of these yucca are well adapted to living in a dry environment.” (National Parks)

yucca flower

We like the east side of Zion National Park the best and we try to scramble across the slickrock to create our own off-trail routes.

In spring we have spotted some spreading phlox in bloom, with the roots often in a protected slot near a seep layer in the rock.   There are many varieties, including one called Zion phlox (phlox jonesii Wherry).

phlox

We have many photos from our hiking trips to the Zion area,  more of which will be shared over time.