The term "Grand Staircase" refers to a sequence of sedimentary rock layers that form a massive "staircase" between Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon. Each canyon's cliff edge acts as a giant step displaying the earth's geologic history and its layers. As one moves down the geologic column, each successive rock layer is older than the previous one. The oldest exposed formation in Bryce Canyon is the youngest remaining layer in Zion Canyon. Likewise, the floor of Zion Canyon is Kaibab Formation, which is the same formation one stands on at the Grand Canyon's rim. As one stands at the South Rim looking into the depths of the grandest canyon of them all, one is witnessing some 2 billion years of geologic history.

Your Guide to the National Parks by Michael J. Oswald

We could not visit Zion in the morning because a storm caused mudslides, and a large boulder rolled onto the entrance road. We returned before the sunset and had only a few hours before it grew dark. This page does not do justice to this beautiful park. We will be back.