•The first evidence of human use in this region dates to about 7,000 years ago when small family groups camped wherever they could collect plants, seeds, and hunt.   About 2000 years ago, some groups began growing corn and other crops. They built permanent villages (often called ''pueblos''). Between A. D. 900-1200, two distinctive puebloan farming cultures were here: the Virgin Branch Anasazi and the Parowan Fremont.  The Southern Paiute were also in the region by A. D. 1100.  While the Puebloan cultures migrated to other areas of the southwest by A.D. 1200, the Southern Paiute remained to the present day. In the mid-19th century, Euro-Americans began establishing settlements in Zion Canyon.


Early cableworks used to lower cut trees from canyon rim to canyon floor.

•Archeological sites occur throughout Zion National Park. These fragile resources provide important clues to the past. Because most sites can easily be damaged by human activities, only a few are designated as ''open'' to public viewing. With your help, these sites will remain intact and available for future generations to learn from and enjoy.

•Visit only if you are invited.
Inquire at the Zion Visitor Center about which sites are ''open'' to public viewing.

•Don't touch the art.
Oils from your skin damage pictographs (rock paintings) and petroglyphs (rock carvings).  Never deface rock art by scratching or rubbing the rock surface.   It ruins irreplaceable masterpieces, and is illegal.

•Don't eat in the living room.
Avoid picnicking in archeological sites, since crumbs attract rodents who may nest within the site.  Make sure that you pick up and carry out all of your trash and garbage.

•Don't take the knickknacks.
Leave all artifacts, including small fragments of pottery and stone chips, right where you find them for others to enjoy.  Out of context, artifacts cannot help us to understand the past.  It is illegal to remove them.

•No slumber parties.
Avoid camping in or near archeological sites.  Smoke from campfires stains walls and cliffs, and charcoal leaves a mess.  Never use wood from archeological sites in campfires.

•Don't pee in the parlor...or any other room.
Human waste left at archeological sites is unsightly and unsanitary.

•Keep your feet off the furniture.
Cultural sites, even those designated as ''open'' to visitors, are very fragile.  Walk carefully and stay on established trails.  Avoid leaning or sitting on walls and never climb on rock art panels.

•Thanks for being a courteous guest!

 

 

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