Desert plants such as cactus, yucca, mesquite, and sagebrush grow in hot, dry areas. Along rivers and streams you will find trees including cottonwood, box elder, and velvet ash. Ferns, grasses, and wildflowers grow on these wet trails. A forest of juniper and pinyon pine covers the sunny slopes. On the higher plateaus are ponderosa pine, firs, and even aspen trees.
Wildflowers bloom from spring through late summer in various parts of the park.
Zion is home for a large variety of animals. Over 60 kinds of mammals have been found in the park, including mice, rabbits, coyotes, foxes, porcupines, skunks, ringtail cats, bobcats, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep. Elk and black bears are occasionally seen on the higher plateaus. Visitors commonly see mule deer, squirrels, and a variety of bats. About 271 kinds of birds are found in the park, ranging from hummingbirds to eagles.