The Grotto from Google Street View

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Description:
The Grotto Picnic Area is... a Picnic Area!  This stop on the canyon shuttle is also a jump off point to Angel's Landing. Large Cottonwoods and riparian habitat along the Virgin River here are typical of most stops along the shuttle route a the canyon floor level.  The hillsides are dry desert with some juniper and mixed oak woodland leading to the cliffs above.

Birding:
The birding here is typical of most canyon floor locations.  Most birding here is done waiting for the shuttle after a hike to Angel's Landing.  The birding is easy as the grounds are flat and expansive. CANYON and ROCK WREN are often heard singing while WHITE-THROATED SWIFT and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW flutter overhead.  BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, YELLOW WARBLER, and  HOUSE WREN are 3 of the most common species found here during the summer months and can usually be heard singing.  SUMMER TANAGER nest here and with a little looking can usually be tracked down.  The hillsides behind the Grotto have produced RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW which are probably found throughout the park in this habitat.  JUNIPER TITMOUSE and BUSHTIT can occasionally be found in the juniper here as well.

Directions:
All Zion National Park hot spots directions in Zion Canyon, or to the east will originate from the visitor center parking lot for consistency. Anything in the north and west sides of the park will come from the nearest major intersection. Catch the Zion Canyon Schedule at any pick up locations inside or outside the park. Stay on the shuttle until you reach The Grotto Picnic Area Stop. Exit the shuttle and you have arrived.