Zion is a place where ancient native people and pioneers walked, where massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red rise into a brilliant blue sky, and where wilderness can be experienced in a narrow slot canyon. Its unique array of plants and animals adds to a landscape shaped by rich history and present-day adventure. Zion is also known for a wide range of weather conditions, with temperatures varying with changes in elevation and day and night temperatures sometimes differing by over 30°F. In summer, temperatures in Zion National Park often exceed 100°F/38°C, and from mid-July into September monsoons increase the risk of flash floods, storms, and lightning, while winters are generally mild.