ZION NATIONAL PARK – The section of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway in Zion National Park damaged in the recent storm has been repaired and reopened. The highway was closed from Canyon Junction in Zion Canyon to the park’s East Entrance on December 20, after a storm event undercut a section of the road near Crazy Quilt Mesa and threatened to washout other sections of the road.

During the storm, the park’s road crew worked to prevented additional damage to the road and a contractor began work to repair the damaged section. The road crew was successful in preventing additional damage and the contractor has completed the repairs and the road has been reopened to normal visitor traffic.

The West Rim Trail from The Grotto to Scout Lookout has been checked and opened but hikers are advised to be aware of icy and slick areas. The East Rim Trail is clear to Echo Canyon. Due to a significant flow of water in the Echo Canyon drainage visitors are advised to not travel beyond the mouth of Echo Canyon for the next couple of days.

Travel is also not advised beyond the mouth of Hidden Canyon. Additional open trails include Weeping Rock, Pa’rus, and most of the Riverside Walk. The Riverside Walk is not currently accessible by wheelchair. Lower and Middle Emerald Pools, Sand Bench, and Watchman Trails remain closed. The route to Angels Landing and other trails have not yet been checked and conditions are unknown.

The Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive has been cleared and is open to the public. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open with a section of one-way traffic south of the Court of the Patriarchs. The Zion Lodge is also open.

Motorists and hikers are advised to be cautious while in the park. The soil is saturated and additional rockfalls and landslides can occur for several days.

Current park information can be found on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/zion.