Zion National Park bursting at the seams during Independence Day weekend

Crowds at the entrance to the Narrows file photo for illustration purposes, Zion National Park, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of the National Park Service, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Zion National Park was already full by 10 a.m. Saturday morning, so park officials temporarily closed the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. All parking lots are at capacity, according to park officials.

Visitors in Zion National Park boarding the shuttle at the Temple of Sinawava during a holiday weekend, Springdale, Utah, May 30, 2022 | Photo provided by the National Park Service

“We’ve temporarily suspended vehicle entry at the south and east entrance. All parking is full,” Jonathan Shafer, public affairs specialist at the National Park Service said. “We are partnering with the Town of Springdale to actively manage traffic and direct visitors to parking so that they can enter the park more efficiently. As part of that operation, we may temporarily suspend vehicle entry.”

Although drivers cannot enter the park, visitors can ride the free Springdale Line Shuttle to the park’s pedestrian/bicycle entrance. 

The pedestrian/bicycle entrance will remain open all weekend. The park will resume vehicle entry as other visitors exit the park. Shafer said that shuttles in Springdale and Zion would operate on their regular summer schedule throughout the weekend. 

For those who may need to travel to communities on either side of the park during the holiday weekend, Shaffer suggests avoiding heavy traffic by using alternate routes such as:

  • Utah 20
  • Utah 14 
  • US 89 – Arizona 389 – Utah 59 

Staff from Zion are also working with Springdale to prepare for the town’s Independence Day Parade, which will close State Route 9 from about 8:30 a.m. until mid-morning on Monday, July 4. 

“When planning a visit, it’s always important to check current conditions to assess the risk of rain and consequent flash floods,” Shafer said. “Remember that fires are not currently allowed in Watchman or South Campground, and bring and drink plenty of water.”

For the Independence Day weekend, Shafer said the National Park Service also anticipates:  

  • Long lines at entrance stations, visitor centers, restrooms, and trailheads.  
  • Lengthy waits to board park shuttles in Springdale and Zion National Park.  
  • Intermittent closures at the park’s east and south vehicle entrance stations.  
  • Heavy traffic in Springdale and throughout the park.  

Visitors can find updates using our website or @ZionNPS on Twitter throughout the weekend. You do not need an account to see updates at www.twitter.com/ZionNPS

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

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