Some Zion National Park Roads Reopen After Flooding

Date: September 27, 2014

Some roads in Zion National Park roads have been reopened after being closed earlier today due to flooding. The only remaining closures are the Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive in the northern section of the park, the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway (State Route 9) and the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive which will remain closed beyond Zion Canyon Lodge. Road crews are working to open these closed roads as soon as it is safe to do so.

Thunderstorms dropped from 1.5 to 2 inches of rain this morning and early afternoon in the park causing numerous debris flows of rocks and mud across portions of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and the Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway (State Route 9). Park maintenance staff was able to remove the debris from some the roadways and safely reopen them to park visitors. Road crews discovered a significant washout on the road near the small tunnel on the Zion-Mt Carmel Highway (State Route 9) and are assessing the damage. This section of road is expected to reopen later tonight or earlytomorrow.

All park facilities in Zion National Park are open including the visitor centers, museum, campgrounds and Zion Lodge. The Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive will remain closed until road crews can clear debris from the road. The Zion Canyon Shuttle system is operating in both the park and neighboring Springdale. There have been no injuries reported from this incident.