News Release

2024 Winter Schedule and Thanksgiving Weekend Expectations in Zion National Park

Visitors line up for shuttle service during winter break in 2023.

NPS Image / Ally O'Rullian

News Release Date: November 26, 2024

Contact: [e-mail], 435-772-0162

SPRINGDALE, Utah – Fall is turning to winter in Zion National Park! Every year, the National Park Service (NPS) adjusts shuttle schedules and campground availability to reflect the seasons. Here is what you need to know to plan your visit as we get closer to winter:  

Thanksgiving Weekend 
Holiday weekends are busy in Zion. To keep a thankful attitude during this time of year, visitors should anticipate:   

• Lengthy waits to board park shuttles in Springdale and Zion National Park.  

• Long lines at entrance stations, visitor centers, restrooms and at trailheads.  

• Heavy traffic in Springdale and throughout the park. 

 
Fall shuttle service ends Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 

• Private vehicles can access the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive from Monday, Dec. 2 until Thursday, Dec. 19. 

• Plan for limited parking; when parking in Zion Canyon is full, the NPS may temporarily close Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.  

• If parking is unavailable in your desired location, be prepared to park at an alternate location and adjust your plans accordingly. 

• Only park in designated parking areas. 

 
Holiday shuttle service begins Friday, Dec. 20, 2024  

• Shuttle service will resume in Zion Canyon and Springdale from Friday, Dec. 20 through Sunday, Dec. 29. 

• During these ten days, visitors cannot drive private vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.  

• If parking is unavailable at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, be prepared to park in Springdale. 

  
Holiday shuttle service ends Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024  

• The last day of holiday shuttle service in Zion Canyon and Springdale is Dec. 29.  

• Private vehicles can access the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive starting Monday, Dec. 30.  

• Plan for limited parking; when parking in Zion Canyon is full, the NPS may temporarily close Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.  

• If parking is unavailable in your desired location, be prepared to park at an alternate location and adjust your plans accordingly. 

• Only park in designated parking areas. 

  
Shuttle service resumes in spring  
The NPS will resume shuttle service in spring. We will share specific dates in 2025 once they are available.  
 
Camping  
Watchman Campground is open year-round, and you can make a reservation up to six months before your visit at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Plan ahead and make arrangements for where you will stay before you get to the park.  
 
Lava Point Campground is closed for the season.  
South Campground is closed for construction.  
  
Visitor Center and Wilderness Permit Desk hours  
Zion Canyon Visitor Center 

• Open 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. every day through the fall and winter.  

Kolob Canyons Visitor Centers 

• Open 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., closed 12 p.m. - 1p.m., open 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. 

Wilderness Permit Desks  

• Thanksgiving Weekend:  

  • Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk: 8 Open 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

• Starting Dec. 1:  

  • Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

The Kolob Canyons Wilderness Desk is closed for the season. Get permits at Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk.  
  
We post updates on the park’s operating hours and seasons webpage when hours change.  
  
Temperatures are falling  
Check conditions if you plan to be outside. Air temperatures are near freezing at night, and water temperatures have been consistently below 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the Virgin River (the Narrows). Check the forecast and dress in layers to stay warm. 
Plan ahead and prepare 
 
Whether you ride a shuttle or drive your own car in Zion Canyon, be prepared for crowds.  

• Parking fills early year-round.  

• Watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists if you are driving.  

• Stay on trails and avoid walking in the road.  

• Ride your bike on the road or the Pa’rus Trail. Bicycling is not allowed on any other trails in the park. If you are riding in the road, you must stop to let buses pass you.  

• The NPS may temporarily close roads if traffic is congested or there is nowhere for drivers to park.  

• In general, fewer people visit Zion on weekdays than weekends. Consider arriving early or after 3 p.m. to avoid the busiest times of day.   

Follow Leave No Trace practices everywhere in the park and beyond; be sure to pack out all your trash.