News Release

Plan ahead for Presidents Day Weekend at Zion National Park

Holiday weekends bring traffic and crowds to parks across the U.S.

NPS Photo / Wil Marischen

News Release Date: February 13, 2026

Contact: Zion News Desk, [phone]

SPRINGDALE, Utah – Presidents Day weekend is one of Zion National Park’s busiest winter weekends. The information here will help you avoid traffic, crowds, and stress. 
 

Plan Ahead and Prepare 

Even in winter, holiday weekends are quite busy. Visitors should expect long waits in and around the park: 

• Be prepared for traffic in Springdale, at park entrances, and throughout the park. 

• Expect long lines at entrance stations, parking lots, visitor centers, and restrooms. 

• Save time by downloading maps and guides before you arrive. 

• Monday, February 16 is a Free Entrance Day for U.S. Citizens and Residents. Learn more about Free Entrance Days on the National Park Service website. 

• Make backup plans in case your original destination is full. Some good resources are listed at the end of this article. 

Remember that weekdays tend to be less busy than weekends, especially in winter. If possible, consider visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds. 
 

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive 

Shuttles do not run on Presidents Day Weekend. During this time, drivers can use personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (the road north of Canyon Junction). This road connects to many of Zion Canyon’s most popular destinations, such as the Emerald Pools Trail or Riverside Walk. 

However, remember that parking is limited in the canyon: 

• Arrive early for the best chance at finding a spot. Parking fills up quickly, especially on holiday weekends. 

• Consider carpooling to make parking easier. 

• Drive carefully and be prepared to stop and talk with a ranger. Park rangers will let you know where parking may be available. 

• Follow all instructions and posted signs. Vehicles parked outside of designated spaces are subject to citation or towing. 

• Zion Canyon Scenic Drive may partially or fully close when parking is full. 

Planning to ride a bike up the canyon? Keep in mind that Zion Canyon Scenic Drive will be busy – ride carefully and remember to share the road. Bikes must ride single file on the right side of the road. If faster traffic is behind you, please pull over and let them pass. 

If parking in the canyon is full, visitors can instead park and hike near Zion Canyon Visitor Center, by the park’s South Entrance. The Pa’rus Trail and Watchman Trail are two beautiful options that start at the visitor center. This visitor center is also where information desks and ranger programs run daily. Stop by the desk anytime between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to talk to a ranger, or swing by the plaza at 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. to participate in a program. 
 

Hiking in Winter 

In Zion, winter hiking conditions can range from sunny and beautiful to icy and challenging. Before you hike, be sure to check current conditions on the park website or at a visitor center. Likewise, make sure to pack appropriate gear for any weather. 

If you plan to hike the Virgin River Narrows, be prepared for colder conditions. The narrow canyon does not receive much sunlight, and the water temperature can drop close to freezing. To stay warm, waterproof protective gear (such as drysuits or waders) are recommended. In addition, be aware of flash flood risks when hiking in slot canyons. 

Lastly, if you are planning to hike Angels Landing, permits are required. Permits are available through the “day-before” lottery on recreation.gov. You do not need a permit to hike to Scout Lookout. Be prepared for ice on the trail, particularly in areas that do not receive sunlight. Your safety is your responsibility. 
 

Rangers Are Here to Help 

No matter where you are going in the park, it will be crowded. If your plans fall through, or if you are not sure where to go, stop by a visitor center and ask one of the friendly rangers for recommendations! Park rangers will help you plan your visit, so you can get the most out of your Zion experience. 

The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Kolob Canyons Visitor Center is open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then 1 to 5 p.m. 
 

Other Destinations in Zion

The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway is a scenic road that goes through the park’s east side. Multiple scenic viewpoints can be found along the highway. Here, visitors can enjoy views of Checkerboard Mesa, dramatic sandstone canyons, and other unique formations. Just remember that parking is limited to paved pull-outs and designated spaces. Be sure to review size restrictions on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway before your visit. 

Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive is located in the northwest corner of the park, at Exit 40 on Interstate 15. This road is also open to personal vehicles, though parking is extremely limited. With multiple scenic viewpoints and popular trailheads, this area will be busy during the holiday weekend. If you plan to hike here, be sure to arrive early. 

Remember that parking regulations are enforced throughout all of Zion National Park. Parking on vegetation, walkways, or other prohibited areas is not allowed. If parking is full, try a different location or return later.

Remember to pack your patience if you plan to visit on Presidents Day Weekend. For more tips on travelling to Zion National Park, visit go.nps.gov/ZionGuide. 
 

www.nps.gov/zion 

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.