News Release

Fall Operations Updates for Zion National Park

Date: September 17, 2021
Contact: Amanda Rowland

SPRINGDALE, UT – The following provides an overview of fall operations for Zion National Park that will occur in September, October, and November. The park always recommends that visitors plan ahead and check the park website before their visit at nps.gov/zion to see what activities are currently available, what facilities may be open or closed, and park alerts on current park conditions. Visitors are required to wear face masks in federal buildings including the Zion Park Store, on shuttle buses, and in queue lines. Visitors should follow CDC guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and recreate responsibly.

During much of the year, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is only accessible by shuttle bus. Masks are required on all shuttles. The park operates a free shuttle in Springdale. Leave your vehicle at your hotel or park in one of the approved parking areas in Springdale and catch the shuttle in town. Enter the park at the pedestrian bridge at Zion Canyon Village. The following table provides an update for the Zion Canyon Shuttle starting September 20, 2021.
 

Shuttle Schedule	September 7 to November 7	November 8 to November 28	November 29 to December 22	December 23 to January 1
First bus into the canyon from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center	7 am	7 am	Shuttle not in service	8 am
Last bus out of the canyon from the Temple of Sinawava	7:15 pm	6:15 pm	Shuttle not in service	5:45 pm

The Town Shuttle starts at 8:00 a.m. beginning September 20 and runs through November 28, 2021. The last shuttle out of Zion Canyon will link with the last shuttle from Zion Canyon Village into Springdale. To comply with COVID-19 public health guidelines, shuttle drivers are not allowed to assist riders with wheelchairs. During this time when wheelchairs cannot be allowed on shuttles, please visit the Zion Canyon visitor center information desk for assistance.

The following provides the hours of operations for the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center, Zion Canyon Visitor Center, Wilderness Desk, and Zion Park Store.
• Kolob Canyons Visitor Center (Outside Information Desk), 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Zion Canyon Visitor Center (Outside Information Desk), 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Zion Canyon Park Store, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., hours will change October 3, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to check with the staff at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to learn about the available Ranger led programs.

Currently South Campground, Watchman Campground (Call 877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov), and Lava Point Campground are open at Zion National Park. The South Campground will close on October 18, 2021 for the season. The park is closing the campground two weeks earlier this year in order to complete intermediate steps in the design process for the South Campground rehabilitation project. This information will help to support the planning process for anticipated implementation of construction in 2023. Reservations for campsites at Watchman Campground are strongly suggested--the campground is typically full every night during the reservation season. The Lava Point Campground is open through September, as weather allows. This campground is first come, first serve. Camping is permitted in designated campsites, but not in pullouts or parking lots.

The Zion - Mt. Carmel Tunnel connects Zion Canyon to the east side of the park. The following table provides the daily schedule of when large vehicles, including tour buses, motor homes, and trailers, may travel through the tunnel.
 

Date	August 29 to  September 25	September 26 to  November 6	November 7 to  February 26
Tunnel Hours	8 am to 7 pm	8 am to 6 pm	8 am to 4:30 pm

Park visitors are reminded that their safety is their responsibility. The NPS requests the public’s cooperation utilizing Leave No Trace (LNT) practices throughout Zion National Park. Following these LNT principles and tips helps to protect Zion National Park during your visit. The park also encourages visitors to take the Zion National Park Pledge. The Zion Pledge is a personal promise you can make to protect yourself and the park. Please share your #ZionPledge story on social media and encourage family and friends to do the same