News Release
NPS / Jonathan Shafer
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SPRINGDALE, Utah – Summer is the busiest season at Zion National Park, and this Independence Day Weekend, the National Park Service anticipates:
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Long lines at entrance stations, visitor centers, restrooms, and at trailheads.
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Lengthy waits to board park shuttles in Springdale and Zion National Park.
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Intermittent closures at the park’s east and south vehicle entrance stations.
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Heavy traffic in Springdale and throughout the park.
“Independence Day falls on a Tuesday this year, so we’re planning for a busy weekend,” Jeff Bradybaugh, Zion National Park Superintendent said. “On holiday weekends, we typically see more visitors than on other busy summer days. That’s why we’re partnering with the Town of Springdale to actively manage traffic. Together we will direct visitors to available parking so that everyone can enter the park efficiently.”
2023 Visits to Zion
Zion Lodge trail bridge to Emerald Pools closed
The trail bridge over the Virgin River at Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop #5) is closed. Hikers can still visit Emerald Pools from the Grotto (Shuttle Stop #6). Check a map before you start your hike to plan accordingly. Keep in mind that you will not be able to cross the river at Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop #5).
Narrows and other routes open
Check the forecast before entering the Virgin River or any canyons that lead to it. Flash floods can happen at any time.
Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program
Remember to apply the day before for a permit to hike to Angels Landing. Everyone needs to have a permit, and you need to bring ID with your permit to show a ranger. You may encounter a ranger anywhere on the trail or the route with chains. Allow time to travel to Zion and find parking before your hike.
Take advantage of the park shuttle
The Zion Canyon Shuttle System is operating on its summer schedule. Take advantage of the Springdale Line Shuttle to avoid traffic inside Zion and enter through the pedestrian and bicycle entrance.
Getting around
Staff from Zion are also working with the Town of 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 Tuesday, July 4.When we are actively managing traffic by temporarily suspending vehicle entry at gates, drivers will not be able to enter the park. Visitors can always ride the free Springdale Shuttle to the park’s pedestrian/bicycle entrance. If you need to travel to communities on either side of the park during the holiday weekend and you do not plan to visit Zion for recreation, you may avoid heavy traffic by considering alternate routes such as:
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Utah 20.
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Utah 14.
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US 89 – Arizona 389 – Utah 59.
Recreate responsibly
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Be patient with rangers and other visitors. Busy weekends can be stressful, and we need your help to make sure everyone enjoys their national park visit.
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Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and watch for signs of heat stress. Eat salty snacks.
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Avoid flash floods & lightning by checking the forecast. Your safety is your responsibility.
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Prevent wildfires. Fireworks are not allowed in Zion National Park. Campfires are only allowed in steel campfire rings at campgrounds. Fires are never allowed in park Wilderness.
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Park only in designated parking areas. Illegally parked vehicles can harm park plants and animals and may be ticketed or towed.
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Pack it In – Pack it Out. Take everything you bring into the park out again. This helps protect plants, animals, and historic resources and reduces the amount of trash NPS staff need to manage.
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Go Before You Go. Use restrooms at trailheads and shuttle stops before venturing out on trails.
Learn more about summer ranger programs in Zion, check our social media, and visit our website for the latest park information. We will post updates on the park website if we suspend vehicle entry at park gates.
Last updated: June 28, 2023