News Release
NPS / Jonathan Shafer
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Contact: Jonathan Shafer, (435) 772-0145
UPDATE: Check our Twitter page to get real-time updates about the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. You do not need an account to see posts.
SPRINGDALE, Utah – Summer is the busiest season at Zion National Park, and this Independence Day Weekend, the National Park Service anticipates:
- Long lines at entrance stations, visitor centers, restrooms, and at trailheads.
- Lengthy waits to board park shuttles in Springdale and Zion National Park.
- Intermittent closures at the park’s east and south vehicle entrance stations.
- Heavy traffic in Springdale and throughout the park.
“Independence Day is on a Monday 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 arrive at the same time than on other busy summer days. That’s why we’re partnering with the Town of Springdale to actively manage traffic and direct visitors to parking so that they can enter the park more efficiently.”
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 Monday, 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:
- Utah 20.
- Utah 14.
- US 89 – Arizona 389 – Utah 59.
Recreate responsibly
- 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.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and watch for signs of heat stress.
- Avoid flash floods & lightening by checking the forecast. Your safety is your responsibility.
- Prevent wildfires. Fireworks are not allowed in Zion National Park and fire restrictions are in effect. Do not build campfires in campgrounds or in park Wilderness.
- Park only in designated parking areas. Illegally parked vehicles can harm park plants and animals and may be ticketed or towed.
- 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.
- Go Before You Go. Use restrooms at trailheads and shuttle stops before venturing out on trails.
Learn more about summer operations in Zion, check our social media, and visit our website for the latest park information.
We will post updates @ZionNPS on Twitter if we suspend vehicle entry at park gates. You do not need a Twitter account to see these free updates.
Last updated: July 2, 2022