News Release

Planning your Visit to Zion National Park this Presidents Day Weekend and beyond

Construction is ongoing at the Zion south entrance to improve road drains.

NPS / Jonathan Shafer

News Release Date: February 8, 2023

Contact: Zion News Desk, 435-772-0162

SPRINGDALE, Utah -- It's never too soon to plan your next visit to Zion National Park! With President's Day and the start of 2023 shuttle service on the horizon, we want you to plan like a park ranger. Here’s what you need to know!

Presidents Day Weekend

Holiday weekends are busy at Zion National Park. There are a few things you should know before visiting.  

• Shuttles will not run during Presidents Day weekend.  

• When shuttles are not running, drivers can use personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (the road from Canyon Junction to popular trailheads including the Temple of Sinawava and the Narrows).

• Plan for limited parking. Space typically fills early on holiday weekends.
• When parking in Zion Canyon is full, the National Park Service (NPS) may temporarily close Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
• One lane will be open into the park and one lane will be open out of the park the south entrance of the park will be closed as we continue our drainage improvement project to prevent flooding.  
  • Expect to wait up to an hour at the South entrance.
• Check the forecast and be ready for snow, rain or ice.

2023 shuttle service anticipated on March 11

Shuttle service will resume this March in Zion Canyon and Springdale. Visitors can drive personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive until shuttle service starts.

• Plan for limited parking at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Consider parking in Town and riding the free Springdale Line shuttle when shuttle are running.

• Personal vehicle access to Zion Canyon Scenic Drive ends when shuttle service begins.
• Zion made this change to accommodate visitors and families on spring break travel.

Winter and spring camping

Watchman Campground

• Open year-round  
• Make reservations on recreation.gov  

South Campground  

• Closed. More information below

Lava Point

• Closed until spring snowmelt clears road.

Learn more at www.recreation.gov or by calling l-877-444-6777. We encourage you to plan ahead and make arrangements before you arrive at the park.

South Campground improvements begin in 2023

This spring, Zion National Park will start work to improve the South Campground and south entrance area. The South Campground will be closed until this work is complete. The National Park Service plans to share the final design for this project in fall 2023, and you can learn about our planning process online.

Angels Landing Hiking Permits

Zion released Spring Seasonal Lottery permits to hike Angels Landing from March 1 to May 31. If you plan to hike at Angels Landing from June 1 to August 31, you can apply in the Summer Seasonal Lottery that will open on April 1.  

If you do not get a permit in a Seasonal Lottery, or if you are still planning your trip to Zion, you can apply for a permit using our Day-before Lottery.

Learn more at go.nps.gov/AngelsLanding.  

Visitor Center, Wilderness Permit Desk and Park Store hours  

Zion Canyon Visitor Center

• Opens 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. every day.  

Wilderness Permit Desk

• Open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

Park Store – Managed by Zion Forever  

• Until February 11: Opens 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. every day. 
• Starting February 12: Opens 8 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. every day.

Kolob Canyons Visitor Center

• Open 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. every day.

Wilderness Permit Desk

• Open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

Park Store - Managed by Zion Forever

• Open at 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. every day.

Plan ahead and prepare  

If you cannot find parking in Zion or if all of our campsites are full, research nearby communities and public lands to learn about other recreational activities and lodging in the area.  Always recreate responsibly and respect private owners’ property and facilities. Follow Leave No Trace practices everywhere and be sure to pack out all your trash.

Need to know  

No matter when you visit Zion National Park, plan ahead by checking for updates at nps.gov/zion. Whether you ride a shuttle or drive your own car in Zion Canyon, be prepared.

• Parking lots fill-up early year-round.  

• Watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists if you are driving.
• B.A.R.K. in the park. Pets are only allowed in campgrounds, on paved surfaces, and the Pa’rus Trail. Plan ahead if you will visit with a pet.
• Dress in layers and consider using traction devices because weather can change quickly and your safety is your responsibility.
• 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.

Public domain photos and b-roll

Zion South Entrance Drainage Improvement Construction b-roll

Zion South Entrance Drainage Improvement Construction Photo Album