News Release

Share your comments about proposed improvements for hikers, bicyclists, and drivers around the South Entrance Area of Zion National Park

Hikers use a crosswalk in the South Entrance Area of Zion National Park. Zion proposes to replace this crosswalk with a trail connection for hikers and bicyclists away from roads as well as make other improvements.

NPS / Jonathan Shafer

News Release Date: March 12, 2024

Contact: Zion Newsdesk, [phone]

SPRINGDALE, Utah – Zion National Park wants your comments on a proposal to improve roads and trails in the park’s South Entrance Area.

You can learn about the park’s proposal in an Environmental Assessment (EA) and Floodplain Statement of Findings. The EA identifies an alternative to improve traffic flow and reduce conflicts among hikers, bicyclists, drivers, and shuttle buses.

“We need your input as we consider how to improve Zion National Park,” Jeff Bradybaugh, Zion National Park Superintendent said. “We encourage everyone to read the proposal, attend our virtual public meeting, and share comments before April 10.”

Background
Zion records nearly 5 million annual visits. Most visitors travel through the South Entrance Area. Zion is considering a proposal to improve circulation and reduce conflict among different travelers.

Proposed improvements include:

• Realigning the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway from the South Entrance to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.

• Improving circulation through the construction of a new vehicle and pedestrian bridge.

• Creating pedestrian connections and intuitive wayfinding that are separated from roads.

• Enhancing accessibility in the South Entrance Area.
   

Learn about the proposal
The park is hosting a virtual public meeting about the EA on March 19 at 6 p.m. MT. Information about joining the meeting is on the project site: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ZIONSEntryRedesign.

Sharing comments
Your participation is vital to the planning process. You can share your comments and ideas through April 10. To share comments online and learn more about the project, visit the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment website. If you prefer to mail your comments, they must be postmarked by April 10, 2024.  

Mail comments to:  
Superintendent
ATTN: Zion Canyon South Entrance Redesign
Zion National Park
1 Zion Park Blvd.
Springdale, Utah
84767

Project History
Zion previously received public input regarding the proposed redesign in 2022. We also consulted with stakeholders during 2022 civic engagement. You can learn more about the public meeting we hosted then and read our news release.

Duration:

1 hour, 14 minutes, 39 seconds

On March 19, 2024 Zion conducted a public meeting about the South Entrance Redesign. Proposed improvements include: Realigning the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway from the South Entrance to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Improving circulation through the construction of a new vehicle and pedestrian bridge. Creating pedestrian connections and intuitive wayfinding that are separated from roads. Enhancing accessibility in the South Entrance Area.