Date: October 12, 2015
Springdale, UT- Visitation at Zion National Park has increased dramatically over the past few years. Holidays and long weekends have been experiencing especially intense visitation. October 15-18, 2015 is Utah Education Association (UEA) Weekend, one of the park's historically busy weekends.
Individuals planning to visit the park over UEA weekend should be prepared for delays, limited parking and crowded conditions. As visitors approach the park, they should listen to radio station 1610 AM for the current status of parking availability. The park is anticipating conditions similar to the 2015 Labor Day weekend, when parking lots inside the park were full by 9:30 am. Once parking fills, visitors may experience traffic congestion in Springdale, and up to 45-minute waits for entrance to the park and shuttle bus boarding inside the park.
"Weekends such as UEA strain the park's facilities and staffing to manage crowded conditions and meet visitor expectations," said Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh. "Shuttle buses will be in operation in the park and Springdale, however visitors should plan additional time to get where they're going."
Here are a few tips to help you have a more enjoyable visit to Zion. Visit the park website (www.nps.gov/zion) for important information on shuttle buses, trails and other facilities. It is recommended that visitors coming to Zion National Park on UEA weekend arrive early in the day, park in Springdale and ride the free shuttle buses to the Park. This will reduce traffic congestion. Park only in designated lots or paved pullouts and avoid parking on road shoulders. When parking in Springdale, please do so in areas where parking is allowed. "Please plan ahead, take responsibility for your safety, be patient and treat others with courtesy and respect," Bradybaugh added. "These practices are important whether you decide to visit Zion or any of the extraordinary public land resources in our area. Utah Education Association weekend reminds us how these lands can serve as outdoor classrooms for countless generations to come."
