News Release

Zion National Park Updated Response to COVID-19

Date: March 23, 2020
Contact: Aly Baltrus

Springdale, UT – The park is making a few changes to operations to improve social distancing and help to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Effective March 24, 2020, Zion National Park will temporarily close the Angels Landing Trail from Scout Lookout to the end of the trail. The West Rim Trail will remain open.
• Effective March 25, 2020 at noon, Zion National Park will close park campgrounds. With this closure, it is important to remember that no other areas in the Park are authorized for camping.

The park itself remains open and visitors will be allowed to drive up the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive until the limited parking in the main canyon has filled. Once parking is full, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive will be closed and open intermittently as parking spaces become available. The park is busiest between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The health and safety of people visiting and working at Zion National Park is our priority. We are working with the National Park Service Office of Public Health and the U.S. Public Health Service to closely monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Reopening of campgrounds, resumption of shuttle service, and the Angels Landing trail depend on the eventual resolution of the COVID-19 emergency. Once public safety can be assured, the temporary closures and limits on services will be rescinded.

Other measures that have been taken include creating virtual visitor centers in lieu of staffed buildings, and putting all wilderness permits online. Park rangers are available in real time to answer phone calls and emails during regular business hours for information and trip planning. There are signs throughout the park with phone numbers and email contact information.

Following CDC guidance, NPS Public Health Service Officers recommend that visitors should take the following routine precautions:  

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use >60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. 
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, or do so into your elbow. Dispose of the tissue and wash your hands again. 
• Keep six feet of separation between yourself and others to reduce the potential spread of infection. 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 
• For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.   
• Most importantly, if you experience flu symptoms or any serious infection or virus, please stay home to avoid exposing others.

We are also asking visitors to practice Leave No Trace principles- by staying on park trails, disposing of waste properly, minimizing impacts on park resources, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of others. Please help us take care of Zion during this difficult time.