SPRINGDALE – Summer is the busiest season at Zion National Park, and Independence Day Weekend will be no exception.
According to a news release, the National Park Service anticipates:
- Long lines at entrance stations, visitor centers, restrooms and 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 falls on a Tuesday this year, so we’re planning for a busy weekend,” Jeff Bradybaugh, Zion National Park superintendent said in a news release. “On holiday weekends, we typically see more visitors than on other busy summer days. That’s why we’re partnering with the town of Springdale to actively manage traffic. Together we will direct visitors to available parking so that everyone can enter the park efficiently.”
Getting around
Park staff and the town of Springdale will cooperate to stage the Independence Day Parade, which will close state Route 9 from about 8:30 a.m. until mid-morning on Tuesday, July 4.
Authorities will be actively managing traffic by temporarily suspending vehicle entry at gates, so drivers will not be able to enter the park. Visitors can ride the free Springdale Shuttle to the park’s pedestrian/bicycle entrance, th enews release said.
Visitors who need to travel to communities on either side of the park during the holiday weekend and do not plan to visit Zion National Park for recreation can avoid heavy traffic by considering alternate routes. such as:
- SR 20.
- SR 14.
- Highway 89 – Arizona 389 – SR 59.
If you go into the park
The NPS recommends that visitors check the forecast before navigating The Narrows or entering the Virgin River or any canyons that lead to it. Flash floods can happen at any time.
Those who choose to hike to Angels Landing must apply the day before for a permit. Everyone needs to have a permit, and you need to bring ID with your permit to show a ranger. You may encounter a ranger anywhere on the trail or the route with chains. Allow time to travel to Zion and find parking before your hike.
The Zion Canyon Shuttle System is operating on its summer schedule. Take advantage of the Springdale Line Shuttle to avoid traffic inside Zion and enter through the pedestrian and bicycle entrance.
Visitors also are reminded to:
- Be patient with rangers and other visitors. Busy weekends can be stressful, and the park needs 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. Eat salty snacks.
- Avoid flash floods and lightning by checking the forecast. Your safety is your responsibility.
- Prevent wildfires. Fireworks are not allowed in Zion National Park. Campfires are only allowed in steel campfire rings at campgrounds. Fires are never allowed 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.
Additional information is available by clicking the links to the park website, summer ranger programs in Zion and social media accounts. Click here to access the South Entrance webcam.