Have Your Say: Proposed Upgrades At Utah’s Zion National Park

Zion National Park is seeking public input on a proposal aimed at enhancing roads and trails in the park's South Entrance Area. With an eye on improving traffic flow and reducing conflicts among various user groups, including hikers, cyclists, drivers, and shuttle buses, the park authorities are urging stakeholders to weigh in on the plan.

The proposal, outlined in an Environmental Assessment (EA) and Floodplain Statement of Findings, presents several key improvements. These include realigning the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, constructing a new vehicle and pedestrian bridge, establishing pedestrian connections with intuitive wayfinding away from roads, and enhancing accessibility in the South Entrance Area. These upgrades aim to address the challenges posed by the nearly 5 million annual visitors to Zion, most of whom pass through the South Entrance Area.

To engage the public, Zion National Park is hosting a virtual public meeting on March 19 at 6 p.m. MT. Interested individuals can participate in the meeting and gather additional information through the project site. Furthermore, the park encourages stakeholders to share their feedback and ideas online by going to the National Park Service Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website.

You can also submit comments via mail  but the must be postmarked by April 10, 2024. The address for mail comments is:

• Superintendent
• ATTN: Zion Canyon South Entrance Redesign
• Zion National Park
• 1 Zion Park Blvd.
• Springdale, UT 84767

This isn't the first time Zion has sought public input on the proposed redesign. Earlier engagement in 2022 and consultations with stakeholders have shaped the current proposal. The park emphasizes the importance of community involvement in the planning process, highlighting that public participation is crucial to ensuring the success of the project.

If you're passionate about Zion National Park and want to contribute to its improvement, now's your chance to make your voice heard. Whether attending the virtual meeting, sharing comments online, or sending them via mail, your input can help shape the future of this iconic destination.