Zion National Park reopens: what we need to know

 After being closed for more than a month, Zion National Park has reopened for day use recreational access only in select areas within the park.

As officials with the National Park Service continue to coordinate with the State of Utah, southwest Utah elected leaders, park partners, and local businesses, they announced the health and safety of Zion’s visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners will guide their operational approach to examine all facilities and services and ensure their operations comply with current public health guidance.

Park officials say many services won’t be available and ask that visitors continue to follow COVID-19 health guidelines, which include maintaining six-foot social distancing, following group size limits, washing hands with soap for 20 seconds, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, and using hand sanitizer, which will be available near restrooms.

The park asks that visitors download the May 13-21, 2020 Information Sheet and bring it with them, keeping in mind that all printed material is subject to change at any time.

Zion’s Shuttles Temporarily Suspended

Zion’s shuttle operation is temporarily suspended and parking is limited in Zion Canyon. Visitors can only park in designated spots and should expect intermittent closures of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, a 6-mile road with roughly 400 parking spots when capacity is reached.

An alternative to the Zion Scenic Canyon Drive is SR-9. More parking is available at the Visitor Center, which is a starting point for The Pa’rus and Watchman Trails. It will help to have a backup plan if the Scenic Drive closes, park officials announced.

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