SPRINGDALE, Utah - Zion National Park is ready for summer and increasing shuttle service on Sunday, May 21. Every year, the National Park Service (NPS) adjusts shuttle schedules and campground availability to reflect the seasons. Here is what you need to know to plan your visit this summer:
Shuttle service in Zion Canyon and Springdale From May 21 until Sept. 17, the Zion Canyon Shuttle System schedule will be:
Zion Canyon Line (for visitors inside Zion National Park)
Springdale Line (for visitors who park or stay in Springdale)
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to recreational drivers while the park shuttle is operating. Before you get to the shuttle, plan for limited parking. When parking inside Zion is full, the NPS may temporarily close parking lots and roads.
Plan ahead and prepare
Learn about Zion National Park trails by using the NPS App, visiting the park website, and speaking to a ranger at a visitor center. For your visit to Zion, remember:
* The Narrows has been closed since mid-April due to high water. Check current conditions to see if this route is open before you visit.
* The trail bridge at Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop #5) to Emerald Pools is closed. Plan to hike from the Grotto (Shuttle Stop #6) or the Court of the Patriarchs (Shuttle Stop #4) to visit Emerald Pools. You cannot cross the Virgin River at Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop #5).
If you cannot find parking in Zion or if all campsites are full, consider learning more about nearby communities and public lands to find other recreational activities and lodging in the area. Always recreate responsibly and respect private owners’ property and facilities.
Follow Leave No Trace practices everywhere in the park and pack out all of your trash.
Camping
Watchman Campground
* Open year-round.
* Make reservations up to 6 months before your visit on recreation.gov.
South Campground
* Opens early-June.
* Make reservations up to two weeks before your visit on recreation.gov.
Lava Point Campground
* Closed until snow melts.
* Make reservations up to two weeks before your visit on recreation.gov.
Learn more and make reservations online at www.recreation.gov or by calling l-877-444-6777. We encourage you to plan ahead and make arrangements for where you will stay before you arrive at the park. Campgrounds fill early.
Visitor Center, Wilderness Permit Desk and Park Store hours
Schedules effective on Sunday, May 21 unless otherwise noted. Check hours before your visit.
Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Information Desk
* Open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.
Wilderness Permit Desk
* Open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.
Park Store - Managed by Zion Forever
* Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.
Kolob Canyons Visitor Center
Information and Wilderness Desk
* Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.
Zion Nature Center
Opens May 26 then 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. every day.
Zion Human History Museum
Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.
Need to know No matter when you visit Zion National Park, plan ahead by checking for updates at go.nps.gov/ZionConditions.
* Parking lots fill-up early year-round.
* Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists if you are driving.
* Dress in layers because weather can change quickly and your safety is your responsibility.
* Stay on trails and avoid walking in the road.
* Ride your bike on the road or the Pa’rus Trail. Bicycling is not allowed on any other trails in the park. If you are riding in the road, you must stop to let buses pass.
* Know where your pet can go. Pets are not allowed on park shuttles or any park trail except the Pa’rus Trail. Read about how to B.A.R.K. in the park.
* The NPS may temporarily close roads if traffic is congested or there is nowhere for drivers to park.
* In general, fewer people visit Zion on weekdays than weekends. Consider arriving early or after 3 p.m. to avoid the busiest times of day.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service