Zion National Park's shuttle buses are scheduled to resume operations July 1, despite Utah's rising Covid-19 caseload/Kurt Repanshek file

Though Utah's Covid-19 caseload continues to rise, and the state epidemiologist is warning the state might have to shut down completely if the disease's spread doesn't decline significantly, Zion National Park officials plan to resume shuttle service into Zion Canyon on July 1.

According to a park release Thursday evening, the shuttle buses have been modified to meet COVID-19 guidelines. "The modified buses carry a smaller number of passengers per trip, and Zion is working with Recreation.gov to provide tickets for the shuttle to reduce lines, crowding, and congestion, while providing visitors with more certainty about access to the Scenic Drive," it said.

The news of the shuttle resumption came out after Utah's daily Covid-19 caseload rose Thursday by 590, the second highest number recorded in the state this year. Thirty-four cases required hospitalization, and another death to the disease was recorded, raising the state's fatality tally to 164.

Washington County, home to most of Zion National Park, reported 41 new cases Thursday, for a total of 977.

Zion staff did not immediately return a phone call Thursday seeking comment about Utah's rising caseload and the decision to resume operating the park shuttles.

Shuttle service in the park was suspended in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In late March, there were seven confirmed COVID-19 cases in the five-county jurisdiction of the Southwestern Utah Health Department. Six of those were in Washington County. 

Starting June 30, shuttle tickets will be available only on Recreation.gov. A $1 non-refundable fee per ticket will be charged for all passengers over 2 years of age. Visit Recreation.gov online, through the mobile app, or by calling (877) 444 - 6777.

Town shuttles in Springdale, the southern gateway to the park, will not be running initially, and tickets do not guarantee that parking will be available at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Paid parking options are available in Springdale.

Park staff say you should plan accordingly and allow time to walk from your parking spot to the Visitor Center shuttle stop. Private vehicles will no longer be allowed up the Scenic Drive once shuttle bus service resumes.

The shuttle provides access to trails and viewpoints in Zion Canyon along the Scenic Drive including the West Rim trail, the Emerald Pools, the Riverside Walk, and The Narrows. All other areas of the park will not require a shuttle ticket, but park entrance fees apply.

Visitors are responsible for their own safety, the park release said, and are encouraged to #RecreateResponsibly.