If you're planning to visit Zion National Park in Utah during the long Memorial Day Weekend, plan on it being crowded.
With Zion visitation reaching nearly 5 million in 2024, the second highest in the NPS, planning ahead is essential for a safe and enjoyable visit to the park this summer is essential. Here is some information from park staff:
Memorial Day Weekend
In 2024, Zion recorded more than 92,000 visits during Memorial Day Weekend. This is more than the annual total for more than 150 National Park Service sites.
This year the NPS anticipates:
Long lines at entrance stations, trailheads, visitor centers, and restrooms
Lengthy waits to board park shuttles in Springdale and Zion Canyon
Intermittent, temporary closures at the park’s east and south vehicle entrance stations
Heavy traffic in Springdale and throughout Zion Canyon
The Zion Nature Center opens Friday, May 23, just in time for the holiday weekend. Located near the South Campground construction site and accessible via the Pa’rus Trail, the center features interactive exhibits and ranger-led activities ideal for kids and families. It will remain open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily through September 1.
If you are passing through the area but not recreating in the park, use alternate driving routes. Because of anticipated congestion, delays, and closures, the best option is to bypass Zion entirely. Alternate routes include:
Utah State Route 20
Utah State Route 14
US-89 – Arizona 389 – Utah 59
Summer shuttle schedule and expanded visitor service hours begin Sunday, May 18.
Parking fills early each day in Zion. To avoid congestion, park in Springdale, Utah, near park's south entrance and take the free Springdale Line Shuttle, which will connect you with the pedestrian and bicycle entrance. From there, you can access Zion's most popular destinations through the Zion Canyon Line Shuttle, which begins at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Remember to take your park pass with you when you are entering and exiting the park.
The following shuttle schedules are effective Sunday, May 18:
Zion Canyon Line Shuttle
6 a.m. - First shuttle leaves the Zion Canyon Visitor Center (Stop 1)
7 p.m. - Last shuttle leaves the Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava (Stop 9)
8:15 p.m. - Last shuttle out of the canyon from the Temple of Sinawava (Stop 9)
Springdale Line Schedule
7 a.m. - First shuttle leaves the Hotel De Novo (Stop 9)
8 p.m. - Last shuttle leaves Zion Canyon Village (Stop 1)
Also, effective May 18, the Zion Canyon Visitor Center will expand its hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the Zion Human History Museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
General trip planning tips
Go to a ranger program: offered daily – check the park calendar for locations and times
Check the Narrows conditions: prior to taking one of Zion’s most iconic hikes, always check the flow rate, check the weather forecast, and bring the proper equipment
Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program: Remember to apply the day before for a permit to hike to Angels Landing. Everyone needs to have a permit, and you need to bring ID to show a ranger along with your permit. You may encounter a ranger anywhere on the trail or the route with chains. Arrive early so that you do not miss the hike start time on your permit
Recreate responsibly
Become a Junior Ranger! Learning about the park is always in season, and junior rangers can help plan trips with Junior Ranger Explorer materials.
Be patient with rangers and other visitors. Busy weekends can be stressful, and we need your help to make sure everyone enjoys their national park visit.
Be careful with fire in campgrounds or picnic areas due to hot and dry conditions.
Drink plenty of water and watch for signs of heat stress.
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.
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