Memorial Day weekend is generally considered the summer travel kickoff for many Americans across the country, and Utah is no exception, as the Utah Department of Transportation predicts traffic delays of as much as 90 minutes in some areas.
In the air, Salt Lake City International Airport also reports “slightly higher” travel arrivals and departures than past Memorial Day weekends.
According to AAA, the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is responsible for more than 30% of fatal teen accidents and almost a third of all impaired driving accidents.
Here are some tips for travel in Utah and beyond.
Red Cross Utah recommendations
Of the 39 million people expected to travel by car for the holiday, Red Cross Utah expects 45,000 crash-related injuries over the holiday weekend along with an estimated 400 deaths.
The organization urges drivers to plan ahead, stay focused and keep emergency supplies in their vehicles.
“Memorial Day weekend often means packed highways, longer drives and more chances for something to go wrong,” said Michael Smauldon, executive director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah chapter. “Before leaving home, drivers should make sure their vehicle is ready, their route is planned and they have supplies in the car in case they get stranded or delayed.”
The following safety tips were provided by the Red Cross:
- Wear a seat belt and make sure every passenger is buckled.
- Designate a sober driver or arrange alternate transportation.
- Put phones away and avoid distractions behind the wheel.
- Follow posted speed limits and adjust for weather, traffic and road conditions.
- Check tires, oil, battery, lights and fluid levels before leaving.
- Keep an emergency kit in the vehicle.
- Give extra space to emergency vehicles, roadside workers and disabled vehicles.
- Check the back seat before locking the vehicle to make sure children and pets are not left inside.
Emergency kits should be checked before any long-distance trip and should include the following:
- High-protein snacks
- Water
- First aid supplies
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Small battery-operated radio
- Blanket
- Jumper cables
- Map
- Cellphone charger
- Emergency contact card with names and phone numbers
Road delays
Planning ahead will be key, according to UDOT, which says multiple roads will experience major delays, including:
- Southbound I-15 from Spanish Fork to Nephi: Up to 30 minutes of additional delay between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., with peak delays occurring at 3 p.m.
- Eastbound U.S.-6 from Spanish Fork to Soldier Summit: Up to 90 minutes of additional delay between 10:30 a.m. and 10 p.m., with peak delays occurring at 7 p.m.
- Northbound U.S.-89 from Logan to Bear Lake: Up to 30 minutes of additional delay between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m., with peak delays occurring at 7 p.m.
- Eastbound U.S.-40 from Heber to Duchesne: Up to 15 minutes of additional delay between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m., with peak delays occurring between 2 and 6 p.m.
- Southbound U.S.-6/U.S.-191 from Spanish Fork to Moab: Up to 90 minutes of additional delays between 1 p.m. and 10 p.m., with peak delays occurring at 5 p.m.
Memorial Day will expect the following delays as travelers return home:
- Westbound U.S.-6 from Soldier Summit to Spanish Fork: Up to 90 minutes of additional delay between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., with peak delays occurring at 3 p.m.
- Northbound I-15 from Nephi to Spanish Fork: Up to 40 minutes of additional delay between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., with peak delays occurring at 3 p.m.
- Southbound U.S.-89 from Bear Lake to Logan: Up to 30 minutes of additional delay between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., with peak delays occurring between noon and 3 p.m.
- Westbound U.S.-40 from Duchesne to Heber: Up to 15 minutes of additional delay between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., with peak delays occurring between 2 and 6 p.m.
- Northbound U.S.-191/U.S.-6 from Moab to Spanish Fork: Up to 90 minutes of additional delay between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., with peak delays occurring at 5 p.m.
For the holiday weekend, UDOT will suspend construction for various projects to open as many lanes as possible. However, some lanes will remain closed to protect work zones as needed.
Airfare
A majority of passengers are expected to depart Thursday and Friday leading up to Memorial Day with 28,700 and 28,500, respectively. Similar numbers are expected to arrive Thursday and Friday. Tuesday is expected to be very busy, as well, when passengers return.
The following are tips from Salt Lake City International Airport to ease travel burdens at the airport:
- Prepare by packing smart. Travelers should be aware of the contents of their carry-on bags prior to leaving home to ensure the bags do not contain prohibited items, which can slow down the screening process. Text travel questions to AskTSA (275-872).
- Reserve parking in advance for the parking garage or long-term/economy parking at www.slcairport.com/parking-and-transportation/parking/ or use UTA TRAX or carpool.
- Follow the rules for traveling with liquids. Gels, liquids and aerosols are limited to 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on luggage. (The general definition for this rule is if it can spill, spray, pump or pour, then it is subject to the liquids restriction rule and best to pack in checked luggage.)
- Check-in on the airline’s website or app prior to leaving for Salt Lake City and to get flight updates.
- Download the updated Salt Lake City International Airport phone app or check www.slcairport.com to become familiar with the layout of the airport via an interactive map.
National parks
Across the five national parks in Utah, which are often visited over Memorial Day weekend, each have released a special set of rules and cautions ahead of the busy holiday weekend, of which travelers should be aware.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park saw more than 95,000 visits over Memorial Day weekend in 2025 and the park could very well see more than 100,000 visits in 2026, per All Ways Adventure.
Park officials say to expect the following:
- Long lines at entrance stations, trailheads, visitors 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
If you are passing through the area, namely Utah state Route 9, and not spending any time in the park, the following alternate routes are suggested:
- Utah state Route 20
- Utah state Route 14
- U.S.-89 – Arizona 389 – Utah 59
Visitors should check the park calendar before arrival, as well as the water flow and weather before hiking the Narrows, and be sure to bring a permit and ID if Angel’s Landing is in the plans.
More national parks
Parkgoers will not need a timed entry reservation system in 2026 but are encouraged to arrive early and explore parts of the park that are less busy during peak hours for popular park sites. Checking conditions before you arrive will help improve your park experience.