SALT LAKE CITY — Zion National Park is set to reopen Wednesday for daytime visits only and with other restrictions, including no shuttle service and a closed visitors center.
Park officials announced the Zion Lodge will resume some services beginning May 21. Visitors should park only in designated spots and once those spots are full, vehicle access will be closed until space becomes available.
The last entry onto Scenic Drive is at 6 p.m.
Other closed amenities and areas of the park include Kolob Canyons, the museum and theater, Angels Landing Chains Section, Canyon Overlook Trail, wilderness and recreation permits, climbing and canyoneering, overnight backpacking, The Narrows (due to high water flow), Lower Emerald Pools Trail (due to trail construction), Weeping Rock area, including Observation Point, Hidden Canyon and Weeping Rock Trails (due to rock fall).
Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef have already opened on a limited basis, and Arches and Canyonlands, which are now closed, will reopen with restrictions on May 29 — after what would have been a busy Memorial Day weekend.
All park roads, trails and restrooms will be accessible, commercial operations will be allowed if previously permitted and beginning May 30, backcountry and canyoneering permits for Canyonlands will be available.
With public health protections being key, the following facilities at Canyonlands and Arches will remain closed.
- Visitors centers and park stores
- The Fiery Furnace and backcountry camping at Arches
- Devils Garden Campground at Arches
- Willow Flat Campground at Island in the Sky district and Needles Campground in The Needles district of Canyonlands.
Fee collection continues to be suspended at both parks until further notice.
Park officials stress that visitors should practice safe distancing, wash their hands frequently and adhere to leave-no-trace principles.