ST. GEORGE — Pack your patience when visiting Zion National Park during the upcoming Presidents Day weekend, park officials warn.

Construction on drainage improvement continues, which drops to one lane the Southern Entrance to the park. 

Holidays at the park historically are busy. Jonathan Shafer, Zion National Park spokesman, said in an email to St. George News drivers can expect long wait times at the South Entrance.

“We want everyone visiting Zion National Park to have a fun and pleasant experience, and that starts with knowing what to expect here – especially over Presidents Day weekend,” Shafer said. “As our Drainage Improvement Project moves ahead, drivers will travel through one entrance lane and one exit lane at our South Entrance.”

The construction is on schedule for completion in the spring to improve drainage pipes under the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway near the South Entrance. The project began after a June 2021 flood. National Park Service engineers and maintenance staff designed the improvements to make flooding less likely in the future. 

Shafer said the pedestrian and bicycle entrance in Zion Canyon Village would remain open all weekend for visitors who park in Springdale and campers staying at Watchman Campground.

He also noted that the park’s shuttle would start running in March to accommodate spring break travelers. But for those planning to visit the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, expect limited parking. 

“When the 300 parking spaces in the Canyon are full, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive may temporarily close,” Shafer said.

Updates about the road are found on the park’s Current Conditions webpage. Shafer said visitors should be prepared for snow, rain, or ice for the holiday weekend and spring break.

Shuttle service will resume in March in Zion Canyon and Springdale. Visitors can drive personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive until the shuttle service starts.

Visitors must also plan for limited parking at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Shafer advises parking in town and riding the free Springdale Line shuttle when the shuttles are running. When the shuttle resumes service, personal vehicle access to Zion Canyon Scenic Drive ends.

 Winter and spring camping

• Watchman Campground is open year-round. Make reservations on recreation.gov  
• South Campground is closed due to work to improve the area and the park’s south Entrance. The South Campground will be closed until this work is complete. The NPS plans to share this project’s final design in the fall of 2023.
• Lava Point is closed until spring snowmelt clears the road.

Learn more at www.recreation.gov or by calling l-877-444-6777.

Angels Landing Hiking Permits

Zion released Spring Seasonal Lottery permits to hike Angels Landing from March 1-May 31. If you are planning to hike at Angels Landing from June 1-Aug. 31, apply for the Summer Seasonal Lottery that will open on April 1.  

If you do not get a permit in a Seasonal Lottery or are still planning your trip to Zion, you can apply for a permit using the park’s Day-before Lottery.

Click here to learn more about permits.

Visitor Center, Wilderness Permit Desk and Park Store hours  

• Zion Canyon Visitor Center: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.  
• Wilderness permit desk: 8-10 a.m., 3-4:30 p.m. daily.
• Park store – Managed by Zion Forever: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
• Kolob Canyons Visitor Center: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 

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