Hoping to enjoy Zion National Park this weekend. Be prepared for crowds/Kurt Repanshek
Heading to Zion National Park in Utah this weekend? Prepare for crowds.
Visitation at the park has increased dramatically over the past few years. Holidays and long weekends have been experiencing especially intense visitation. This weekend, October 15-18, is Utah Education Association Weekend, one of the park's historically busy weekends.
Individuals planning to visit the park over UEA weekend should be prepared for delays, limited parking, and crowded conditions, according to park officials. As visitors approach the park, they should listen to radio station 1610 AM for the current status of parking availability. The park is anticipating conditions similar to the 2015 Labor Day weekend, when parking lots inside the park were full by 9:30 am. Once parking fills, visitors may experience traffic congestion in Springdale, and up to 45-minute waits for entrance to the park and shuttle bus boarding inside the park.
"Weekends such as UEA strain the park's facilities and staffing to manage crowded conditions and meet visitor expectations," said Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh. "Shuttle buses will be in operation in the park and Springdale, however visitors should plan additional time to get where they're going."
Here are a few tips to help you have a more enjoyable visit to Zion:
* Visit the park website (www.nps.gov/zion) for important information on shuttle buses, trails and other facilities.
* It is recommended that visitors coming to Zion National Park on UEA weekend arrive early in the day, park in Springdale and ride the free shuttle buses to the Park. This will reduce traffic congestion.
* Park only in designated lots or paved pullouts and avoid parking on road shoulders. When parking in Springdale, please do so in areas where parking is allowed.
"Please plan ahead, take responsibility for your safety, be patient and treat others with courtesy and respect," the superintendent said. "These practices are important whether you decide to visit Zion or any of the extraordinary public land resources in our area. Utah Education Association weekend reminds us how these lands can serve as outdoor classrooms for countless generations to come."
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Comments
"The park is anticipating conditions similar to the 2015 Labor Day weekend, when parking lots inside the park were full by 9:30 am. Once parking fills, visitors may experience traffic congestion in Springdale, and up to 45-minute waits for entrance to the park and shuttle bus boarding inside the park."
Is it time to start looking for another parking option? How about investigating the idea of developing parking areas on some of the BLM land south of Rockville and extending shuttle service out there? As it is now, the delightful town of Springdale has become one huge traffic jam of frustrated drivers who resort to parking anywhere they can find enough room to leave their vehicle. Inside the park, it's infinitely worse.
And how about collecting park fees at the outlying parking lots instead of producing long lines of cars and pedestrians at the park's drive in and walk in entrance stations?
I hope that someone is already working on solutions. Real solutions are limited by geography and existing development both inside and outside the park. It's time to start thinking outside the box we've built for ourselves.
Lee, I'm glad I've had the chance to work in and experience Zion in 1969. I think there are many possible solutions, but few that won't be resisted tooth and nail by Gateway communities and the regional forces of industrial tourism.
What happened to all the park planning efforts of yesteryear? The Zion shuttle was an excellent solution, but the vehicle carrying capacity of the park appears to have been exceeded, even in spite of the shuttle. Meanwhile, cars park wherever there's a bare spot beside the road, and the roadway remains open? I guess I'll not have Zion on my travel list anytime soon. Maybe someone will weigh in who is actively involved in addressing solutions to this problem of overcrowding in Zion and Springdale, UT.
Actually, Owen, I'm pretty darn sure that virtually every business and resident of Springdale would fully support freeing up the town by adding satellite parking lots. They are absolutely upset about the current situation. I doubt, too, that they'd lose any business if shuttle buses run from south of Rockville, through Springale, and into the park. Frequrent shuttle stops in town would still allow visitors to patronize stores and eateries. It might even help business because potential customers wouldn't be frustrated trying to find a place to park so they can access a business.
Is there anyone from Zion or Springdale reading this? If so, what does someone who lives with this mess think of the idea?
So. When is the most *peaceful* time to go to Zion?
Winter.
Sorry, Rick. Not this winter, anyway.
(Unless maybe on a winter weekday during a raging snowstorm.)