Helicopter runs will be used to haul out waste from restroom facilities near Scout Lookout and Angels Landing in Zion National Park/NPS file

Editor's note: The second phase of this project, originally scheduled for September 22, has been delayed due to predicted weather conditions. It will now take place September 27, and the park will close Scout Lookout and Angels Landing between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. that day.

Zion National Park in Utah will temporarily close access to Scout Lookout and Angels Landing between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Monday, September 19, and Thursday, September 22, for a waste removal operation.

Flaggers will be stationed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.for periodic closures. All traffic should expect delays. Hikers expecting to do Scout Lookout and Angels Landing should plan an alternative activity during these times.

The waste removal from Scout Lookout is a regularly scheduled operation. Loading and hauling the waste away requires use of a helicopter. Due to the helicopter presence, greater safety precautions will be taken in the form of trail and road closures to protect visitors and staff. The helicopter will haul between 10 and 15 barrels each day. Each barrel will weigh approximately 500 pounds when full.

The work, fondly referred to by park staff as the "heli-poo operation," reveals a growing challenge to park management. Two evaporative toilets located at Scout Lookout were installed and designed to see use rates of 50 people per day. The toilets are now overused with use rates closer to 400 people per day. To help the park address this problem, visitors are asked to use the restrooms located at the Grotto parking and shuttle stop area before they start hiking up to Scout Lookout.