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Shuttles Running In Zion National Park During Shutdown

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Published Date

December 24, 2018

Funding from the state of Utah is allowing shuttle buses in Zion National Park to operate this week/Kurt Repanshek file

Though most visitor amenities in the National Park System have been derailed by the partial government shutdown, the shuttles in Zion National Park are running thanks to funding from the state of Utah.

Park roads, lookouts, and trails at Zion National Park, except those around Kolob Canyons, will remain accessible to visitors pending weather events, but emergency and rescue services will be limited. There will be limited NPS-provided visitor services at Zion National Park through at least Saturday thanks to a donation from the State of Utah. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center, one loop of the Watchman Campground, and adjacent restrooms will remain open through that time.

Because of the federal government shutdown, NPS social media and websites are not being monitored or regularly updated and may not reflect current conditions. All park programs have been canceled, including scheduled ranger talks and evening programs.

The shuttles will be running, weather permitting, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the park and 8:10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Springdale, the southern gateway to the park. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive will be closed to all vehicles except shuttles and Zion Lodge guests with permits. The Zion Lodge will be open with usual offerings.

Entrance Fees cannot be charged during the shutdown; tunnel use fees can be paid by U.S. Mail, but tunnel will be open to all vehicles.

Permits will not be issued; permits that have already been issued will be respected, but otherwise visitors should not enter backcountry permit-only areas.

Commercial Use Authorization holders have received notification to operate as normal for the duration of the government shutdown.

“Please be aware that the park staffing will be minimal and visitors need to be careful and take responsibility for their own safety,” said Zion’s public information officer, Aly Baltrus. “We also ask that visitors help park staff protect Zion’s resources by following rules and notifying us of any visitors who are not.”

Back in January during the short government shutdown at that time a cow elk was poached inside the park boundaries.

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