Zion National Park visitors should expect crowds if they head to the park this weekend/Kurt Repanshek file

Memorial Day Weekend traditionally is a busy three-day period for Zion National Park in Utah, and that's why the park superintendent warned Thursday that visitors heading to Zion this weekend should be prepared for crowds.

“Visitors should come prepared, both for crowded conditions, and for the activities they are planning,” said Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh. “With a great many people visiting, please be patient with others and remember to use COVID-19 sanitation practices. Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility. Please avoid unsafe behaviors and risk-taking. Multiple emergencies are common during busy periods, stretching the availability of search and rescue, emergency medical, and fire-fighting capabilities.”

The superintendent recommended that those who can be flexible with travel should visit the park on Friday or Monday, as Saturday and Sunday most likely will see the greatest crowds of the weekend. Consider arriving early or after 3 p.m. to avoid the greatest crowding, he added. Visitors should have alternate plans in the region if the park has reached capacity. Nearby communities and public lands have many options for lodging and recreational activities.

Zion officials also ask that visitors avoid crowds in the park and adhere to social distancing and wearing a face mask. The park is currently open for day use only unless staying at the Zion Lodge or Watchman Campground. No entry fees are being charged at this time.

One of the most significant changes due to social distancing guidelines is the temporary shutdown of the park shuttle bus system, including shuttles in the town of Springdale. This means that the park can only accommodate visitation based on the limited number of parking spots in specific areas of the park.

Parking will fill early. Once full, additional vehicles can only be allowed in that area after parking spaces become available. With more vehicular traffic expected, walkers and cyclists must adhere to safety requirements along roadways and proceed single file to reduce potential conflicts with vehicles. Likewise, motorists must pay attention to pedestrian and bicyclists safety in road corridors.  If traffic becomes too congested, access to portions of the park may be temporarily suspended until traffic clears. This ensures access to emergencies by first responders along the Park road corridors. There is additional parking in Springdale near the park’s Pedestrian Entrance walk-in bridge. The last entry up the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive above Canyon Junction is 6 p.m.  

Many of the trails in Zion Canyon are open, and the Zion Lodge is offering limited services such as take-out food, some lodging, and the gift shop. Canyon Trail Rides have resumed for visitors interested in a tour on horseback. Angels Landing (chain section) and the Canyon Overlook trail are closed for social distancing concerns and because hikers must use shared chains and handrails.

The Kolob Canyons area also remains closed, as well as activities that require a permit, such as climbing, canyoneering, and backcountry camping. Law enforcement rangers will be increasing safety patrols to Angels Landing and other closed areas due to ongoing closure violations.