Zion National Park is expected to be crowded for the Fourth of July/NPS file

Zion National Park in southwestern Utah is expected to be hot and crowded for the Fourth of July holiday break.

According to a park release, staff expect:

• Long lines at entrance stations, visitor centers, restrooms, and at trailheads. 
• Lengthy waits to board park shuttles in Springdale and Zion National Park. 
• Intermittent closures at the park’s east and south vehicle entrance stations. 
• Heavy traffic in Springdale and throughout the park. 

They suggest that you be prepared for triple-digit heat. Already multiple over 100° F days have registered in Zion this month, and forecasts predict hot temperatures will persist. As a result, staff suggests that you:

• Pack three liters of water to drink, salty snacks, and sun protection. 
• Get out before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. 
• Rest often and in the shade. 
• Check the weather forecast. 

Additionally, there are fire restrictions in place in the park. They include: 

• A ban against setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using open fires that produce ash, of any kind in the park in general, and specifically campfires and charcoal fires within campgrounds or picnic areas in Zion Canyon. 
  • Stoves fueled by petroleum or liquid Propane Gas (LPG) fuels for meal preparation only, are allowed. 
• Smoking in vegetated areas, except within an enclosed vehicle or a developed recreation site or stopped in an area devoid of vegetation at least 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter, is prohibited

Independence Day Parade 

• Zion staff are participating in the Town of Springdale’s Independence Day Parade.  
• The parade will close State Route 9 from about 8:30 a.m. until mid-morning on Thursday, July 4. 

Traffic 

When parking is full, traffic may be temporarily suspended and you won't be able to enter the park. This is to avoid congestion and keep shuttle running. Visitors can always ride the free Springdale Shuttle to the park’s pedestrian/bicycle entrance. If you need to travel to communities on either side of the park during the holiday weekend and you do not plan to visit Zion for recreation, you may avoid heavy traffic by considering alternate routes such as: 

• Utah 20. 
• Utah 14. 
• US 89 – Arizona 389 – Utah 59. 

Recreate responsibly 

• Be patient with rangers and other visitors. Busy weekends can be stressful, and we need your help to make sure everyone enjoys their national park visit. 
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and watch for signs of heat stress. Eat salty snacks. 
• Avoid flash floods & lightning by checking the forecast. Your safety is your responsibility. 
• Prevent wildfires. Fireworks are not allowed in Zion National Park. Campfires that are normally allowed in steel campfire rings at campgrounds are not allowed while fire restrictions are in place. Use stoves fueled by petroleum or liquid Propane Gas (LPG) fuels for meal preparation only. Fires are never allowed in park Wilderness. 
• Park only in designated parking areas. Illegally parked vehicles can harm park plants and animals and may be ticketed or towed. 
• Pack it In – Pack it Out. Take everything you bring into the park out again. This helps protect plants, animals, and historic resources and reduces the amount of trash NPS staff need to manage. 
• Go Before You Go. Use restrooms at trailheads and shuttle stops before venturing out on trails.