Expect crowds at Zion National Park over holiday weekend
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — If you’re planning to visit Zion National Park over the Memorial Day weekend, the National Park Service says to expect large crowds. Last year, nearly 100,000 people visited the southern Utah park and it’s expected there will be as many this year.
“Pack your patience,” Jonathan Shafer, park spokesperson said. “We want you to enjoy your visit, and we want to be realistic about what to expect.”
He adds vehicle entry may be temporarily halted to reduce crowding and traffic congestion in the park.
According to the park service, visitors should 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, temporary closures at the park’s east and south vehicle entrance stations
Heavy traffic in Springdale and throughout the park
Shafer said the trail bridge over the Virgin River at Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop #5) is closed but hikers can visit the Emerald Pools from the Grotto (Shuttle stop #6). Also, if there are plans to hike Angels Landing, you need to apply the day before the hike.
Visitation to Zion National Park has been increasing for decades, and the park is among a small group of national park areas to ever exceed 5 million annual visits.
Visitors are also encouraged to park in Springdale and take the free Springdale Line Shuttle to avoid traffic inside Zion. Then use the bicycle and pedestrian entrance.
Over the years, visitor numbers to the park have increased significantly. In 2023, there were more than 4.6 million visitors.
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