Memorial Day weekend expected to draw large crowds to Zion National Park

David DeMille, St. George Spectrum & Daily News
·2 min read
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A sign welcomes visitors to Zion National Park in Utah. Park officials are urging travelers to be prepared for crowds and some delays if they visit over the busy Memorial Day weekend.
A sign welcomes visitors to Zion National Park in Utah. Park officials are urging travelers to be prepared for crowds and some delays if they visit over the busy Memorial Day weekend.

If you’re planning on visiting Zion National Park this Memorial Day weekend, expect large crowds and long lines.

Zion National Park officials expect a busy weekend and for the crowds to bleed into the weekdays as well. In 2022, an estimated 82,000 visitors were at the park on Memorial Day weekend from Friday through Monday, according to a release from the National Park Service.

Parking typically fills by 9 a.m., so visitors entering later should plan on parking in Springdale and walking or taking the free town shuttle to the Pedestrian Entrance walk-in gate.

Park officials said they anticipate long waits at the entrances, trailheads, and visitor centers. Springdale, the gateway town located just outside the park's main entrance, will be heavy with traffic throughout the week and visitors should expect long lines getting into the park.

They can also expect long wait times for shuttles and intermittent closures at the park's east and south vehicle entrances.

"Pack your patience," said Jonathan Shafer, a park spokesperson. "We want you to enjoy your visit, and we want to be realistic about what you can expect this year. Be prepared to see lots of other people, be aware that parking usually fills early in the day. We may temporarily limit vehicle entry to reduce crowding and traffic congestion, but the park pedestrian and bicycle entrance will remain open throughout the weekend."

During entrance closures, vehicles will not be able to go through the park and the NPS suggests alternate routes for those who are not planning to stop and recreate.

  • Utah 20

  • Utah 14

  • US 89 - Arizona 389 - Utah 59

Tips to have a good weekend

Visitors to Zion National Park should expect long lines like these during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.
Visitors to Zion National Park should expect long lines like these during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

Visitors who can be flexible with their schedule are encouraged to visit Monday rather than Saturday or Sunday, as well as consider arriving early or starting their visit after 3 p.m. to avoid the greatest crowding.

The trail bridge over the Virgin River at Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop #5) is closed. Hikers can still visit Emerald Pools from the Grotto (Shuttle Stop #6). Check a map before you start your hike to plan accordingly.

Due to high water, the Narrows have been closed since mid-April. Hikers should not enter the Virgin River.

To keep up with any changes or closures to the park visit www.nps.gov/zion.

This article originally appeared on St. George Spectrum & Daily News: Visiting Zion National Park for Memorial Day weekend? Expect crowds