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| Image: David Eakers- Zion National Park Public Information Officer |
Written by Don Gilman
UPDATE:
In an update from David Eakers, the Zion National Park Public Information Officer, as of 1 p.m. on Monday, July 13, the West Rim Trail and Angels Landing Trail have reopened.
“Hikers should use caution along the West Rim Trail in the vicinity of Refrigerator Canyon and be aware that debris from the fire may still fall down from the mesa top,” Eakers stated. “Visitors are asked not to linger in this area.”
ORIGINAL STORY:
A small fire started by lightning in Zion National Park has temporarily closed the lower segment of the West Rim Trail, which leads to the popular Angels Landing Trail. Ignited by an electrical storm, the blaze was first reported Friday, July 10. The fire is currently approximately 50 acres in size and is in an area not easily accessible by firefighters. Due to danger of debris falling from the mesa into Refrigerator Canyon, the decision was made to close the trail. Park fire officials are monitoring the fire.
David Eaker, the public information officer for Zion National Park, says that this fire will most likely not require fire suppression.
“The fire is being managed, doing its natural role,” Eaker said. “The only way to get people to this fire is by helicopter. We have a lot of fires on top of the mesas. It’s nothing that is going to damage resources.”
The fire is currently growing slowly, primarily smoldering with only occasional torching of trees. It is moving north and has burned almost the entire top of the Cathedral Mountain Mesa.
As of Monday, July 13, there has been no indication as to when the Angels Landing trail will be reopened. The West Rim Trail is closed from The Grotto to Cabin Springs.
Angels Landing is one of the most popular trails in Zion National Park. Each year, thousands of hikers scramble up the 2.5 mile, 1500 foot ascent.
