Zion National Park anticipates busy Independence Day weekend
Zion National Park anticipates that Independence Day weekend, July 4–7, will be extremely busy as our nation celebrates the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Visitors should expect vehicle and pedestrian congestion and high temperatures.
Those celebrating the holiday should be aware that fireworks are not permitted anywhere in Zion National Park.
Visitors should expect it to take longer to enter and move around within the park. Visitor center parking areas fill by 9 a.m., and there is only limited overflow parking within the national park. Additional parking is provided in the gateway community of Springdale. A free shuttle in Springdale will pick up and transport visitors to the park entrance. Visitors who can be flexible are encouraged to visit July 5 or 8 rather than July 6 or 7 to help avoid the crowds.
Both national park campgrounds in Zion Canyon are on a reservation system and are already completely booked for the weekend. There are campgrounds and many lodging options in the gateway communities surrounding the park, but pre-trip planning and reservations are highly advised.
Several Zion Canyon trails remain closed due to landslides: Upper and Middle Emerald Pools, Hidden Canyon, East Rim/Observation Point via Weeping Rock shuttle stop, and the trail connector between Kayenta Trail and Lower Emerald Pools. The water in the Virgin River remains cold and high. Those hiking the Narrows are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes, use stabilizing poles, and pack-out all waste.
The line for Angels Landing that often forms at Scout Lookout will be managed from the West Rim Trailhead at the Grotto, much like it was during Memorial Day Weekend. This effort will allow hikers to have a better visitor experience on the trail, and those waiting will enjoy more shade, flush restrooms, and water-filling stations at the trailhead prior to starting their hike.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to bring plenty of refillable water containers as temperatures average above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in July. There are water-filling stations at most shuttle stops.
