Zion National Park prepares for high temperatures and congestion during July 4 weekend

Zion National Park prepares for high temperatures and congestion during July 4 weekend

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SALT LAKE CITY — Zion National Park is expecting high temperatures and scores of visitors throughout the park during the upcoming Independence Day weekend (July 4-7).

In preparation for the influx of visitors, park officials released a statement to help prepare visitors for the weekend and keep conditions as safe and smooth as possible.

Most notably, park officials wanted to ensure visitors are aware fireworks are not allowed anywhere in Zion National Park, according to the news release.

Additionally, they pointed out that several Zion Canyon trails will be kept closed due to landslides, including the Upper and Middle Emerald pools, Hidden Canyon, the trail connector between Kayenta Trail and Lower Emerald Pools, and East Rim/Observation Point via Weeping Rock shuttle stop.

Late snowmelt from this past winter’s heavy snowfall has resulted in the Virgin River, which runs through the park and supplies water for multiple top attractions, to remain cold with high flows, according to the news release. When hiking the Narrows, visitors are advised to wear closed-toe shoes, pack out all waste, and bring stabilizing poles.

In terms of vehicle traffic, Zion officials are expecting it to take longer to enter and move around in the park, according to the news release. Visitors Center parking areas are likely to fill by 9:00 a.m. and limited overflow parking exists within the park, though additional parking will be available in Springdale.

Both campgrounds inside the park are completely booked for the weekend via a reservation system, according to the news release. There are still available campgrounds outside of the park, as well as lodging options in Springdale and other gateway communities, but planning ahead and reserving a space is advised.

A shuttle will be transporting visitors to the park from Springdale for free, according to the news release. In order to avoid crowds, park officials have suggested visiting on Friday or Monday rather than Saturday and Sunday.

Officials are expecting the heaviest traffic to be crowding Angel’s Landing, where they will be managing a line from the West Rim Trailhead at the Grotto, according to the news release. This will help ensure that fewer hikers will be on the trail at a time and the visitor experience will be better, while those waiting will have access to shade, restrooms and water filling stations.

Learn more about Zion National Park and get updates about its current conditions and closures via the National Park Service.

Editor's note: The content of this article was taken from a press release sent out by the National Park Service. This is not information gathered by KSL.com reporters.

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Cara MacDonald enjoys both engaging in outdoor recreation and writing about it. Born and raised in Utah, Cara enjoys skiing, rock climbing, hiking and camping. She is passionate about both learning about and experiencing the outdoors, and helping others to learn about and explore nature. She primarily writes Outdoors articles centering around wildlife and nature, highlighting adventure opportunities, and sharing tips and tricks for outdoor recreation.

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