- Zion National Park's Weeping Rock Trail reopened after a nearly two-year closure.
- The trail was closed due to a rockfall in November 2023, which caused damage.
- Hidden Canyon and East Rim trails remain closed; safety monitoring continues.
SPRINGDALE, Washington County — A "cherished" alcove and hanging gardens site at Zion National Park, along with a shuttle stop in the area, have reopened for the first time since a rockfall nearly two years ago.
The Weeping Rock Trail and Shuttle Stop No. 7 reopened on Friday, but two trails that it links up with remain closed, park officials said in an update.
"We are pleased to once again welcome hikers back to Weeping Rock, one of Zion's most cherished destinations," Jeff Bradybaugh, the park's superintendent, said in a statement.
Weeping Rock is considered one of the park's "signature landmarks" because of its alcove and hanging gardens that form from the groundwater that seeps through the Navajo sandstone rock features. But park rangers were forced to close the 0.4-mile trail in November 2023 after a massive rockslide from the top of a canyon cascaded toward a roadway at the bottom.
The rockfall led to stunning videos, but no injuries were reported. The road also reopened quickly, but there was enough damage in the area to keep the nearby shuttle stop, parking area and trail closed for lengthy repairs.
Crews have spent the past two years repairing the trail's stairways and railings, according to the park. New sandstone curbing and concrete tread — designed to match the natural landscape while improving safety — were installed in the process.
Zion's Hidden Canyon and East Rim Trail to Observation Point, which both link up with the Weeping Rock Trail, remain closed. It wasn't immediately clear when they will reopen.
A physical science team will also continue to monitor the site for any potential rockfalls, which are always an active threat in the "geologically active area," park officials added. Another "significant" rockslide occurred in the area earlier this year.
"We urge all visitors to take their safety seriously, remain alert and be mindful that rockfall is a natural and ongoing process in canyon terrain," Bradybaugh said. "Respecting closures, following posted guidance and exercising personal responsibility are essential to ensuring that everyone can continue to safely enjoy this extraordinary place."
