A slide of rocks and debris has closed the Zion Scenic Drive north of Zion Lodge/NPS

A rockfall likely spurred by days of wet weather has closed Zion National Park's scenic drive just north of Zion Lodge with an estimated 200 tons of mud and rock, and crews will have to wait for drier conditions before clearing away the debris, park officials said Saturday.

The slide, about four car lengths long, came down about 6 p.m. Friday in an area just north of the Grotto. A dozen vehicles were stranded on the north side of the slide. With help from Zion Lodge personnel, all but one party were shuttled to their respective hotels. The party that elected to remain in their vehicle had adequate provisions for the night, and was to be evacuated Saturday, a park release said.

Visitors were not being allowed to walk past the Grotto. The Temple of Sinawava and Weeping Rock trailheads were closed. "Saturation remains a concern and further slides are possible throughout the park," said the release. "The Lower Emerald Pools Trail and part of Sand Bench Trail are both closed due to other landslides."

With the road closed at the lodge, there would be limited parking at Zion this holiday weekend. Visitors should expect crowding and the road to close at Canyon Junction intermittently once parking is full on what is expected to be a busy weekend.

Road crews and geologists must allow the area to dry out and assess the damage before removing the debris, making repairs, and reopening roadway, said park officials.