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Tips For Your Winter Visit To Zion National Park

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By Compiled From N... - November 30th, 2022

How to plan for your winter visit to Zion National Park/NPS, Cadence Cook file

If you're planning to visit Zion National Park in Utah this winter, here are some tips to help you with planning for your trip.

Fall personal vehicle access in Zion Canyon started November 28, 2022

  • The last day of fall shuttle service in Zion Canyon and Springdale was November 27.

  • Plan for limited parking; when parking in Zion Canyon is full, the NPS may temporarily close the road.

Shuttle service runs December 23, 2022 – January 1, 2023

  • Shuttle service will resume in Zion Canyon and Springdale starting on December 23 for 10 days.

  • During these 10 days, visitors cannot drive personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

Winter personal vehicle access in Zion Canyon starts January 2, 2023

  • The last day of winter shuttle service in Zion Canyon and Springdale is January 1, 2023.

  • Visitors can drive personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive starting on January 2, 2023.

  • Plan for limited parking; when parking in Zion Canyon is full, the National Park Service may temporarily close the road.

Shuttle service resumes in spring

  • The NPS will resume shuttle service in spring. We will share specific dates in 2023.

Winter Camping

Watchman Campground is open year-round, and you can make a reservation up to six months before your visit at www.recreation.gov or by calling l-877-444-6777. Plan ahead and make arrangements for where you will stay before you get to the park.

South Campground and Lava Point Campground are closed for the season.

Visitor Center Dnd Wilderness Permit Desk Hours

Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyons Visitor Centers

  • Open 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. every day through the fall and winter.

Wilderness Permit Desks

  • Zion Canyon Wilderness Desk: Open 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Kolob Canyons Wilderness Desk: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Need To Know

Pack your patience while the park completes a drainage improvement project near the south entrance. While work is happening, one lane is open into the park, and one lane is open out of the park. This work is scheduled to be complete in spring 2023.

Whether you ride a shuttle or drive your own car in Zion Canyon, be prepared for crowds.

  • Parking fills early year-round.

  • Watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists if you are driving.

  • Stay on trails and avoid walking in the road.

  • Ride your bike on the road or the Pa’Rus Trail. Bicycling is not allowed on any other trails in the park. If you are riding in the road, you must stop to let buses pass you.

  • The NPS may temporarily close roads if traffic is congested or there is nowhere for drivers to park.

  • In general, fewer people visit Zion on weekdays than weekends. Consider arriving early or after 3 p.m. to avoid the busiest times of day.

Plan Ahead And Prepare

If you cannot park in Zion or if all of the campsites are full, research nearby communities and public lands to learn about other recreational activities and lodging.  Always recreate responsibly and respect private owners’ property and facilities.

Follow Leave No Trace practices everywhere in the park and be sure to pack out all your trash.

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