ST. GEORGE — If you’re visiting Zion National Park this Independence Day weekend, remember to plan for the heat and crowds as much as you’re planning to have fun, authorities said in a news release issued by the National Park Service.
The park service anticipates:
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Long lines at entrance stations, visitor centers, restrooms and trailheads.
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Lengthy waits to board park shuttles in Springdale and Zion National Park.
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Intermittent closures at the park’s east and south vehicle entrance stations.
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Heavy traffic in Springdale and throughout the park.
Prepare for potential triple-digit heat
Multiple days over 100 degrees Fahrenheit hit Zion this June, and forecasts predict hot temperatures will persist. No one wants to be struck down by a heat-related illness during their hike.
Beat the heat and:
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Pack three liters of water to drink, salty snacks, and sun protection.
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Get out before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
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Rest often and in the shade.
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Check the weather forecast.
- Setting, building, maintaining, attending or using open fires that produce ash, of any kind in the park in general, and specifically campfires and charcoal fires within campgrounds or picnic areas in Zion Canyon.
- Stoves fueled by petroleum or liquid propane gas fuels for meal preparation only are allowed.
- Smoking in vegetated areas, except within an enclosed vehicle or a developed recreation site or stopped in an area devoid of vegetation at least 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter.
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Zion staff are participating in the town of Springdale’s Independence Day Parade.
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The parade will close state Route 9 from about 8:30 a.m. until mid-morning on Thursday, July 4.
Traffic
When parking is full, traffic may be temporarily suspended vehicle entry and drivers will not be able to enter the park. This is to avoid congestion and keep shuttled running.
Visitors can always ride the free Springdale Shuttle to the park’s pedestrian/bicycle entrance. If you need to travel to communities on either side of the park during the holiday weekend and you do not plan to visit Zion for recreation, you may avoid heavy traffic by considering alternate routes such as:
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State Route 20.
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State Route 14.
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U.S. Highway 89 – Arizona 389 – state Route 59.
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Be patient with rangers and other visitors. Busy weekends can be stressful, and visitors are responsible for helping to make sure everyone enjoys their national park visit.
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Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and watch for signs of heat stress. Eat salty snacks.
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Avoid flash floods and lightning by checking the forecast. Your safety is your responsibility.
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Prevent wildfires. Fireworks are not allowed in Zion National Park. Campfires that are normally allowed in steel campfire rings at campgrounds are not allowed while fire restrictions are in place. Fires are never allowed in the park’s wilderness.
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Park only in designated parking areas. Illegally parked vehicles can harm park plants and animals and may be ticketed or towed.
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Pack it in – pack it out. Take everything you bring into the park out again. This helps protect plants, animals and historic resources and reduces the amount of trash park service staff need to manage.
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Go before you go. Use restrooms at trailheads and shuttle stops before venturing out on trails.