The flash floods of 2021 damaged the South Entrance of the Park. More than 5 million people visited the park last year alone. He added that the Park had experienced a dramatic increase in visitation over the last decade, particularly in the previous 5-6 years. Help visitors access the Park and, at the same time, protect park resources.” “We’re in the initial stages of this project right now, considering your input, ideas and suggestions to make this proposed program more usable. “It’s really important that we get this right, and we hope you’ll help us with that,” Bradybaugh said.

Some of the ideas discussed range from rehabilitating the south campground and how visitors circulate around the South Entrance, including Visitor Center, to the campgrounds, multiuse trail and the park’s shuttle system. Superintendent of Zion National Park Jeff Bradybaugh spoke about some proposed options the Park is exploring during a public Zoom presentation in May. “We are also assessing whether and how to make changes in the south entrance and South Campground areas that would help us improve road and trail circulation and include planning for these kinds of events,” Shafer said. During the floods in 2021, some of the South Entrance gates were rendered unusable and the park was closed. The Park is also exploring new options for managing floods in the future.

Get the National Park Service app before you arrive.

Expect limited voice and data coverage on your phone.

Have your interagency annual pass and ID ready to show to a ranger before you get to a park entrance station. You are not allowed to camp along roadsides, at overlooks, pullouts, trailheads, or other parking areas.

Camping in the park is only allowed in campgrounds.

Reserve space in a campground or hotel – these facilities fill quickly and may be booked by the time you plan your trip.

Check current park conditions for information on road construction, temporary closures, and park Wilderness.

Planning for the weather will keep you comfortable and away from events like floods or thunderstorms. George Newsĭuring the summer, Shafer encourages visitors to plan like a park ranger by keeping a few factors in mind: A flash flood caused the closure of Zion Canyon, Springdale, Utah, J| Photo courtesy of Zion National Park, St. People are cautioned not to try to outrun a flash flood. Slot canyons are extremely hazardous and can even happen with sunny skies overhead. “Flood waters carry large debris like tree trunks and boulders and can happen at any time in Zion National Park.”Īccording to the Zion website, flash floods are unpredictable and can be deadly, including blunt force trauma from large debris. “Flash floods are a sudden increase in the depth and speed of water in rivers, streams, or washes due to rain,” Shafer said. And when in the park, speak with a park ranger to understand the hazards of flash flooding. Shafer advises everyone who visits Zion National Park during the monsoon season to check the forecast beforehand. Looking to the future, we have cleared drainage infrastructure to help protect roads, trails, and parking areas.” Carmel Highway the day after Zion experienced flooding.

“Thanks to their hard work, the park reopened the Zion-Mt. “The National Park Service maintenance staff responded quickly to the damage caused by last year’s flood,” Zion National Park Public Information Specialist Jonathan Shafer said.

Last year saw record-breaking floods in the park and nearby Springdale. Flash flooding of Zion Canyon, Springdale, Utah, J| Photo courtesy of Zion National Park, St.

Flash flood zion