Zion National Park braces for summer crowds ahead of Memorial Day weekend
May 12, 2025, 8:26 PM | Updated: 8:33 pm
Rock formations in Zion National Park on Jan. 25, 2025. (Mariah Maynes/KSL NewsRadio)
(Mariah Maynes/KSL NewsRadio)
SALT LAKE CITY — In 2024, Memorial Day weekend brought 92,000 visitors to Zion National Park. Although that number is a small fraction of the over 11 million visits to Utah national parks last summer, the weekend that kicks off summer also marks the beginning of busy season in the Mighty Five.
Memorial Day 2025 is just two weekends away, landing on May 26. Though the busy weekend is still approaching, Utah national parks are already preparing.
The National Park Service is anticipating the following during summer’s kickoff weekend:
- Long lines for entry, trailheads, visitor centers, restrooms and shuttles
- Temporary closures to some entry stations
- Heavy traffic in nearby areas
Know these things before visiting Zion National Park this summer
Zion National Park is the most visited of the five Utah national parks. A press release explained that parking within the park fills up every day during the busy season. The National Park Service recommended parking in Springdale, which is directly outside Zion, and accessing the park via the free shuttle.
After entering the park, you’ll need to ride a shuttle to destinations along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which include trailheads for the Emerald Pools, the Narrows and the Angels Landing.
The Great Organ, a rock formation on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, is pictured on Jan. 25, 2025. The route is closed to private vehicles in the summer. (Mariah Maynes/KSL NewsRadio)
Zion National Park shuttles are free to ride. They run daily between March and November, when the scenic drive is closed to private vehicles. Schedules for service in Springdale and the park can be found on the NPS website.
During your visit, remember to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. The NPS urged those planning to visit to familiarize themselves with the signs of heat stress, which include muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea and headaches. Avoid strenuous recreation during the afternoon, which is the hottest part of the day.
If you’re looking to beat the crowds, consider planning your visit on an off-time, such as a weekday.
“Be patient with rangers and other visitors. Busy weekends can be stressful, and we need your help to make sure everyone enjoys their national park visit,” wrote the NPS.
Learn and recreate in Zion National Park
On May 23, the Zion Nature Center will open for the season. It is set to offer interactive exhibits and activities each day until Sept. 1.
Additionally, the park is slated to host events featuring its knowledgeable rangers. For example, ranger talks occur at the visitor center. Others may take place on the trails, offering a unique opportunity to learn from the people who manage the park.
Before embarking on your trip to Zion National Park, check the park’s event calendar for daily offerings — some events require advance registration, which is usually free.
Angels Landing permits
Zion National Park issued an important reminder for those looking to summit Angels Landing. A permit program, which began in 2022, is still in effect.
Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh told CNN the system was started to control crowds and address safety concerns. The last stretch of the trail is well known for its dangerous ascent on a narrow ridge, offering only one chain for balance.
Permits are issued on a lottery basis. Although the summer lottery period ended on April 20, there is still availability — interested hikers must apply the day before they plan to summit the rock formation.
Video via the National Park Service
Those caught hiking Angels Landing without a permit can receive a fine up to $5,000 or serve six months in jail.
Per Recreation.gov, the permit application fee is $6. Those awarded a permit will be charged a recreation fee of $3 per hiker.
Just passing through? Use an alternate route
State Route 9, which is sometimes referred to as Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, passes through Zion National Park. Some people choose to drive on it to access other popular destinations, including Bryce Canyon National Park.
The NPS is asking drivers planning to pass through the park without recreating to use alternate routes. They include:
- State Route 20
- State Route 14
- U.S. 89 — Arizona 389 — Utah 59
Looking to beat the heat and the crowds on your next national park trip? Consider visiting during the off-season.
More Zion National Park news: Springdale faces traffic woes amid federal worker cuts
