ZNP: Current Operations and Seasonal Updates

Even with reduced staffing and limited services, Zion National Park remains open and ready to welcome visitors.

Visitor Services

• Zion Canyon Visitor Center: Open daily, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Information & Wilderness Desks: Both open, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Zion Forever Project Bookstore: Open, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Human History Museum: Closed.
• Nature Center: Closed for the season.
• Kolob Canyons Visitor Center: Closed, but the area’s roads and trails are still open.
• Restrooms: Both flush and pit toilet facilities remain available.

Shuttle Service

• Zion Canyon Shuttle: Runs as scheduled, 7:00 a.m.–6:15 p.m.
• Springdale Shuttle: Operates 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Permits & Recreation

• Wilderness Permits: Required for all backcountry, canyoneering, and climbing trips. Obtain in advance at Recreation.gov.
• Angels Landing Permits: Seasonal and day-before lottery systems continue as normal through Recreation.gov.
• Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel Oversized Vehicle Escorts: Permits available at entrance stations; escorts run 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Campgrounds & Lodging

• Watchman Campground: Open with reservations required on Recreation.gov. Comfort stations #1, #4, and #6 are closed for the season.
• South Campground: Closed for renovations.
• Lava Point Campground: Closed for the season.
• Zion Lodge: Open.
• Note: The Castle Dome Café closes for the season on November 14.
• Horseback rides in Zion Canyon have also ended for the year.

The Zion Forever Project, in partnership with the State of Utah and the National Park Service, is working to keep the Zion Canyon Visitor Center open throughout the ongoing federal shutdown.

Upcoming Events

• Oct. 11 – Nov. 14: Stop-motion animator Lumi Barron, Zion’s Fall 2025 Artist-in-Residence.
• Dec. 1 – 22: No shuttle service.
• Dec. 20: Save the date! 2025 ZION Christmas Bird Count. Details to come.
• Dec. 23 – Jan. 3: Holiday shuttle operations in effect.
• Jan. 4 – Early March: No shuttle service.

Drought Conditions

Recent rains in October brought some relief across northern and southern Utah, but Extreme (D3) drought remains in parts of central and eastern Utah. You can read the latest Drought Impact Statement at:

👉 weather.gov/media/slc/DGT/DGT_SLC_11042025.txt