What better way to spend your 4th of July than by enjoying one of the nation’s national parks! If you’re fortunate enough to be visiting Zion and the town of Springdale on the 4th, get ready for some Small Town USA festivities!
4th of July Breakfast & Parade
As is tradition the city kicks off the 4th of July with a pancake breakfast breakfast by the Lion’s Club over at Springdale Elementary located at 898 Zion Park Blvd. Breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m. and is followed by the Springdale 4th of July Parade at 9 a.m. The parade will run from Lion Boulevard to Canyon Springs Drive, located near the Holiday Inn Express in Springdale.
Those spending and celebrating the 4th in Zion should be aware that fireworks are not permitted anywhere in the park.
Park Restrictions, Limitations and Crowds
Zion National Park officials anticipate that July 4-7 will be an extremely busy weekend. Those visiting the park should expect vehicle and pedestrian congestion as well high temperatures. Park temperatures are expected to be in the high 90s on the 4th, increasing into the 100s by the weekend.
With the anticipation of larger crowds, be prepared for it to take longer to enter and move around within the park. Visitor Center parking areas tend to fill by 9:00 a.m. and there is only limited overflow parking within the park. Additional parking is provided in Springdale. A free shuttle in Springdale will pick-up and transport visitors to the park entrance. Visitors who can be flexible with when they visit are encouraged to visit Friday or Monday rather than Saturday or Sunday to help avoid the crowds.
Trail Closues
Please be aware that the following trails remain closed in Zion due to landslides:
- Upper Emerald Pools Trail
- Middle Emerald Pools Trail
- Hidden Canyon Trail
- East Rim / Observation Point Trail via the Weeping Rock shuttle stop
- The trail connector between Kayenta Trail and Lower Emerald Pools trail
The water in the Virgin River remains cold and high. Those interested in hiking the lower end of the Narrows are encouraged to wear closed toed shoes, use stabilizing poles, and MUST pack out all waste.
Trail Rerouting
Similar to what was done over Memorial Day weekend, the line for Angels Landing, which generally forms at Scout Lookout, will be managed from the West Rim Trailhead located at the Grotto. This effort will help hikers have a better visitor experience on the trail and allow those waiting access to more shade, flush restrooms and water filling stations at the trailhead prior to starting their hike.
Campgrounds
Both national park campgrounds in Zion are on a reservation system and are already completely booked for the weekend. There are campgrounds and many lodging options in the communities surrounding the park, but pre-trip planning and reservations are highly advisable.
Stay Hydrated
Park visitors are also strongly encouraged to bring plenty of refillable water containers as temperatures average above 100° Fahrenheit in July. There are water filling stations located at most shuttle stops.
Have a Happy 4th of July!