THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKPERMANENT NPS STORY ARCHIVE
Organized by publication date and destination. Each story retains its permanent State & Nation address and official NPS source.
The Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel will experience temporary nighttime closures for a Utah Department of Transportation construction project. Closures will take place in late September of 2026.
Official NPS source
While visiting Zion National Park from July through September can bring adventure, it may also include rapidly changing weather. Clear morning skies can quickly build into intense afternoon thunderstorms — transforming the landscape and creating serious hazards. The National Park Service urges visitors to stay informed and be ready for sudden weather changes, including the potential for flash floods.
Official NPS source
If your plans for this Independence Day Weekend include visiting Zion National Park, remember to plan for the heat and crowds as much as you’re planning to have fun.
Official NPS source
Zion National Park will reopen South Campground on Friday, May 29, with reservations required and now available through Recreation.gov.
Official NPS sourceZion National Park implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions beginning Friday, May 22, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. due to increasing fire danger and dry conditions across southwest Utah.
Official NPS source
Visitors should expect heavy traffic, limited parking, shuttle bus lines and long waits as the park enters its busy summer season. Advance planning can help make the trip safer and more enjoyable.
Official NPS sourceThe Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the State of Utah, Office of the Medical Examiner, have identified the visitor who died Friday following a fall from the chained section of the Angels Landing trail on April 17, 2026, at approximately 2 p.m.
Official NPS source
Presidents Day weekend is one of Zion National Park’s busiest winter weekends. The information here will help you avoid traffic, crowds, and stress.
Official NPS source
Zion National Park has announced the lottery dates for the 2026 Angels Landing Pilot Permit Program. The spring seasonal lottery is set to open Feb. 13, 2026. Visitors can apply for a permit on Recreation.gov.
Official NPS source
Zion National Park’s shuttle service begins on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Shuttles will run from March 7 to November 28, then they return briefly from December 26 to January 2.
Official NPS source
Three artists have been selected to participate in the 2026 Artist-in-Residence program in Zion National Park. These selectees include a composer, a multidisciplinary digital artist, and a painter and tattoo artist.
Official NPS source
Restrictions on large vehicles traveling the historic Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway (ZMCH) in Zion National Park will take effect on June 7, 2026. The change will improve safety, preserve historic features, and reduce delays on this 10.7-mile route.
Official NPS source
Winter is just around the corner in Zion National Park! Every year, the National Park Service (NPS) adjusts shuttle schedules and campground availability to reflect the seasons.
Official NPS source
SPRINGDALE, UT – Wildland firefighters have been deployed to an approximately 25-acre fire in the West Rim area of Zion National Park. The fire was reported to park staff at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. The cause of the fire has been determined to be a lightning strike.
Official NPS source
Zion National Park reopened the Weeping Rock Trail and nearby Shuttle Stop 7 for public use on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. The closure, in place since a November 2023 rockfall, allowed maintenance crews to repair trail tread, railings, and stairs while geologists assessed the site.
Official NPS sourceAt 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025, Zion National Park rescinded Stage 2 fire restrictions and resumed its year-round fire restrictions, which are always in effect across the park to protect visitors, resources, and surrounding communities.
Official NPS source
Wildland firefighters have been deployed to an approximately 16 acre fire in Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park.
Official NPS sourceDue to extreme fire danger, persistent hot and dry weather, and an increase in statewide fire activity, interagency fire officials implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning August 1, 2025, at 12:01 a.m.
Official NPS sourceThere’s never a bad time to visit Zion National Park, but if you’re visiting this Independence Day Weekend, plan for heat and crowds as much as you’re planning to have fun.
Official NPS source
On June 12, Zion National Park marked a major milestone: the 100 millionth boarding on the Zion Canyon Shuttle System since service began in 2000.
Official NPS source
After two years of planning, design, and construction, the bridge connecting Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop #5) to the Emerald Pools Trail system is once again open to visitors.
Official NPS source
The Zion Human History Museum has a new exhibit, one as old as the dinosaurs! Come take a trip through the late Triassic period, the End Triassic Extinction, and the beginnings of the Jurassic period, taking place 227 - 180 million years ago, all while following the scientists behind the research.
Official NPS sourceDue to rapidly increasing fire danger, interagency fire managers are implementing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions beginning June 1 at 12:01 a.m. on BLM and NPS managed, unincorporated Private, and State lands in Washington, Kane and Garfield counties (excluding lands managed by the US Forest Service, Dixie and Fishlake National Forests in these counties), all Arizona State Lands including Mohave and Coconino counties, north of the Grand Canyon, NPS Lands within Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, and all BLM-managed public lands within the Arizona Strip District in Arizona including Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
Official NPS source
Summer is almost here at Zion National Park! As Memorial Day Weekend approaches and the busy summer season ramps up, the National Park Service wants to help visitors prepare for what to expect. With Zion visitation reaching nearly 5 million in 2024, the second highest in the NPS, planning ahead is essential for a safe and enjoyable visit.
Official NPS source
Around 3:19 p.m. on February 24, Zion National Park received multiple reports of a rockfall along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive between the Great White Throne pull out and the Big Bend Shuttle Stop. Park rangers immediately responded, and traffic was temporarily stopped in both directions around the rockfall impact area. Upon evaluation and monitoring, visitors were safely evacuated from north of the rockfall.
Official NPS source
Zion National Park is beginning shuttle service on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Every year, the National Park Service (NPS) adjusts shuttle schedules to reflect the seasons. Here is what you need to know to plan your visit.
Official NPS source
A hiker was found dead on the Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park, Feb. 2, 2025.
Official NPS source
Zion National Park, in partnership with our non-profit partner, Zion Forever Project, has selected three artists to participate in the 2025 Artist-in-Residence program.
Official NPS source
Fall is turning to winter in Zion National Park! Every year, the National Park Service (NPS) adjusts shuttle schedules and campground availability to reflect the seasons. Here is what you need to know to plan your visit as we get closer to winter.
Official NPS source
Zion National Park hosted a naturalization ceremony to officially induct 40 new citizens of the United States of America, Oct. 22.
Official NPS source
Canyoneer dies after accidental fall at Zion National Park Three other canyoneers rescued in joint operation with Utah Department of Public Safety
Official NPS source
The Zion Canyon Visitor Center parking lot will temporarily close for re-striping on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
Official NPS source
The Peregrine Fund and the Bureau of Land Management Vermilion Cliffs National Monument are hosting a celebration on National Public Lands Day, Saturday, September 28th by releasing four captive-bred California condors at 1 p.m. MDT/Utah time (noon MST/northern-Arizona condor time). The 28th annual event will be held in person at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and will be live-streamed via The Peregrine Fund’s YouTube Channel.
Official NPS source
Zero-emission electric visitor transportation is now operational at Zion National Park. National Park Service Director Chuck Sams was joined by General Services Administration Administrator Robin Carnahan, Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians Chairman Roland Maldonado, officials from the Zion National Park Forever Project, the National Park Foundation and local leaders to unveil the new fully electric fleet at an event in Zion National Park on Sept. 4.
Official NPS source
Be prepared to pack your patience! Zion National Park is expecting a busy Labor Day weekend Friday, August 30 through Monday, September 2, 2024. Expect long lines and traffic congestion in and near the park.
Official NPS source
On August 22, 2024, Cedar Breaks National Monument is opening a brand-new Visitor Contact Station thanks to the help of the National Park Service-Centennial Challenge Program, the Zion National Park Forever Project, and Iron County.
Official NPS source
Approximately 40 wildland firefighters continue to fight off the 24-acre Kolob Terrace Fire, in Hop Valley, Zion National Park.
Official NPS source
Wildland firefighters have been deployed to an ~3-5 acres fire in Hop Valley, Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) announced the signing of the South Entrance Redesign Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The project will improve road circulation and safety by realigning the roadway from the South Entrance Fee Station to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) continues to prepare a draft Visitor Use Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) for Zion National Park. This plan and EA will propose actions to provide sustainable visitor access, protect park resources, improve visitor experiences, and promote visitor and staff safety.
Official NPS source
On the evening of July 4, 2024, Zion National Park received a report of a single vehicle collision involving a motorcycle in the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. National Park Service staff and Hurricane Valley Fire District emergency medical personnel immediately responded to the incident and performed CPR on the patient.
Official NPS source
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.
Official NPS source
Fire restrictions will be implemented in Zion Canyon effective Saturday, June 8, 2024.
Official NPS source
Do the striking features of Zion spark your creativity? Share your inspiration with others through our Artist-in-Residence Program!
Official NPS source
Zion National Park will be implementing changes to improve trips through Zion on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. These changes reflect discussions with departments of transportation, neighbors, elected officials, business owners, and many other stakeholders.
Official NPS source
It’s the start of the summer season, and there is never a bad time to visit Zion. If you plan to travel to the park during Memorial Day Weekend, the National Park Service (NPS) wants you to know what to expect.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Destination Zion Lodge, LLC to operate visitor services under a 10-year concession contract. The existing lodging, food and beverage, and retail services at Zion National Park will transition to the new concessioner on January 1, 2025.
Official NPS sourceOn the afternoon of May 6, 2024, Zion National Park received a report of an unresponsive hiker at Scout Lookout. Rangers working at Scout Lookout immediately responded and performed CPR. Additional rangers hiked to the patient with medical equipment.
Official NPS source
Zion National Park has received National Park Service funding from the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund, disaster recovery appropriations, and visitor entrance fee dollars to completely rehabilitate the park's historic South Campground.
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Zion National Park is marking two years of success reducing crowding and congestion on the half-mile of trail that leads from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing.
Official NPS source
Zion National Park wants your comments on a proposal to improve roads and trails in the park’s South Entrance Area.
Official NPS sourceZion National Park is beginning shuttle service on Sunday, March 3, 2024. Every year, the National Park Service (NPS) adjusts shuttle schedules, visitor center hours, and campground availability to reflect the seasons. Here is what you need to know to plan your visit.
Official NPS source
With Presidents Day on the horizon, we want you to plan like a park ranger before your visit. Here’s what you need to know!
Official NPS sourceThis fall and winter, Zion National Park staff have begun engaging with neighbors, elected officials, and other stakeholders to discuss operational changes on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway.
Official NPS source
Zion National Park in partnership with our non-profit partner, Zion Forever Project, has selected three artists to participate in the 2024 Artist-in-Residence program.
Official NPS sourceOn the afternoon of January 26, Zion National Park received a report of an unresponsive hiker on the West Rim Trail near Scout Lookout. Rangers immediately responded and hiked to the patient with medical equipment including an automated external defibrillator (AED) and a heart monitor. When they reached the patient, visitors with emergency medical training were performing CPR and directing other visitors who assisted.
Official NPS source
A variety of National Park Service (NPS) employees, volunteers and partners were honored at a ceremony to Celebrate America’s National Parks and the Dedication of Those Who Serve.
Official NPS sourceScientists from the U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service partnered on a first-of-its-kind, nationwide harmful algal bloom, or HAB, field study that began this summer and will continue over the next two years.
Official NPS source