Zion Shuttle Service Resumes For 2011

Zion Shuttle Service Resumes For 2011
Date: March 24, 2011
Contact: David Eaker, 435-772-7811

The Zion National Park Transportation System will begin shuttle operations on Friday, April 1, 2011 and provide daily service through October 30, 2011.This marks the twelfth year of operation for the popular shuttle system in Zion National Park and Springdale, Utah. The shuttle system is supported by park entrance fees and all shuttles are fare-free. Parks Transportation, Inc., a subsidiary of McDonald Transit of Fort Worth, Texas, operates the shuttle service.

The shuttle system services nine shuttle stops in the town of Springdale and nine shuttle stops inside the park. The Zion Canyon Shuttle provides improved access to points of interest, trailheads, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and facilities such as the Zion Lodge and Zion Human History Museum. While the shuttle system is in operation, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles. Confirmed guests at the Zion Lodge may drive to the lodge, but cannot travel past the lodge or make any stops along the way. All other roads in the park are open to private vehicles, including the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway which connects to State Route 9 at the south and east entrances of the park.

Daily operation begins with an express shuttle departing from the Majestic View Shuttle Stop in Springdale at 6:35 a.m. and departing from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Shuttle Stop in the park at 6:45 a.m. Regular shuttle service starts at 7:00 a.m. Initially, the last shuttle traveling up canyon from the visitor center will depart at 9:30 p.m. and the last shuttle traveling into town will depart from the Zion Canyon Theater Shuttle Stop at 10:00 p.m. Hours of operation will expand during the summer. Shuttles depart from designated stops every seven to ten minutes during the middle of the day and approximately every 10-15 minutes in the morning and evening.

Visitors are encouraged to park in designated parking areas in Springdale, ride the Springdale Shuttle to the park's pedestrian entrance, and board the Zion Canyon Shuttle at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center, open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, offers park information, backcountry permits, reservations for the Zion Lodge, and a bookstore which sells maps, books, and other items that may enhance a visit to the park.

For additional information, visit the park's website at http://www.nps.gov/zion or call 435-772-3256.