Shuttle System Resumes Operation in Zion

Shuttle System Resumes Operation in Zion
Date: March 20, 2012
Contact: David Eaker, 435-772-7811

The Zion National Park Transportation System will begin shuttle operations on Sunday, April 1, 2012 and provide daily service through Sunday, October 28, 2012. This marks the thirteenth year of operation for the 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.

This spring, daily shuttle operations begin with a shuttle departing from the Majestic View Shuttle Stop in Springdale at 6:40 am. Shuttle service in Zion Canyon starts at 7:00 am from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Shuttle Stop. The last shuttle traveling up canyon from the visitor center will depart at 8:45 pm and the last shuttle traveling into town will depart from the Zion Canyon Theatre Shuttle Stop at 8:45 pm. Hours of operation will expand starting Sunday, May 20, 2012. Shuttles depart from designated stops every seven to ten minutes during the middle of the day and approximately every 15 to 30 minutes in the early morning and late evening.

Visitors are encouraged to park in designated parking areas in Springdale and ride the Springdale Shuttle to the park's Pedestrian Entrance. Visitors can board the Zion Canyon Shuttle at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Shuttle Stop. Open daily, the Zion Canyon Visitor Center 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 www.nps.gov/zion or call 435-772-3256.