Re: Zion Shuttle System Resumes Operation for 2010

Zion Shuttle System Resumes Operation for 2010
Date: March 30, 2010
Contact: Ron Terry, 435-772-0160

The Zion Canyon Transportation (Shuttle) System will resume operation on Thursday, April 1, 2010. This will mark the 11th season of operation for the popular shuttle system in Zion National Park and in Springdale, Utah. Parks Transportation, Inc., a subsidiary of McDonald Transit of Fort Worth, Texas, operates the shuttle service.

The park shuttle loop provides access to points of interest, trailheads and the Zion Lodge along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. While the shuttle system is in operation, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles, except for Zion Lodge guests that may drive as far as the lodge. All other roads in the park, including the Zion - Mt Carmel highway through the park, are open to private vehicles.

The daily schedule begins with an express shuttle departing the Majestic View shuttle stop at 6:35 a.m. and the Zion Canyon Visitor Center at 6:45 a.m. Regular shuttle service starts at 7 a.m., both in the park and in Springdale. Initially, the last park shuttle will depart at 9:30 p.m. from the visitor center and the last town shuttle will depart the Zion Canyon Theater shuttle stop at 10 p.m. The hours of operation will expand as the summer season progresses. The Springdale Loop serves nine stops and the Canyon Loop serves nine stops including the Zion Human History Museum and the Zion Lodge. Shuttles will 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. There is no charge for riding the shuttles.

Visitors are encouraged to park in designated parking areas in Springdale and ride the shuttle to the park. Park Loop shuttles depart from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. The Visitor Center, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, offers shuttle information, current park information, backcountry permits, lodge reservations, maps and a wide selection of publications to enhance a park visit.

My understanding is that they can issue special permits for people who need private vehicles to help transport special medical devices or when the (wheelchair accessible) shuttles can't accommodate someone due to weight or size limitations.