Memorial Day weekend crowds expected to slam Zion National Park

The Utah National Park has about 100 miles of hiking trails and imposing rock formations that can reach 3000 feet high. Robert Ray of Fox Weather takes us to a tour while we celebrate the Week of the National Parks.

Springdale, Utah—The warm climate is finally over us, and with him comes the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors with friends and family.

As summer and the day of the fallen approach, the National Parks Service warns visitors who plan massive crowds if they are visiting one of the hundreds of the National Nations parks.

For example, according to the NPS, almost 5 million people visited the Zion National Park in 2024, around 92000 of those weekends of the day of the fallen duration. Therefore, it is safe to say that visitors must plan in advance.

Lines and overcrowding in the temple of Sinawava Duration day of the fallen weekend 2022.

(Jonathan Shechaer / NPS)

The NPS says they wait long lines in the entrance stations and transport buses, and prepare for heavy traffic from Springdale through the Zion National Park. Summer bus schedule and visitors will be extended from May 18 before the occupied season.

Areas such as the Zion Nature Center will be open just in time for the festive weekend. The NPS states that the center has interactive exhibitions and activities led by the ideal rangers for families with young children.

Springdale, UT – May 14: A sign hangs at the entrance of the Zion National Park on May 14, 2020 in Springdale, Utah. Zion National Park had a limited reopening yesterday as part of its repositioning plan after it closed due to COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images)

(George Frey / Getty images)

NPS officials suggest that if you are going through the area and do not visit the park, use alternative driving routes to avoid congestion and pass the park completely.

The NP requires that the vehicles be stacked only in designated areas. Illegally parked vehicles can damage parking plants and animals, and can be fined or towed, according to officials.

Clock: The injured hiker brought several rescue miles soaked in rain in the Smoky Mountain National Park

If you are planning a trip this next festive weekend, be sure to prepare drinking a lot of water and taking care of signs of heat stress. For more travel planning tips, visit a Ranger program to consult the park calendar in search of locations and schedules.