Zion National Park
High Wind Watch issued October 9 at 1:12PM MDT until October 12 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT
* WHAT...For the Wind Advisory, south winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected. For the High Wind Watch, south winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts in excess of 60 mph possible. * WHERE...Eastern Juab/Millard Counties, Sevier Valley, Western Millard and Juab Counties, Bryce Canyon Country, Upper Sevier River Valleys, and Southwest Utah. * WHEN...For the Wind Advisory, from 3 AM Saturday to 6 AM MDT Sunday. For the High Wind Watch, from Sunday morning through late Sunday night. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles and vehicles with trailers. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects and a few power outages may result.
High Wind Watch issued October 9 at 1:12PM MDT until October 12 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT
* WHAT...South winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts in excess of 70 mph possible. * WHERE...Central Mountains and Southern Mountains. * WHEN...From Sunday morning through late Sunday night. * IMPACTS...High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles and vehicles with trailers.
Flood Watch issued October 9 at 1:04PM MDT until October 12 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT
Moisture associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel will impact Utah this weekend bringing widespread rainfall totals ranging from 2-4". Some highly localized amounts to 6-8" are also possible, particularly across terrain-favored locations in southwestern Utah, the Book Cliffs, and Bear River Range. * WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...A portion of Utah, including the following areas, Castle Country, Central Mountains, Eastern Juab/Millard Counties, San Rafael Swell, Sanpete Valley, Sevier Valley, Wasatch Plateau/Book Cliffs, Bryce Canyon Country, Capitol Reef National Park and Vicinity, Glen Canyon Recreation Area/Lake Powell, South Central Utah, Southern Mountains, Upper Sevier River Valleys, Western Canyonlands, Lower Washington County, Southwest Utah and Zion National Park. This also includes recent burn scars such as Forsyth, Cottonwood, Silver King, France Canyon, and Monroe Canyon. * WHEN...From Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, dry washes, slot canyons, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations such as slickrock areas and recent burn scars. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Anomalously high moisture is forecast to impact the region with the arrival of the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel. While this is expected to be a long duration rainfall event, scattered instances of heavier rainfall rates are expected with stronger storms yielding flash flooding concerns given saturated soils and prior burn scars. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Overview
Zion National Park is open year-round and remains one of Utah's most spectacular destinations. The park recently reopened the Weeping Rock Trail in September 2025 after a nearly two-year closure from a November 2023 rockfall, with repaired stairs, railings, and trail tread. However, Hidden Canyon and the East Rim Trail to Observation Point from the canyon floor remain closed due to ongoing rockfall concerns. Observation Point is still accessible via the East Mesa Trail from outside the canyon. The park operates on a seasonal shuttle system: fall shuttle service ended December 1, 2024, with private vehicles allowed in Zion Canyon from December 2-19. Holiday shuttle service ran December 20-29, 2024, and now private vehicles can access Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (expect limited parking and possible road closures when full). Spring shuttle service will resume in 2025 (dates TBD, typically March). Angels Landing remains open but requires a permit through a lottery system. Watchman Campground is open year-round with reservations via Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance; South and Lava Point Campgrounds are closed for winter. Visitor centers are open daily 8am-5pm. Winter temperatures drop to freezing at night, with Virgin River water temperatures consistently below 50°F for Narrows hiking. The park remains geologically active with ongoing rockfall hazards—always check current conditions before visiting.
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