Zion National Park
Flood Watch issued August 29 at 9:36PM MDT until August 31 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be 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, 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 and Zion National Park. * WHEN...Through Monday evening. * 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 including Widemouth 2, Cottonwood, Monroe Canyon, Forsyth, and other recent burn scars. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Deep moisture will continue to support thunderstorms with heavy rainfall across the watch area through Monday evening, particularly during the afternoon and evening. Some areas, particularly across the Sanpete and Sevier Valleys as well as Castle Country, have already seen heavy rainfall and will be even more prone to flooding given saturated soils. - 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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