Zion Park Trails, Fires and Dogs

It is now wildfire season in Utah. Zion Park officials have temporarily closed the West Rim Trail from Lava Point to Potato Hollow because of a new wildfire. Here are details.

Fires sometimes affect travel and recreation in Utah. Watch this website for up to date info on fires in Utah, along with closures and advisories.

Pets at Zion Park
Here are a couple interesting questions about Zion Park submitted by a reader:

Question: I'm interested in coming to Utah in mid September, but am not sure what the weather maybe like.

Also, I wanted to get to Salt Lake and go down to Zion's. But I would like to travel with our small dog. Can you give me information about dogs on leash in Utah's National Parks?

Thanks,
Rebekah

Answer: Our weather is usually delightful in mid-September. The Zion area will have summer conditions, with daytime temperatures in the 90s. Nights start to cool off about them and are very pleasant.

Leashed pets are allowed in only a few areas in Zion Park.

Here's what the park service says: "Pets must be under physical control on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. They are not allowed on the shuttle, in the backcountry, on trails, or in public buildings."

Service animals are an exception. Leashed pets are allowed on the Pa'rus Trail and in the campgrounds.

Visitors who bring pets face a dilemma. What do you do with your pets while you tour the park? Some people leave pets locked in vehicles, but that is a bad idea. In mid-September, temperatures inside vehicles can become lethally hot within just a few minutes, even if windows are cracked.

There are pet boarding facilities in nearby towns.