Zion Park Roads, Trails Reopen After Rockslide, Fire

A small rockslide temporarily closed a main road in Zion National Park today, but the rocks have now been cleared and the road has reopen. The slide occurred in Zion Canyon near Court of the Patriarchs.

Heavy rain caused flooding in southern parts of the park. The Spectrum newspaper reports, “Pine Creek is flooding at seven to eight feet deep. Spry Canyon is also experiencing large flash flooding. Falling rocks temporarily closed the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive near the Court of the Patriarchs. The rocks have been removed and the road is now open.”

More rain could fall tonight and tomorrow morning, but we should see clearing tomorrow afternoon.

Earlier this month, some trails in the Kolob Canyon section of the park were closed because of a wildfire, but they have all now reopened.

Fall is a great time to visit Zion Park. The summer “monsoon” season is now winding down, as daytime temperatures start to cool. The summer wildfire season is also winding down.

Days will continue to be warm and nights will now be pleasantly cool. It is still warm enough to enjoy all kinds of activities in the park, without the oppressive heat of August.

Much of the Zion Park backcountry is located at a high elevation and leaves there will start to turn colors in a couple weeks. It will still be a month or so before leaves turn in Zion Canyon, which is located at a lower elevation.