Shuttle System Resumes Operation in Zion National Park

Zion Park Shuttle - courtesy Zion NP

The shuttle system to stops in Zion Canyon, Zion National Park, has been a great success. It provides easy access to trailheads and other destinations in the canyon while keeping vehicle traffic low. Without the shuttle it would be nearly impossible to get a parking space anywhere close to popular trailheads. With the shuttle you can hop off right at your destination. Shuttles come along every few minutes – they are very convenient.

I remember well the years just before the shuttle began operating, and at first I resisted the mandatory nature of the service. But it didn't take me long to become a convert. I appreciate the convenience - and the cleaner air.

- Dave Webb

The park provided this news release about the shuttle system:

Shuttle System Resumes Operation in Zion National Park

The Zion National Park Transportation System will begin shuttle operations on Sunday, March 24, 2013 and provide daily service through Sunday, October 28, 2012, with service on weekends only during the month of November. This marks the fourteenth year of operation for the shuttle system in Zion National Park and Springdale, Utah. The shuttle system is supported by park entrance fees and all shuttles are fare-free. Parks Transportation, Inc., a subsidiary of McDonald Transit of Fort Worth, Texas, operates the shuttle service.

The shuttle system services nine shuttle stops in the town of Springdale and nine shuttle stops inside the park. The Zion Canyon Shuttle provides improved access to points of interest, trailheads, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and facilities such as the Zion Lodge and Zion Human History Museum. While the shuttle system is in operation, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles. Confirmed guests at the Zion Lodge may drive to the lodge, but cannot travel past the lodge or make any stops along the way. All other roads in the park are open to private vehicles, including the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway which connects to State Route 9 at the south and east entrances of the park.

This spring, daily shuttle operations begin with a shuttle departing from the Majestic View Shuttle Stop in Springdale at 6:40 am. Shuttle service in Zion Canyon starts at 7:00 am from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Shuttle Stop. The last shuttle traveling up canyon from the visitor center will depart at 8:45 pm and the last shuttle traveling into town will depart from the Zion Canyon Theatre Shuttle Stop at 8:45 pm. Hours of operation will expand starting Sunday, May 20, 2012. Shuttles depart from designated stops every seven to ten minutes during the middle of the day and approximately every 15 to 30 minutes in the early morning and late evening.

Visitors are encouraged to park in designated parking areas in Springdale and ride the Springdale Shuttle to the park’s Pedestrian Entrance. Visitors can board the Zion Canyon Shuttle at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Shuttle Stop. Open daily, the Zion Canyon Visitor Center offers park information, backcountry permits, reservations for the Zion Lodge, and a bookstore which sells maps, books, and other items that may enhance a visit to the park.