National Parks Will Soon Adopt Spring Schedules

Utah is enjoying spring-like weather and that has many of us anxious for outdoor adventure. Now's the perfect time to hit the hiking trails in sunny areas in southern Utah, including many trails in our national parks.

The parks themselves will soon move to spring schedules.

Capitol Reef
Beginning on March 9, the visitor center at Capitol Reef will expand its hours and will be open from 8 am -5 pm. The park's Gifford House will open for the season on March 14.

Zion
Climbing routes on cliffs used by nesting Peregrine Falcons in Zion National Park will be temporarily closed beginning March 1, 2014, in order to protect the nesting success of this bird which is in recovery from endangered species status.


South Campground will open for the season on March 1.

The Zion Park Shuttle will begin operation on April 1. After that, access to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive will be by shuttle bus only.

Smithsonian Channel Showcases Utah Scenery
On March 16 the Smithsonian Channel will air a special presentation showcasing some of Utah's dramatic scenery. It will be presented at 8 pm ET/PT. Here's the teaser:

From the unearthly pinnacles of Arches National Park to the blinding white terrain of the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah has an alien beauty that you must see to believe. It has a history uniquely its own, from the tragedy of the Donner Party to the arrival of Brigham Young, an American leader who built Mormonism into one of the most successful religions in the world. This journey over the Beehive State celebrates a land that offers endless surprises and possibilities.

A couple clips from the video can be seen on the Smithsonian Channel website.