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Date: December 22, 2010
Contact: Ron Terry, 435-772-1060
Zion National Park was closed on Tuesday, December 21, as a precaution due to rising river levels and the threat of damage to roadways, trails, and other infrastructure and potential threats to visitor safety. All visitors including guests at the Zion Lodge and Watchman Campground were evacuated safely on Tuesday.
The Zion Canyon Visitor Center will reopen at noon on Wednesday, December 22, to provide information to visitors. However, the park will remain closed pending an anticipated crest in the river in the late afternoon or early evening. After this river surge, an assessment will be made of the condition and stability of sections of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and other park roads and facilities. Barring additional damage or safety concerns, the park anticipates reopening the Zion Lodge, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and Watchman Campground on Thursday, December 23.
Park trails will be assessed for damage and safety threats and reopened when it is deemed safe to do so. The Zion Mt. Carmel Highway, the east/west route through the park, will remain closed until damage caused by the current storm can be repaired. The park can be accessed via State Route 9 from I-15.
Current information will be posted on the park's website at www.nps.gov/zion.
