Zion National Park's East Entrance reopened in a limited capacity on Tuesday, Oct. 6, providing partial access to the park following a major rockslide last week, according to Kane County. Admission through the East Entrance is free.
Under the current plan, travelers may drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway through the large tunnel to the Great Arch Overlook, where they will be turned around to exit back through the East Entrance. Visitors are encouraged to use roadside pullouts for sightseeing and photographs.
Through travel to Springdale and access to the main canyon from the east remain closed. Zion Canyon and its shuttle system remain accessible from the Springdale side.
The slide occurred at the highway's switchbacks on Sept. 30, sending large boulders onto SR-9 and closing the road between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance. The slide damaged 130 feet of roadway.
Kane County officials said canyoneering permits will not be issued for canyons accessed from the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway due to potentially delayed emergency response in the event of an injury. Approximately 1,600 vehicles enter Zion through the East Entrance each day, according to the county.
Large boulders block the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway following the Sept. 30 rockslide. Through travel remains closed while officials await engineering analysis to determine repair plans.
Park officials are hopeful repairs can proceed without blasting, but that determination awaits analysis by qualified engineers. The closure could be substantially longer if blasting is required. Officials have not provided a reopening estimate for through travel.
The Kane County Sheriff's Office and Tourism/Events Department have agreed to assist with traffic management, roving patrols, and emergency response. Washington County and Kane County emergency medical services have also agreed to be available to respond as needed.
Travelers from Kane County heading to Springdale can take U.S. 89 through Kanab and Fredonia, Arizona SR-389 and Utah SR-59 to Hurricane, then SR-9 to the park's South Entrance.
The situation remains fluid, and access, restrictions, and repair plans could change as engineers assess the slide and work progresses. Visitors should follow directions from traffic personnel and check UDOT Traffic and Zion National Park's current conditions page before traveling.
