ZION NATIONAL PARK – Memorial Day weekend is historically the busiest time of year for Zion National Park, and this year didn’t disappoint – even with cloudy skies above.
Last year’s Memorial Day weekend broke records, with approximately 80,000 visitors to Zion. Saturday was a little quieter because of rain, Zion National Park spokesperson Aly Baltrus said, but Friday and Sunday were about the same, with Monday even busier after the arrival of sunshine.
Visitors were careful in the bad weather, with most avoiding The Narrows and slot canyons after a flash flood warning was issued late Sunday, Baltrus said. There were only four medical incidents requiring response and one search and rescue effort at Emerald Pools.
Baltrus said the park had to provide overtime hours for a few seasonal employees who would have normally been off for the weekend, so rangers would be available to help visitors in line for the shuttle. Wait times at the visitor center were estimated at about 40 minutes, with shuttles coming every four minutes, she said.
The busy park caused traffic in town, as well – but very visitor to the park meant business for the local shops.
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