For those traveling to Zion National Park this summer.
 

We're staying at Zion Lodge on June 21 for three nights , arriving from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and recieved this message from the Lodge. Thought Id pass it along.

"Road construction and closures are scheduled for the East Entrance of Zion National Park. Please note that the construction will not impact Zion Canyon, the most visited area of the park as well as the location of Zion Lodge. However, if your travel route to or from Zion National Park includes use of the East Entrance gate, your travel could be impacted.

The road construction will occur from the junction of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive to the East Entrance of Zion National Park (State Hwy 9), including Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Beginning June 7th, the construction will result in this section of the highway being completely closed Monday thru Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (*MDT) with no vehicles being allowed through during this time frame. There will be no closures on Saturday and Sundays. Construction is scheduled to be completed by October 28, 2010.

For the most up-to-date information on the road construction, please call 435-772-3256 (press 1, then 4) or visit the National Park Service Web site at www.nps.gov/zion."

A bit of a drag, but at least the road reopens at 4 pm. Traffic will probably be a snarl.

I've been alerting people to this for several weeks.

This appears to be better news than I expected. I wonder if there will be long lineups in the hours leading up to 4PM on weekdays, will many people schedule arrivals and departures on the weekend, and when open, will there will be constricted roads.

We arrive late Sunday afternoon Sept 12th. This means we may be able to come in thru the east entrance and do the Canyon Overlook hike!!!!

Thanks for posting this update.

I was planning on having to loop either north or south and come in from the west.

The way I am looking at this Myer is we will now get to spend a few exra hours at the Norh Rim before heading to Zion. I will be calling the number listed frequently once the construction starts and if there is someting notable, regarding back-ups, etc, I will post it here. I planned our route based on entering through the east, so we're going to go for it. I too was looking forward to the Canyon Overlook hike. We might be seeing at dusk now, however. LOL.

Hello! This will completely alter our previously well thought out plans! We were planning on driving from Vegas to Bryce on a Thursday morning. Would I15 to SR14 on to US 89 till sr 12 be a better alternate for Bryce? Or would it be better to backtrack continuing on I15 until SR20 then going down US89 TO SR12?
The rest of our plans we can probrably alter by waiting after 4:00 to head to Zion from Bryce. And leaving before 9:00 am for a day trip to the Grand Canyon NR from Zion, for which we'll surely return after 4, so that shouldn't affect us too badly, unless there are lineups as Myers suggested.
Any opions on alternate routes to Bryce from I15, would be much appreciated.

mabella, the first route (15/14/89/12) you describe to Byrce is the one we were originally planning on taking from Vegas anyhow, so I wouldn worry so much about that part. It is around a 4 -5 drive and it is suppossed to be a lovely drive. I would monitor the situation while you are there. Shit happens when you travel.

I think that 9-4 may really cause issues before 9 and after 4.

As far as LAS to Bryce. It depends on the time of day and what you want to see/do. The faster route is to spend more time on 15, take a short 20 and down 89 to 12.

However, if it's earlier in the day 14 is the more scenic route. You may want to consider (which we are considering) a detour into the Kolon Thumb scenic drive in the Zion west. This is little used but supposed to be worth it.

Also, there are a couple of slot canyons in Kanarraville. Also Cedar Breaks National Monument is supposed to be beautiful and a mini Bryce. I may be able to get to all of this but it won't be until mid-Sept. My report then will tell about it but I've been reading and looking at photos.

To summarize, 15/20/89/12 for the faster route and 15/14/89/12 (or even 15/14/143/89/12) for the scenic route.

Depending upon how we do I have some things planned in that area. A slot in Kanarraville, the Kolob Thumb and a hike with a waterfall just off 14 between 143 and 89.

I'm still waffling between that area and driving 3 hours each way for Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. Doesn't seem to make sense 6 hours of daytime driving on a 3 day trip. I've been there but I'm taking my daughter and she hasn't.

I would imagine that you would want to get there as early as possible before 9:00am and as late as possible after 4:00pm, in order to avoid crowds. Generally, people are not up and at em say around 6;30 or 7:00. And you stand a chance of seeing desert bighorn sheep in near the canyon overlook parking area. At least that's where we saw some, and they are generally more likely seen early or late in the day

I think we may aim to hit the beginning of the closure area of 9 on the east around 5:30 or 6:00. It all depends what the recording says, as I am sure they list some estimated time that it will take, and may offer advice as to what times are better to arrive than others. I hope we can get there early enough to hike the Overlook trail before heading into the Canyon.

The message is not very clear. I wonder if we'll be able to park and hike the Canyon Overlook even if the road is open.

We're coming in on Sunday late afternoon.

It says the road is open on the weekends so you should be fine. I, on the other hand am traveling on Monday. BAH!

I bet the trail will be open if the road is open.

Thanks everyone. Iamq, sorry for slightly highjacking your post! I hope you let us know how it went when you return. We aren't going until mid July, so we have some time to see how it plays out. I also tend to want to risk the ride back from GCNR on the main route. I think my kids as well as myself will get a kick from the tunnel!
MYER: Can you guesstimate how much time the I15/20/89/12, would take straight thru? We really just wanted to wake up at our leisure and slowly make our way towards Bryce stopping wherever our curiousity takes us, but I'd also like to get to Bryce by Sunset, so I want a faster alternate in case we wander a little too much! I'll have to do some research into that waterfall. Does it have a name or signage off of sr14?

Google Maps shows 15/14/89/12 as the first choice at a couple of minutes under 4.5 hours.

When I selected 15/20/89/12 it added about 10 miles but the length of time was the same.

The waterfall is Cascade Falls. It's a 45 minute hike but I think the trail is closed this summer for reconstruction. Call 435-865-3700 to get details.

There's a slot canyon just on the south edge of Kanarraville (right on your way off 15). It's called Spring Creek. Two miles round trip and no walking in water. Call 435-586-2401 for details.

No hijacking is being done here! This post was meant to give information so we could all make the best decisions for us. I will post a trip report when we return shortly after June 25 and let you all know how it went. Can't wait!!!!

I just spoke with a ranger at Zion.

With reference to the Canyon Overlook hike. There are two small parking areas just east of the tunnel and at the start of the hike. There is one on either side of the road and each has room for 7 cars.

Parking is not expected to be available there on weekdays even after 4PM.

However, on weekends they are expected to be available. Of course there may be construction equipment in some of those parking spots and there are only 14 in total (this is a usual issue).

Thanks so much for the update iamq, I had seen this before, but the information about the road being open on the weekends and closed from 9-4 on weekdays is new since the last time I saw the notation on the Zion website.

We will be in Springdale on the 19th & 20th, leaving for Page AZ on Monday the 21st. I guess what I'm wondering, like you, is how early would be early enough to beat traffic to the construction zone?

At least it's good news to know there will be no construction over the weekend, and we might be able to go to the Canyon Overlook trail if we like.

And here I thought I was being smart and clever planning to be in Zion NOT on the weekend to avoid the extra crowds. Boy was I wrong about that strategy! Oh well, s#%t happens. Still gonna be a great trip and all will be as it is supposed to be. (insert zen smiley).

smetz,

You may want to consider going west to Hurricane and looping south and back. Under normal driving conditions it adds about an hour. However, even if you get thru without much delay, you'll still be driving slowly as the road will be gravel/unpaved.

I'll bet a lot of people will be trying to beat the Monday construction and you'll have to leave very early.

Thanks for that suggestion, Myer. Maybe that would be best - at least I would have a pretty firm idea of how long the trip would take.

iamq, the Canyon Overlook trail certainly sounds nice, but it seems like there is so much to do in and around the canyon that I doubt you'll miss it. Good luck with the drive in!

Thanks smetz. Things change and they haven't even started construction yet, so who knows what will happen. It is going to be a great trip, either way! 14 days and counting!

iamq, smetz,
So I'll take the other view. I was in Zion 3 years ago (going back with my daughter in Sept).

In the short period of time I was there I hiked Canyon Overlook on the way in from Zion, all three Emerald Pools, that Mossy thingy, and Riverside Walk (twice).

I wasn't going to walk in water with a camera around my neck (Narrows) and might have made a mistake by not going to Scouts Lookout on the way up Angel's Landing (thinking of doing this in Sept but no desire to go farther).

Canyon Overlook was my favorite and the scenery on the Riverside Walk was such that I did it late in the afternoon and again the next morning before leaving for Page and Antelope Canyon.

Riverside Walk had some deer, sheer cliffs and water going over rapids. I'd do that again as well.

Emerald Pools was ok but not as memorable as the other two.

Myer,

I was trying to keep a positive attitude about something out of my control. I am glad that you enjoyed the Overlook and so many other things in the park. I am sure I will too!

I have a shortcut that will save those who need to get to Springdale from Mt Carmel Jct to Springdale if the road is closed when you need to pass through. After Kanab, you go south joining Rt 89 and then turn right onto AZ 389 in Fredonia Az to head west to Hurricane. Rt 389 bocomes UT 59 when you cross back into Utah at Colorado City.

Here's where you'll start looking for the shortcut off to the right. It is called Smithsonian Butte Rd. and will bring you into the backside of Rockville saving about an hour over going all the way west to Hurricane and onto Rt 9 east back toward Springdale and Zion. Smithsonian Butte Rd. is a dirt road but easily travelled in a normal car.

Below is a link to a picture of a map from our Utah Gazetteer that shows Smithsonian Butte Rd. bearing north off Utah Rt 59 and into Rockville. I feel a little sorry for the locals living on this route since I'm sure it will be a popular shortcut this summer.

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/125214128

peter,

Is this the road at Apple Valley (on Google Maps)?

I assume you travelled on it. Correct?

How long is the dirt road? What would be a realistic speed to drive on it? How can we find out the speed limit?

I'm trying to get an idea how much faster it will be.

I looked at Google Maps and Smithsonian Butte Rd. does appear to bear off Rt 59 at Apple Valley. The DeLorme Gazetteer calls the area Big Plain Junction.

The first section is flat and straight and I recall that we were able to go 55 to 65 mph. The rest was probably 40 to 50 mph. None of it was steep or difficult at all (just dusty) and it is actually quite scenic as you get closer to Rockville.

We estimated the time savings using this shortcut to be about an hour versus going all the way west to Hurricane and onto Rt 9 east back toward through Springdale and Zion.

Naturally it can also be used in reverse if you are headed from Springdale toward Kanab and Bryce if the tunnel is closed when you're leaving Zion.

Trust me, this will be a HUGE time saver.

That road is actually listed as a scenic road. I saw a web sight that had photos and they were pretty interesting.

Good find!!

We're going from Las Vegas to Page, and most directions I've seen tell us to take 9 all the way to 89. It will be on the weekend, but I'm still concerned about the traffic. Would it make sense to take 9/59/389/89 instead? Any problems with that route?

Pugsley,

Absolutely.

Even though 9 will be open on the weekend, the part with construction will not be paved. Also, I suspect a lot of people will plan on using the east entrance on the weekend.

If you don't make it to Canyon Overlook, I don't think you'll feel cheated. I've walked it, and it was nice, but on our many trips to Zion we find so much to see in the canyon itself, that we stay there and hike and re-hike our favorite trails (especially Riverside Walk, the Narrows, Observation Point, Scout's Lookout, Pa'rus Trail). Each trail has a different view and feel depending on the time of day. We especially like hiking in the evening hours when it is cooler and in deep shade.
Consider a drive over to the Kolob section off I-15 for some nice walks/hikes in that area as well.

peterboy, your shotcut looks like an interesting option. Thanks!

So, we leave on Wednesday and I think we are going to try peterboy's shortcut. It will get us into Zion sooner and driving on a dirt road through the high desert will be a first for me! Onward ho!

Go and have a great trip...I'm jealous...please come back after and let us know how your trip went please.

The Smithsonian Butte is a National Scenic Backway Country Byway and is a very scenic drive that I hightly recommend as long as it is <b>NOT</b> raining hard, has not recently rained a lot or looks like a storm is coming. This dirt turns to a muddy, slippery slim very quickly and you can easily get suck! There are some really steep sections on the down side to Rockville, but the VIEWS are incredible! I would NOT recommend this for an RV.

Apple Valley is 11 miles from Hurricane and then it's another 22 to Zion so will take about 40 minutes There was major road constuction on Hwy 9 in Hurricane when we were there in April but traffic moved quickly.

The Smithsonian Butte backway is about 10 miles and according to the National Scenic Byways website, they suggest 45 minutes. It probably can be done quicker, but a lot will depend on how long it's been since the road was last graded...those ruts can get pretty deeps sometimes. http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/68995/index.html


Utahtea

Thanks Utahtea. The weather forecast looks good for the next week or so. Sunny and warm/hot, so I think we'll go for it as long as the weather take a turn for the worst. It it looks dicey, we'll just take the longer way.

We leave in a few minutes. Thanks for weighing in!

Thanks Myer!

One more question...should we take 89 (north of Vermillion Cliffs) or 89Alt (south of Vermillion Cliffs)? According to the map 89A is a scenic route (which we'd like), but would it take a lot longer than 89?

Pugsley,

Sorry, I can't help with that. I've been on 89 (in Utah) but not 89 Alt that goes in AZ.

Maybe somebody else can help.

Pugsley,

Alt 89 takes you up into the mountains and it's a curvey slower drive. If you get stuck behind an RV, it can even be slower. Hwy 89 is more your desert canyon and desert color drive.

If your do 9/59/389/ to Fredonia it will be at least an hour longer to go Alt 89. If you liked the views along 9/59/389, then go up to Kanaba and take 89. If your tired of that kind of scenery by then, take Alt 89.

Utahtea

I just went through Zion yesterday (Monday) morning from Springdale to the east side of the park, and did not encounter any abnormal traffic. We left Springdale, at the Desert Pearl Inn, about 7:15 am, and hit the tunnel about 7:35 or 7:40. Had to wait about 5 minutes due to an RV, but other than that it was pretty clear. It looks like the work on the switchbacks is mainly re-paving, and they currently have the old paving scraped down.

At the hotel, they said their recommendation is to start out at least by 8 to beat the construction traffic.

Thanks Utahtea!

Thanks Utahtea, I've been checking in regularly to see if anyone has posted about actual delays with this road project. Below is an update to the closures. It seems the work will now be done at nighttime. Please verify as the new schedule has not been implemented yet. The link to the NPS is:
<http://www.nps.gov/zion
The following is what is on their website:

"The new hours of closures will be 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., Sunday through
> Thursday. Fridays, Saturdays and Holidays will remain open 24 hours.
> We are still workaing with Federal Highways and the contractor to determine when the new schedule can be instituted, but it will be as soon as possible. When the date is determined, it will be sent to you."

We returned yesterday and used peterboy's shortcut as we were driving from the North Rim of the GC to Zion on Monday, the 21st. When we were enroute the closures were still of the 9 - 4 variety. The condition of the shortcut road was a little rough but our rental Hundai did fine. The switchbacks towards the end are rough and rutted, but we drove slowly and it worked out fine. It was still a time saver and it is a gorgeous drive. If they change the closures again to daytime and you're coming from the east as we did, I would recommend this with the same warnings as uthatea listed above. That road in the rain would be a nightmare and I would not want to be in an RV or towing a trailer.

When we left the park yesterday at around 10 am Highway 9 was open going through the tunnel. We also spoke to folks that were able to park and do the Canyon Overlook trail. Hope this helps.

Zion is amazing.