Did spending more time outdoors, reducing stress, or increasing your fitness has made your list of New Year’s resolutions for 2022? A visit to Zion National Park may be just the answer.
Whether you’re already planning ahead for a summer vacation or thinking about scheduling a quick weekend getaway in your own cozy tiny home vacation rental this winter, there are a few things you should know about visiting the park in 2022. Keep reading to learn more.
COVID-19 Restrictions Remain Fluid
As you can probably guess, COVID-19 rules and restrictions continue to be a fluid situation in Zion National Park. As of the start of 2022, masks are still required inside of all park buildings. Social distancing remains a key measure, with visitors encouraged to maintain space between groups to reduce transmission. They are also required on the shuttle buses, regardless of guest vaccination status. Masks are not required outdoors within Zion National Park. Hand hygiene and physical distancing are also recommended as important infection prevention measures, including frequent hand-washing or use of alcohol-based sanitizers.
Angels Landing and Zion’s campgrounds previously closed in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect park guests. But both have reopened at this time.
If you’re planning a visit to Zion in the coming months, check out the National Park Service’s website to learn about updated COVID-19 measures and restrictions ahead of your trip and follow official guidance for COVID-19 safety. Compared to other countries, Zion’s restrictions may differ, as global measures and regulations can vary based on local guidance and data.
Shuttle Operations are Suspended Until March, With Exceptions
One thing that sets Zion apart from many other national parks is its shuttle system. Because Zion Canyon is narrow, parking is limited, and the park draws more than 4 million annual visitors despite its relatively small size, a shuttle system is used.
When the Zion Canyon Shuttle is in operation, private vehicles are not permitted in the lower canyon. Instead, visitors must catch the shuttle in Springdale and ride it between different stops in the park. In addition to the Zion Canyon Shuttle, the Springdale Shuttle helps visitors get from hotels and parking lots in Springdale to the start of the park’s shuttle, which is a key part of planning your Zion National Park scenic drive route. Physical distancing is encouraged on shuttles and at shuttle stops to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, since the virus can spread through virus-laden fluid particles, or droplets, expelled from the mouth and nose. People infected can also spread COVID-19 four to five days before symptom onset, and an infected person may be contagious even when pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic.
But during the winter months, when crowds thin out, both shuttles are suspended. From November to March, the shuttles are largely out of operation. During this time, visitors can drive their own vehicles into the park. However, on weekends and nice days, parking can still be challenging.
There are some exceptions to the shutdown. For instance, around the holidays, as well as weekends in February, both shuttles are back in operation. Full service begins in early March each year.
You May Need a Permit to Hike Angels Landing: Risk Factors to Consider
In previous years, hundreds of thousands of people made their way to Zion with plans to take on Angels Landing. This beautiful, dangerous trail is definitely one of the park’s most popular. But crowding on the trail in recent years has left park rangers and staff worried about the safety of hikers and the future of Zion’s natural resources. Limiting the number of hikers also helps maintain physical distancing, which is important for reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
In an effort to control crowds, the park is rolling out a new permit system in 2022. Beginning on April 1, 2022, anyone hoping to hike Angels Landing will need to obtain a permit in order to do so and should review a complete Angels Landing hiking guide to understand the trail’s difficulty and safety considerations. You’ll have two chances to get a permit: the Seasonal Lottery and the Day-Before Lottery.
There will be 4 Seasonal Lotteries each year that you’ll need to enter several months ahead of your trip. For instance, if you want to hike Angels Landing just after the permit requirement starts in April, you’ll need to enter the lottery in January. As the name suggests, the Day-Before Lottery will be the last chance to grab any permits that haven’t been allotted.
Entering either lottery costs $6 and can be used to apply for permits for up to 6 hikers. If you win the lottery, you’ll also need to pay an additional $3 per person to get your permit.
Cyanobacteria Have Been Detected in the Virgin River: What to Do if You Test Positive
In 2020, park staff in Zion put out an alert about the presence of cyanobacteria in the Virgin River. Since that time, staff have continued to monitor the river and its tributaries for the presence of the bacteria. This does not mean that the bacteria are present. However, because this type of bacteria can bloom with little warning, it’s best to be safe during your visit and follow basic Leave No Trace tips to protect Zion.
Amidst their monitoring, park staff have warned visitors to avoid drinking or submerging their heads in the water. While it is safe to hike, avoid contact between the water and your mouth. If you’re planning to visit Zion with your pet, keep them away from the Virgin River to keep them from drinking the potentially dangerous water.
Recognizing COVID-19 Symptoms and What to Do If You Feel Unwell
COVID-19, or coronavirus disease, is a respiratory illness and the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. According to the World Health Organization, recognizing the symptoms of COVID-19 early is crucial for limiting the spread of the virus and ensuring timely treatment. The disease can present with a wide range of symptoms, which may appear anywhere from two to fourteen days after exposure. Symptoms can range from mild symptoms to severe disease and may include cough, fever, loss of smell or taste, headache, and runny nose. Most people have mild to moderate illness, while a smaller share develop severe cases that require hospitalization or intensive care, with severity ranging from about 81% mild to moderate, 14% severe, and 5% critical. Some people infected never feel sick or may only develop very mild symptoms later. Current evidence suggests infectiousness can continue for up to ten days after symptom onset in mild to moderate cases and up to 20 days in cases involving the immune system and more serious illness. Persistent symptoms can last for weeks or months after the acute illness and are often described as long COVID, with higher rates after hospitalization, so it’s worth pairing health guidance with up-to-date Zion National Park info on trails and access when planning your trip.
Planning Your Visit to Zion National Park: Guidance and Safety Tips
After two years of spending more time indoors than normal and missing out on travel, there’s never been a better time to plan a visit to Zion National Park. Whether you’re planning to hit the trails, take a scenic drive, or simply relax, The Dwellings makes for a great basecamp for your next visit as you review essential tips for your first Zion National Park visit. Before traveling, be sure to review the latest guidance from health authorities regarding COVID-19 protocols and recommendations, including vaccination, which is especially recommended for adults 65 and older and those at higher risk of serious illness or severe outcomes. These vaccines are widely credited with reducing the spread and providing added protection by lowering severe cases and deaths worldwide. Major options include the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the Moderna vaccine, and the Novavax vaccine, with updated booster doses used against newer variants. Common side effects include soreness, fatigue, and headache and usually resolve within a few days.
Book your tiny home vacation rental today to take advantage of our Winter Promo and see why so many guests rate The Dwellings as some of the best lodging near Zion. You’ll save 50% on your rental for stays between December 1, 2021, and February 28, 2022. If you want to hike Angels Landing before the new permit system is in place or want to visit the park when the shuttle service is suspended, this is a great opportunity to do so, especially if you’re planning to tackle a few of the top must-do hikes in Zion National Park or explore some of the best fall hikes in Zion on a shoulder-season trip. Employers can also promote vaccination to reduce workplace exposure before trips, and EV drivers may want to plan ahead using a guide to EV charging at Zion National Park. As of 2024, more than 13 billion vaccine doses have been administered worldwide. Between adventures, you can sample local restaurants and food and activities around The Dwellings. Book your stay today to take advantage of this limited-time sale!
