Photo: Shutterstock Shuttle service at Zion Canyon in Zion National Park, Utah , has been limited due to a large rockfall. According to the United States National Park Service, shuttles will not continue beyond The Grotto, Station 6, until further notice.
This means the shuttles, which normally travel along Zion Canyon and stop at nine stations, are currently not serving the final three stops on the route: Weeping Rock, Big Bend, and Temple of Sinawava. The shuttle route begins at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and usually ends at the Temple of Sinawava, at the edge of the canyon.
The Grotto station itself is an important point for hikers. It is the starting point for, among others, the West Rim Trail, access to Angels Landing, and the Kayenta Trail. Hikers can reach Scout Lookout from the station, while continuing to Angels Landing requires a permit.
However, the restriction currently prevents travel to stations north of The Grotto. One of the main implications is the disruption of access to the Temple of Sinawava, from which the Riverside Walk begins, leading to the entrance to The Narrows, one of the trails most associated with Zion Park.
The Zion Lodge area, station number 5, also remains accessible by shuttle service, and serves as a departure point for the Emerald Pools trails. So despite the restriction, a significant portion of the main hiking trails in the canyon are still accessible to visitors.
During shuttle season, the full-route drive from Zion Canyon Visitor Center to Temple of Sinawava typically takes about 40 to 45 minutes. The shuttles allow visitors to access trails and natural sites along the canyon, with the road itself typically restricted to shuttle travel during this season.
Currently, the National Park Service states that shuttles are not continuing past The Grotto until further notice, due to the rockfall. Visitors planning to visit the park are advised to check park conditions and updates before heading out.