Zion West Rim Temporarily Closed

[Iceaxe]

West Rim Trail in Zion National Park to be Temporarily Closed for Maintenance Beginning October 1

Date: September 26, 2007
Contact: David Eaker, 435-77207811
Contact: Ray O'Neil, 435-772-7823

Zion National Park will temporarily close a portion of the West Rim Trail for maintenance beginning Monday, October 1. The closure will run through at least Sunday, October 7 and possibly longer if necessary. The trail closure will be from the Grotto, in Zion Canyon, to West Rim Spring (Cabin Spring) on the West Rim Trail. This closure will also include the popular Angels Landing Trail which is accessed from the closed portion of the West Rim Trail. The Kayenta Trail will remain open. Hikers will be able to access the West Rim Trail from Lava Point to West Rim Spring, including all the backcountry campsites, though they must return the same way to Lava Point. No through hikes from Lava Point to the Grotto will be allowed during the closure period.

These closures are due to trail maintenance that is needed on the lower portion of the West Rim Trail. This section of the trail is heavily used by park visitors during the busy summer season and has not received any significant maintenance for many years. Sections of old concrete will be removed and new concrete will be poured in its place. Much of this work will be accomplished with the use of a helicopter due to the site