Zion: Trail closures

[elenius]

The NPS web site has this alert:

TRAIL CLOSURES ON EAST RIM, OBSERVATION POINT AND HIDDEN CANYON TRAILS IN SUMMER, 2014

From June 16th through the end of September, the Hidden Canyon Trail and portions of the East Rim and Observation Point Trails will be closed for trail work.
Note that dates may change as the project gets closer and progresses.

I was planning on doing Echo canyon on June 19th. Anyone know if this will be impacted by these closures?

[elenius]

I found some more info, so I will reply to my own question. The specific permit pages for Echo confirms my fears:

Echo Canyon Information:
Beginning in June Echo Canyon trips must begin and end from the Stave Spring Trailhead. The trail from Weeping Rock to Observation Point will be closed for trail repair June-Sept 2014. Echo may be impassable due to snow.

I guess I'll have to do it from the top, if at all.
This also impacts Mystery from the bottom.

[2065toyota]

Date: March 28, 2014
Contact: Aly Baltrus, 435-772-0160
The Zion National Park trail crew will begin a multi-year project to rehabilitate several of the trails out of the Weeping Rock shuttle area during the summer of 2014. Trail work will begin in early June. From June 16th through the end of September, the Hidden Canyon Trail and portions of the East Rim and Observation Point Trails will be closed for several days each week to allow newly-poured concrete to dry. Concrete pouring will occur on Monday or Tuesday of each week, which should allow the trail to be open most weekends.

The trail crew will also repair retaining walls on the Hidden Canyon Trail this summer beginning as early as July 7th. Once the work begins, the Hidden Canyon Trail will remain closed until the end of the project, which should be no later than the end of August.

Trail work is also planned for the Canyon Overlook Trail during the months of September and October, which will lead to Monday through Thursday trail closures.

Please note that dates may change as the project gets closer and progresses. Please check www.nps.gov/zion for updated information.

This project is funded by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act Funding Program, which uses funds collected from the park entrance and use fees to complete park maintenance projects, and public service programs.

[elenius]

Thanks for posting that additional info.
Does "Stave Spring Trailhead" refer to the TH that is just northeast of Stave Spring? Tom calls this the "East Rim Trailhead" on one of his maps. Doesn't sound like they are doing any work there, but I want to make sure.

[ratagonia]

Thanks for posting that additional info.
Does "Stave Spring Trailhead" refer to the TH that is just northeast of Stave Spring? Tom calls this the "East Rim Trailhead" on one of his maps. Doesn't sound like they are doing any work there, but I want to make sure.

Yes.

Tom

[Sandstone Addiction]

Is this happening within the designated wilderness area? If so, why are they pouring concrete and making man made improvements?