Zion National Park is initiating a transportation study this week to evaluate the current in-park shuttle system and provide the park with visitor use data along the Scenic Drive, the six mile road leading into Zion Canyon. Zion’s mandatory shuttle system was started in May 2000, reducing vehicle congestion and accidents along the Scenic Drive and enabling more visitors to gain access to Zion Canyon. Last year, the park’s visitation was just under three million visitors.
This transportation study will provide the park with a range of information about how visitors are utilizing the shuttle system, what effects the shuttle system might be having on resource conditions and visitor experiences, and recommendations to mitigate any negative resource impacts in Zion Canyon.
Visitors might see researchers and volunteers administering the study throughout the main canyon during the week. They will be counting visitors getting on and off at shuttle stops and at a few trails, asking for visitors to take a 5-minute survey about their experiences at Zion, and looking for impacts near shuttle stops including social trails and noise levels.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
