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News Road Closure at Zion due to Large Rock and Debris Slide

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Ram, Jan 14, 2017.

  1. Ram

    Ram

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    When I arrived in Zion on December 24th for the Christmas Day canyon, the road was closed above the Lodge due to rockfall. Same place? Any more pictures of this?


    Road Closure at Zion due to Large Rock and Debris Slide



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    SPRINGDALE, UT – The Zion Scenic Drive is closed just north of the Zion Lodge. At approximately 6 p.m. Friday night, a large rock and debris slide occurred just north of the Grotto covering both lanes on the Scenic Drive. The slide was about the size of four car lengths, (approximately 200 tons of rock and debris) covering both lanes, and making it impassable by vehicle. No one was injured in the incident.

    At the time of the slide, twelve vehicles were on the opposite side of the slide. In collaboration with Zion Lodge personnel, all but one party were shuttled to their respective hotels. The party that elected to remain in their vehicle had adequate provisions for the night, and will be evacuated today.

    Visitors are not allowed to walk past the Grotto. The Temple of Sinawava and Weeping Rock trail heads are closed. Saturation remains a concern and further slides are possible throughout the park. The Lower Emerald Pools Trail and part of Sand Bench Trail are both closed due to other landslides.

    With the road closed at the Lodge, there will limited parking at Zion all weekend. Visitors should expect crowding and the road to close at Canyon Junction intermittently once parking is full on what is expected to be a busy holiday weekend.

    Road crews and geologists must allow the area to dry out and assess the damage before removing the debris, making repairs, and reopening roadway.
  2. John Styrnol

    John Styrnol

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  3. Bootboy

    Bootboy Atwood Gear

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    That's Angel's Landing in the background, so this is not in the same spot as the last 2. This one appears to be near the grotto.
  4. Ted

    Ted

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    Bootboy is correct, this current slide is just past the Grotto. Angels Landing/West Rim trail still accessible but parking could be tight, might have to park at the Lodge. Did you see the recent rockfall that closed the Lower Emerald Pools Trail? Sharing a pic here that the NPS posted on their Twitter feed. (Middle and Upper Emerald still accessible via Kayenta Trail)
    Lower Emerald.
    John Styrnol likes this.
  5. hank moon

    hank moon kinetically bulbous

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  6. Brian in SLC

    Brian in SLC Brian in SLC

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    Been a bummer to have a car stuck past the closure...!

    Clean up on isle scenic drive!
    Rapterman and John Styrnol like this.
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