OUTDOORS + RECREATION
Crowds expected at Utah’s state, national parks over holiday weekend
May 25, 2018, 7:26 AM | Updated: 9:14 am
SALT LAKE CITY — If you’re going to Utah’s state and national parks this Memorial Day weekend, you won’t be alone.
If last year is any indication, Zion National Park could top 75,000 visitors, and Sunday will be the busiest day. Wait times into the park could top 45 minutes.
Utah State Parks spokeswoman Emily Moench expects big crowds of boaters sailing for the first time this year.
“Our Utah State Parks are also hugely popular over Memorial Day weekend, especially those with lakes and reservoirs,” Moench said. “There are very few, if any, camping spots available at any of our state parks.”
She adds the water is a little lower at Yuba, meaning more shore area camping spots are available.
Moench also recommends Park City and other mountain resorts with plenty of rooms, dining, biking and hiking opportunities.
“Even farther east, Vernal has rooms available and has fantastic mountain biking, day trips on the river, and sightseeing at Dinosaur National Monument,” she said. “Camping in the West Desert could also be an option for locals, and would avoid the expected traffic along the I-15 corridor.”