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Not long ago, Utah’s Zion National Park was overwhelmed by cars, RVs, and tour buses. Traffic congestion, lack of parking, air and noise pollution, and damage to natural resources frustrated managers and visitors alike. The park now offers a free shuttle bus along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive from early April through the end of October. Private vehicles are not allowed during peak visitation hours. All other parts of the park are open to private vehicles. The shuttles operate in two loops, one making six stops in the town of Springdale and the other making eight stops at points of interest in the park. Each bus is fully accessible and can carry two bicycles. There is room onboard for packs, coolers and strollers. Two trams in the fleet are electric-powered.

“Initially, people [visiting Zion] were a little hesitant and didn’t know if they’d like being separated from their cars, but our members have told us it works very well,” said Rolayne Fairclough of the Utah office of the American Automobile Association (AAA).¹⁵

Endnotes

15. At more parks, visitors leave the car behind, By Todd Wilkinson, The Christian Science Monitor