Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway reopens, some trails still closed after flooding

Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway reopens, some trails still closed after flooding

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ZION NATIONAL PARK — The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway has reopened after several days of closures due to heavy rain and storm damage in the park.

The road previously was closed between Canyon Junction and the east entrance to Zion National Park, but has reopened as of 4:15 p.m. Friday, according to an emailed statement from park spokeswoman Aly Baltrus.

An intense rain storm on Wednesday overwhelmed drainage culverts, causing mud and debris to cover the switchback section of the highway, just west of the highway tunnel in the southeast section of the park, according to Baltrus.

The mud was 3-4 feet deep in some areas, stranding several dozen cars in the tunnel and along the road, Baltrus said. Late Wednesday night, park road crews were able to plow a way through the mud to help get the stranded cars out.

Workers continued clearing the road and the drainage culverts on Thursday and Friday, according to Baltrus.

The storm activity also forced several trail closures in the park.

As of Friday afternoon, the Riverside Walk trail was open, Zion National Park officials said on Twitter. The West Rim trail from the Grotto, Kayenta, and Upper Emerald Pools trails all remained closed.

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