National Park Service engineers have closed a trail bridge near Zion Lodge when it was discovered the bridge was shifting on its foundation, May 23, 2023 | Photo courtesy of National Park Service, St. George News
SPRINGDALE – National Park Service officials have closed a trail bridge near Zion Lodge after a routine inspection by engineers deemed the structure was unsafe due to shifting on its foundation.
According to a press release from the park service, the Emerald Pools complex of trails is the most common hiking destination accessed from this bridge. The most popular access point to reach Emerald Pools now is from the trailhead at the Grotto (Shuttle Stop No. 5). Park visitors are reminded to check a map before starting a hike and to plan accordingly. Recreationists are reminded they will not be able to cross the river at Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop No. 5).
The National Park Service is continuing to monitor the bridge foundations and is consulting with engineers and geologists to assess options to restore access across the Virgin River near Zion Lodge, the news release said.
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