SPRINGDALE, Washington County — A key pedestrian bridge in Zion National Park that provides access to the popular Emerald Pools Trail network has officially reopened in a new location, restoring a critical connection for visitors after two years of detours.
The bridge, which links the Zion Lodge area to trails across the Virgin River, was closed after it was deemed structurally unsafe. Engineers from the National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration determined that the structure, originally installed in 1983, had shifted due to ground instability caused by a nearby landslide. Though the bridge itself remained in good condition, the compromised foundation led to its removal in 2023.
The new site, approximately 100 feet upstream from the original, was selected to ensure long-term stability. New concrete abutments were set farther from the riverbank to mitigate future erosion risks. The original bridge structure was preserved and reinstalled at the new location last month.
“Reopening this bridge restores a critical connection to one of Zion’s most iconic trail systems,” said park superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh in a statement. “We appreciate our visitors’ patience and support as we worked to ensure this structure can safely serve future generations.”
Engineering technician Malynn Marshall noted the significance of retaining the historic bridge structure. “It’s a great thing for us because we get to keep this piece of history that’s been in our park for many, many years,” she said in a National Park Service video.
The closure had forced hikers to use a temporary reroute for two years. With the bridge now open, direct access to the Emerald Pools Trail network from Zion Lodge has been fully restored. The reconstruction project was funded through park entrance and recreation fees.
The reopening comes amid a resurgence in park visitation. Zion National Park welcomed nearly 5 million visitors in 2024, its second-busiest year on record. Early data shows that more than 1.8 million people have visited the park in 2025 through May, a 7% increase compared to the same period last year.
The Emerald Pools Trail remains one of Zion’s most frequented destinations, though it has faced multiple disruptions in recent years due to landslides and shifting terrain. Notably, a series of mudslides in 2010 prompted a decade-long restoration of the Middle Emerald Pools Trail, which was completed in 2020.
