(Springdale, UT) - December signals the beginning of a quieter time in the park with fewer visitors and increased opportunities for solitude. Park Superintendent Jock Whitworth said, "Due to decreased visitation, some services will be reduced or ended for the winter season.

The announcement said that the voluntary shuttle service that provides transportation to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive on weekends in November has ended operations for the season. The Zion Canyon Shuttle and the Springdale Shuttle will resume regular service on April 1, 2012.

For visitors interested in spending the night in the park this winter, the Watchman Campground and Zion Lodge are open year-round. During a trip, the public is encouraged to visit the Zion Canyon Visitor Center for information on park activities and trail conditions. This facility is staffed from 8:00AM to 5:00PM daily. The Kolob Canyons Visitor Center is open from 8:00AM to 4:30PM daily through December. Beginning January 1, operating hours will be reduced to 9:00AM to 5:00PM. Both visitor centers are closed on December 25.

For additional information, go to www.nps.gov/zion.