Zion National Park Hosts Finance Conference Finale, Astronomy Festival and Ongoing Trail Access

SOUTHERN UTAH, September 13, 2025 - The 14th annual Red Rock Finance Conference concluded today near Zion National Park as park rangers welcomed astronomy enthusiasts for the Southwest Astronomy Festival and continued to monitor the recently restored Weeping Rock Trail.

The Red Rock Finance Conference, organized by Brigham Young University’s Finance Department, wrapped up its three-day program in Springdale, drawing economists and industry leaders to discuss emerging financial trends against the backdrop of Zion’s red sandstone cliffs. Simultaneously, the Southwest Astronomy Festival’s dark-sky programs run through Sunday, offering stargazing sessions and guided constellation tours in and around the park.

Rangers reminded visitors that Weeping Rock remains open following its September 5 reopening after a two-year closure for rockfall repairs. Crews reinforced stairways, added sandstone curbing and traction-textured concrete treads, and the site remains under active geologic monitoring to ensure hiker safety.

Reservation System Under Review

Park officials are still weighing a visitor use management plan that could introduce a reservation system to ease overcrowding, though local leaders advocate alternative measures such as expanded shuttle service and parking enhancements.

Driving Tours and Ranger-Led Hikes

Today’s schedule also features a self-guided driving tour of Zion Canyon with GPS audio commentary departing from the Visitor Center, and the final day of morning Watchman Trail ranger hikes, which run daily through September 13.

As events wind down, Zion National Park continues to balance resource protection with visitor experiences amid record attendance this season.