ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) — Officials at Zion National Park have started to regularly close the road into the park’s main canyon due to overcrowding from private vehicles since the shuttle service closed for the season last month.

The popular Scenic Drive roadway has been overrun with visitors since the shuttles stopped operating Nov. 30, forcing officials to close the gates to ease traffic and prevent illegal parking.

The Scenic Drive is expected to remain open to private vehicles and commercial shuttles through Dec. 24, when it will close for shuttle operation until Jan. 2, 2021.

Biking and hiking up the canyon are still allowed throughout the winter season.