Zion National Park Backpacking
|
Zion National Park Backpacking
Backpacking in Zion National Park can be found in all three major sections of the park: Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, Zion Canyon and the Kolob areas. All backpacking trips and technical hikes in Zion require a permit. For most of the backcountry trails there are no designated camp sights. Choose your site so that it is not visible from the trail and leave no trace of your stay. Camping is not allowed within .25 miles of a spring. Plan your trips so the difficult sections of the trail are during the cooler times of the day. Be sure to bring plenty of water or a means to treat it. Choose gear that allows you to carry all the essentials and is still compact and light. Today's tents, sleeping bags, backpacks and other gear are usually made with this in mind.
Zion National Park Lodging
|
Plan your trip with our "Canyon Country"
Vacation Itinerary
East Rim Backpack - The East Rim is a leisurely backpack that begins on the east side of the park and ends in Zion Canyon. It can be combined with Cable Mountain, and Deertrap Mountain.
Deertrap Mountain - Hike up the East Rim Trail and take the spur to Deertrap Mountain. Stave Springs is the usual camping spot for the East Rim, Deertrap and Cable Mountain Trails. The view from the top of Deertrap Mountain is incredible!
Cable Mountain - Begin this route at the East Rim Trailhead and hike up the dirt trail. Take the junction leading to Cable Mountain.
Parunuweap - This trip through the East Fork of the Virgin River is only for experienced wilderness backpackers. Hike from Checkerboard Mesa, over slickrock before dropping down into the river near the Powell Plaque. The Plaque reads: "Major John Wesley Powell 1834-1902 explorer, scientist, Steven V. Jones 1840-1920 teacher, topographer, Joseph W. Young 1829-1873 Mormon pioneer leader, descended Labyrinth Falls 1/2 mile below Monday, September 30, 1872 during first Parunuweap Canyon traverse. Powell named this canyon from the Paiute Indian word 'Parunuweap' which means roaring water canyon. Dedicated September 30, 1972."
Back Country Permits: are required for all overnight and technical hikes or canyons.
Detailed Backpacking Guide
|
Zion Backpacking
Zion Narrows Backpack - The Zion Narrows begins outside the park, in East Zion at Chamberlains Ranch and ends at the Temple of Sinawava in Zion Canyon. Arrange a commercial shuttle service to be dropped off at the ranch or use two vehicles. The road to the ranch requires a 4WD. Permits are limited and there are only 12 campsites. Check for flash flood conditions before hiking the narrows.
Kolob Canyons Backpacks
The Kolob Arch Trail is 14 miles long and can be done as an overnight backpack or a rushed one day hike. The path leads to the world's longest free standing arch. The arch is a cliff wall arch, set in an alcove at the end of the trail.
Kolob Terrace Backpacks
The 14 mile West Rim Backpack begins at Lava point and ends in Zion Canyon. The trail is a narrow forested path for the first 9 miles and then drops into Zion Canyon for the last 5 miles. Along this last section is a side trip to the incredible Angels Landing trail.
|
Zion National Park Vacation: Canyon Country
Private vehicles can travel Highway 9, the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, through the east side of the park year-round. Oversized Vehicle Information
From April until October the only access to the Scenic Drive is via shuttle. From October until April private vehicles can travel the Scenic Drive.
|
 Nature Notes
Zion National Park is a land of famous monoliths. Angels Landing, Great White Throne, Cathedral Mountain, the Organ, East Temple, Checkerboard Mesa, West Temple, Temple of Sacrifice, Twin Brothers, Beehives, Sundial,
Court of the Patriarchs, Mt. Spry, Mount Kinesava, Kolob Arch, the Guardian, Streaked Wall, Sentinel, Watchman, Towers of the Virgin, Mountain of the Sun, Zion Narrows and Cable Mountain, just to name a few.
 Next Page
|
