BACKPACKING IN ZION NATIONAL PARK:
Compared to some larger national parks, Zion is relatively small and doesn't have the numerous multi-day hike options like Yosemite or Glacier National Park, but there are several two-day backpacking routes that offer wonderful scenery and solitude, including the West Rim Trail and the La Verkin Creek Trail. Also gaining epic popularity is the "Trans-Zion Trek" (also known as the "Zion Traverse"), a 47-mile hike that connects several different trails to hike from one corner of the park to the other.
It is important to note that backpacking at one of the wilderness campsites is not the same as camping at the large campgrounds. While staying at the Watchman Campground or South Campground is more of a social experience with several amenities and facilities, the backpacking campsites along Zion's remote trails are primitive and are intended for smaller groups doing long hikes in Zion's wilderness.
Important Points for Backpackers:
A wilderness permit is required for any overnight hike and you must stay at your designated campsite. Some campsites are available for online reservation several months in advance, but other campsites are only available to walk-ins the day before or of your hike. Even if you have an online reservation, you must visit the Wilderness Desk at the Zion Visitor Center or Kolob Visitor Center to get your actual permit. See the NPS Zion Backpacking page for more information.
Wilderness campsites are primitive. No open fires are allowed and there are no facilities, restrooms, or garbage cans. Pack out all of your trash and leave the site clean for the next group.
Do not squat or poach any campsite that you don't have a permit for. During the height of the tourist season, almost all of the campsites get booked for every night. If you pitch a tent at the wrong campsite, you will ruin the experience for others who were expecting to get away from it all. Rangers do often come around and check permits.
You are required to pack out all solid human waste. Because of the overwhelming popularity of Zion's wilderness areas and campsites, nature cannot keep up with everyone digging catholes, so NPS requires that you pack it all out, including your poo and toilet paper. Let's talk about wag bags!
Limited at-large camping is permitted in only specific zones within Zion National Park (and you still need a permit). Some of these zones include the east plateau off of the East Rim Trail as well as sections of the Kolob Terrace off of the Northgate Peaks Trail and near Wildcat Canyon. See the NPS Wilderness Map for more information.
Classic Backpacking Routes:
WEST RIM TRAIL (Top-Down Hike)
Fairly strenuous hiking/backpacking.
Starting from Lava Point or the West Rim Trailhead, the trek down the West Rim Trail is a long and beautiful hike along Zion's upper plateau, ending with a dramatic descent through the magical sandstone formations of the White Cliffs down to the Grotto in Zion Canyon. Numerous majestic viewpoints are found throughout the hike, including Angels Landing.
ZION NARROWS TOP-DOWN ROUTE
Strenuous river hiking/backpacking.
Starting from Chamberlain's Ranch outside the northern corner of Zion National Park, the North Fork can be hiked top-down from the upper plateau. This is the less popular way to hike the Zion Narrows and can be done in a long and trying single day or better yet as a two-day backpacking hike. A Zion wilderness permit is required for any top-down hike.
LA VERKIN CREEK TRAIL
Strenuous hiking/backpacking.
The La Verkin Creek Trail is the main connecting trail through the Kolob Canyons section of Zion. A long dayhike to see the Kolob Arch makes for a strenuous and rewarding day and is probably the most popular use of the trail. Numerous campsites also allow for longer options to explore Beartrap Canyon, Willis Creek or continue a trek through to Hop Valley.
CHINLE TRAIL and COALPITS WASH
Fairly strenuous day hike or backpacking.
While there are many hiking possibilities in the "desert section" of Zion National Park, the Chinle Trail is the one official trail. Starting in the "Anasazi Plateau" residential development, the trail enters Zion and continues for seven miles, crossing over a petrified forest and the several named washes of the area. A handful of campsites are scattered along the trail for backpacking opportunities.
THE TRANS-ZION TREK
Strenuous 3 to 4-day backpacking.
The "Trans-Zion Trek" (aka the "Zion Traverse") is a long multi-day hike that connects all of Zion's long trails together. The route is roughly 37 miles long and starts at Lee Pass in the Kolob Canyons section and ends at the Grotto in Zion Canyon. (The complete trek used to finish at the East Entrance before the 2019 landslide that closed the lower East Rim Trail.)
