National Park Service Zion National Park U.S. Department of the Interior
Wilderness Guide
The Official Wilderness Guide of Zion National Park Contents Page 1 Wilderness Permits Pages 2-3 Canyoneering & Climbing Pages 4-5 Zion Wilderness Map Page 6 Wilderness Backpacking Page 7 The Zion Narrows Page 8 Safety & Flash Floods
NPS Image/Avery Sloss Welcome to the Zion National Park Wilderness
Zion is a spectacular network of colorful canyons, forested mesas, and Contact Information striking deserts. All of the land within the park boundary is preserved by the National Park Service for the benefit of the public. In addition, a remarkable 84 percent of this extraordinary landscape is preserved Zion Park Information E-mail 435 772-3256 [email protected] as Wilderness. This designation ensures that over 124,000 acres of the park will continue to be a place where nature and its “community of life are Wilderness Information Lost and Found untrammeled by man, a place where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” 435 772-0170 Report at any visitor center
Website Park Emergencies Traveling into the Zion Wilderness, even on short trips, can be very challenging and www.nps.gov/zion 911 or 435 772-3322 requires careful planning before you begin. Your safety depends on your own good judgment, adequate preparation, and constant observation.
Zion Wilderness WILDERNESS PERMITS PERMIT FEES Wilderness Permits are required for all Fees help cover the costs of issuing overnight backpacking trips, overnight permits, patrolling wilderness areas, climbing bivouacs, all through-hikes monitoring park resources, and repairing of The Narrows and its tributaries, all trails. Please visit the Zion National Park canyons requiring the use of descending webpage: www.nps.gov/zion for current gear or ropes, and all trips into Left Fork reservation, lottery application, and/or “A wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his own of North Creek (The Subway). Wilderness permit fees. works dominate the landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where HOW TO OBTAIN A GUIDED ACTIVITIES man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” WILDERNESS PERMIT Structured and/or formally guided Advanced reservations, lottery activities facilitated by educational, - 1964 Wilderness Act NPS Image/Rendall Seely applications, and walk-in permits are commercial, or like organizations are On March 30, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Omnibus Public Land Management available for various areas within the Zion authorized to occur only on front country Act of 2009 into law designating 124,406 acres of Wilderness in Zion National Park. Eighty-four Wilderness. Please visit the Zion National trails. Such activities are not authorized percent of the acreage of Zion National Park is managed under the 1964 Wilderness Act. Park webpage: www.nps.gov/zion for to take place in park Wilderness areas. In addition to this designation, 153 miles of rivers and streams within Zion National Park are current reservation, lottery application, (Primitive and Pristine Zones). designated as Wild and Scenic and are managed under the requirements of the Wild and Scenic and Wilderness Permit information. Rivers Act of 1968.
Published 2020 Canyoneering Climbing
Canyoneering combines GROUP SIZE LIMITS BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER Zion National Park’s route finding, rappelling, The maximum group size for The Left VISITORS 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs problem solving, hiking, Fork (Subway), Orderville, Keyhole, Respect other canyoneering groups are world renowned for and swimming. Zion Pine Creek, and the Virgin River and protect the quality of their their big wall climbs. Due National Park is one of Narrows is 12 people. The maximum experience. Prevent bottlenecks. If a to their difficulty, most the premier places in the country to group size for all other canyons is 6 faster group catches up to you, allow routes in the park are not recommended participate in this exciting activity. With people. them to pass. Let the natural sounds for inexperienced climbers and require dozens of different canyons to explore, of the canyon prevail. Avoid loud significant preparation. Permits are not some barely wide enough for a human A group is any number of people voices and noises. required for day climbs, but they are to squeeze through, the park offers sharing the same affiliation (e.g., required for all overnight use. It is illegal opportunities that range from trips for club, scout troop, colleagues, family, to camp at the base of the wall or in your beginners to experiences requiring friends, etc.) that enter a canyon or vehicle. Detailed route descriptions are advanced technical skills. trail on the same day, even if they available at wilderness desks. You can help preserve and protect the have multiple permits. canyons of Zion for future generations Group size limits are strictly ROUTE CLOSURES by following these park regulations and enforced. Permits will be denied Some rock formations and routes Leave No Trace principles. and violators will be cited if limits are closed to climbing from March are exceeded. through August each year to protect WILDERNESS PERMITS nesting peregrine falcons. Check at a Permits are required for all technical GUIDED ACTIVITIES Wilderness desk or visit www.nps. canyoneering trips and all trips into Structured and/or formally guided gov/zion/planyourvisit/climbing. the Left Fork of North Creek (The activities facilitated by educational, htm for current closure information. Subway). commercial, or like organizations are authorized to occur only on front MINIMUM IMPACT Permits must be carried with you and country trails. CLIMBING shown upon request. Many of the park’s routes are now Such activities are not authorized to going clean. Avoid using pitons and PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE take place in park wilderness areas. hammers where they are not needed. Ensure that your group is self-reliant (Primitive and Pristine Zones). Excess bolting is discouraged and the and aware of the risks involved with use of power drills to place bolts is NPS Image canyoneering. Know the current DISPOSE OF WASTE prohibited. When approaching a Flash Flood Potential rating. Flash PROPERLY climb, please use established trails. floods in narrow slot canyons can be Be prepared to pack out human waste, Avoid climbing directly above fatal. If bad weather threatens, do not toilet paper, and hygiene products. Left Fork trails where hikers may be hit by enter a narrow canyon. Continuously All human waste must be carried out dislodged rocks. Tube or bag evaluate the weather and adjust plans of narrow canyons in waste disposal (The Subway) human waste and carry it out. to keep you and your group safe. bags. Do not drop your waste. Always have a back-up plan. There are two ways to explore Left Carry out all trash, including Fork (The Subway). Both trips involve Rescue is not a certainty. Your safety wrappers, apple cores, fruit peels, extensive route finding. Visitors are is your responsibility. nut shells, and toilet paper. Dispose encouraged to travel with an experienced of all waste in a proper trash can or hiker or obtain a detailed route EXPERIENCE AND ABILITY dumpster. Recycle when possible. description. Permits are always required Everyone in the group should have Do not leave fixed ropes in canyons regardless of the direction of travel. The the proper equipment, skill level, and pack out any abandoned ropes Left Fork of North Creek is a day-use and ability to belay, ascend, create that you find including old and area only. Camping is not permitted. extra friction, and evaluate anchors. damaged materials. Everyone should be prepared to FROM THE BOTTOM spend additional time, travel after LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND AND BACK dark, spend the night if necessary, Protect the canyon walls, trees, and This strenuous 9-mile round-trip and survive on their own. rocks from graffiti and vandalism. Do hike requires route finding, stream not build or destroy rock cairns that crossing, and scrambling over The group should have a route are used to mark trails and routes. If boulders. This route begins and ends description, map, compass, and placed incorrectly, they can mislead at the Left Fork Trailhead on the the ability to use them to locate the others, cause unnecessary damage, Kolob Terrace Road. correct route for your trip. and lead to potential injuries. Leave rocks, plants, and other natural FROM THE TOP TO THE TRAVEL ON DURABLE objects as you find them. BOTTOM SURFACES This strenuous 9.5-mile route Travel on well-established trails. Hike AVOID BOLTING requires rappelling skills, 60 feet in canyon drainages and on slick-rock Bolts should only be placed as a last of rope, rappelling gear, harness, a whenever possible. If you must leave resort. Only use a bolt if there are helmet, and extensive route finding the trail, avoid stepping on biological no other safe options for creating an experience. The route also requires soil crusts. It can take decades to anchor. Power drill use is prohibited. swimming through several deep pools regrow and can be destroyed by a If bolts are used, they should be of very cold debris-filled water. The single step. placed so that they will last for route begins at the Wildcat Canyon many years and will avoid scarring Trailhead and ends at the Left Fork on the rock caused by rope pulls. Trailhead. Both trailheads are located Use subdued colors for hangers and on the Kolob Terrace Road. NPS Image/Abi Farish slings. 2 Wilderness Guide Canyoneering Safety
ALWAYS THE NARROWS On the morning of September 27, HAVE A 2014, two men hiked into the lower end of The Narrows. There was a PLAN B 90% chance of rain that day, and the There is no substitute for planning ahead, flash flood potential rating indicated taking the proper equipment, having the that flash flooding was expected. right skills, and using sound judgment. Heavy rain began mid-morning and Be prepared to take care of yourself and lasted through most of the day. The your group by resolving any difficulties volume of the river increased to 40 that may arise. Rescue is not a certainty. times its early morning flow. The If rescue is possible, it will take hours or men were trapped on separate sand days to remove an injured hiker from the bars 200 feet apart. One of the men wilderness. somehow survived a swim to the end of the Riverside Walk. The other man LOWER ECHO CANYON was killed by the flood. Always check September 6, 2016, two males attempted the weather before your trip. If bad to descend Middle Echo Canyon, but weather threatens, do not enter a did not look at their route description canyon. If you observe any signs of a until they descended into Lower Echo possible flood, climb to high ground Canyon. They continued through the and remain there until water levels canyon, even though the features did not drop. meet the route description. By the time NPS Image they looked at their route description, ENGLESTEAD CANYON they were already too committed to exit September 3, 2017, a male was Do you have a backup for all party members? Can all members of your group stop mid-rappel or ascend a short Lower Echo Canyon. Eventually, they descending Englestead Canyon with a distance to correct a problem? If not, consider taking a emerged at the top of Weeping Rock, group. The first rappel in this canyon is canyoneering course before heading out on your own. a drop more than 10 times higher than approximately 300 feet. On this rappel, the largest rappel in Middle Echo (this he lost control approximately 70 feet rappel is not permitted). Luckily, they off the ground and fell to the canyon were able to call down for help. These floor where he was fatally injured. This REFRIGERATOR CANYON PINE CREEK CANYON canyoneers spent the night at the top of individual was descending on a single On September 20, 2014, a group of On November 15, 2014, a group of Weeping Rock where they were rescued strand of rope, using a new 8.3 mm rope. eight people, including a thirteen- three was rappelling through Pine Creek the next day, after being stranded for He was descending on an ATC device year-old boy, attempted the Canyon. A member of the party jumped approximately 15 hours. without a belay or a backup. He was Refrigerator Canyon route. The boy off an obstacle about five feet high into a Even heavily traveled canyons in the park reported to be an experienced canyoneer. attempted to rest by tying off his pool of water. He believed that the pool are routes, not maintained trails. Do Understand your system, forces, and rappel device when he was about was deep enough to cushion his fall, but you have a map and a route description? the variables that will change your 40 feet off of the ground. He lost landed on a hidden ledge. The 36-year- Are you confident in your ability to use descent. Are you taking shortcuts? Will control while completing the tie off old man suffered from a significant lower them? When you enter a canyon and your descent system stop you if you are and fell 20 to 40 feet. A prussic caught leg injury. The patient was less than half pull your rope after your first rappel, you unable to stop yourself? Are you positive him before he impacted the ground, a mile from a road, but the technical are committed. You must complete the you possess and are employing the skill but he still suffered back and chest rope rescue necessary to extract him entire canyon whether you intended to or to safely complete the canyon you are injuries. The boy’s prussic backup from the canyon required six hours and not. Make sure you are prepared for the attempting? Know how to tie a hands prevented more serious injuries. 14 rescuers. Lower leg fractures are the canyon you are descending. free backup. Make safety your number Do you have a backup for all party most common injuries suffered in the one priority. members? Can all members of your wilderness. The most common cause group stop mid-rappel or ascend a of lower leg injuries is jumping. Do not short distance to correct a problem? jump. Bring a rope and use it. If not, consider taking a canyoneering course before heading out on your Wilderness Use Limits own.
Zion National Park’s wilderness is managed using standards that were developed to measure the health of natural resources and to determine the number of encounters people considered desirable and acceptable while experiencing wilderness. These two standards were combined with existing management zones to create overall use limits and group size limits. The use limits are evaluated each year, and may change as conditions warrant.
Area Total Use Limit Advance Reservations Last Minute Drawing Group Size Limit
Behunin Canyon* 12 people per day 6 people per day 6 people per day 6 Echo Canyon* 12 people per day 6 people per day 6 people per day 6 Keyhole Canyon 80 people per day 60 people per day 20 people per day 12 Left Fork (The Subway) 80 people per day 60 people per day 20 people per day 12 Mystery Canyon 12 people per day 6 people per day 6 people per day 6 Orderville Canyon* 50 people per day 30 people per day 20 people per day 12 Pine Creek Canyon* 50 people per day 30 people per day 20 people per day 12 Spry Canyon 20 people per day 14 people per day 6 people per day 6 The Narrows 40 people per day 24 people per day 16 people per day 12
*Total use limits are reduced from March through August for wildlife protection.
Wilderness Guide 3 Zion Wilderness Map NO CAMPFIRES FOOD STORAGE LEAVE NO TRACE HUMAN WASTE GROUP SIZE Campfires are All food and trash must Protect the park Pack out all solid Wilderness trails have prohibited in the be stored inside a secure from all graffiti and human waste, toilet a group size limit of 12. Zion Wilderness. Fuel hard sided container or vandalism. All graffiti, paper, diapers, and These limits apply to stoves and lanterns interlocking wire mesh including words, personal hygiene all trips into the park’s may be used for camping purposes, bag. For the welfare of park wildlife, drawings, and arrows, no matter how products. An environmentally wilderness, including trips that do not but should only be lit on bare your safety, and the safekeeping of your small or superficially drawn, carved, friendly human waste disposal bag, require a permit. Group size limits are ground away from all vegetation. equipment, you should make your food scratched, or painted, is vandalism. complete with use and disposal strictly enforced. Groups that exceed In the interest of protection of items as unobtainable as possible. Your Do not build rock cairns. If placed instructions, is available for sale in these limits may not split up and visit environmental and scenic values, actions can put other people at risk of incorrectly, they can mislead visitors, the Zion Forever Park Store and at the same route, or wilderness trail on protection of natural resources, and food pilfering, since animals regularly cause unnecessary damage, and lead local outfitters. The contents of the the same day, but may split up and public safety, these restrictions on revisit areas where they easily obtained to potential injuries. Help protect disposal bag may then be deposited visit different areas. fires are necessary. Please do all you food. At worst, your behavior may lead Zion by not leaving your mark. Make in the trash. Use of this waste can to protect the park from human directly to the death of a wild animal. memories, take photos, and leave no disposal system is required for all caused wildfires. These guidelines are meant to protect trace. Wilderness permit holders. park wildlife, people, and equipment.
To Cedar City, Cedar Breaks NM, and Salt Lake City
Camp West Rim The Narrows
Cre ek Wildcat Canyon Site Group Size Water Sources Site Group Size Water Sources At-large camping around Wildcat Number (max.) West Rim (Cabin) Spring Number (max.) Untreated water from the Canyon is limited. The maximum 1 12 typically has a small flow 1 4 Virgin River is not safe to group size is 12. Wildcat Spring 2 2 year-round. 2 4 drink. Boil all water you Kolob Canyons typically has a small flow year-round. 3 4 3 6 collect, or treat with a Sawmill Spring can be dry combination of filtration Visitor Center No 4 12 4 2 rth Fork Taylor Creek by early to mid summer. and disinfection. Do not Tay 5 6 lor Cr 5 4 eek Canyon Mid Trai Potato Hollow Spring collect water above the Exit s dle l b R For 6 6 6 12 40 lo o k o a can be dry by mid to late confluence with Deep K d S 7 4 7 6 outh For summer. These are not Creek. Big Spring is a Lee Pass k 8 6 Trailhead 8 6 reliable water sources. reliable source for obtaining KOLOB 9 6 9 6 Kolob Willis water. 15 C l reek Canyons i Kolob a 10 6 Viewpoint r Reservoir T
k e 11 4 Timber Creek e r C CANYONS Overlook Trail n i 1.8 mi 12 12 k r 13
e To La Verkin, V
1 Kolob 0.3 mi Multi-night trips are not permitted. Overnight backpackers
Springdale and a
L Arch 12 Zion Canyon 0.6 mi must start from Chamberlin’s Ranch. Visitor Center 11 8 k 2 e Beatty re Spring C r 6.4 mi 10 e b 5 9 k H m 4 e 7 i re o T 3 C p kin Ver 6 V La a l l A (horse camp) e y
Vehicles longer than T r 19 feet/5.8 meters are a B i l Lava not allowed on Lava Point Road. Unpaved Point Rd roads are impassable when wet. West Rim Trailhead 6.5 mi k e Chamberlain’s Ranch e Lava r Trailhead Point 0.1 mi C Lava Point H Overlook O P
0.8 mi K p er o e Riv l e o rgin Trailhead and trail Wildcat 9 b D Vi North Fork d are on private property.
V a Spring
A Sawmill Please close gates. o l C i
L R r a Springs e
L r e
k E T k
e e e r Y c C n a o r
y r n 1 Kolob Canyonsi n k e r a e T V C 2 a Beyond this point, road cat L b d not plowed in winter. il H 3 o 4.8 mi Site Group Size Water Sources l W O WEST o WILDCAT W K CANYON R 4-6 Number (max.) e Timber Creek typically is Hop Valley Wildcat S s t E Trailhead Canyon 7 il a 8 1 4 dry by early spring after Tr Trailhead R i r m RIM Connecto P 9 10 snow-melt. La Verkin N 2 4 4.1 mi T A o r r a t i S h l C L Creek flows year round, g T 11 3 6 E 1.0 mi A a E 1.1 mi U V T t Big Spring e 12 r R the water is muddy during E a
P 4 7 V i l e 5.9 mi E No upstream travel A a L
spring snow-melt and after k beyond Big Spring
L s
5 4 E V Y Potato Hollow A rain events. Beatty Spring, L 8 P Spring 6 4 L E L Y T A located between campsites H 7 ON T Y 7 2 E E CAN ILL E ORDERV 10 and 11 where the trail N A
8 12 A No upstream travel U crosses the creek, typically R 1/4mi beyond junction
9 12 R flows year round. Due to a 6 O
W rk Unpaved roads are Fo 10 2 S impassable when wet. private cattle ranch within 2.4 mi Closed in winter. East Me sa Trail 11 4 the park, water may be 3.0 mi 5 West Rim
(Cabin) 12 8 contaminated and should ft Spring Le 4 1 Temple of 3.0 mi Private West R 13 4 not be obtained from Hop Left Fork 3 im Sinawava property
Trailhead 2 T of Zion r permit a Ponderosa Valley. i A (horse 4.4 mi l Unpaved roads parking Ranch Exit 12 are impassable 1.5 mi 27 camp) only when wet. 0.4 mi 2.5 mi B 7 Grapevine Fork 0.3 mi N Trailhead Right AREA CLOSED Right Fork Angels O Landing Trailhead 0.3 mi Y Cable E Stave as N Mountain t o N Spring R r im th
F Toquerville The Grotto Tr o A a il rk 1.8 mi 1.1 mi R C o Zion Lodge a d 17 ek re Deertrap C Mountain 5.9 mi EAST
3.2 mi
N 9 Private vehicles are not permitted To Mt. Carmel SOUTHWEST O beyond Canyon Junction when RIM
Junction and th East Entrance d r I shuttles are running. a o Trailhead Bryce Canyon NP N way o Z l High R rme Vehicles pulling trailers a t C e not recommended. n c ou a Narrow winding road DESERT M rr n- e with steep grades. The 5 o T Zi upper section is not To La Verkin and b plowed in winter. Coalpits lo Zion Human History Museum Tunnel Kolob Canyons o Spring 2 La Verkin K 1.4 mi W Tunnel 1.9 mi 4 ash
Virgin s 1 h in s South g South Entrance a g 3 o W c S 3.5 mi 6 1.5 mi Springdale Zion Canyon Visitor Center Watchman V 9 s i t r i r e g p in l v 9 a i 9 o h R C s N Y O a C A N 1.7 mi W in P g E A r Chinle ir W e T V U b ra N R u U il k Southwest Desert i H r R Hurricane ve 2.1 mi 3.2 mi o A Area closed r F P
59 Coalpits Wash er to all access. h Riv East Rim t rgin r i Site Group Size Water Sources k V o r Fo N Number (max.) Coalpits Wash Spring Grafton st (ghost town) Rockville Ea At-large camping along the East 1 6 usually flows year round. East Rim Trail from Bridge Chinle Rim is limited. The maximum group 2 6 Road Trailhead oad turn on Anasazi Way on R size is 12. Stave Spring is typically raft Weeping Rock through 3 6 G dry by early summer, and is not a Unpaved roads are Echo Canyon is CLOSED 4 6 impassable when wet. reliable water source. 5 6 May be closed in winter. indefinitely.
6 12 y a kw sonian Bac ith Butte Scenic m S
North Water Sources 0 1 2 3 4 5 Kilometers This map is for planning purposes only. Do not use this map for wilderness travel. The desert can be an extreme and unforgiving SPRINGS AND SEEPS 0 1 2 3 4 5 Miles Topographic maps are available for sale. environment. Carry enough water, one gallon per A spring is a place where water naturally flows out of Shuttle Information Visitor Information person per day, and drink it. Never drink untreated the ground. Water flow magnitude at natural springs Springdale shuttle Paved road open to 2.5 mi Trail mileage water. Contact the Wilderness Staff at: can vary throughout the park and may not always be route private vehicles [email protected], for current spring reliable. Camping only permitted in Zion Canyon shuttle Unpaved road flow information. Plan ahead and prepare, your 12 designated Wilderness campsite Never drink untreated spring water. Springs route (impassable when wet) safety is your responsibility. (Permit required) should be used as a secondary water source, not as a Hiking and Camping only permitted in RIVERS, CREEKS, AND WASHES primary source. stock trail designated At-large camping area There are many perennial, intermittent, and During most of the year the Zion (Permit required) Overnight camping is not permitted within a ¼ mile Hiking trail ephemeral streams throughout Zion. Water obtained Canyon Scenic Drive is only open to only Park campground of any spring. shuttle buses. Private vehicles are not from these rivers, creeks, and washes should always (Available by online reservation) permitted beyond Canyon Junction. Hiking route www.recreation.gov be properly treated.
ZION CANYON SHUTTLE PRIVATE VEHICLES BICYCLES HIKER SHUTTLE SERVICES OTHER VEHICLES The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, Bicycles are not permitted in the Zion Commercial shuttle services can be Any use of any off-highway to private vehicles during most of the Kolob Terrace Road, and Kolob Wilderness. Bicycling is permitted on hired to provide point-to-point pick- vehicle (OHV), all-terrain vehicle year. The Zion Canyon shuttle provides Canyons Scenic Drive are open to all park roadways and on the Pa’rus up and drop-off at designated parking (ATV), utility vehicles (UTV) access to the trailheads for the Emerald private vehicles. Park roads are used Trail. Bicyclists must ride single file areas within the park. All services or other motorized conveyance Pools, the West Rim, and the Narrows. by vehicles, bicycles, and wildlife. and stop to let shuttle buses pass. must have a current Commercial manufactured for recreational Obey posted speed limits. Park only Use Authorization (CUA) with Zion non-highway, off-road, or in designated spaces to protect fragile National Park. Search online for all-terrain travel is prohibited vegetation. current authorized services. within Zion National Park.
Wilderness Guide 4-5 Backpacking
Zion National Park has LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE a number of trails in a Leave rocks, plants, and other natural Traveling into the wilderness, even variety of landscapes for objects as you find them. Protect the on short trips, can be challenging backpackers to explore. park from graffiti and vandalism. Do and risky and requires careful Backpackers in the Zion not build or destroy rock cairns that planning before you begin. Your Wilderness can camp in designated are used to mark trails and routes. If safety depends on your own good campsites on Zion’s high plateaus, in the placed incorrectly, they can mislead judgement, adequate preparation, and low desert shrublands, or next to a river visitors, cause unnecessary damage, constant observation. Take action to in a narrow canyon. and lead to potential injuries. Do not ensure that your group is self-reliant build structures including benches, and aware of the risks involved with WILDERNESS PERMITS tables, or shelters. Leave the park in a backpacking. It is a good idea to be Store food and trash responsibly. NPS Image. Permits are required for all overnight natural state for others to enjoy. prepared to spend an unexpected backpacking trips within the park. night in case of an emergency. Know Permits are valid only for the DISPOSE OF WASTE that rescue is not a certainty. Your campsites and dates shown; and must PROPERLY safety is your responsibility. be carried with you and shown upon Be prepared to pack out human waste, Extended request. toilet paper, and hygiene products. Be aware of the weather and the flash Multi-Night Trips Backpackers must carry a minimum flood potential rating. Continuously TRAVEL AND CAMP ON of one human waste disposal bag per evaluate the weather and adjust Trips up to 36 miles in length can DURABLE SURFACES person while in the wilderness. plans to keep you and your group be made by combining various trails In designated camping sites, (e.g., Pack it in, pack it out. Carry out safe. Have a back-up plan. Have a across the park. At this time it is not Kolob Canyons, West Rim, The all trash, including food wrappers, route description, map, compass, and possible to connect the West Rim Narrows, and Southwest Desert) apple cores, fruit peels, nut shells, the ability to use them. Familiarize and East Rim trails. These routes cross camp only within the previously and toilet paper. Dispose of all waste yourself with the water sources in several roads, so many variations to established site. In at-large camping in a proper trash can or dumpster. Zion. Carry enough water, one gallon your trip are possible. A vehicle shuttle areas, (e.g., Wildcat Canyon and East Recycle the rest. per person per day, and drink it. Do may be necessary. Backpackers that Rim) campsites should be 200 feet not drink untreated water. intend to camp in various locations from all streams and trails, ¼ mile NO CAMPFIRES need to make separate reservations for from natural springs, and out of sight Extremely dry GROUP SIZE LIMITS each site. of all trails. conditions exist The maximum group size for the Zion and campfires are Wilderness is 12 people. A group is Camping in previously used areas or prohibited. Please any number of people sharing the on bare ground is encouraged. Travel do all you can to help us protect same affiliation, even if they have on well-established trails. If you the Wilderness from human caused multiple permits. Group size limits must leave the trail, avoid stepping wildfires. are strictly enforced. Permits will be Stock Use on biological soil crusts. It can denied and violators will be cited if take decades to regrow and can be limits are exceeded. destroyed by a single step. Horses have been used traditionally to explore Zion. Stock animals that are allowed include: Backpacking Areas in Zion horses, mules, and burros. Llamas, dogs, goats, camels, and other animals are not permitted. EAST RIM HOP VALLEY TRAIL LA VERKIN CREEK TRAIL To reduce the spread of noxious and The trail heads up to the plateau from the The trail begins off the Kolob Terrace The La Verkin Creek Trail allows hikers exotic weeds, stock must be fed certified East Entrance with views of sandstone Road and wanders through the open outstanding opportunities for solitude weed-free hay for 24 hours prior to the cliffs all around. A hike through fields with wide views of the surrounding in a primitive area of Zion Wilderness. trip. ponderosa forest eventually leads to rock formations. The valley floor of The trail begins at Lee Pass with stunning the junction with Deertrap and Cable Hop Valley is breathtaking with its flat views of the Kolob Canyons as it crosses TRAILS Mountain. The East Rim Trail from sandy bottom and vertical walls rising on Timber Creek and continues to descend Stock animals must remain on trails. Free Weeping Rock through Echo Canyon both sides. It is common to see cows on toward La Verkin Creek. A spur trail trailing or loose herding is not allowed. is closed indefinitely. East Rim camping this route since the trail passes through leads hikers to a viewpoint where they Maintain a slow walk when passing is only accessible from the eastside private inholdings. Please respect these can see the Kolob Arch. hikers. Stock must be kept at least 200 trailheads. property rights to help maintain access. feet from drainages, when not being SOUTHWEST DESERT watered or ridden. Check the park map WILDCAT CANYON AREA WEST RIM TRAIL The Chinle Trail travels through the low on pages 4 and 5 for trails open to stock This trail starts from Wildcat Trailhead The trail starts at the West Rim trailhead desert and connects to Coalpits Wash. use. Off-trail use is permitted only in and goes past the Northgate Peaks Trail near Lava Point and traverses across the The Chinle Trail crosses the flat terrain Lower Coalpits Wash from the trailhead Junction offering views of the Northgate high elevation rim with sweeping views between pinyon pines and juniper trees, to the junction with Scoggins Wash, in Peaks as it passes through the ponderosa into the Wildcat Canyon, Potato Hollow, with spectacular views of the West Scoggins Wash, and in Huber Wash. pine forest. It opens into meadows before and Phantom Valley. At Cabin Spring, Temple and Mount Kinesava. Coalpits coming to the edge of Wildcat Canyon more than 9 miles from Lava Point, hikers Wash has no developed trail, but there OVERNIGHT TRIPS offering sweeping views down into the can either turn around and hike back, or is a well-worn path to the junction with The only overnight stock camp is Hop canyon. This area has no established drop down towards Zion Canyon. The Scoggins Wash. Wildflowers are great Valley Site A and your stay is limited to campsites. At large camping is allowed hike down is a steep drop in elevation here during the spring. The dirt trails are one night. A permit is required. Stock near parts of the trail. A wilderness and descends 2,500 feet over 4.4 miles, very muddy when wet. The Southwest must be hobbled or tethered to reduce permit is required. ending at the Grotto Trailhead. Desert has little shade and can be damage to vegetation. extremely hot in the summer.
6 Wilderness Guide The Zion Narrows
The Virgin River has WHEN TO HIKE THE NARROWS WATER DEPTH DAY HIKE FROM THE carved a spectacular Entering The Narrows is safest when the The water level varies in The BOTTOM AND BACK gorge in the upper forecast has little chance of rain and the Narrows. Under ideal conditions, To experience The Narrows, start at the reaches of Zion Canyon: river is low, clear, and relatively warm. when flow is less than 70 cubic feet Temple of Sinawava, hike one mile to the 16 miles long, up to Conditions change from day to day and per second, water levels are around end of the Riverside Walk and wade into 2,000-feet deep, and at times only 20 to are impossible to predict. Always check knee-deep. Higher flows mean higher the river. In less than a mile, you will be 30-feet wide. The Narrows can be an the latest weather forecast and flash flood water, a stronger current, and may hiking in one of the narrowest sections of unforgettable wilderness experience. potential before each trip.. Permits are require wading in waist-deep water. the canyon. There is not a formal not issued when the flow is 120 cubic Be prepared to swim. Even when destination, and you will return the same The Narrows is not a hike to be feet per second (cfs) or greater. Flash the river is low, chest-deep holes way you came. Some hikers try to reach underestimated. A vast portion of the floods can occur any time, but are more exist. Help the park protect fragile Orderville Canyon, a tributary roughly route is spent wading, walking, and common in mid-summer and early fall. vegetation and hike in or near the two hours upstream from the end of sometimes swimming in the river. There From early-Fall through late-Spring, trips river. the trail. Travel upstream beyond 1/4 is no maintained trail because the route through The Narrows require wetsuits, mile into Orderville Canyon or beyond is the river. The current is swift, the water or even drysuits, and special cold weather DAY HIKE FROM TOP TO Big Spring is prohibited. No permit is is cold, and the rocks underfoot are preparation. Icefall is common in the BOTTOM required for this day hike. Groups size slippery. Flash flooding and hypothermia Winter. Spring snowmelt frequently Walking the entire length of The limits apply beyond the junction with are constant dangers. Good planning, causes the river to run at dangerously Narrows is a very difficult hike. Under Orderville Canyon. proper equipment, and sound judgment high levels from March to early June. favorable conditions, the 16-mile route are essential for a safe and successful trip. takes an average of 12 hours. Even for OVERNIGHT HIKE FROM Your safety is your responsibility. FOOTWEAR well-conditioned hikers, this is a very TOP TO BOTTOM Hiking The Narrows is like walking on long and strenuous day. To enjoy The Narrows at a more GROUP SIZE LIMIT slippery bowling balls. It requires leisurely pace, some hikers choose to Large groups produce increased impacts balancing on algae-coated rocks in a The trailhead at Chamberlain’s Ranch spend a night in the canyon. Campsite on the wilderness. Group size above swiftly flowing river. Sturdy footwear is a 1.5-hour drive from the Temple of capacity is limited. Trips must start from the junction with Orderville Canyon is essential. Hiking boots with good Sinawava. Two vehicles or a shuttle is Chamberlain’s Ranch and are limited to a is limited to a maximum of 12 people ankle support are best. Sandals and bare necessary. A wilderness permit is one-night stay. sharing the same affiliation. (e.g., club, feet are not appropriate. Inappropriate required for day trips. Group size troop, family, or friends) Group size footwear often results in twisted ankles limits apply. limits are strictly enforced. Permits will and crushed toes. be denied and violators cited if limits are exceeded. DISPOSE OF WASTE The Narrows Timetable River Trips PROPERLY All visitors to the Zion Narrows should Chamberlain’s Ranch 0:00 / 0.0 mi Watercraft will be allowed based on current reading, which must be prepared to pack out human waste, Old Cabin 1:00 / 2.3 mi by permit only on the below 600 CFS. toilet paper, and hygiene products. An First Narrows 3:30 / 6.1 mi North Fork of the Virgin environmentally friendly human waste Waterfall 4:15 / 8.3 mi River during periods of Watercraft must be specifically designed disposal bag, complete with use and Deep Creek 5:00 / 8.9 mi the year when the flow for white water use. Operators must be disposal instructions, is available for sale Kolob Creek 5:45 / 9.8 mi in the river exceeds 150 cubic feet per equipped with approved personal in the Zion Forever Park Store and at Goose Creek 6:35 / 10.9 mi second. flotation devices. Kayak trips through many local outfitters. Big Spring 7:20 / 11.5 mi The Narrows should only be attempted Orderville Canyon 10:00 / 13.5 mi Permits will not be issued for trips north by expert paddlers who are prepared to DRINKING WATER Riverside Walk 11:50 / 15.1 mi of the Temple of Sinawava when the flow survive without assistance for multiple Untreated water from the river and its Temple of Sinawava 12:20 / 16.2 mi in the river exceeds 600 CFS. The level days. Permits for kayaking through The springs is not safe to drink. It has passed will be determined by the minimum Narrows will not be issued on the day over rangeland and may be contaminated Track your progress by recognizing side or maximum flow for the 24 hours of the trip and must be obtained the with illness-causing bacteria. Treat the canyons like Deep Creek, Kolob Creek, preceding the request for the permit. day before. An early start to this trip is water you collect by filter, tablets, or by and Big Spring. Watch closely for the For trips involving any area south of the needed. Inner tubes are not permitted at mouth of Goose Creek. boiling. Hikers are encouraged to carry Temple of Sinawava, the flow will be any time on any watercourse within the in all of their water. Drink one gallon of park. water per person per day.
FALLS Climate in Zion National Park Even the most experienced hikers Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec fall in The Narrows. Pack a walking stick for additional stability. It is Temperature (°F) also a good idea to waterproof your Average high 54 59 66 75 86 95 100 99 91 79 64 54 belongings. Average low 30 34 39 45 54 63 70 68 61 48 37 30 Record high 73 90 91 95 106 114 115 111 110 99 86 81 Record low –15 0 10 21 19 36 41 36 33 18 6 –5 CLOTHING Days above 100°F 0 0 0 0 0 6 16 10 2 0 0 0 Even in summer The Narrows can be Days below 32°F 20 13 9 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 10 18 cool. The water is cold, breezes blow steadily, and very little sunlight penetrates Precipitation (inches) to the canyon floor. Take extra warm Average 1.8 2.0 2.0 1.3 0.7 0.3 1.2 1.5 1.0 1.3 1.4 1.6 clothing. Clothing made of wool or Record high 9.3 6.7 7.1 5.4 3.0 4.0 4.9 5.1 6.7 5.5 4.0 4.7 Record daily snowfall 12.5 8.0 7.2 4.0 4.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 4.5 8.0 synthetic fibers has the best insulation. Days with thunderstorms 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 4.0 5.0 14.0 15.0 5.0 2.0 0.0 0.0
Wilderness Guide 7 Safety Flash Floods WATER DRONES All narrow canyons are The desert is an extreme Launching, landing, or potentially hazardous. environment. Carry one operating unmanned Flash floods, often caused gallon per person per aircraft within park by storms miles away, are a day and drink it. Water is boundaries is prohibited real danger and can be life available at visitor centers, campgrounds, threatening. By entering a narrow canyon and the Zion Lodge. Water flow at natural HYPOTHERMIA you are assuming a risk. springs can vary; check for information Hypothermia occurs at visitor centers. Do not drink untreated when the body is cooled During a flash flood, the water level rises water. Water collected in the wilderness to dangerous levels. within minutes or even seconds. A flash is not safe to drink without treatment. It is the number one flood can rush down a canyon in a wall of killer of outdoor recreationists, even in water 12 feet high or more. Harmful cyanotoxins have been found summer, and it usually happens without in the Virgin River system. Many remote the victim’s awareness. It is a hazard BE PREPARED areas in Zion’s wilderness cannot be in narrow canyons because immersion Before starting your trip, pay close regularly monitored for toxins, therefore in water is the quickest route to body attention to the weather forecast current conditions may not be known. heat loss. To prevent hypothermia, and the Flash Flood Potential There is no known recreational water avoid cotton clothing (it provides no Rating for the park. If bad weather filtration or disinfection method that can insulation when wet) and eat high-energy threatens, do not enter a narrow Flash floods can be extremely violent. The strength of the water can tumble logs and large boulders. reduce the toxins to a level that is safe for food before you are chilled. The signs of canyon. Whether hiking, climbing, or A hiker caught in a flash flood like this would not drinking water. Filter and disinfect all hypothermia include: canyoneering, your safety depends on survive. NPS Image. drinking water directly from springs to • Uncontrollable shivering your own good judgment, adequate reduce the risk of toxin exposure. • Stumbling and poor coordination preparation, and constant attention Watch for these indications of a possible • Fatigue and weakness to your surroundings. Your safety is flash flood: STEEP CLIFFS • Confusion or slurred speech your responsibility. • Any deterioration in weather Falls from cliffs near trails If you recognize any of these signs, stop conditions and routes have resulted hiking and immediately replace wet FLASH FLOOD POTENTIAL • Build up of clouds or sounds of in deaths. Loose sand or clothing with dry clothing. Warm the RATINGS thunder pebbles on stone are very victim with your own body and a warm In the summer, the National Weather • Sudden changes in water clarity slippery. Be careful of edges when using drink, and shelter the individual from Service issues a daily Flash Flood from clear to muddy cameras or binoculars. Never throw or breezes. A pre-warmed sleeping bag will Potential Rating for multiple areas in • Floating debris roll rocks, as there may be hikers below also help prevent further heat loss. Utah. Zion has worked in partnership • Rising water levels or stronger you. Trails can be snow and ice covered with the National Weather Service to currents in winter. HEAT create specific Flash Flood Potential • Increasing roar of water up-canyon • Stay on the trail. EXHAUSTION Ratings for Zion National Park’s unique • Stay back from cliff edges. Heat exhaustion occurs environment and terrain. These flash If you observe any of these signs, seek • Observe posted warnings. when the body loses flood ratings predict the severity of the higher ground immediately—even • Please watch children. more fluid than is taken flooding can occur within the park. climbing a few feet may save your life. in. Signs of heat exhaustion can include • Not Expected: Flash flooding is not Remain on high ground until conditions PETS nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headaches, expected. improve. Water levels usually drop Pets are not allowed on pale appearance, stomach cramps, and • Possible: Some slot canyons may within 24 hours. Flash floods can occur wilderness trails or on the cool clammy skin. If a member of your experience flash flooding. in the park during periods of low flash shuttle buses. Even well- party begins to experience any of these • Probable: Some slot canyons, dry flood potential. A moderate or higher behaved pets may disrupt symptoms, stop your hike immediately. washes and small streams are expected flash flood potential is a serious cause wildlife and other visitors. Do not leave Find a cool, shady area and rest. It is to experience flash flooding. for concern. Slot canyons will be closed pets in vehicles. Boarding kennels are important to drink fluids, but it is also • Expected: Many slot canyons, dry if a Flash Flood Warning is issued. The available in local communities. important to eat salty foods. If heat washes, and small streams are expected canyons will reopen two hours after the exhaustion symptoms persist, seek to experience flash flooding. Flash Flood Warning has been lifted. FIREARMS medical help. It is the visitor’s Heat stroke is an advanced stage of heat responsibility to exhaustion. It is the body’s inability understand and comply to cool itself. Symptoms can include Wildlife with all applicable Utah, confusion, disorientation, behavior local, and federal firearms laws. Federal changes, seizures, and an inability to You may encounter wildlife while in the MOUNTAIN LIONS law prohibits firearms in certain facilities sweat. If you believe that a member of wilderness. Be aware that wild animals Mountain lions are wild animals and in Zion National Park, which are posted your party is suffering from heat stroke, can be unpredictable. Do not approach can be dangerous. They have been with signs. The discharge of firearms and it is imperative to cool them and obtain or attempt to move sick or injured seen in the park. Though an attack hunting within the park are prohibited. immediate medical assistance. wildlife. Please send an email to is unlikely and the park has never [email protected] to had a reported attack on people or report any encounters with aggressive, pets, mountain lions have attacked Emergencies . sick, or injured animals. in other wilderness areas. Watch children closely, and never let them RESPECT WILDLIFE run ahead or lag behind. Solo hiking For 24-hour emergency response, call 911 or Please keep all animals wild and is not encouraged. Never approach a 435-772-3322. healthy by viewing them from a mountain lion and always give them The Zion Canyon Medical Clinic is located in Springdale near safe distance. Do not feed or touch a route to escape. Do not run, try to the south entrance to the park. For hours, please call wildlife. Store food and trash in look large, and put your arms up. If a animal proof containers. mountain lion approaches, wave your 435-772-3226. Other medical clinics are located in Hurricane. arms, shout, and throw rocks or sticks The nearest hospitals are in St. George, Cedar City, and Kanab. at it. If attacked, fight back.
8 Wilderness Guide