Backpacking

The Zion Wilderness is a world-renowned destination that offers opportunities for solitude and adventure. With over 90 miles of trails and dozens of designated backpacking sites, Zion National Park offers a variety of unique backpacking opportunities. All overnight backpacking in the park requires a Wilderness Permit.

 
A tent in front of red sandstone cliffs and pink clouds.
How to Obtain a Backpacking Permit

Follow these step-by-step instructions to obtain a Zion Wilderness overnight backpacking permit.

Two hikers walking in a river surrounded by tall cliffs.
Wilderness Trail & Campsite Descriptions

Zion has many Wilderness trails and campsites. Read brief descriptions of each of the areas to discover which route is best for your group.

Mountains, trees, and blue sky.
Make a Backpacking Reservation

Reservations for backpacking trips can be made online in advance at recreation.gov

A man in a hat filtering water from a creek in front of mountains.
Water Sources in Zion

The desert is a hot, dry place. Make sure to learn about where to find water in Zion before any Wilderness trip.

Snow on mountains with blue skies.
Backpacking Safety and Regulations

The desert can be unforgiving. Learn about flash floods, hypothermia, heat exhaustion, and Leave No Trace regulations before you head out.

 
icon of the cover of the wilderness guide
Download the current Wilderness Guide from our park newspaper page. It is a great source of information if you are planning a backpacking trip in Zion.
 
icon of a shuttle bus
Backpackers may need to use the Wilderness Transportation options to get to trailheads.
 
Peak in the Zion Wilderness
Plan Your Trip into the Zion Wilderness

Last updated: January 1, 2024

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Zion National Park
1 Zion Park Blvd.
Springdale, UT 84767

Phone:

435-772-3256
If you have questions, please email zion_park_information@nps.gov. Listen to recorded information by calling anytime 24 hours a day. Rangers answer phone calls from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT, but a ranger may not answer if they are already speaking with someone else.

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