The desert can be an extreme and unforgiving environment. Carry enough water, one gallon per person per day, and drink it. Do not drink untreated water. Plan ahead and prepare, your safety is your responsibility.
Information on the flow of natural springs, based on the best available data, is available by contacting the Wilderness staff at: zion_park_information@nps.gov. Email subject line: Natural Springs Current Conditions.
Potable Drinking Water Availability in Zion Canyon
- Zion Canyon Visitor Center
- South and Watchman Campground
- Zion Human History Museum
- Zion Lodge
- The Grotto
- Temple of Sinawava
Rivers, Creeks, and Washes
- Cyanobacteria of the genus Microcoleus, Tychonema, and Nostoc have been found in the North Fork of the Virgin River, North Creek, and La Verkin Creek. It produces the cyanotoxin called anatoxin-a, which impacts the nervous system.
- There may be a risk of cyanotoxin exposure when recreating in water in Zion. In remote Wilderness areas, current cyanotoxin conditions may be unknown.
- Cyanotoxins may cause illness and/or death if ingested or absorbed through an opening in the skin. The risk of exposure increases during and immediately after any precipitation events.
- Do not drink from instream water; no known filtration methods are effective at reducing toxin levels safe for drinking. When present, standard recreational water filtration and disinfection techniques will not remove the toxins.
- Always check the Current Conditions page for critical safety alerts.
Springs and Seeps
A spring is a place where water naturally flows out of the ground. Water flow magnitude at natural springs can vary throughout the park and may not always be reliable.
- Never drink untreated spring water.
- Springs should be used as an emergency source for water, not as a primary source.
- Overnight camping is not permitted within a ¼ mile of any spring.
Water Treatment
CDC Guide to Water Treatment for Backcountry & Travel Use
Water collected in the Zion Wilderness is not safe to drink without proper treatment. Except for boiling, few water treatment methods are 100% effective in removing all pathogens.
- Boiling can be used as a pathogen reduction method that should kill all pathogens. For most elevations in Zion, water should be brought to a rolling boil for 3 minutes.
- Filtration can be used as a pathogen reduction method against most microorganisms. Manufacturer’s instructions must be followed.
- Disinfection can be used as a pathogen reduction method against microorganisms. However many factors can impact the effectiveness of chemical disinfection. The length of time and concentration of disinfectant varies by manufacturer and effectiveness of pathogen reduction depends on the product. 100% effectiveness may not be achieved.
- If boiling water is not possible, a combination of filtration and chemical disinfection is the most effective treatment method for drinking water in the Zion Wilderness.
Water Availability in the Zion Wilderness
North Fork of the Virgin River Narrows
- Big Spring is a reliable source for obtaining water and, like all other natural springs in the park, its water should always be properly treated.
Kolob Canyons
- Beatty Spring: Usually flows year round.
- Located between campsites 10 and 11 where the trail crosses LaVerkin Creek.
- Unnamed Spring that crosses the trail near campsite 7: Usually flows year round.
Hop Valley
- Due to a private cattle ranch within the park, water may be contaminated and should NOT be obtained from Hop Valley.
Wildcat Canyon Trail
- Wildcat Spring: Usually has a small flow year-round.
- Located on the northside of the Wildcat Canyon Trail, 1.5 miles from the junction of the Wildcat Canyon Trail and the West Rim Trail.
- Overnight camping is not permitted within a ¼ mile of the spring.
West Rim
- Sawmill Springs: Usually is dry by early to mid summer. Not a reliable water source.
- Located near campsite 9 on the West Rim Trail.
- Potato Hollow Spring: Usually is dry by mid to late summer. Not a reliable water source.
- Located near campsite 8 on the West Rim Trail.
- West Rim (Cabin) Spring: Usually has a small flow year-round.
- Located near campsite 2 on the West Rim Trail.
East Rim
- Stave Spring: Usually is dry by early summer. Not a reliable water source
- Located near the junction of the East Rim Trail and Cable Mountain Trail.
- Overnight camping is not permitted within a ¼ mile of the spring.
Southwest Desert
- Coalpits Wash Spring: Usually flows year round.
- Located near campsite 5 in Coalpits Wash.
