Zion National Park

Follow the paths where ancient native people and pioneers walked. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Challenge your courage in a narrow slot canyon. Zion's unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present day adventures.

The Zion Wilderness is a spectacular network of colorful canyons, forested mesas, and 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 as wilderness. This designation will ensure that over 124,400 acres of the park will continue to be a place where nature and its "community of life are untrammeled by man, a place where man himself is a visitor who does not remain."

Hiking

With over 90 miles of trails, 37 designated backpacking sites, several at-large backpacking areas, and 124,400 acres of designated wilderness, Zion National Park offers a variety of unique backpacking opportunities.

Backpacking trips into the wilderness requires advanced planning. When planning your trip, consider your interests, time, and ability level of you and your group. There is no "one best trail." Use the Wilderness Guide, this website, guidebooks, and topographic maps to chose your wilderness experience.

Wilderness permits are required for all overnight backpacking trips. Permits are issued at both visitor centers the day before or the day of your trip. Reservations for a permit can be made up to three months in advanced.

Canyoneering

Canyoneering is an outdoor activity that combines route finding, rappelling, problem solving, swimming, and hiking. Zion National Park has become one of the premier places in the country to participate in this exciting activity.

With dozens of different canyons to explore, some barely wide enough for a human to squeeze through, the park offers opportunities that range from trips for beginners to experiences requiring advanced technical skills. A permit is required for all technical canyoneering trips.

A short trip into the lower end of The Narrows above the Temple of Sinawava is an outstanding way to receive an introduction to the slot canyons of the park. For those with expertise and experience, The Subway and Orderville Canyon offer opportunities for route finding, swimming, and short rappels.

Over 124,400 acres of Zion are designated wilderness. Please help preserve and protect these beautiful areas for future generations by practicing your leave no trace principles and following park regulations. For more information, visit www.wilderness.net.

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