Zion National Park · Utah
36-mile point-to-point traverse across Zion National Park from Lee Pass in Kolob Canyons to The Grotto in Zion Canyon.
Get an alert when any night of your Trans-Zion itinerary opens.
Source: recreation.gov
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Trans-Zion were gone within 10 minutes.
Trans-Zion Traverse runs 36.2 miles from Lee Pass to The Grotto. You book a camp for each night.
Lee Pass → The Grotto
36.2 mi
Trailhead
Lee Pass Trailhead
Starting point in Kolob Canyons. Parking and restrooms.
As of September 2026, Trans-Zion in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation. Trans-Zion is a high-demand permit, rating 8/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Trans-Zion permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The Trans-Zion route covers 36.2 miles with 6,500 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous.
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One a night, in route order. Camp anywhere inside a zone. A camp is a numbered site.
More on Trans-Zion: Live availability activityWhen Trans-Zion permits open upTrans-Zion Traverse permit itineraryDo I need a Trans-Zion Traverse permit?
Trans-Zion permit fee: $15.
Cross the entirety of one of America's most iconic national parks, from the remote Finger Canyons of Kolob to the soaring walls of Zion Canyon.
The Trans-Zion Traverse is Zion National Park's premier backpacking route, crossing from the remote Kolob Canyons to the famous main canyon. This point-to-point journey showcases the park's remarkable diversity, from soaring red rock amphitheaters to pine forests to desert slickrock.
The traverse links four distinct landscapes: the dramatic Finger Canyons of Kolob, the wide sandy valleys of Hop Valley, the forested plateaus of Wildcat Canyon, and finally the iconic West Rim with its commanding views into Zion Canyon.
Due to a rockfall that closed East Rim Trail access from the main canyon, most hikers now end at The Grotto rather than continuing to the original East Mesa terminus. This modified route remains one of the most rewarding multi-day experiences in the Southwest.
Beginning at Lee Pass in the remote Kolob Canyons section, the trail descends into La Verkin Creek canyon, home to Kolob Arch, one of the world's largest. The sandy Hop Valley Trail leads through cattle ranch country before Wildcat Canyon's forests provide a transition zone. The West Rim Trail delivers the journey's climax: dramatic overlooks of the Great White Throne and Zion Canyon before the famous Walter's Wiggles switchbacks deposit you at The Grotto.
The Trans-Zion Traverse represents the complete Zion experience, from its least-visited wilderness to its most famous viewpoints. Few visitors experience the full breadth of what makes this park remarkable.
The journey shifts between worlds: red rock finger canyons give way to cool forest, then open meadows, before the final descent reveals the famous Zion Canyon walls towering above. Standing atop Angels Landing's neighbor peaks, you realize most visitors never see what you've just walked through.
Best for: Experienced desert backpackers comfortable with heat, limited water, and point-to-point logistics. Good for those seeking a multi-day Zion immersion beyond the crowded main canyon.
Recommended experience: Should have desert backpacking experience. Multi-day trips with water management required. Heat tolerance essential for summer attempts.
Not recommended for: Those who struggle in heat or sandy conditions, hikers uncomfortable with uncertain water sources, anyone who can't manage 12+ miles between water.
Trailhead information
6,080 ft elevation
Starting point in Kolob Canyons section, the park's quiet northwestern corner
Small lot, rarely fills. No overnight parking restrictions.
Exit 40 off I-15, 5 miles into Kolob Canyons section
Cedar City (17 miles): full services
Trailhead information
4,350 ft elevation
Main canyon shuttle stop and standard exit point for traverse hikers
A filling station at the shuttle stop, not a source on the traverse. The West Rim above it has only springs, which Zion does not guarantee. Zion shuts canyon water off in freezing weather and for maintenance; check the park's current conditions page.
No personal vehicle access. Must use free park shuttle.
Shuttle from Zion Canyon Visitor Center, arriving about every 5-10 minutes on the in-park line
Springdale (1 mile): restaurants, lodging, gear shops
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the best conditions. Summer brings extreme heat in the canyons and unpredictable monsoon storms. Winter is possible but cold, with potential snow on higher sections.
Trailhead (4,350 ft)
Today
61°
46°
55%
Wed
74°
47°
Thu
74°
57°
Fri
76°
57°
Sat
77°
58°
Sun
79°
61°
Mon
73°
56°
Sunset from West Rim campsites offers some of Zion's best golden hour photography. The Great White Throne turns orange while deep shadows fill the canyon below.
Early morning light illuminates the Kolob Canyons' red walls beautifully. West Rim viewpoints are best at sunset when the canyon glows.
The Kolob section sees minimal traffic. Enjoy the solitude. West Rim gets busy near Angels Landing junction; camp at sites 6-9 for better views and fewer crowds than lower sites.
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Trans-Zion.
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Trans-Zion · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Trans-Zion cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Trans-Zion permits use a reservation system.
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
This permit has a demand score of 8/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
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14.2 miles one-way from the West Rim Trailhead near Lava Point to The Grotto via the Rim Trail, or 13.6 via Telephone Canyon, with 3,400 feet of elevation change.
Misses Kolob section but captures the most iconic views. More available permits.
14-mile round trip from Lee Pass to see one of the world's largest arches.
Day-hikeable for strong hikers. La Verkin Creek campsites offer overnight options.
Famous 5.4-mile round trip hike with chains section and dramatic exposure.
Separate permit system. Captures the West Rim's most iconic viewpoint.
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