Trans-Zion Traverse Permit
48-mile point-to-point traverse across Zion National Park from Lee Pass in Kolob Canyons to the East Entrance.
“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.”
Get Availability Alerts
Be notified instantly when Trans-Zion permits become available due to cancellations.
Get Availability Alerts
Be notified instantly when Trans-Zion permits become available.
Trans-Zion Quick Facts
Key Information
Permit Details
What to Expect
Route Details
Highlights
- •Dramatic elevation changes from 4,350 to nearly 7,900 feet
- •Limited water sources requiring careful planning
- •Sandy trails in Hop Valley slow progress
- •West Rim section features exposed cliffs
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the best conditions.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Scarce water—some stretches 12+ miles between sources
- !Extreme heat in lower elevations
- !Flash flood danger during monsoon
- !Exposed cliffs on West Rim
How to Get This Permit
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
When to Go
Conditions
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Fitness and endurance required
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Route finding and trail clarity
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Experienced desert backpackers comfortable with heat, limited water, and point-to-point logistics.
Recommended Experience
Should have desert backpacking experience. Multi-day trips with water management required.
Not Recommended For
Those who struggle in heat or sandy conditions, hikers uncomfortable with uncertain water sources.
About This Permit
The Trans-Zion Traverse is Zion National Park's premier backpacking route, crossing approximately 48 miles from the remote Kolob Canyons to the famous main canyon.
The Experience
Why It Matters
The Trans-Zion Traverse represents the complete Zion experience—from its least-visited wilderness to its most famous viewpoints.
The Route
Beginning at Lee Pass in Kolob Canyons, the trail descends into La Verkin Creek canyon—home to Kolob Arch. The West Rim Trail delivers the journey's climax: dramatic overlooks of the Great White Throne before Walter's Wiggles deposits you at The Grotto.
The Feeling
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.
Rules & Regulations
- •Wilderness permit required
- •50% permits reservable online (5th of month, 3 months ahead)
- •50% available as walk-in permits
- •Maximum group size of 12
- •Campfires prohibited
Gear Checklist
Required
- Minimum 4L water capacity
- Permit paperwork and vehicle info
- Sturdy boots
- Sun protection
- Map and navigation
Key Landmarks
Landmarks (20)
Safety & Planning
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Trans-Zion.
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
Trans-Zion FAQ
How do I get a Trans-Zion permit?
Trans-Zion permits are obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to visit Trans-Zion?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Trans-Zion permit?
This permit has a demand score of 8/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Trans-Zion permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunset from West Rim campsites offers some of Zion's best golden hour photography.
Best Light
Early morning light illuminates the Kolob Canyons' red walls beautifully. West Rim viewpoints are best at sunset.
Beat the Crowds
The Kolob section sees minimal traffic. Camp at sites 6-9 for better views and fewer crowds.
Classic Shots
- 📍Kolob Arch from the viewpoint trail
- 📍Sunset from West Rim overlooks
- 📍The Great White Throne at golden hour
- 📍Angels Landing from the West Rim Trail