Reservation5/10
Zion Wildcat Canyon Overnight permit
Hike-in backpacking in Zion's Wildcat Canyon camp area, hours from the nearest r...
Hop Valley Overnight Permit
Zion National Park · Utah
Booked one camp per night, in order
Overnight camping permit for Hop Valley in Kolob Canyons area. 2 designated campsites.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Hop Valley Overnight were gone within 10 minutes.
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Hop Valley Overnight Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelModerate5/10
Hop Valley Overnight Permit Facts
- As of September 2026, Hop Valley Overnight in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation.
- The Hop Valley Overnight route covers 13 miles with 850 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate.
- Cancelled Hop Valley Overnight permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level5/10
LocationUT
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
13 miles
Elevation Gain
850 ft
Route Type
Out & Back
Duration
1 night
Difficulty
ModerateElevation Range
5,300 - 6,350 ft
Highlights
- •6.5 miles to La Verkin Creek junction
- •Only 2 designated campsites in entire valley
- •Deep sand makes hiking slow
- •Private ranch inholdings (respect property)
- •Water sources may be seasonal
Best Time to Visit
March-May and October-November. Summer is brutally hot with unreliable water.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Water scarcity. Springs may be dry.
- !Deep sand exhausts hikers
- !Extreme heat in summer. No shade.
- !Private property. Legal issues if trespassing.
- !Remote location. No cell service.
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,300 ft)
Today
☁️
91°
64°
Sun
🌧️
88°
66°
49%
Mon
🌧️
89°
69°
Tue
☁️
87°
70°
Wed
🌧️
86°
65°
Thu
🌧️
85°
68°
Fri
🌧️
87°
67°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand4/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill1/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk1/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation2/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment3/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Through-hikers on the Trans-Zion Traverse or backpackers seeking absolute solitude.
Recommended Experience
Desert backpacking experience recommended. Understanding of water management critical.
Not Recommended For
Those expecting developed backcountry. This is minimal infrastructure.
About This Permit
Hop Valley is a connector route in Zion's Kolob Terrace section, providing access to the La Verkin Creek drainage and the greater backcountry system. With only 2 designated campsites, it's best suited for through-hikers or those seeking extreme solitude.
The trail passes through private ranch land (stay on designated path) and involves challenging sandy hiking that slows progress considerably.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Hop Valley is Zion's least-traveled backcountry zone. The sandy trail passes through private ranch inholdings (please respect property boundaries) on its way to La Verkin Creek and the greater Kolob wilderness. Only 2 designated campsites keep this area wild. It's the connector for the Trans-Zion Traverse and offers a taste of the park that few visitors ever experience.
The Route
From the Hop Valley Trailhead on Kolob Terrace Road, the route descends into a wide valley filled with sand dunes and sagebrush. The trail passes through a private ranch inholding (stay on designated trail) before entering NPS wilderness.
The two designated campsites are positioned in the lower valley where cottonwoods provide shade. Beyond camp, the trail connects to the La Verkin Creek Trail (6 miles to Kolob Arch) or continues to the Connector Trail linking to the West Rim.
This is primarily a through-route, not a destination in itself.
The Feeling
Walking through Hop Valley feels like stepping into the old West. Ranch buildings appear among the sagebrush. Horses graze on private land while red rock cliffs frame the valley. The sand pulls at your feet, making each step feel earned. Then the valley narrows and the wilderness swallows you whole. This is Zion before it became famous.
Rules & Regulations
- •Backcountry permit required
- •Only 2 campsites available
- •Stay on trail through private land
- •No fires
- •Pack out all waste
- •Maximum group size 12
Gear Checklist
Required
- 4L water capacity (springs unreliable)
- Gaiters for sand
- Sun protection (no shade)
- Food storage container
- WAG bags
Recommended
- Trekking poles for sand
- Extra water beyond minimum
- Wide-brim hat
- Sandals for camp
- Map of connecting trails
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Hop Valley Overnight
🚐
Shuttle Services
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Key Landmarks
↑
850ft
Gain↓
850ft
Loss⛰️
6,350ft
High📏
6.5mi
Distance📐
2.5%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•7 landmarks
Landmarks (7)
Hop Valley Overnight FAQ
How do I get a Hop Valley Overnight permit?
Hop Valley Overnight permits use a reservation system. PermitSnag sends lottery open, deadline, and results reminders; you can also enable cancellation alerts if spots open later.
When is the best time to visit Hop Valley Overnight?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Hop Valley Overnight permit?
This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Hop Valley Overnight permit?
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.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
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Trip Reports
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Write the First ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
The valley walls glow at sunset. Camp 2 offers better evening light angles.
Best Light
Early morning and late afternoon. Midday is flat and hot.
Beat the Crowds
You'll likely be alone. This is one of Zion's least-used backcountry zones.
Classic Shots
- 📍Valley panorama with ranch buildings
- 📍Sand dunes with red rock backdrop
- 📍Cottonwood trees at campsite
- 📍Trail winding through sagebrush
- 📍Stars over the valley
Can't Get a Hop Valley Overnight Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
La Verkin Creek / Kolob Arch
Similar ExperienceMore developed backcountry with 13 campsites and reliable water. Same general area.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
More people, more infrastructure, but also more reliable conditions.
Trans-Zion Traverse
Similar ExperienceHop Valley is section 2 of the 48-mile park crossing.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Longer commitment but uses this trail in context.
🏕️
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Hop Valley Overnight trip
Very HardIn Demand26 sitesCanyonlands National Park Needles District Campground
Canyonlands National Park
Book campsite
Very HardIn Demand3 sitesCanyonlands National Park Needles District Group Campsites
Canyonlands National Park
Book campsite
Very HardIn Demand57 sitesDevils Garden Campground
Arches National Park
Book campsite
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