Landmark
Hop Valley Trailhead
MI 0 · 6,350 ft
Kolob Terrace Road access. Small parking area.
Booked one camp per night, in order
Hop Valley Overnight Permit
Zion National Park · Utah
Overnight camping permit for Hop Valley in Kolob Canyons area. 2 designated campsites.
Get an alert when a night opens on your Hop Valley Overnight dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Hop Valley Overnight were gone within 45 minutes.
Hop Valley Overnight reservation dates
- route distance, out and back
- 13mi
- elevation gain
- 850ft
- max group size
- 12people
Hop Valley Overnight elevation profile
Hop Valley Trailhead to La Verkin Creek Junction, one way850 ft of descent · 2.5% average grade
Landmark
Hop Valley Trailhead
Kolob Terrace Road access. Small parking area.
Mile 0 of 6.5
0 Hop Valley Trailhead6.5 La Verkin Creek Junction
- Mile
- 0
- Elevation
- 6,350 ft
Hop Valley Overnight landmarks
Map of the Hop Valley Overnight, Hop Valley Trailhead to La Verkin Creek Junction
7 of 7 places in this section
Loading the map
Terrain USGS 3DEP · Water USGS NHD · Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors
850 ft of descent · 2.5% average grade
How to get a Hop Valley Overnight permit
As of October 2026, Hop Valley Overnight in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation. Hop Valley Overnight rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Canceled Hop Valley Overnight permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The Hop Valley Overnight route covers 13 miles with 850 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate.
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- UT
Step 1: Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Step 4: Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
More on Hop Valley Overnight: Live availability activityWhen Hop Valley Overnight permits open upHop Valley Overnight permit itinerary
Guides: Hop Valley Overnight permit guideTrans-Zion permit guideMystery Canyon permit guide
The Hop Valley Overnight hike
- Distance
- 13 miles
- Elevation Gain
- 850 ft
- Route Type
- Out & Back
- Duration
- 1 night
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation Range
- 5,300 - 6,350 ft
Cross a high desert valley where private ranches dot the landscape and red rock towers mark the gateway to Zion's wildest backcountry.
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 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.
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 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.
Hop Valley Overnight hike 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
How hard the Hop Valley Overnight hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required4/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills1/5
- Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential1/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity2/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route3/5
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.
When to hike Hop Valley Overnight
Best time to visit
March-May and October-November. Summer is brutally hot with unreliable water.
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (6,350 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Day 6: 82% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
Today
☀️
65°
40°
Wed
☁️
65°
46°
Thu
☁️
63°
46°
Fri
☁️
64°
50°
33%
Sat
🌧️
62°
48°
33%
Sun
🌧️
55°
49°
82%
Mon
☁️
58°
45°
39%
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
Hop Valley Overnight photography 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
Hop Valley Overnight rules, gear and safety
Gear checklist
Required- 4L water capacity (springs unreliable)
- Gaiters for sand
- Sun protection (no shade)
- Food storage container
- WAG bags
Recommended gear
- Trekking poles for sand
- Extra water beyond minimum
- Wide-brim hat
- Sandals for camp
- Map of connecting trails
Rules & regulations
- 01Backcountry permit required
- 02Only 2 campsites available
- 03Stay on trail through private land
- 04No fires
- 05Pack out all waste
- 06Maximum group size 12
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.
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Hop Valley Overnight.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Hop Valley Overnight · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Hop Valley Overnight FAQ
How do I get a Hop Valley Overnight permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Hop Valley Overnight cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Hop Valley Overnight permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Hop Valley Overnight?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays 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 every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
Hop Valley Overnight trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions(2)
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Write the First ReportAlternatives to a Hop Valley Overnight permit
- Similar ExperiencePermit required
La Verkin Creek / Kolob Arch
More developed backcountry with 13 campsites and reliable water. Same general area.
Tradeoffs
More people, more infrastructure, but also more reliable conditions.
- Similar ExperiencePermit required
Trans-Zion Traverse
Hop Valley is section 2 of the 48-mile park crossing.
Tradeoffs
Longer commitment but uses this trail in context.
Where to stay near Hop Valley Overnight
- Lava Point CampgroundZion National Park
- South Campground (Ut)Zion National Park
- Watchman CampgroundZion National Park
- All Utah campgrounds
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