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Trans-Zion Traverse Permit wilderness permit area in Zion National Park - backcountry hiking destination
ReservationThru-HikeHigh Demand

Trans-Zion Traverse Permit

Zion National Park

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.”

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Be notified instantly when Trans-Zion permits become available.

Demand
High
8/10
Method
Reservation
Cost
$15
Booking Method
First-Come, First-Served

Trans-Zion Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh8/10
Cost$15
Max Group Size12 people

Key Information

Permit Details

TypeThru-Hike
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level8/10
LocationUT

What to Expect

Route Details

Distance
48 miles
Elevation Gain
6,500 ft
Route Type
Point to Point
Duration
4-5 days
Difficulty
Strenuous
Elevation Range
4,350 - 7,890 ft

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

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.

Apply at Recreation.gov
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Best booking timesCancellation huntingRecreation.gov tips

When to Go

Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall

Conditions

Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.

Crowd Level

Moderate

Advantages

  • +Longest days
  • +Warmest temperatures
  • +Reliable trail conditions

Challenges

  • !Peak demand for permits
  • !Book accommodations early
  • !Weather varies

Difficulty Assessment

Physical Demand4/5

Fitness and endurance required

Technical Skill2/5

Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills

Exposure Risk3/5

Steep dropoffs and fall potential

Navigation2/5

Route finding and trail clarity

Commitment4/5

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

Plan Your Trip

🎒

Gear Checklist

Required and recommended gear for Trans-Zion

🚐

Shuttle Services

Trailhead transportation options

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🧭

Guide Services

Experienced wilderness guides

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Key Landmarks

↑
6,500ft
Gain
↓
6,500ft
Loss
⛰️
7,890ft
High
📏
48.0mi
Distance
📐
1.3%
Avg Grade
Click on a marker to view details•20 landmarks

Landmarks (20)

Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Trans-Zion. Sign up to track this permit.

🐻

Food Storage

Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit. Sign up to track this permit.

12,453 permits and 8,294 campsites secured by PermitSnag users

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 2-3 minutes, 24/7.

👥Community

Trail Conditions

Questions

Trip Reports

Write Report

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

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