ReservationThru-HikeHigh Demand

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.”

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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

Create a Recreation.gov account

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

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

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

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

Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Trans-Zion.

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🐻

Food Storage

Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.

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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

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