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Mystery Canyon Zion permit
Zion's classic technical descent, ending with a rappel down Mystery Falls into t...
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.”
Watch the camp areas you’ll cross— each is booked as its own Zion overnight permit
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Trans-Zion Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh8/10
Cost$15
Max Group Size12 people
Trans-Zion Permit Facts
- As of September 2026, Trans-Zion in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation.
- Trans-Zion is a high-demand permit, rating 8/10 on PermitSnag's demand index.
- The Trans-Zion route covers 48 miles with 6,500 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous.
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeThru-Hike
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level8/10
LocationSouthwest Utah, UT
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
48 miles
Elevation Gain
6,500 ft
Route Type
Point to Point
Duration
4-5 days
Difficulty
StrenuousElevation 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 significantly
- •West Rim section features exposed cliffs and dramatic views
- •Point-to-point logistics require shuttle arrangement
- •Temperature extremes between canyon bottom and high plateaus
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the best conditions. Summer brings extreme heat in the canyons and unpredictable monsoon storms. Winter is possible but cold, with potential snow on higher sections.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Scarce and unsafe water - NPS treats springs as an emergency source only, and says not to drink from streams at all because no known filtration reduces cyanobacteria toxins to safe levels
- !Extreme heat in lower elevations (can exceed 100°F)
- !Flash flood danger in canyon sections during monsoon
- !Exposed cliffs on West Rim with significant drops
- !Cattle and associated waste in Hop Valley
- !Sandy trail sections slow progress considerably
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (4,350 ft)
Today
☁️
81°
62°
Sun
☁️
78°
63°
24%
Mon
☀️
78°
59°
30%
Tue
☁️
78°
63°
Wed
🌧️
79°
60°
24%
Thu
☀️
77°
60°
Fri
☀️
82°
60°
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.
Learn More
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. Good for those seeking a multi-day Zion immersion beyond the crowded main canyon.
Recommended Experience
Should have desert backpacking experience. Multi-day trips with water management required. Heat tolerance essential for summer attempts.
Not Recommended For
Those who struggle in heat or sandy conditions, hikers uncomfortable with uncertain water sources, anyone who can't manage 12+ miles between water.
About This Permit
The Trans-Zion Traverse is Zion National Park's premier backpacking route, crossing from the remote Kolob Canyons to the famous main canyon. This point-to-point journey showcases the park's remarkable diversity—from soaring red rock amphitheaters to pine forests to desert slickrock.
The traverse links four distinct landscapes: the dramatic Finger Canyons of Kolob, the wide sandy valleys of Hop Valley, the forested plateaus of Wildcat Canyon, and finally the iconic West Rim with its commanding views into Zion Canyon.
Due to a rockfall that closed East Rim Trail access from the main canyon, most hikers now end at The Grotto rather than continuing to the original East Mesa terminus. This modified route remains one of the most rewarding multi-day experiences in the Southwest.
The Experience
Why It Matters
The Trans-Zion Traverse represents the complete Zion experience—from its least-visited wilderness to its most famous viewpoints. Few visitors experience the full breadth of what makes this park remarkable.
The Route
Beginning at Lee Pass in the remote Kolob Canyons section, the trail descends into La Verkin Creek canyon—home to Kolob Arch, one of the world's largest. The sandy Hop Valley Trail leads through cattle ranch country before Wildcat Canyon's forests provide a transition zone. The West Rim Trail delivers the journey's climax: dramatic overlooks of the Great White Throne and Zion Canyon before the famous Walter's Wiggles switchbacks deposit 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. Standing atop Angels Landing's neighbor peaks, you realize most visitors never see what you've just walked through.
Trailhead Information
Lee Pass Trailhead
6,080 ft elevationStarting point in Kolob Canyons section—the park's quiet northwestern corner
Restrooms
No water
Weak Signal
Parking
Small lot, rarely fills. No overnight parking restrictions.
Getting There
Exit 40 off I-15, 5 miles into Kolob Canyons section
Nearest Services
Cedar City (17 miles) - full services
The Grotto
4,350 ft elevationMain canyon shuttle stop—standard exit point for traverse hikers
Restrooms
Water on site
Moderate
Before you rely on this water
A filling station at the shuttle stop, not a source on the traverse - the West Rim above it has only springs, which Zion does not guarantee. Zion shuts canyon water off in freezing weather and for maintenance; check the park's current conditions page.
Parking
No personal vehicle access. Must use free park shuttle.
Getting There
Shuttle from Zion Canyon Visitor Center, arriving about every 5-10 minutes on the in-park line
Nearest Services
Springdale (1 mile) - restaurants, lodging, gear shops
Rules & Regulations
- •Wilderness permit required for all overnight stays
- •Half the wilderness campsites can be reserved online, released quarterly on December 5, March 5, June 5 and September 5 at 10 a.m. MT
- •The other half go first-come, first-served in person at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Desk, no more than one day before the trip
- •Permit pickup required in person with vehicle information
- •Maximum group size of 12 people
- •Campfires prohibited throughout the park backcountry
- •No camping within sight of trails, under rock overhangs, within a mile of roads, or within a quarter mile of a spring or the park boundary
Gear Checklist
Required
- Water - NPS says carry a gallon per person per day and drink it
- Permit paperwork and vehicle info
- Sturdy boots for sandy and rocky terrain
- Sun protection (exposed plateaus and canyons)
- Map and navigation tools
Recommended
- Water pre-filter for silty sources
- Trekking poles for sandy sections
- Gaiters for sand and brush
- Satellite communicator (limited cell coverage)
- Extra water containers for dry stretches
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Trans-Zion
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
Browse all shuttles🧭
Guide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
Browse all guidesSome links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Key Landmarks
↑
6,500ft
Gain↓
8,280ft
Loss⛰️
7,890ft
High📏
48.0mi
Distance📐
2.6%
Avg GradeClick 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.
🐻
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Trans-Zion FAQ
How do I get a Trans-Zion permit?
Trans-Zion is not sold online. There is no single Trans-Zion permit. You book the traverse a night at a time under Zion's Overnight Wilderness permit, picking a camp area for each night — Lee Pass to the East Entrance usually runs La Verkin Creek, Hop Valley, Wildcat Canyon, West Rim and East Rim. Each of those five camp areas can be watched on its own page here, so pick the one you need for each night. There is nothing to watch on the route as a whole, because the route is not something the park sells. PermitSnag does not send alerts for it — check the official permit page for the current process.
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 reading the official permit page for how this one is issued.
What if I can't get a Trans-Zion permit?
On this permit there is no cancellation queue and no alert to set, because nothing is re-released onto a calendar we could watch. Bring backup dates, and check the official permit page for the current process and any closures.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
Be the first to ask about Trans-Zion.
Trip Reports
Write ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunset from West Rim campsites offers some of Zion's best golden hour photography. The Great White Throne turns orange while deep shadows fill the canyon below.
Best Light
Early morning light illuminates the Kolob Canyons' red walls beautifully. West Rim viewpoints are best at sunset when the canyon glows.
Beat the Crowds
The Kolob section sees minimal traffic—enjoy the solitude. West Rim gets busy near Angels Landing junction; camp at sites 6-9 for better views and fewer crowds than lower sites.
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
- 📍Walter's Wiggles from above
- 📍La Verkin Creek with canyon walls
Can't Get a Trans-Zion Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
West Rim Trail Only
Easier Alternative14.2 miles one-way from the West Rim Trailhead near Lava Point to The Grotto via the Rim Trail, or 13.6 via Telephone Canyon, with 3,400 feet of elevation change.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Misses Kolob section but captures the most iconic views. More available permits.
Kolob Arch Out-and-Back
Easier Alternative14-mile round trip from Lee Pass to see one of the world's largest arches.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Day-hikeable for strong hikers. La Verkin Creek campsites offer overnight options.
Angels Landing Day Hike
Same AreaFamous 5.4-mile round trip hike with chains section and dramatic exposure.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Separate permit system. Captures the West Rim's most iconic viewpoint.
🏕️
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Trans-Zion 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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