Trans-Zion itinerary
Every published mile marker on the Trans-Zion route, in order, with the distance and elevation change between each one — and which permit each stretch needs. To watch dates and set alerts, go to the Trans-Zion Traverse permit page.
Which permit covers this route
The Trans-Zion. One reservation is an ordered sequence of nights at named sites, issued by reservation.
The permit is issued for a named entry point. Lee Pass Trailhead and The Grotto (Terminus) are the ones on this list.
- Stops mapped
- 20
- Across the markers
- 48.0 mi
- Published route length
- 48 mi
- Published ascent
- 6,500 ft
How long it takes: 4-5 days. That is the figure the permit publishes — this page does not divide the route into days, because no source records which stop you sleep at.
The stops below are the route's published mile markers, in order, with the elevations recorded against each one.
Distance and elevation change on each leg are the difference between the two published figures either side of it, so the legs are arithmetic on the markers and nothing more.
Adding up only the climbs between markers gives 4,483 ft, which is a floor rather than the total: anything that rises and falls between two markers is invisible to it.
The Trans-Zion route, stop by stop
Mile 0.0
6,080 ft
Lee Pass Trailhead
Entry point — the permit is issued for this trailhead
Starting point in Kolob Canyons at 6,080 ft. Parking and restrooms.
3.0 miles · 220 ft up to Timber Creek Overlook
Mile 3.0
6,300 ft
Timber Creek Overlook
First major viewpoint of the Kolob Fingers—massive red rock formations.
3.0 miles · 1,250 ft down to La Verkin Creek
Mile 6.0
5,050 ft
La Verkin Creek
Descend into the canyon and follow the creek. First water on the route, and the most dependable of it - still treat everything.
2.0 miles · 247 ft up to Kolob Arch Viewpoint
Mile 8.0
5,297 ft
Kolob Arch Viewpoint
Spur trail to view one of the world's largest freestanding arches
4.0 miles · 203 ft up to Beatty Spring
Mile 12.0
5,500 ft
Beatty Spring
Spring and camping area. Zion publishes no flow status for it - check at the Wilderness Desk and carry the full day.
2.0 miles · 300 ft up to Willis Creek Junction
Mile 14.0
5,800 ft
Willis Creek Junction
Trail junction. Begin climb toward Hop Valley.
2.0 miles · 400 ft up to Connector Trail
Mile 16.0
6,200 ft
Connector Trail
Steep climb out of La Verkin Creek canyon.
2.0 miles · 926 ft down to Hop Valley
Mile 18.0
5,274 ft
Hop Valley
Wide sandy valley with unique private ranch inholdings
3.0 miles · 1,126 ft up to Hop Valley Spring
Mile 21.0
6,400 ft
Hop Valley Spring
Seasonal water source (check current conditions). Middle of sandy section.
3.0 miles · 515 ft up to Wildcat Canyon Trailhead
Mile 24.0
6,915 ft
Wildcat Canyon Trailhead
Forested transition zone with at-large camping options
2.0 miles · 975 ft up to Lava Point
Mile 26.0
7,890 ft
Lava Point
Primitive campground at 7,890 ft. Highest point on traverse. Road access.
2.0 miles · 390 ft down to West Rim Junction
Mile 28.0
7,500 ft
West Rim Junction
Begin the famous West Rim Trail. Views open up dramatically.
3.0 miles · 700 ft down to Potato Hollow Spring
Mile 31.0
6,800 ft
Potato Hollow Spring
Spring below the rim, with camping. Zion publishes no flow status for it - check at the Wilderness Desk and carry the full day.
2.0 miles · 100 ft up to Telephone Canyon Junction
Mile 33.0
6,900 ft
Telephone Canyon Junction
Trail junction with views into Zion Canyon.
3.0 miles · 397 ft up to West Rim Campsite 6
Mile 36.0
7,297 ft
West Rim Campsite 6
Dramatic cliffside camping with sunset views
2.0 miles · 561 ft down to Cabin Spring
Mile 38.0
6,736 ft
Cabin Spring
Spring and final campsite before the canyon. Zion publishes no flow status for it - carry the full day.
2.0 miles · 136 ft down to West Rim Viewpoint
Mile 40.0
6,600 ft
West Rim Viewpoint
Panoramic views of Angels Landing, Great White Throne, and the main canyon.
4.0 miles · 1,250 ft down to Scout Lookout
Mile 44.0
5,350 ft
Scout Lookout
Above Walter's Wiggles. Angels Landing chain section visible.
1.0 mile · 89 ft down to Walter's Wiggles
Mile 45.0
5,261 ft
Walter's Wiggles
Famous 21 switchbacks descending into Zion Canyon
3.0 miles · 961 ft down to The Grotto (Terminus)
Mile 48.0
4,300 ft
The Grotto (Terminus)
Entry point — the permit is issued for this trailhead
End point at Shuttle Stop 6 in Zion Canyon. Full services in Springdale.
Getting a Trans-Zion for the dates you want
Planning the route is the easy half. Trans-Zion dates go fast, and the ones that come back are cancellations — they return to the booking system without warning and are gone again quickly. PermitSnag watches Trans-Zion around the clock and alerts you the moment a date opens.