Zion National Park Backcountry Hiking & Camping

Zion National Park encompasses hundreds of miles of wilderness and mesa that is great for backcountry hiking, camping and backpacking. Generally it lends itself to all types of travelers; the majority of its trails are easy and there is plenty of isolation amongst the fissures and rock faces to delight everyone.

Zion National Park's backcountry is one of the US' rarely hiked, camped or backpacked parks. It offers extensive wilderness opportunities to see more of the park than most do. Its rugged and inviting terrain is enticing.

Separated into two sectors, the area around the park's Virgin River basin is more easily accessible for camping, hiking and backpacking. Grassy meadows, tall buttes and canyon floors are great for exploring and setting up a tent or two. However, most of the fissure sections are out of bound to campers (overnight) because of the risk of flash flooding. This is reflected by the trail routes that double back quickly from the fissures, ascending to the safe confines of the mesa.

Most hikers stick to the summer trails, the West Rim and the Taylor Creek, and only during the summer. Backpackers tend to wander off into the wilds of Zion, dodging around river tributaries and the many mini canyons.

Most backcountry campers choose to explore Tucupit Point, a challenging hike or climb for anyone. The waterfall that clambers over its sheer cliff walls may only be seasonal, but still impassable during the wetter months or storms. However, nearby there are many perfect camping places hidden amongst the cacti, in the safe hands of the cliff tops. Park staff is quick to advise anyone to avoid any narrow canyon tops as these are most easily affected during sudden and dangerous floods.

La Verkin Creek is another isolated spot that is a safe haven for both cattle and human beings; a quiet reserve where pitching a tent is both rewarding and safe. One of the things that most campers and backpackers are quick to say is that anywhere there are animals, there is generally safety. However, more information can be obtained from the ranger stations, and note that a backcountry permit is required for any travel or overnight camping in the area.