Map of Hiking and Camping in Zion including United States Of America

A spectacular canyon country hiking experience in Utah

Experience Utah’s most famous national park as a standalone canyon country hiking experience or an add-on to a longer trip. Hike to the rim of Zion Canyon, wade through the cool waters of the Virgin River Narrows, and immerse yourself in the incredible red rock surroundings of Zion National Park. This unique natural environment sits on the border of an incredible physiographic region called the Colorado Plateau which is filled with spectacular rock formations. Sleep under the stars in the heart of Zion National Park on a backcountry camping and hiking adventure that is big on beauty.


Start
St George, United States
Finish
St George, United States
Destination
United States
Style
Basix
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
SKXZ
Physical rating
Ages
Min 12
Group size
Min 2, Max 6

Why you'll love this trip

  • Zion National Park is a natural playground for adventure lovers where you can explore highlights and hidden wonders like Scout Lookout and the Virgin River Narrows hike.

  • Take a stroll down the paved River Trail, buttressed by tumbling water on your left and a 3,000-foot cliff face on your right.

  • Experience the iconic Virgin River Narrows hike as you walk through moving water with your leader who will help you get your “stream legs” on your way to Orderville Canyon.

  • Take in the beauty of the serene Emerald Pools, named for their glorious green tones, then descend to the lawn of the historic Zion Lodge and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch.

  • Explore Snow Canyon which is like a mini Zion and cuts impressive walls from the lava-covered country above the rim through the slickrock country below.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This is a walking trip so a good fitness level will help you enjoying all included walks and activities.

  • In the event of high water, the Virgin River Narrows hike will be rerouted to a different trail in Zion. The Park is full of unforgettable hiking and scenery, so it’s easy to find an excellent substitute.

  • On our final day we will reach St. George in the late afternoon or early evening. This night’s accommodation is not included so please plan your departure accordingly, or pre-book a post-tour night.

Itinerary

Leaving St. George in the rear-view mirror, your trip begins with a drive to Snow Canyon State Park. Like a mini Zion, Snow Canyon (named after a man, not precipitation) is in the same Navajo Sandstone layer as Zion, and cuts impressive walls from the lava-covered country above the rim through the slickrock country below. Along the way, enjoy stunning views, visit (and perhaps explore) young lava tubes, and get a great introduction to canyon country. Eat lunch along the trail and complete the loop then drive to Zion where you will setup camp and cook dinner.
Included Activities
  • Shuttle from St George
  • Snow Canyon State Park hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 1.5 hours. Today’s walking distance is 10kms (6 miles) with 215 metres (700 feet) of elevation gain.
Your second day’s hike is arguably the most iconic in Zion — the Virgin River Narrows. Your hike begins with a stroll down the paved River Trail, buttressed by water on our left and a 3,000-foot cliff face on the right. After walking along hanging gardens and under the dappled shade of cottonwoods, the sidewalk ends and you will enter the river. Hiking in moving water can be a new and exciting experience so you will have time to get your “stream legs” before walking another 1.5 miles upriver to the turnaround point at Orderville Canyon. Before heading back downstream, get a few more photos of the Narrows’ beauty and stop-off for a relaxing shoreline lunch.
Included Activities
  • Zion National Park - Virgin River Narrows hike inc equipment
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is 8kms (5 miles) with 18 metres (60 feet) of elevation gain/loss.
On your final morning, eat breakfast, breakdown camp and embark on an exciting exploration of Zion Canyon. After enjoying a lesser-travelled hike through the lower canyon, board the Zion shuttle bus and hike up to Scout Lookout. Admire unrivalled views of the dramatic canyon system below then follow trails along the canyon walls which offer a fantastic vantage point over the canyon floor. Emerge at the serene Emerald Pools, named for their glorious green tones, then descend to the lawn of the historic Zion Lodge and sit down to a late picnic lunch. From here, head back to St. George where your trip will come to an end.
Included Activities
  • Zion National Park - Scout Lookout hike
  • Zion National Park - Emerald Pools hike
  • Shuttle to St George
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 1.5 hours. Today’s walking distance is 13kms (8 miles) with 640m (2100 feet) of elevation gain/loss.

Meals

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Shuttle from St George
  • Snow Canyon State Park hike
  • Zion National Park - Virgin River Narrows hike inc equipment
  • Zion National Park - Scout Lookout hike
  • Zion National Park - Emerald Pools hike
  • Shuttle to St George

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Hiking and Camping in Zion trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A completed registration form is required to join these trips. You will not be confirmed for the trip until your form has been received and reviewed. We may ask for a medical release signed by your physician for medical conditions or circumstances which could possibly compromise your safety or the safety of others on this trip – please speak to your agent for further details.
2. Travellers on this particular trip are not required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
3. A signed disclaimer (Acknowledgement of Risks Form) is required at the time of booking for this trip – please speak to your agent for further details.
4. To help ensure this trip is right for you, this trip is subject to additional ‘Essential Eligibility Requirements’ – see the ‘Itinerary Disclaimer’ section of the Essential Trip Information for further details.
5.This trip is operated and run by Wildland Trekking, an Intrepid company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Wildland Trekking customers and Intrepid customers.
6. Please note, pre-trip orientation meeting will take place at 5:00 PM day before trip starts at Best Western Coral Hills hotel in St George. We recommend you book a pre tour night in that hotel.
7. A single supplement is available. The single supplement applies to all nights of the trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
8. A single tent is provided to all solo travellers at no extra cost.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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