Zion Traverse

Route overview

A multi-stage route through Zion National Park, with highlights including Zion canyons, high plateaus, desert terrain, park viewpoints.

Zion Traverse gives hikers a structured way to experience Zion National Park over several days. The route is best approached as a staged hike, with planning attention on permits, accommodation, weather, navigation and daily distance. For BuddieHikes, it is a strong candidate because the trail is long enough or remote enough to benefit from a hiking partner, while still being understandable as a clear route objective.

Zion Traverse is a 77 km hiking route through Zion National Park, suited to hikers who want canyon and plateau backpacking terrain and a clear multi-day objective.

Trail facts

Country

United States

Region

Zion National Park

Distance

77 km

Typical duration

3–5 days

Difficulty

Hard

Elevation gain

Not specified

Best season

March to May or September to November

Trail type

Desert canyon route

Access and logistics

Permits and access

Check current permit, quota, park-entry or guided-access rules with the official source before planning this route.

Bookings

Book accommodation, huts, campsites or required permits ahead in peak season.

Safety context

Heat, water availability, sun exposure, flash-flood risk and long distances between services require conservative planning.

Highlights

Zion canyons, high plateaus, desert terrain, park viewpoints

Why find a buddy

This route is well suited to finding a hiking buddy because the distance, logistics and multi-day structure are easier and safer to manage with someone who has a similar pace and planning style.

Primary source

Open the primary route source.

Explore and prepare

Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.