Top 3 Overnight Backpacking Hikes in Zion National Park

Zion National Park is about as perfect of a place to go backpacking than anywhere else you could find. Every single one of the Zion backpacking trails is amazing, and there are a lot of hikes that you can choose from. In this article, we’ll recommend three of our favorites, as well as being great for beginners and experienced tourists alike. There aren’t very many activities that help your mind and body reset, reenergize, and reprioritize as well as overnight backpacking. And remember, always plan your backpacking trips to begin early. You don’t want the sun to go down and not be where you want to be.

West Rim Trail

There are a couple of different ways that you can hike this trail, but we think the best way is the top-down, two-day backpacking route that begins at Lava Point. This starting point is about a 19-mile drive from the town of Springdale, so we recommend having someone drive there or calling up one of the many adventure companies in town to drive you up there so you don’t have to spend time getting a vehicle after your hike is all finished. This hike is pretty hard even though it’s downhill most of the way. The scenery just keeps getting better and better as the hike progresses, culminating in the best scenery of all atop Angel’s Landing who’s trail connects toward the end of the West Rim Trail. Length: 18 miles.

The Narrows (Top-Down Route)

The world-famous Narrows is one of the most fun and rewarding hikes in the world. If you hike the whole Narrows, top to bottom, it’s roughly 17 miles and is a wonderful, overnight, two-day excursion. One of the coolest parts of hiking the whole Narrows for two days is that you get to see the canyon transform into the majestic slot canyons that make The Narrows famous. Spending two whole days in The Narrows is an experience that you’ll never forget. It’s incredible. Remember to consider the weather in your planning. Rain and The Narrows together do not bode well for hikers. Even rain that isn’t falling directly over The Narrows itself can spell danger in the form of flash floods. Be smart.

La Verkin Creek Trail

This is certainly the shortest trail on our list, but that doesn’t exclude it from becoming a two-day overnight Zion backpacking trip. The La Verkin Creek Trail is chock full of amazing sights and scenery. Two days are needed to really see it all properly, in our opinion. This is the trail where the Kolob Arch is located, which you may have heard of; and this is just one of the many beautiful things you’ll see on this trek. If you want to, you can even extend your journey another day and more miles and head toward Willis Creek. Another thing this trail is known for is its camp sights. There are many designated camping spots all along La Verkin Creek that will make your overnighter very enjoyable.

Conclusion

If backpacking is your thing, then Springdale and Zion Canyon should be your place. Come stay at the Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens before and after your overnight Zion backpacking trip to make your vacation even better.

Top 3 Overnight Backpacking Hikes in Zion National Park

Zion Backpacking