Overview: Coalpits Wash is a lengthy backcountry drainage, reaching far back behind the Towers of the Virgin to the foot of The Bishopric. Perfect for a short morning hike or a multi-day winter adventure, Coalpits Wash offers serene open-desert beauty and remote Zion wilderness in its upper reaches.

Trailhead: From Springdale, drive south and west on SR 9 past Rockville. A few miles past Rockville, look for a sign for "Coalpits Wash" on the right-hand side. Turn in to the dirt camping/parking maze and find the trailhead at the cattle gate.

Mileage:
2.8 miles (4.6 km), round-trip to intersection with Chinle Trail
About 16 miles (25.7 km), round-trip to the head of Coalpits Wash

Elevation Gain:
534 feet (162 meters) to intersection with Chinle Trail
1050 feet (319 meters) to head of Coalpits Wash

Approximate Hike Time:
1.5 to 3 hours, round-trip to Chinle Trail
8 - 10 hours, round-trip to head of Coalpits Wash

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Best Times of Day: During summer months, midday temperatures can be brutal. June through August, hike Chinle early in the morning (5 - 9 am), or late in the day (after 6pm). The trail is comfortable most of the day, October through April.

Best Times of Year: Late fall through early spring are the best seasons to explore Coalpits/Scroggins.

Crowds: This area of the Park has few visitors; you will likely hike alone.

Water Sources: Upper reaches of Coalpits Wash often flow with water, but this is not reliable. Plan to carry your own water for this hike, or check with the Backcountry Desk for up-to-date information. For your own safety, purify all water before drinking.

Camping: The lower section of this trail (below the intersection of Coalpits and Scroggins Washes) is closed to camping. The upper portion of the trail, however, enjoys an "open camping" designation; good camp spots abound here. Out of courtesy to other hikers, please camp at least 200 yards away from any trail or water source. Over-night backcountry permits are available at the Visitor's Center near Springdale.

Don’t Miss: Near the steep slopes of the long fin reaching out from the Altar of Sacrifice, look for the scarified ruins of an old oil well.