Overview: Excerpted from a crusted diary: "Hiking this trail in mid-July with a few friends, I never thought my eyes could know such wonder, marvel, and deleria. Seven hours and 14 miles, sandals with a broken strap and not enough water, I could not wait for the sun to go down. It was not until my near brink with heat exhaustion and the concurrent arrival at the Hop Valley overlook that the previous drudgery faded quickly and my eyes brightened at the oasis below. Smooth white sand nested to the base of 200 year old Ponderosa pine trees, and a faint trace of water peircing the terrain into the grassy distance. Unbeleivable, absorbing, and mystical. Worth every step."

Trailhead: As a one-way journey, this hike requires a shuttle. For those with two vehicles who want to self-shuttle, leave your vehicles at the following trailheads and depart from either one:

Lee Pass Trailhead: From Springdale, drive west on SR 9 until you reach the town of LaVerkin. At the Chevron/Farmer's Market intersection, turn right. Drive through Tocquerville, eventually reaching Interstate 15. Drive north on I-15 13 miles to exit 40 and the entrance to the Kolob Canyon section of Zion National Park. Follow Kolob Canyons Road 3 or 4 miles to the well-marked trailhead at Lee Pass.

Hop Valley Trailhead: From Springdale, drive west on SR 9 through Rockville and into Virgin (15 minutes). Just after the Zion River Resort, turn right on the Kolob Terrace road. Drive approx. 12 miles (19.9 km) north to the trailhead, on the left-hand side of the road, just past the Park Boundary. Park in the small posted lot.

Mileage: 13.3 miles (21.4 km), one-way

Elevation Gain: 300 feet (91 meters)

Approximate Hike Time: 8 to 10 hours, one-way

Difficulty: Moderate, with some long, sandy slogs.

Best Times of Day: This hike takes an entire day, or, preferably, two days.

Best Times of Year: Autumn and late spring are best for this exposed trail. Winter hiking can be great on this trail when unimpeded by ice and snow; check conditions before you go.

Crowds: Creekside, expect a few dozen of backpackers and day-hikers. Hop Valley is usually quieter, but sometimes hosts parties of pack animals.

Water Sources: Timber and La Verkin Creeks flow year-round. For your saftey, purify all water before drinking.

Camping: Camping along this trail is restricted to 16 designated sites along Timber and La Verkin Creeks. When you obtain your backpacking permit, you will choose your temporary home from the list of available sites. Over-night backcountry permits are available at both the Springdale and Kolob Canyon Visitor's Centers.

Don’t Miss:

Special Notes:
- Carefully consider your footwear choice on this hike. Miles of hiking in sand can drive a sandaled hiker mad! Low gaitors help keep the sand out of your boots.