Wilderness Trail Conditions

The East Rim
Kolob Canyons
The Narrows
Southwest Desert
The Subway
The West Rim

Reports are based on the last wilderness patrol. Trail conditions can change quickly after a rain/snow event, and may not be reflected on this page.

 

East Rim
East Mesa
(East Mesa Trailhead to Observation Point - 2.5 miles)
3/16/13
Expect spring conditions with snow possible. Trail may be muddy. Trailhead may be inaccessible by low clearance vehicles.

East Rim
(East Entrance to Weeping Rock - 10 miles)
3/16/13
Expect spring conditions with snow possible. Trail may be muddy.

Cable Mountain
(East Rim Trail to Cable Mountain - 2.7 miles)
3/16/13
Expect spring conditions with snow possible. Trail may be muddy.

Deertrap Mountain
(East Rim Trail to Deertrap Mountain - 3.2 miles)
3/16/13
Expect spring conditions with snow possible. Trail may be muddy.

 

Kolob Canyons
La Verkin Creek
(Lee Pass to Park Boundary - 7 miles, Lee Pass to Kolob Arch - 11.1 miles)
3/16/13
Expect spring conditions with snow possible. Trail may be muddy. Recent black bear sightings in the area. Overnight hikers should be prepared to hang their food. Make sure to check current weather conditions.

Hop Valley
(Hop Valley Trailhead to La Verkin Creek - 6.7 miles)
3/14/13
Expect spring conditions with snow possible. Trail is wet and muddy. This trail can be hot. Bring lots of water. The water in Hop Valley is unsafe for human consumption due to cattle activity. Always carry a good map with you and know how to read it to make sure you stay on the trail.

 

The Narrows
Always check the weather, flash flood potential, and flow rate before beginning this hike. Learn more about hiking The Narrows.

Bottom Up Hike
(Temple of Sinawava to Big Spring - 5 miles)
3/16/13
Expect ankle to knee deep water with several chest deep pools. Make sure to check current weather conditions. Use good judgment when deciding to make this trip. Additional cold weather gear should be considered.

Top Down Hike
(Chamberlain's Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava - 16 miles)
3/13/13
Expect winter conditions. Trailhead may be inaccessible. Waist deep water often and chest deep sections with swims possible. The while will typically take 12 hours to complete. Be prepared with headlamps and gear to hike in darkness if attempting in one day. There is now just 12 hours of daylights and the days are getting longer. Additional cold weather gear should be considered.
Check before entering the river. Your safety is your responsibility!

Always check the weather, flash flood potential, and flow rate before beginning this hike. Learn more about hiking The Narrows.

When Does The Narrows Close?
In the summer, the bottom up Narrows hike closes if the flow rate is over 150 CFS. The top down Narrows hike closes if the flow rate is over 120 CFS. All hiking in The Narrows is closed when a Flash Flood Warning is issued, and remains closed for eight hours after the Flash Flood Warning has been lifted.

During winter snowmelt in the spring, The Narrows closes when the flow rate rises over 150 CFS (120 CFS for top down hikes) and does not reopen until the flow rate drops below 150 CFS for 24 consecutive hours.

 

Southwest Desert
Chinle Trail
(Chinle Trailhead to Coal Pits Wash - 8.1 miles)
3/13/13
Trail is mostly dry. Watch out for the Cryptobiotic soil. Always carry a good map with you and know how to read it to make sure you stay on the trail.

Coalpits Wash
(Coal Pits Trailhead to Chinle Trail - 3.6 miles)
3/16/13
Water may be present in the wash but dry crossings may be possible. Watch out for the Cryptobiotic soil. Always carry a good map with you and know how to read it to make sure you stay on the trail.

 

The Subway
Top Down Technical Route
(Wildcat Canyon to Left Fork Trailhead - 9 miles)
3/16/13
Winter/spring conditions exist. Expect cold swims and cold air temperatures. Wetsuits or drysuits are highly recommended against the cold water. Bring rope and harness. Do not leave fixed lines and do not jump off anything. Use durable surfaces like slickrock instead of creating social trails. Make sure to check current weather conditions.

For more information on the Left Fork (Subway) click here

Bottom Up Route
(Left Fork Trailhead - 8 miles )
3/16/13
Bottom up hikers should be prepared for knee deep water crossings in cold water. Stay in the watercourse. Make sure to check current weather conditions.

For more information on the Left Fork (Subway) click here

A permit is required for all hikes to The Subway.
Learn more about exploring The Subway.

 

West Rim
Connector Trail
(Hop Valley Trailhead to Wildcat Trail - 4 miles)
3/16/13
Expect spring conditions with snow possible. Trail may be muddy. Always carry a good map with you and know how to read it to make sure you stay on the trail.

Wildcat Canyon
(Wildcat Canyon Trailhead to West Rim Trail - 4.9 miles)
3/16/13
Expect spring conditions with snow present. Trail may be muddy in sections. Always carry a good map with you and know how to read it to make sure you stay on the trail.

West Rim
(Lava Point to the Grotto - 14.2 miles)
3/16/13
Expect spring conditions with snow present. Trail may be muddy in sections. Always carry a good map with you and know how to read it to make sure you stay on the trail.

Telephone Canyon
(West Rim Trail to West Rim Trail - 2.4 miles)
3/16/13
Expect spring conditions with snow present. Always carry a good map with you and know how to read it to make sure you stay on the trail.

 

Make a Reservation for a Backpacking Permit

 

Wilderness Trail Descriptions

 

Water Source Conditions