Trans-Zion Trek – April 7-10

[Evan M]

We’ve got a crew of 6 going to do the Trans-Zion in early April of this year.  Still in the early stages of planning, but would love any input from anyone that’s done this trail before.  Advice about itinerary, campsites to book, anything else to be aware of.  Thanks in advance for your help!

[John “Jay” Menna]

We did this about 6 months ago.

Not much more to say than: https://backpackinglight.com/member-trip-reports/zion-traverse-zion-national-park-utah/

Cache water!

I have heard that they have implemented a permit system for Angels Landing.  That should make the crowds for the last few mils into the Grotto much more pleasant.

[John B]

If you have not yet booked your permits for these dates, you are out of luck for reserved and will have to gamble on walk in permits.  As I hope you know, they release on-line reservations for the upcoming month on the 5th of the previous month.  I just (barely) managed to book a trans park trip on March 5 at 10:01am for April 19-22 (north to south).  You might get lucky and see a couple of cancellations in the upcoming weeks, but would not count on it.

[Evan M]

Thanks Jay.  One of our party luckily won the AL lottery.  I’ve heard that without the huge numbers trying to get up AL, the west rim is much more quiet.  Appreciate the help and good advice for the water.

[Evan M]

We booked at 10:01AM and got what we needed for our dates (though had a second choice campsite for one night).  Hope the trek goes well for you guys.  I’ll share anything notable.

[John B]

Evan, glad to hear you got permits.  Also, we booked site 11 for 1st night, wildcat canyon for 2nd night, still needing sites 2,4,6, or 8 for 3rd night.  Worst case we can hike out from wilcat canyon to grotto trailhead but that would be a long day.  Continuing to check for cancellations for 3rd night–I’m hopeful can snag something then.

[Evan M]

Yeah that would be a really long day, but possible.  We have site 8 in La Verkin, Wildcat Canyon and then Site 4 on the West Rim.  Unfortunately, we won’t get there in time the day before to go to the Wilderness desk, so we have to really cut it too close for my comfort going morning of Day 1, then catching the Shuttle.

[John B]

Evan, best of luck on your trip!

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