Last updated: March 21, 2022
Thing to Do
Climbing in Zion
NPS/Jason Burton
Zion National Park's 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs are world renowned for their big wall climbs and adventurous nature. Most routes in the park are not recommended for inexperienced climbers due to difficulty and the soft nature of the rock. While areas outside of the park offer abundant sport climbing and top roping possibilities, this is rare in the park, with bolted routes often having sparse protection.
The best conditions for climbing are from March through May and September through early November. Temperatures in the summer can soar over 100 degrees even on shaded walls. Additionally, summer months often bring monsoonal rainstorms. Unlike other rock types, desert sandstone is heavily weakened when wet. Avoid climbing in damp areas or after rainstorms. It often takes two or more days for the rock to be dry enough to climb. This means that critical holds are more likely to break, altering routes for future climbers. Additionally, climbing protection is less likely to hold resulting in greater fall distances and chance of injury. A collection of a climber-submitted topographic maps can be found at the Wilderness Desk at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. The park suggests submitting topographic maps of all first ascents in the park upon completion. This helps future generations locate climbs and provides a historical account of climbing in Zion National Park.
Bouldering
There are two bouldering areas in the main canyon. One is 40 yards west of the south entrance, called The Globe. This is a house sized boulder that poses a variety of options and problems. The second is Drilled Pocket Boulder, located 0.5 mile north of the south entrance. It is located on the west side of the road and is a slab with an obvious south facing crack.
Details
Activity
Climbing
More Climbing information can be found on the park's website and at visitor centers.
Overnight Bivys
Permits are required for all overnight bivouacs, but are not required for day climbs. Bivy reservations can be made in advance for the most popular climbs. All permits must be picked up at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center the day before or the day of your climb.
Learn more about climbing bivy permits here.
It is illegal to camp at the base of the wall or in your vehicle inside the park, unless in an established campground with a campground reservation.
Human Waste
Tube or bag human waste and carry it out. Do not drop your waste or leave it behind in any way.
Guiding
Commercial guiding is not allowed in the Zion Wilderness, which includes all Zion climbs.
Bolting and Route Development
The National Park Service does not inspect, maintain, or repair bolts and other climbing equipment anywhere in the park. Make sure your climb is adequately protected by visually inspecting any pre-existing bolts or fixed pins. Your safety is your responsibility.
Zion National Park is world renowned for big wall and traditional climbing. Most routes in the park offer adventurous climbing utilizing traditionally placed protection such as cams, nuts, etc. Bolted routes, also known as sport climbs, are rare in Zion National Park, prohibited in the Zion Wilderness, and are often sparsely protected.
A fixed anchor is defined as any piece of climbing equipment that is left in place to facilitate a safe ascent or rappel. Examples include, but are not limited to, bolts, pitons, and webbing. Only place fixed anchors as a last resort. Before placing fixed anchors on a route, think seriously about whether the route warrants them. All bolts must be placed using a hand drill only. Power drills are not allowed in Zion.
"The placement of fixed climbing anchors, including climbing bolts, for the creation of bolt intensive face climbs, also called sport climbs, within the Zion Wilderness is prohibited." -Superintendent's Compendium. Climbers should seek to develop routes which can be primarily protected by traditional climbing equipment, with bolts being used only when necessary.
"The establishment of bolt intensive face climbs is considered incompatible with wilderness preservation and management due to the concentration of human activity which they support and the types and levels of impacts associated with such routes." -NPS Director's Order 41
Equipment, including but not limited to fixed ropes, may not be left unattended for longer than 24 hours or it will be considered abandoned property. Abandoned property may be removed by the NPS and is subject to the following regulations: CFR 2.22
If you are planning on establishing a new climbing route in Zion National Park, please come to the Wilderness Desk at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to discuss the proposed route with a ranger. We can help you determine if your proposed route is in designated Wilderness and are happy to discuss any other important considerations. Contact the Wilderness staff at 435-772-0170 for additional information.
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are not allowed in Zion Wilderness. The only trail in the park for pets is the Pa'rus.
Activity Fee
No
Permits are needed for all overnight trips
Permits are not required for day climbs, but they are required for all overnight bivouacs. It is illegal to camp at the base of the wall or in your vehicle.
Permits are not required for day climbs, but they are required for all overnight bivouacs. It is illegal to camp at the base of the wall or in your vehicle.
Reservations
No
Permits are needed for all overnight trips
Permits are not required for day climbs, but they are required for all overnight bivouacs. It is illegal to camp at the base of the wall or in your vehicle.
Permits are not required for day climbs, but they are required for all overnight bivouacs. It is illegal to camp at the base of the wall or in your vehicle.
Season
Winter, Spring, Fall
The best conditions for climbing are from March through May and September through early November. Temperatures in the summer can soar over 100 degrees even on shaded walls. Additionally, summer months often bring monsoonal rainstorms. Unlike other rock types, desert sandstone is heavily weakened when wet. Avoid climbing in damp areas or after rainstorms.
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
Zion National Park's 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs are world renowned for their big wall climbs and adventurous nature. Most routes in the park are not recommended for inexperienced climbers due to difficulty and the soft nature of the rock. While areas outside of the park offer abundant sport climbing and top roping possibilities, this is rare in the park, with bolted routes often having sparse protection.