Zion Basecamp Tour
St. George, UT
Description
Our Zion Basecamp Tour is an opportunity to experience Utah’s most famous national park as a standalone canyon country experience or as an easy add-on to a longer trip. Our iconographic hikes will take you to the rim of Zion Canyon, through the cool waters of the Virgin River Narrows and beneath the towering sandstone ramparts Zion is famous for.
The environment we’ll explore throughout our three days sits on the border of an incredible physiographic region called the Colorado Plateau. This Utah hiking tour starts with pick you up at your hotel in St. George, Utah, where we will make the short drive for our first hike in red rock country though Snow Canyon. From there, we will continue to Zion National Park where we will camp for 2 nights.
| Trip Type: Camping Hiking Tour |
Difficulty Level:
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Solitude Level:
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Group Size: 2-12 Guests |
| Trip Length: 3 Days | Distance: 18MI / 29KM |
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Hiking Distances: 
5-10 mi |
Backpack Weight: 
10-15 pounds |
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Terrain: 
Moderately Rugged |
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓: 
1200-1700 ft |
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Heights Exposure: 
Significant |
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 2
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This trip follows a mix of well-maintained trails and more rugged terrain. It includes mostly moderate hiking distances and elevation gains/losses. The most rugged part of the tour is hiking on slippery river rocks in the Zion Narrows. There is occasional heights exposure where drop-offs are 2-3 feet from the trail.
Please Note: Terrain, Elevation Gain and Heights Exposure ratings reflect the section or day of the trip with the maximum difficulty of each. Much of the trip is at easier levels. See the trip itinerary for more detailed information.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 10-15 pound backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain, including slippery river rocks in the Zion Narrows
- Hiking with occasional, significant heights exposure
SOLITUDE LEVEL 1
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this tour a Level 1 for solitude. You can expect to be around other hikers most of the time.
Learn More about our Rating SystemWhat’s Included
- Top-of-the-line tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and day pack
- Use of trekking poles
- All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
- A professional, knowledgeable, certified Utah hiking guide
- Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in St. George, Utah
- Gear rentals for the Virgin River Narrows, which can include canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks, dry suit pants, dry bibs or a full dry suit.
- National park entrance fees
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
- Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Zion National Park
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Day 1
- Shuttle to Snow Canyon: 15-minute drive from St. George, Utah
- Shuttle to Zion: 1-hour drive from Snow Canyon.
- Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 700 feet
On this Utah hiking adventure we start the first day with pick up in St George and shuttle to Snow Canyon State Park. Like a mini Zion, Snow Canyon (named after the man, not the precipitation) is in the same Navajo Sandstone layer as Zion, and cuts impressive walls from the lava-covered country above the rim through the slickrock country below. Along the way, we’ll have stunning views and visit (and perhaps explore) young lava tubes, and get a great introduction to canyon country. We’ll eat lunch on the trail and complete our loop. From there, it’s a 1 hr drive to Zion, while we’ll setup camp and cook dinner.
Day 2
- Hiking Mileage: 5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 60 feet
Our second day’s hike is arguably the most iconographic in Zion — the Virgin River Narrows. Stopping at Zion Outfitter, to rent gear appropriate for the conditions (can include canyoneering shoes with neoprene socks, dry suit pants, dry bibs, or full dry suit, as well as a wooden walking staff.)
Our hike starts with a stroll down the paved River Trail. Buttressed by water on our left and a 3,000-foot cliff face on the right, the River Trail gives us an up-close appreciation for the powerful hydrological forces that carved this incredible canyon.
After a mile of walking along hanging gardens and under the dappled shade of majestic cottonwoods, the sidewalk ends. Wearing seasonally appropriate water gear, we’ll enter the river. Hiking in moving water can be a new and exciting experience for many. We’ll take time to get our “stream legs” before walking another 1.5 miles upriver to our turnaround point at Orderville Canyon.
Before descending back downstream, we’ll be certain to get a few more photos of the Narrows’ majestic beauty and, of course, stop-off for a relaxing shoreline lunch before returning to the trailhead.
Please note: in the event of high water, the Virgin River Narrows hike will be rerouted to a different trail in Zion. The Park is full of unforgettable hiking and scenery, so it’s easy to find an excellent substitute. To learn how seasonal river flows can affect your hike of the Virgin River Narrows, please review this article.
Day 3
- Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 2100 feet
- Shuttle to St. George
This final morning, we’ll eat breakfast, breakdown camp, and embark on an exciting exploration of Zion Canyon. Beginning our day’s hike near the Park Visitors Center, we’ll enjoy the start of the morning in relative solitude with a lesser-traveled hike through the lower canyon.
After a quick break, we’ll board the Zion shuttle bus and travel up-canyon to our next trailhead. Here, we’ll hike up to Scout Lookout where we’ll relish in stimulating views of the surrounding canyon system. From our vantage point above the canyon floor, we’ll traverse along the canyon walls on well maintained trails to the Emerald Pools complex where we’ll marvel at the majestic pools before descending to the lawn of the historic Zion Lodge for a late lunch and a quick respite.
Our bellies content and our spirits filled, we’ll head back to St. George, where we’ll say our goodbyes and start scheming about our next adventure!
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
PACKING LISTS
IMPORTANCE OF BEING PREPARED
Your safety and enjoyment will depend on your level of preparedness. It is your responsibility to arrive with the items listed below. Our Gear Guide is a resource to find more information about these items and links to online options. If you have additional questions about what to pack, please ask your guide during the pre-trip contact (~10 days prior to the trip start date) or call our Adventure Consultants 7 days a week at 928-223-HIKE (4453).
STANDARD CLOTHING CHECKLIST
The following items are required for your trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.
(GG) = Gear Guide: see for more info and links to product options
- Hiking Boots/Shoes – mid-weight, lug-soled, waterproof, and ideally well broken in (Boots GG – Shoes GG)
(Note: buy your boots/shoes 1/2 size to 1 size larger than your street shoes to allow for feet swelling and thicker socks) - Secondary Footwear – supportive, lightweight, well-drained shoe or sport sandal for creek crossings and/or for comfort (Camp Shoes GG)
- Hiking Socks – one pair for every day or two days of your trip, plus an extra pair to sleep in. Hiking specific padded socks, no cotton please! (Socks GG)
(Note: wearing thin liner socks under your hiking socks can help prevent blisters) - Sun Hat – wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo (Sun Hats GG)
- Cotton T-shirts – at least 2 short or long sleeve shirts, these retain moisture and will help to cool the body down in arid desert environments
- Hiking Shirt – non-cotton, breathable long sleeve shirts (Shirts GG – Sun Hoodies GG)
(Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection) - Warm Top – mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material – merino wool, fleece or polypropylene (Mid Layers GG)
- Hiking Pants & Shorts – nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings (Pants GG – Shorts GG)
- Rain Gear – waterproof jacket, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon (Rain Jackets GG)
- Casual Clothing & Footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings off the trail
- Personal Luggage – small duffel bag, suitcase or backpack – for extra hiking clothes and casual clothes
ADDITIONAL CLOTHING (OCTOBER – APRIL)
- Warm Hat & Gloves – lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves (GG)
- Mid Layer Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy weight fleece jacket (Mid Layers GG)
- Base Layer/Long Underwear – 1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool…etc. (Base Layers GG)
- Rain Pants – waterproof pants, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. Look for side zippers that will allow you to pull them over your boots. (Rain Pants GG)
Important Note: Please, no cotton hiking clothes with the exception of the “Cotton T-shirts” section above. Feel free to call us if you have any questions or you can reference our Gear Guide.
GEAR CHECKLIST
- Hydration System – 3+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle (Hydration Bladders GG)
(Note: We recommend always having a bottle with 1 liter of capacity as a back-up in case of a hydration system failure and to use while in camp) - Headlamp – preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Headlamps GG)
(Note: always test your headlamp before trips, travel/pack without batteries in device, and for longer trips (4+ days) consider a spare bulb and 1 set of spare batteries) - Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Lip Balm
- 2 Bandanas
- Contact Lenses and Glasses – if you wear contact lenses, please also bring a pair of glasses – your contacts are likely to become dirty and may be difficult to clean
- Prescription Medication – please inform your trip leader of any medications you are taking
- 1-2 Face Masks (Recommended but Optional)
- Toiletries – small amounts, travel sizes and/or just what you need for the trip (important that they are small!)
- Money – for any shopping you would like to do and for consideration of tipping your guide
(Note: industry tipping recommendation is 10-20% of the trip cost based on your level of satisfaction)
OPTIONAL ITEMS
- Personal Trekking Poles – as a Wildland guest, you can enjoy a 20% discount off Leki trekking poles (reservation number required.) Click here for discount. Trekking poles are provided for guests who do not bring their own. (Trekking Poles GG)
- Swimsuit – only if swimming is an option on your trip, some guests prefer to swim in quick drying hiking clothes, sports bra, etc…
- Stuff Sacks – various sizes for better organization of clothing & gear, and/or to help create a camp pillow, etc.
(Note: A lightweight waterproof stuff sack can be extremely useful in wet conditions) - Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc…)
- Camp Reading Material – lightweight paperback book, magazine or small notebook/pen for journaling
- Cell Phone or Camera
- Spare Batteries – for camera, headlamp or other electronics
- Solar Charger or Charging Bank – small, lightweight devices to recharge electronics
- Vitamins & Supplements
- Quick Dry Towel – lightweight, compressible and packable – bandanas also work
DO NOT Bring
- Firearms and Weapons – per our terms and conditions no firearms or other weapons are permitted, including knives with blades longer than 4 inches
- Illegal Drugs – including marijuana, which is illegal on federal lands and in national parks
- Pets of any kind
TRAVEL, TRANSPORTATION, MEETING & LODGING
MEETING TIME & PLACE
You will rendezvous with the guide and group in St. George, Utah for an orientation meeting at 5:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. Your guide will be in contact approximately 2 weeks before your trip starts to specify the orientation location. The guide will then pick you up at your hotel the next morning for transport to the trailhead.
TRIP CONCLUSION
This trip will conclude at approximately 5:00 PM on the last day.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE DATES
Travel to and from the trip starting point is not included in the cost of our trips. Please plan on arriving in time for the orientation meeting the day before the trip leaves and departing the day after getting back from the field.
GATEWAY CITIES:
Las Vegas, Nevada or St. George, Utah
All Utah trips begin and end from St. George, Utah. St. George has a small airport served by Delta Connection and United Express. From the St. George Airport one can take a taxi into town or some hotels offer a complimentary airport shuttle. One can also fly into Las Vegas and rent a car or take a shuttle to St. George. This is often your cheapest option. It is a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas to St. George on good roads.
SHUTTLE FROM LAS VEGAS TO ST. GEORGE
St. George Shuttle (run daily vans from Las Vegas to St. George): 435-656-9040
Salt Lake Express (daily shuttles with drop off at your hotel in St. George): 208-656-8824
TRANSPORTATION TO & FROM THE TRAILHEAD
We will pick you up at your hotel in St. George on the morning of the first day of the trip, and provide transportation back to your hotel in St. George on the final day.
STORAGE OF PERSONAL ITEMS & VEHICLES
We recommend checking with your pre- and post-trip hotel(s) to inquire about luggage storage. Most of the time hotels are happy to accommodate. You’re also welcome to leave your luggage in the company vehicle; however, we don’t take responsibility for its safety.
PRE & POST-TRIP ON REQUEST LODGING
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in St. George, Utah as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
PRE & POST-TRIP RECOMMENDED LODGING
Lodging options in St. George are numerous. We recommend the Best Western Coral Hills (details below) based on convenience, price and overall experience.
Best Western Coral Hills (location of On Request Lodging, downtown hotel with indoor/outdoor pools, in-room mini-fridge/microwave, coin-operated laundry on-site and ample parking)
Website / 435-673-4844
TRIP INSURANCE
We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance. We designed our terms and conditions with trip insurance in mind. When you register for a trip, your spot is no longer available to other guests. Therefore, if you discover that you are unable to travel, no refund is available past a certain point. With trip insurance, your payment to Wildland may be covered, but also your flights, hotels and other travel costs can also be insured.
Read more about our trip insurance recommendations.
CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST FOR YOUR TRIP
We recommend using NOAA’s website (www.weather.gov) for the most accurate 5-day weather forecasts. We recommend checking all three parks’ forecasts:
PACK WEIGHT AND CONTENTS
You will be hiking with a light day pack that we provide. You’re also welcome to bring your own. The contents will be what you need for the day – rain gear, an extra layer or two, snacks, water, sunscreen…etc.
ESTIMATED PACK WEIGHT: 10-15 POUNDS
ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
TRAINING
Training is extremely important for you to maximize your enjoyment! The more physically prepared you are, the more fun you’ll have! Click below to read our training recommendations.
GROUP TRAVEL
Please take the time to clearly understand the trip you’re registering for, and select a tour that matches your ability level.
It is possible there will be a discrepancy in fitness levels on your trip. Consider that the trip may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for your fellow travelers and it is important to respect each guest’s individual condition, needs and desires.
Finally, guided groups are required by land management agencies to stay together on the trail. Hiking together can require patience and flexibility. If hiking at a very specific pace is extremely important to you, you may want to consider booking a private trip.
TIPPING YOUR GUIDE
Tipping your guide is greatly appreciated! Wildland guides, and outdoor/backcountry guides in general, do much more than lead guests down the trail. Although supported by amazing in-town staff, they often work independently in the field due to permit and logistical constraints. The guide is responsible for the group’s safety, menu planning (including dietary restrictions), cooking for the group, prepping and taking care of the gear, handling livestock (on stock-supported trips), driving, complying with government regulations, ensuring guest satisfaction, and generally making sure the tour runs smoothly. They wear many hats and are extraordinary at what they do!
The industry standard tip amount for hiking and backpacking guides is between 10% and 20% of the tour cost per person, depending on your level of satisfaction. If you have any questions about tipping, feel free to call us 7 days a week at 800-715-HIKE (4453)!
GUIDE SHIFTS
Guides are required to take 10-12 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal time, take rest breaks…etc. and be uninterrupted for a minimum of 8 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
Thank You! The Wildland Trekking Company is dedicated to delivering an exceptional travel experience that exceeds your every expectation. We believe travel and adventure are two of life’s great joys and take seriously our role in helping you create a trip of lasting memories. In addition to our role as your travel partner and outfitter we are dedicated to the promotion of stewardship and conservation in the regions we visit. One of our commitments is to use Wildland as a tool toward long-term sustainability of the Earth’s environment and its communities. If there is anything we can do to further inform or help you prepare for your upcoming adventure please do not hesitate to contact us. Thanks for the opportunity to serve you and we look forward to seeing you soon!
800-715-HIKE (4453)
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!