SOUTHWEST DESERT

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​The Southwest Lowlands is Zion's lowest-elevation region, making it brutally hot in during summer, but gorgeous fall through spring. The Lowlands region may be most famous for its spring wildflower display, as this area explodes with the colors of myriad blossoms each year, March through May.

Outside spring, the Lowlands are a subtle, quiet area featuring mild trails along the foothills and low mesas beneath the spectacular mountains to the north. After a rain, the muddy Lowlands trails are great for tracking enthusiasts, as coyotes, mountain lions, racoon, mule deers, fox, and other mammals frequently leave sign here.

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Chinle Trail

​OVERVIEW

The Chinle Trail follows dry washes and old jeep roads through a private subdivision for just over a mile, eventually reaching the Park Service gate. From the gate, the trail narrows and meanders across desert flats under the beautiful south face of Mount Kinesava, crossing a numerous small drainages along the way. In every direction, awesome mountain ranges frame brilliant panoramas of open juniper forest and wildflowers.
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LOGISTICS

Trailhead: From Springdale, follow the main road (SR 9) west out of town. Just past the Springdale Fruit Company, turn right into the Anasazi Plateau subdivision. As you drive up the hill, take a sharp right turn over a steep rise (easy to miss) to find the parking lot below. Follow the trail from the north-east corner of the lot.

Mileage:
• 6.8 miles (11.0 km), round-trip, to Huber Wash
• 16.2 miles (26.0 km), round-trip, to Coalpits/Scoggins Trail  

Elevation: 
• 390 feet (119 m), round-trip, to Huber Wash
• 390 feet (119m), round-trip, to Coalpits/Scoggins Trail

Approximate Hike Time: 
• 3 - 5 hours, round-trip, to Huber Wash
• 8 - 10 hours, round-trip to Coalpits/Scoggins Trail

Difficulty: Easy

Crowds: Slim to none


WHEN TO GO

Best Times of Day: During summer months, the midday temperatures on this trail make it nothing less than punishing. June through August, hike Chinle early in the morning (5 - 9 am), or late in the day (after 6 pm). The trail is comfortable most of the day, October through April.

Best Times of Year: Late fall through spring is best.

Coal Pits Wash

OVERVIEW

When the first white settlers arrived in Zion, they mistook the old basalt flow on the western edge of Coalpits Wash for coal, thus the colorful but misleading name. Coalpits Wash is a lengthy backcountry drainage, reaching far back behind the Towers of the Virgin to the foot of the Bishopric. One of the more subtle hikes in Zion, Coalpits showcases low-desert plants and riparian communities, all under the shadow of distant towers and peaks. Perfect for a short morning hike or a multi-day winter adventure, Coalpits Wash offers serene open-desert beauty and remote Zion wilderness in its upper reaches.


LOGISTICS

Trailhead: From Springdale, drive west on State Route 9 past Rockville. A few miles past Rockville, look for a sign for “Coalpits Wash” on the right-hand side. Turn in to the dirt camping/parking maze and find the trailhead at the cattle gate.

Mileage:
• 2.8 miles (4.6 km), round-trip, to Chinle Trail
• 16 miles (25.7 km), round-trip, to head of Coalpits Wash

Elevation Gain:
• 534 feet (162 m), round-trip, to Chinle Trail
• 1050 feet (319 m), round-trip, to head of Coalpits Wash

Approximate Hike Time:
• 1.5 to 3 hours, round-trip, to Chinle Trail
• 8 to 10 hours, round-trip, to head of Coalpits Wash

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Crowds: This area has few visitors; you will likely hike alone.


WHEN TO GO

Best Times of Day: During summer months, midday temperatures can be brutal. June through August, hike Chinle early in the morning (5 - 8 am), or late in the day (after 6pm). The trail is comfortable most of the day, October through April.

Best Times of Year: Late fall through early spring are the best seasons to explore the Coalpits and Scoggins drainages.