Camp Creek Hike

Camp Creek is an unmaintained out-and-back hike into Zion’s remote northwestern Kolob country. The commonly described outing is roughly 8.5 miles round trip and takes about 4–6 hours. It follows an old approach path to the creek, then continues through brush and the creek corridor to paired stone pillars, narrowing red walls and an upper pothole section. The line here represents the shorter turnaround before sustained scrambling farther up canyon. The approach crosses private property; current permission and directions have not been confirmed, so verify access before setting out.

The reported start is on a dirt road below a water tank near Kanarraville. Beyond the Zion boundary gate, a faint path climbs through trees to a high point with a view east across Camp Creek Valley, then drops to the creek. Note where the path leaves the creek on the way in; it is easy to miss on the return. There is no maintained tread through much of the drainage.

The lower valley is brushy, with route finding along or in the creek and a few crossings that can wet your boots. Two large stone pillars, known as the Two Portals, mark a change: the walls draw closer, the creekbed becomes drier, and the red rock is more exposed. Look for pitted sandstone and small seep-formed holes in the walls. The corridor continues toward slickrock narrows and potholes.

The upper potholes and obstacles make a practical endpoint for this outing. Beyond them, the route becomes sustained scrambling over boulders and fallen trees; that harder continuation is not included in the distance here. There is no single standardized turnaround, so allow extra time for slow creek travel and turn around before the terrain exceeds your skills.

The current public status of the private-property approach is unclear, and the access point has reportedly changed. Confirm landowner permission and legal parking before using the reported start; do not assume the dirt road or gate is open to hikers. This is a rough, unmarked canyon route where brush, water and flash-flood conditions can make progress hazardous. Check Zion’s current conditions and weather before entering. Pets are not allowed on this route in the park; Pa’rus Trail is Zion’s only pet-permitted trail.