Hop Valley Trail

Overview

Hop Valley is Zion’s broad, sandy canyon connector between the Kolob Terrace highlands and the La Verkin Creek corridor. Expect a striking mix of open sagebrush benches, a flat valley floor hemmed by tall sandstone walls, and big-sky vistas. It’s beautiful—and tougher than it looks because miles of deep sand slow every step.

Distance, Elevation, and Time

From Hop Valley Trailhead to the La Verkin Creek junction is about 6.5 miles one way (≈13.0 miles out and back). If you tack on the Kolob Arch spur, the round-trip day hike runs roughly 14.9–15 miles with about 1,800 feet of total gain. Note the net elevation drop outbound from the trailhead; the return is the uphill side—about 1,000 feet back to your car. Plan 6–8 hours for the out-and-back to the junction, or 6–10 hours if continuing to Kolob Arch, depending on pace, heat, and sand.

What the Trail Is Like

The path starts on open high desert before descending into Hop Valley. The valley floor is mostly flat, but the sand is deep in many stretches, and you’ll make several crossings of Hop Creek with minimal shade. In the southern portion, the route passes a private inholding where cattle graze; expect muddy sections and cow patties, and assume the creek is contaminated. Near the north end of the valley, a park boundary fence spans the canyon; designated camps lie beyond in a pleasant pine bench. Around Campsite A, watch for markers where the official trail leaves the sandy bottom—crossing Hop Creek and climbing the west side toward La Verkin Creek. Missing that turn can mean backtracking or brushy detours.

Kolob Arch Add-On

From the Hop Valley–La Verkin Creek junction, turn west and follow La Verkin Creek to the signed spur (about 0.5 miles one way) to the Kolob Arch viewpoint. The arch is among the largest in the world and the spur can feel rugged with a bit of scrambling.

Seasons and Conditions

Best seasons are spring through fall. Summer heat plus deep sand can be punishing, and shade is scarce—start early and carry plenty of water. In winter, snow can blanket the route into early spring and may require snowshoes. Fall often offers the most pleasant combo of temps and footing; spring can be muddy around the creek.

Water and Camping

Do not rely on Hop Creek for clean water—cattle use the valley. Treat anything you collect and consider carrying most of what you need. For backpackers, Beatty Spring off La Verkin Creek is a better source when flows are reasonable. Overnight camping is allowed only in designated sites near the north end of the valley: Campsite A (horse camp) accommodates up to 12 people and limited stock; Campsite B (boundary camp) allows up to 7 on a walk-in basis. Reservations (where applicable) must be converted to permits per park procedures; a wilderness permit is required for any multi-day trip.

Geology Snapshot

Hop Valley’s unusually wide, flat floor owes much to a prehistoric rock avalanche near the canyon mouth that dammed the drainage, trapped sediment, and built out an alluvial plain. The result is today’s broad, sandy corridor pinched by tall sandstone walls—a landscape that’s scenic, slow-going, and memorable.

Is It For You?

If you want a longer, less conventional Zion hike or you’re piecing together the Trans-Zion route, Hop Valley delivers big scenery and access to Kolob Arch. Just be ready for the sand slog, limited shade, contaminated surface water, and an uphill return.