The Ultimate Southwest Vacation includes Zion National Park, Utah!
Stay in Mount Carmel Junction, the heart of the parks, and
visit the treasures of the Southwest.
Zion Park 12 miles
Grand Staircase 9 miles
Sand Dunes 11 miles
Dixie Forest 22 miles
Cedar Breaks 45 miles
Red Canyon 47 miles
Coyote Butte 57 miles
Bryce Canyon 60 miles
North Rim 85 miles
Toroweap 90 miles
Plan your Zion National Park Vacation with our Utah Maps and
Information
In these pages you will find insiders information on Zion National
Park lodging, adventures and hikes. This detailed guide includes road maps, park
maps, pictures, trail beta, backpacking, history, fees, geology, flora, fauna,
campgrounds, things for kids to do and even information on Zion's hidden treasures.
Making summer memories in the Utah National Parks and National
Monuments.
Directions to Zion National Park From Salt Lake City: Travel I-15 south, past Beaver.
Exit on Hwy 20. Follow US-89 to Mount Carmel Junction. Take U-9 to Zion's east
entrance. From Arizona: Travel 89A through Fredonia, Arizona
and Kanab Utah. Follow US-89 to to Mount Carmel Junction. Take U-9 to the east
park entrance. From Las Vegas: Travel I-15 north. Take exit 16 and
travel through Hurricane. Make a right on U-9 at the second traffic light in
LaVerkin. Continue on U-9 to the south entrance of the park. U-9 through Zion
National Park is always open and is also called the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway.
Clear Creek is a fun little slot located on the east side of Zion National Park.
GPS coordinates are only references and may or may not be accurate. Do not rely on GPS coordinates as the sole method of navigation. Always have an accurate, detailed map at hand and have the proper map reading and navigation skills before setting out on any hike. Many of the hikes listed in this guide travel into canyons where a GPS has limited capabilities. Always check your position with a detailed map before dropping into a canyon.
Beta: Coordinates and other trail and canyoneering information by Zion Park search and rescue veteran team member Bo Beck and www.zionnational-park.com author, Tanya Milligan
To post trip reports, offer corrections, updates, or for more
information please visit the Zion
National Park Forum
Suggested
Gear: A sturdy pair of shoes are recommend to hike the trails in Zion National
Park. Many quality shoes will help grip the rocks and prevent injury. Experienced
Zion hikers and canyoneers like the La Sportiva Exum Ridge. This shoe is great
for hiking, bouldering and canyoneering.
Clear Creek
Clear Creek is located on the east side of Zion National Park near the east entrance to the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. It is a wash that runs along the side of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. Although this drainage is usually dry, water can flow when the conditions are right in Zion.
Clear Creek at a Glance
Photo Album: Clear
Creek Pictures Map: Zion
Backcountry Map Day Hike:
Yes Distance: 2 miles round trip Average Hiking Time: 2 hours round trip Difficulty: Moderate because it's a route rather than a trail, but the hiking is not exerting. Permits:
Not required. Trail Conditions: The path is through the usually dry Clear
Creek stream bed. There are large boulders in some sections and sand in others. This area
has a moderate flash flood danger so check weather conditions
before hiking. Trailhead: Canyon Overlook Parking lot - East side
of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Trailend: Same as trailhead. Trail Access: The Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway is open
year-round and the trail begins just off the highway. Off the Beaten Path: Yes, although the trailhead is in a hectic area. Classic Zion Hike: No Best Season: May - October when the wash is usually dry. Water Availability: Usually none. Bring your own. Restrooms: Vault toilets at the trailhead
From the east side
of Zion National Park, drive along the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and park at any of
the areas just east of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. The closest parking is just east of the tunnel. Walk to the restroom at the corner of
the parking lot and locate the path of use, heading down into the drainage.
The drainage runs both right and
left. To the right is the Pine Creek drainage leading to a technical slot canyon
that requires a permit and rappel equipment. To the left is Clear Creek. The
walls will close in quickly as the sandy, pebbled path runs east. Follow the
drainage through the slot canyon, returning after the wash flattens out. Clear
Creek runs along the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and even though the usually dry creek
bed is about 50' below the road, cars and people are often heard along this route.
Best Trail Features
It's always nice to access a
hike without getting on the shuttle. The short slot adventure is charming, easy
to get to and close to civilization. Few use this route so it is a path that
is less traveled. The views of east side mountains, while hiking through the slot,
are magnificent.
Clear Creek Options
Clear Creek continues
past the lower Clear Creek slot section. The usually dry creek bed can be hiked
and many side canyons, such as Hidden Gardens, can be explored. Minor slot sections are found along Clear
Creek and the hike through even the flat sections of the stream bed are enjoyable
and scenic.
Hidden
Gardens is a wonderful excursion that can be explored from the section of
Clear Creek near the small tunnel in Zion National Park.
The Gifford
Canyon trailhead shares the same location as Lower Clear Creek. Take this
option if looking for solitude.
Note: Using two cars is an option if large sections of Clear
Creek are to be explored. Gifford Canyon has a flash flood danger. Be sure to
check weather conditions
at the Zion Canyon Visitors Center before entering any slot canyon.
Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace
will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own
freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like
autumn leaves.
