Coalpits Wash Trail

Coalpits Wash Trail follows an open desert wash through a quiet, lightly visited corner of Zion National Park's far south end. The parking area sits on the north side of State Highway 9, about 2.7 miles west of Rockville, and the full out-and-back route runs roughly 16 miles through gravel, stream crossings, and light scrambling past cottonwood trees, sagebrush, and the rusting remains of an early-1900s oil well that never produced.

Good to know

• The trailhead parking area sits in a flash-flood zone; do not park there if storms are in the forecast.
• Summer heat is severe, often 85 to 115 degrees through the afternoon, so early fall through late spring is the recommended window.
• Horseback riding and pack animals are allowed; dogs are not.
• A Zion wilderness permit is required for overnight trips; shorter day hikes don't need one.