Coalpits Wash Trailhead

Coalpits Wash Trailhead sits in Zion National Park's southwest desert section, about 2.7 miles west of Rockville and 6.7 miles east of Virgin along State Route 9, where the highway crosses the wash. A short dirt pullout leads to parking on the east side. From here, the trail follows a broad, sandy desert wash lined with cottonwoods and sagebrush into some of the park's lowest, least-visited terrain — a good option when snow closes higher trails in Zion Canyon.

Good to know

• The out-and-back to the Scoggins Wash confluence runs about 16 miles round trip, with elevation change generally between 300 and 1,000 feet depending on how far you go
• No entrance fee beyond the standard Zion park pass, and no permit needed for a day hike — only for overnight camping
• Dogs are not allowed on the trail
• The trailhead parking area sits in a flash-flood zone; avoid it and the wash itself during storms or flash-flood watches
• Best hiked fall through spring — summer heat at this low elevation is intense