Zion National Park
Stave Spring Trail
easy BackpackersEast Rim AccessWater Resupply
0.3 mi Distance
50 ft Elevation Gain
Varies Estimated Time
one_way Trail Type
What to Expect
Stave Spring Trail is less a hike and more a purposeful march — a short, flat-to-gentle connector through open canyon country that earmarks itself firmly in the backpacker's toolkit rather than the day-tripper's itinerary. The path winds through classic Zion high-desert terrain, where the slickrock gives way to sandy soil and scrubby vegetation, with the canyon walls framing the sky above. The payoff here is not a vista but a resource: Stave Spring itself, a dependable desert water source that makes multi-day East Rim trips logistically possible. The light effort — barely a blip in elevation — means you arrive fresh and ready to filter water and move on. This trail is made for East Rim backpackers who know exactly why they're here.
Safety Advisory
Water from Stave Spring must always be treated before drinking — never consume untreated backcountry water regardless of how clear it appears.
Trail Details
Distance 0.3 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain 50 ft
Difficulty easy
Estimated Time Varies
Trail Type one_way
Pets Not allowed
Season Year-round
Trailhead Stave Spring Trail
- 1
Treat and filter all water at Stave Spring — even reliable desert springs carry giardia and other contaminants; a filter or chemical treatment is non-negotiable.
- 2
If you're connecting to the East Rim Trail, time your arrival at the spring to coincide with midday so you can assess water flow and top off before the more exposed sections ahead.
- 3
The spring area sees low day-hiker traffic, making it a quiet lunch stop if you want to rest before continuing; camp elsewhere per park regulations since sites near water require setback distances.
