It had been pouring rain in Zion National Park for the last week and was getting cold toward the last of October so the Chinle Trail was an ideal trail for the day. I went out with a group of new friends and ran into one old friend along the trail who was hiking alone.
This is not the most spectacular trail in Zion and it would be a hot trail during the summer due to the low elevation it is sitting at but for a late fall hike it was enjoyable. There has also been a new sub-division built at the trailhead which could be avoided but we parked at the old trailhead and made our way past the new Anasazi Plateau home development.
To find the trailhead drive away from the park to the farthest end of Springdale where the fruit stand and apple orchard are found. By the way, this is a wonderful place to pull into and get a snack. The shop is unique and they sell healthy and fresh foods.
From the fruit stand continue up highway 9 for about a block and turn in on the paved road. Follow the uphill short road taking an immediate right at the top and park in the lot. Follow the dirt path up the hill and under the bridge to the gate. Make sure to close the gate behind you. The official trail and NPS boundaries begin at this point.
This trail does not get a lot of traffic, and it would not be on my top 20 list for Zion, but everything in Zion is magnificent and this trail was no different. Hike along the wash until you see the dirt road. Take the road instead of following the wash at the fork. The first wash you will come upon is Huber Wash which leads to the Petrified Forest. The next wash along the trail is Scoggins Wash before the trail heads up to the land between Scoggins and Coal Pits Wash before finally leading into Coal Pits.
There is a nice view of Zion's West Temple and Mt. Kinesava and the forest sprinkled with driftwood is fun. While hiking in the area you can hike down into one of the washes like we did and do some exploration. There is Coalpits, Huber and Scoggins Washes.
The Chinle Trail is a 16.4 mile round trip hike with little elevation (950 ft.) change.
Zion National Park
Complete Trail Descriptions and Photo Album
Chinle Trail
Zion National Park hiking guide
