Scoggins Wash - Zion National Park

Scoggins Wash shares the trailhead and the first part of the hike with the Coalpits Trail. This section of the hike was named coalpits after the basalt rock formation that look similar to coal. The elevation at the trailhead is the lowest elevation in Zion National Park at 3666'. Huber Wash, Scoggins and Coalpits Wash are all drainage's of the Virgin River and are found on the south side of Springdale in the hottest section of the park. This part of Zion is not as scenic as the other sections and to top it off there has been a lot of building near the trailhead. The first part of the trail passes under powerlines. With this said these southwestern trail are still a delight since they can give the option to hike in Zion in the dead of winter when the other trails might be covered with ice or its too cold. The only winter drawbacks is that it uncomfortable to hike Scoggins if the ground is too wet. Much of the hiking is along a dirt path with some scream crossing and bouldering. The bouldering is pretty simple and its at the far end of the hike before the trail meets with the Chinle Trail. To find the trailhead drive 7.3 miles past the south toll gate. You should see the Coalpits Wash sign and a small dirt turnoff. Park there and located the hikers gate.

The first part of the hike is pretty uneventful, but before long you get to hike along the water and cross it once in a while. Look for the Scoggins and Coalits Wash junction which is near the 2nd basalt formation. You can choose either direction at this point. Today we choose Scoggins. This was a great choice since the wash had some water flowing and it was a delightful day. Near the end where the big boulders croweded and the Zion Park monoliths came close into the view the hike was quite nice. After the boulders the Chinle trail juction will occur. The last part of the Scoggins hike is fun with some bouldering so if you are going to return on the Chinle Trail you might want to go and do the last mile or so of Scoggins first.


To continue down Scoggins Wash follow the wash to where is joins a tributary. Follow Scoggins headed northeast. Scoggins Wash is a tributary of Coalpits that drains below the Altar of Sacrifice. Keep headed towards this monolith.

The Altar of Sacrafice is a unique monlith with 2 red blood like streaks running down from the top. Out of the Chinle and Coalpits hikes this one is my favorite, but it would not be as pleasurable if there were not water flowing in it.

Thank you Bo for another wonderful hike!