Leave No Trace: A Guide to Responsible Adventure in Zion

Each year, more and more adventurers are drawn to Zion National Park’s cliffs and canyons, hiking trails that lead to views you’ll never forget, and the quiet beauty of East Zion. And while that means more people are falling in love with the outdoors (which we love!), it also means we’ve got a growing responsibility to protect the landscape.

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort has long been committed to preserving the untouched beauty of this land. When Grandpa Ray Lewis first saw the property, he recognized its potential to inspire and connect people to nature and to each other. That vision of stewardship and respect for the land has carried on through the generations—and it’s that same sense of responsibility that drives us today.

At East Zion Adventures, we don’t just guide people through some of the most breathtaking terrain in southern Utah—we guide them in how to care for it. Whether you’re hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park, Jeep touring to Brushy Cove, or pitching a tent at Zion Ponderosa, the seven Leave No Trace principles help ensure that Zion stays beautiful for generations to come. 

Leave No Trace—7 Principles for Your Zion Adventures

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
Being unprepared leads to poor decisions that can harm the environment—or you. Before heading out, research trail conditions, check the weather, and know if you need permits (like the Angels Landing lottery, the Narrows from the top down, and the Subway). 

Pro tip: No permit? No problem. We have a limited number of permitted spots on our guided Angels Landing hike.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Zion’s desert soil is fragile. Stick to marked trails and campsites to avoid damaging the ecosystem.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack it in, pack it out. That means food wrappers, apple cores, and even toilet paper. Use restrooms or bring a portable waste bag if nature calls in the backcountry.

4. Leave What You Find
Rocks and desert wildflowers might be tempting souvenirs, but taking them disturbs the natural ecosystem—and it’s illegal in Zion National Park.

5. Minimize Campfire Impact
Use a camp stove instead of building a fire, especially in dry conditions. Zion Ponderosa has designated campfire areas, and we encourage guests to follow current fire restrictions.

6. Respect Wildlife
Keep a safe distance, don’t feed animals (not even that adorably curious squirrel), and store food properly to avoid attracting unwanted visitors.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Keep noise levels low, yield to uphill hikers, and avoid blocking trail viewpoints while snapping photos.

Plus 4 Leave No Trace Principles for Social Media

How we explore the outdoors isn’t just about where we go—it’s also about what we post. Social media has the power to inspire others to get outside, but it also comes with a responsibility to protect the places we love. That’s why Leave No Trace now includes four new guidelines for the way we share our adventures online.

Tag Thoughtfully
Geotagging off-the-beaten-path or lesser-known spots can lead to overcrowding and damage. When in doubt, keep it general—“Zion National Park” or “East Zion” helps protect hidden gems.

Be Mindful of What You Post
Photos of people veering off the trail or standing on the edge of a cliff can set a bad example, even unintentionally. Choose to share content that promotes respectful, responsible recreation.

Give Back to Places You Love
Use your platform for good. Consider volunteering with local conservation groups, educating your followers, or organizing a trail cleanup. Social influence can—and should—be a force for good.

Encourage Leave No Trace
Be an ambassador for the outdoors. Include tips in your captions for sustainable practices, and use your voice to encourage others to explore responsibly. 

Eco-Friendly Travel Tips

Whether you’re camping, hiking in Zion National Park or exploring East Zion’s slot canyons, these easy eco-friendly habits can help protect the landscape during your adventure:

• Bring a refillable water bottle and use water fill stations. These are available in Zion National Park at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center (shuttle stop 1), Zion Human History Museum (shuttle stop 2) and Zion Lodge (shuttle stop 5).

• Use shuttle services when exploring Zion Canyon (mandatory from March to November). 

Pro tip: East Zion Adventures shuttle service to Zion National Park transports guests from Zion Ponderosa to the Visitor Center, where you can access the national park’s shuttle system.  

• Choose reusable over single-use products. If you bring snacks on the trail, be sure to pack out what you pack in.

• Stay on designated roads and trails in Zion National Park and with guided tours like those offered by East Zion Adventures. These are designed to minimize environmental impact.

Preserving Zion for Future Generations

Our passion for stewardship doesn’t end at the trailhead. East Zion Adventures proudly supports Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in nearby Kanab. After all, caring for the land also means caring for those who call it home. And when you visit Zion Ponderosa, you’re not just experiencing the beauty of East Zion—you’re helping protect it. A portion of every stay supports the Zion Forever Project, which funds vital preservation efforts in Zion National Park.

By following Leave No Trace principles and choosing experiences that give back, you’re helping ensure that Zion National Park and East Zion stay protected for years to come. We’re grateful to have you on this journey with us.