Zion National Park is a stunning paradise for outdoor lovers in Utah. Sometimes, figuring out a visit to one of America’s most trafficked national parks can seem like too much fuss.
What are the best hikes in Zion National Park? How to Get to the Trailheads. What Are Some Basic Hiking Tips? Well, the purpose of this guide is to answer all these queries.
This post got some guest input from my fellow travelista Dani James — creator of Misfit Wanders blog who helped spice it up for you guys, as our Zion visit was quite sometime ago. Dani is an outdoor enthusiast and avid hiker who lives in the US, she has done many of trails in Zion. Here she documents her favourite hikes and shares must-know tips to hike ye olde park.
In this article you will find a list with the best hikes in Zion together with map points of these locations. Here we have shared some of the best practices to follow while planning a hiking trip and other important information about climbing. Keep scrolling down for more specific trail info.
Check it out and add to your next Zion trip-planning agenda!
Zion National Park: A Guide to Utah’s First National Park and Its Stunning Trails
Zion national park is UTAH’S latest NATIONAL PARK famous for it’s immense rock walls and red canyon found throughout the state. A place to step back in time, and walk the trails made by pioneers long ago.
Feast for the eyes The main part of Zion National Park is 124,406 acre (50,317 ha) park that comprises about 84% of the park. It is so important to stay on the trails! Northwest Forest Pass Required: There is a lot of great stuff to explore with over 90 miles of trails and all sorts camping sites.
There are a lot of easy trails in Zion National Park (which is perfect for the whole family), as well as more strenuous multi day backpacking treks. Here you can see waterfalls spilling off cliffs, hike through really thin slot canyons or walk through stands of Juniper and Aspen forests. This park is home to an awesome 1,000+ species of plant and I’ve gotta say it quickly became one of my favourites for providing so much variety in a pretty small space.
Tip: Zion National Park is open every day of the year, and trails are generally accessible throughout most seasons (weather dependent).
PRO TIP: If you are planning to visit several National Parks, the best deal is the America The Beautiful Pass. At USD 80, the pass gets you into all National Parks and over 2,000 federal recreation sites throughout the US for a year. If you are visiting somewhere like Bryce Canyon, or another such park based on the same plan year you purchase it is a great value.
Top Hikes in Zion National Park
- Canyon Overlook Trail (Easy/Moderate)
- Angels Landing (Strenuous)
- Lower Emerald Pool Trail (Easy)
- Upper Emerald Pool Trail (Moderate)
- Riverside Walk (Easy)
- Pa’rus Trail (Easy)
- Observation Point (Strenuous)
- The Narrows (Moderate – Strenuous)
- Hidden Canyon (Moderate – Strenuous)
- Watchman Trail (Easy/Moderate)
- Weeping Rock (Easy)
- West Rim Trail (Strenuous)
- East Rim Trail (Strenuous)
- Grotto Trail (Easy)
- Lady Mountain Trail (Strenuous/Climbing)
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each hike. But first, some helpful information and a map to give you a clearer picture of what to anticipate.
TIP: For a more secluded experience, consider this highly recommended UTV and hiking tour to a slot canyon. Though short, this tour offers an extraordinary way to enhance your Zion adventure!
Zion Shuttle & Transportation Guide
This travel tip is best for those thinking about visiting Zion between March and November when the park’s primary road, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (Utah SR 9), does not allow private vehicles. Instead, there is a two-way free ad efficient shuttle service: Springdale Shuttle& Zion Canyon Ticket.
One of these options is the Springdale Shuttle which will get you up to Zion National Park, as it’s entrance lies a short ride away from town.
Zion Canyon Shuttle: This is your traditional shuttle service with 9 stops up the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive so you can get real good and close to all of your favorite trailheads. Get Information on Official Shuttles More Shuttle Info.
PRO TIP: Stay in Springdale. This is some of the best bang for your buck lodging you can find, and it makes a great home base if exploring Zion National Park.
Trailhead Map for Zion Hikes
For a better idea of the hikes discussed in this article, here is a map with trailheads marked. The trails are indicated by color: green being an easy hike, yellow a moderate to strenuous hike and red for hardcore hiking.
Note: Not all hikes are looped Most of the easier hikes listed here are stops that you can catch along the Zion shuttle, so a benefit is being able to start or end wherever you like. Certain hikes are more or less easy when they can be done in only one direction (preferably downhill rather than uphill), and whenever possible, the starting point indicated is for this route.
Tip: Drive to Springdale or the Zion National Park Visitor Center and take the free park shuttles from there, all trailheads are easily accessed on this system.
More information: Transport to the trailhead may be required for a few of the longer and tougher hikes. These services are provided by local companies but be sure to book ahead. After all, arranging transit to the trailhead is often easier than setting up your return. Every hike detailed here ends at the Zion shuttle route, which means there is a clear way back to your vehicle.
Key Information for Hiking in Zion
These are some tips to help you check trail conditions in Zion before you start your hike. Beside recent landslides and rockfalls that led to closure or partial closing along popular trails. Weeping Rock, Hidden Canyon and Observation Point are currently closed until further notice following several large rockfalls.
Also very important not forgetting is to check the weather forecast, especially for longer hiking. The canyons are so narrow that they could flood in a flash, so this is when the latest information comes into play.
Be sure: weather and trail conditions can change quickly, check the official site for up to date info. And if you plan to hike in the park overnight, don’t forget your permit. More information on Zion Wilderness Permits can be found here.
Top Hikes in Zion National Park
1. Canyon Overlook
- Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
- Distance: 1 mile / 1.6 km roundtrip
- Duration: 1 hour
- Trailhead: East of Mount Carmel Tunnel, Highway 9
this short hike culminates in a spectacular panoramic view. The trail is relatively flat with some tree roots and stairs, making it suitable for hikers of all ages from beginners to experienced. We reached the viewpoint very quickly where we had a pleasant surprise. It felt like we had arrived at one of Zion’s most amazing lookouts.
The trail to Karst View Arch is a delightful balance of moderate fitness and stunning views that makes it one of the park’s favorite hikes. Though it does not have shuttle access, this is a much deserved popular trail.
There is only a limited amount of parking at the trailhead so you should plan to start your hike early. Once you drive through the Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel, there is a small parking area (on the right) and get on to the trail head across of them. Find exact directions in the above map.
2. Angels Landing
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Distance: 5.4 miles / 8.7 km roundtrip
- Duration: 3-5 hours
- Trailhead: The Grotto (Shuttle stop #6)
ANGELS LANDING PERMIT: Visitors will need a permit to hike Angels Landing with day-before lottery options now Visit the official page to stay updated.
Angels Landing is the most popular route taken by hikers in Zion and tends to pull heavy foot traffic during peak season. For the adrenaline junky, this should be on ever Utah adventure bucket list. Not the right one for if you have a problem with being high up — in that case, just trek out to Scout Lookout and head back home.
While being in good shape is a plus, Angels Landing is more about walking haphazardly on narrow paths with sheer drop offs. The original Skye bridge is 8000 miles from Medewei, as the crow flies Distance The worst of which require grabbing a chain that has been bolted into the cliff-face for stability or climbing and down big stacks with very little protection. The trail will be closed to hikers when the winds are high.
TIP: The recommended time to do this steep hike is late morning in the spring or summer. Due to this, obtaining the permit is difficult and can also be a request for well in advance due to tourist hitch-hiking movements. Try to get the first shuttle of the day, or possibly rent a bike in Springdale and ride it out to the trailhead. You could also walk from the trailhead when staying at Zion Lodge.
HACK: You can do the Angels Landing up to Scouts Outlook without a permit. The audience is amazing and provides a very stable solution for those who opt the slightly softer way.
3. Lower Emerald Pool
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.2 miles / 2 km roundtrip
- Duration: 1 hour
- Trailhead: Zion Lodge (Shuttle stop #5)
The less challenging of the two separate trails to Emerald Pool, this one wastes no time with an elevation gain on slick rock. The adventurous walk, with a little help has wheelchair access for the family to have added benefit also stroller friendly.
At the trailhead you are ticketed with a map, as if it were needed and off you go in surrounded by jaw dropping greenery on either side of fallings water curtain walls. The shimmering pools that create the conclusion of this journey, along with everything else about it make its easy name one of Zion’s most scenic spots.
When we were there, it rained all day by the time that we reached this trail, but nonetheless winded through with enthusiasm. Their beauty seemed only more mesmerising against the additional rain. We got to Emerald Pool as the rain had finally stopped and a misty fog was lifted, making it an ethereal sight. If you arrive on a rainy day, this hike is the one to do from Zion.
4. Upper Emerald Pool
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 3 miles / 4.8 km roundtrip
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Trailhead: Zion Lodge (Shuttle stop #5)
You will walk the lower and middle parts of the Emerald Pools Trail to get here at Upper Emerald Pool. The difficulty comes when you reach the Upper Emerald Pool trail, which gets much steeper and rougher as the path turns to scrambling over rocks. A view from the top is worthwhile, despite having to work for it.
This was our path during one day with rain and in the waterfalls we stayed very impressed by the force of nature. The water poured so fast producing an enriched movement of power, crashing down the cavernous cliffs. It truly is a sight that you won´t forget so make sure to do it if you are in Zion.
5. Riverside Walk
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 2.2 miles / 3.5 km roundtrip
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Trailhead: Temple of Sinawava (Shuttle stop #9)
It is a relatively easy hike which makes it popular with families. On the hike, you will see verdant cascades hugging the mountainside and views of Virgin River. We were in awe at the scenery, and this trail quickly became one of our favorites hikes out to Zion!
Make sure to admire the weeping walls along your way, and if you get up early enough there’s a good chance of seeing some wildlife in during those quiet morning hours.
The trail is paved for the first 0.4 miles, making it accessible to those in wheelchairs and strollers with baby carriers, but anything past that contains a sandy path. The impressive views of this easy stroll are among the most popular in the park, so visit early or late when it is less crowded if you can.
6. Pa’rus Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.7 miles / 2.7 km one way
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Trailhead: Zion Visitor Center (Shuttle stop #1), passing the Zion Museum (Shuttle stop #2), and ending at Canyon Junction (Shuttle stop #3). You can hike it in either direction or just do a portion of the trail.
- Pets/Bikes: This is the only trail in Zion where dogs and bicycles are welcome.
There is even something for everyone at Zion National Park — Patrus Trail, a newer addition. Named after a fascinating bubbly water nature of the water in the Virgin River that flows along on, this trail gives one numerous chance to hike next to, and at time trough an flowing river.
This wide, paved and flat trail is handicap-accessible so it’s perfect for families with kids. A peaceful outdoor setting is an enjoyable choice year-round, There are also great views of the sunset overe behind the mountains on Pa’rus Trail. Early mornings and off-peak timings are perfect to catch some wildlife in action.
PRO TIP: As you complete the hike, do not miss stopping by Canyon Junction bridge to take in one of Zion’s classic views. If you don’t feel like walking all the way to Acropolis, this will also be a stop that can make by in shuttle bus.
7. Observation Point
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Distance: 8 miles / 12.8 km roundtrip
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Trailhead: Weeping Rock (Shuttle stop #7)
Looming Sentinal Observation Point is one of Zion National Park’s iconic hikes for good reason. The Angels Landing and The Virgin River weaving his way many meters below you — it looks like nothing more than a snake.
This is no trail for the weak in spirit. It is one of the most difficult hikes in the park with over 2,100 ft (640 m) of elevation gain in just a few miles. In several places, the path is carved into the walls of the canyon. Angels Landing is scary because it’s narrow ledges, whereas Observation Point does not carry much fear factor of high up. But the reward for those who reach the summit is dramatic views over a vast swath of Africa.
As you ascend, Echo Canyon unfolds with its unique white cliffs and winding configurations. Although not that necessary for this trail, some hiker Hibachi walking sticks.
Pro tip: You can take 2 different paths to Observation Point — Either by hiking from Weeping Rock (which is also accessible via shuttle) or East Mesa Trailhead. Instead of the more popular Weeping Rock, you’ll find East Mesa to be an easier route (and there will also be less elevation gain/loss because steeper downhill hiking is required no matter which trailhead you use). Or transfer to East Mesa, walk up to Observation Point and then down into Weeping Rock for a kinder descent with just as much scope.
8. The Narrows
There are two ways to experience The Narrows: hiking from the Top Down or from the Bottom Up.
The Narrows from the Top Down
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Distance: 16 miles / 25.7 km one way
- Duration: 12 hours; more relaxed if done over 2 days
- Trailhead: Chamberlain’s Ranch (requires arranging a private shuttle)
- End of hike: Temple of Sinawava (Shuttle stop #9)
- Important: A wilderness permit is required.
- Recommended Gear: Walking sticks, waterproof boots, waterproof clothing
The Narrows (Top Down Route) — One of the best loved, but lengthy day hikes in the park; it’s long and thrilling. As the whole hike is feasible to complete in a single day, most hikers split this into 2 days camping at a half way point. Though the terrain here is not overly difficult, one of its main aspects would be hiking through much of this sections in the river itself. It’s length — especially for single day hikers — makes the trail challenging.
This 47-mile hike in Zion is point to point with shuttle required, beginning at Chamberlain’s Ranch (near Zion Visitor Center; 1.5-hour drive) There are a number of companies doing the shuttle for this and it is best to book ahead. Tour guides will do the hassle for you on this city guided tours.
The hike will take you along the Virgin River, through one of the narrower sections of Zion Canyon. The trail is rigorous as you will be literally hiking in water mask deep for most of the hike, so get ready to wet! This hike should be done in late spring or summer when the water is warmer and levels are more manageable.
Be sure to check the weather, as rain-induced flashfloods can make this trip doubly challenging. Note: You should take walking sticks, and wear sturdy waterproof boots as the River walk is wet-slippery work. Entirely surrounded by canyon walls, some stretching as high as 1,000 feet (300 m), the river will become no more than about thirty feed across in places.
The Narrows from the Bottom Up
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 10 miles / 16 km roundtrip
- Duration: 6-8 hours
- Trailhead: Temple of Sinawava (Shuttle stop #9)
- Recommended Gear: Walking sticks, waterproof boots or water shoes, waterproof clothing
If the strenuous Top Down hike of The Narrows seems too much, try walking Bottom Up. This is the Narrows from Riverside Walk, which makes it significantly easier to access and does not require a permit; therefore more well travelled.
While the trail allows you to explore some of Zion’s narrows and beautiful sceneries, it involves only a fraction of effort that Top Down does.
PRO TIP: You do not have to travel all the way out to Big Spring for this beauty! Even 2 hours of hiking on this trail will give you access to canyon landscapes.
9. Hidden Canyon
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 3 miles / 4.8 km roundtrip
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Trailhead: Weeping Rock (Shuttle stop #7)
Hidden Canyon is a thrilling and rigorous hike that ascends 1,000 feet (300 m), so expect to work hard as you make your way uphill!
It leads up into a hanging canyon that is full of tight, winding areas with seemingly walls lined on top each other endlessly. During the hike, you will climb your way through numerous mud huts and over rocky cobbled paths. I mean there are certain chains for the purpose of helping you, but most parts of hike do not require them. But do take care when crossing the streambed within the canyon.
Trailhead: The trail starts at Weeping Rock and piggybacks the East Mesa Trail near Observation Point to start.
10. Watchman Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 3 miles / 4.8 km roundtrip
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Trailhead: Canyon Visitor Center
While it remains hidden in plain sight, Watchman Trail is passed over by most eager visitors who are hurting on to the more pristine trails of Zion. But this is a great hidden gem of an easy hike with some significant vistas views to the valley below Springdale. During the walk, you pass through a forest of natural green shrubs near evergreens and prickly pear cactus.
As for the trail itself, while it is slightly uphill (making a great easy up and challenging down), this hike isn’t too difficult to manage as you’ll find well-done signage along which really makes this ADA friendly. For a nice and relatively simple walk in Zion, Watchman Trail may be the way to go.
Pro tip: the sunrise views from this trail are especially beautiful. Bring a headlamp if you decide to hike in the early morning hours as well since chances are good that your climb will be made under darkness. Good for a sunset or afternoon hike since you can get back down before dark.
11. Weeping Rock
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.4 miles / 0.6 km roundtrip
- Duration: 0.5 hours
- Trailhead: Weeping Rock (Shuttle stop #7)
A crowd favorite, Weeping Rock is one the shortest trails in Zion but also a hot spot for most people. This short and easy cliff-side trail rewards you with an incredible sight of the “weeping” rock, a large soaking wet dark rust colored sandstone outcrop.
This overlook also provides a distant look at the imposing Great White Throne on your left.
The climb is uphill and a tad steep but short, toasting. While the trail is predominantly paved, it is a good option for families with small kids who want to go on an leisurely and yet magnificent hike.
12. West Rim Trail
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Distance: 15 miles / 24 km one way
- Duration: 9-12 hours
- Trailhead: West Rim Trailhead or Lava Point Overlook (adds 1.5 miles to the hike). You’ll need to arrange private transportation to the trailhead.
- End of hike: The Grotto (Shuttle stop #6)
- Important: A wilderness permit is required if doing this hike over two days.
Possibly one of the best long hikes in Zion, The West Rim is a beautiful hike through red rock and can be completed as a tough day hike or an overnight backpacking experience. It may be considered strenuous due to its distance, but most of the trail is downhill or almost flat.
This walk is a must: following various fantastic views, it descends into the bottom of Zion Canyon at one after another jaw dropping vista point. You almost feel like you are walking through a terrain full of hidden treasures within it!
PRO TIP: The trail comes close to the illustrious Angels Landing. DragoIf you still have plenty of strength and want an alternative experience, then make a detour.
13. East Rim Trail
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Distance: 11 miles / 17.7 km one way
- Duration: 5-9 hours
- Trailhead: East Entrance Ranger Station (requires private transportation)
- End of hike: Weeping Rock (Shuttle stop #7)
The West Rim Trail is the kindly Step Dad relationship to — Little Brother: The East Rim Trail. This trail will first impress you with it’s huge overlooks of the beautiful Navajo Sandstone landscape. If nothing else, this landscape will give you reason to visit the east side of Zion for a short time even if you are not planning on an extended hike.
Though not as grandiose in the overlooks department, for those seeking a bit more diversity within Zion’s unique ecosystem of terrain types coupled with impressive park-wide vistas – and an item or two to check off their bucket list – be sure to take time exploring from thousands-of-feet-high East Rim Trail.
The hike begins quite easy, then gains just under 1,000 feet (300 m). If you are short on time, or looking for a shorter hike option, you can walk the first few miles down to Jolley Gulch and back—a great options those not wanting to go the full out-and-back distance or deal with setting up a shuttle.
The trail then begins to drop into Echo Canyon and you do need to be careful particularly if the rocks are wet. You can continue further around to the junction for Observation Point if you wish, but this adds quite a few additional miles onto your already long hike. If you go early enough, there is the option of doing this side path before finishing up at Weeping Rock.
14. Grotto Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.5 mile / 0.8 km one way
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Trailhead: Zion Lodge (Shuttle stop #5)
- End of hike: The Grotto (Shuttle stop #6)
The Grotto Trail is a pleasant, moderate walk through Zion’s woods and shady side canyons—less spectacular than the park’s better-known hikes but still relatively flat. Also a good option if you need to take it slowly or have the energy for an evening walk after dinner.
This trail parallels Fall of the Valley Road (the road used by Zion Lodge shuttle service) between there and Grotto Picnic Area. Mostly flat, it runs through an old-growth forest and is filled with bird songs while the omnipresent rock formations loom overhead. You may even see some wild animals.
The trail finishes opposite the river from Grotto Picnic area near Aangels Landing Trailhead. But, if you have no plans of hiking Angel’s Landing then at the very least cross back over to see it from this angle.
15. Lady Mountain
- Difficulty: Strenuous climb, rock climbing gear required
- Distance: 2 miles / 3.2 km one way (4 miles total)
- Duration: 6-10 hours
- Trailhead: Zion Lodge (Shuttle stop #5)
- Required equipment: 100-foot rope, harnesses, essential rock climbing gear
The hike to Lady Mountain is challenging and less frequented, as it requires technical climbing gear. The second of the lesser known trails is more technical and remote. You will find the entrance to this trail after a brief walk through a thin path not clearly labeled as such, so it’s best you look for it with someone experienced who have necessary equipment and able to keep things in order.
You need to know the road very well, if you are a solo traveller. With painted arrows, and carved steps in places follow the trail closely without wandering.
Have to do a little bit of climbing and obviously following boulder climbs that lead you down this path. One routfinding section with a rope.
TIP: pull up your (and someones) bags before climbing it yourself to make life in the ascent easier
The ideal season to hike lady Mountain is fall, the trail becomes hard without snow while summer could be too hot for a climb.
Getting to Zion & Tours
Getting to Zion is easy if you are driving! When you do reach Springdale, however, to enable the park’s shuttle system which operates during season for commuting in and out of Park. Even for longer stays, with a five plus day rental you may find it cheaper to arrange transportation from Las Vegas than renting and hardly using a car.
You might also tour Zion by an organized agency. Zion and Bryce Canyon day trips from Las Vegas They also offer fewer opportunities for hiking, but you do not have to commit your whole day if only in town briefly.
If you would like to go for something more immersive, indulge yourself with a multi-day tour. Opting for the 3-day trip is a superb way to explore many of the highlight sights.
Pro Tip: Want More Adventure in Zion? Here are some popular Springdale and East Zion Outdoor Activities & Tours. Whether you want a guided hike, to fast horses through the Park or ride our bikes down Zion Canyon (Screaming Eagle reload), we have something for everyone! Think about a slot canyon tour, one of the most exciting ways to see Zion’s unique landscape.
Where to Stay
One of the most convenient places to stay in is Zion Lodge located within de Park. They can get pretty expensive though — particularly in the prime summer season, and are also hard to book. The lodge also does without a pool, and the spotty Wi-Fi doesn’t always reach guest rooms.
Springdale is a cute town just outside Zion’s entrance, perfect for those looking to save on lodging while also staying close by. So, what you do is stay at one of the hotels and walk (in some cases there’s a free shuttle) to the park.
PRO TIP: One of the best rated hotels in Springdale it’s about a 5-minute walk to the Zion Visitor Center for super easy access into and out of Zion.
