13 Fantastic Hikes in Zion National Park

One of the most visited parks in the country, Zion National Park has some of the most incredible landscapes and hikes. The scenery here is jaw-dropping with vertigo-inducing drops and towering canyons.

View of the Chains Along the Angel's Landing Hike in Zion National Park Utah

There’s a lot to explore in the park, which can be overwhelming. Most folks will want to stick to highlights that explore the park’s various areas. We help break it down and pick among the best hikes you can do in the park. The following are a great selection of top hikes we recommend in Zion.

Where to Stay for Zion National Park

There’s a few areas to stay for Zion including camping and hotels. There’s also one hotel located within the park. It’s a beautiful stay but one of the harder reservations to get. There’s a few towns of varying distances from the park and we are here to help with your planning.

Hotels

Zion National Park Lodge: The only lodge in the park. It’s a great option if you can reserve it. And it makes getting to some locations easier and walk or bikeable.
Cable Mountain Lodge: Amazing location adjacent to Zion Visitor Center. Walking distance to the buses.
Bumbleberry Inn: Great hotel with nice, clean rooms and comfy beds. Located within walking distance of many Springdale attractions.
La Quinta La Verkin: Located further out in La Verkin. But better priced (and often with availability). Good clean rooms and service. Free Breakfast.

Camping

Watchman Campground: 160+ sites; Located next to the Visitor Center. Open year-round. Reservations highly recommended.
Lava Point Campground: 6 sites; Located off Kolob Terrace Road. Open May-September. Reservations Required.

Angel’s Landing

Trailhead | Length: | Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Strenuous

This is probably the number one trail in the US for folks’ bucket lists. And for good reason. The incredible views from the top of Angel’s landing but also the just jaw-dropping climb among the chains to get there as well.

The hike is in two parts; the first part is the hike from the Grotto up to Scout’s Landing. And then once you get there, the last half mile or so is where the fame of Angel’s Landing comes from. Here, the hike takes you along a narrow edge with chains to support your climb. The payoff at the top is incredible.

Since the chains section is bidirectional, we recommend you go early to avoid crowds coming from the opposite direction. Permits are required for the chains section of Angel’s Landing and must be acquired at least one day prior.

Scout’s Landing

Trailhead | Length: | Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Moderate

Even if you don’t do the above Angel’s Landing, Scout’s Landing is a worthy hike of its own. The hike takes you from the Grotto, through Refrigerator Canyon, up the Wiggles, and then to the beautiful views of Scout’s Landing.

The overall hike is moderate, with wider pathways and steady ascents. The hardest and (in my opinion) most fun ascent is the wiggles, a set of quick switchbacks that takes you up towards the landing.

Note there are bathrooms available at Scout’s landing, but be sure to fill up on water at the Grotto before you go. You’ll need a permit to continue on past Scout’s Landing.

The Narrows (Top Down)

Trailhead | Length: 16-20+ Miles | Type: One Way | Difficulty: Strenuous+

This is the Narrows that the vast majority of folks never see. It is demanding but rewarding. You’ll start above the canyon; the most rewarding part is seeing the canyon form up as you walk along the river.

Many of my favorite sections of the narrows were in the upper part, including some of the narrowest sections with high walls. Being alone with my group at that time was memorable, and the landscape is jaw-dropping.

There’s no sugarcoating this, it’s one of the hardest hikes in the park. I was shocked as someone who’s done similar or longer hikes how much more difficult this was than many of them. I have a range of miles for this hike as it depends significantly on how frequently you travel back and forth between shores. Officially its 16 miles, but you’ll do more if you walk along the shores regularly.

To do the Top-Down hike, you’ll need a permit. There’s a limited number of daily and overnight permits for this hike. Be sure to check average temperatures and water flow for your planned dates. Conditions are a considerable factor for the hike.

Be sure to consult with the outfitters about the best equipment. Even if you think you’ll be “okay,” we recommend a dry suit for colder water. The extended exposure is a real problem, and there is no bail-out once you’ve traveled a decent distance.

Big Spring - The Narrows - Zion National Park

The Narrows (Bottom Up)

Trailhead | Length: up to 2 – 9.4 miles | Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Moderate – Strenuous

The Narrows is among the most iconic hikes in the entire National Park System. Towering walls bookend you as you travel through the unstoppable Virgin River. It’s an awe-inspiring experience regardless of the frequency of visits here.

This is the Narrows that is best for most park visitors. It doesn’t require a permit, and you don’t have to commit to anything longer than you are ready for. You can go as far as 5 miles up the river to the Big Spring, a beautiful landmark, and you can stop and turn around at any time.

The challenging part here is that you travel against the river. At least you do this on the way up, making your return easier. The other downside is that the bottom-up hike can be a zoo. During peak times, you may have to fight hikers for space. But the further you go, the more solitude you’ll find.

The Narrows is a strenuous hike, even if it’s bottom-up. We recommend consulting the outfitters about what equipment you should take. A hiking stick is also recommended for keeping your balance as you navigate over river boulders.

Canyon Overlook View of Canyon - Zion National Park

Canyon Overlook Trail

Trailhead | Length: 1 mile | Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Easy

This is one of my favorite trails, it’s easy with an amazing payoff. The hardest part of the Canyon Overlook Trail is actually parking. The trail is located in east Zion just beyond the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.

The trail starts a bit steep, but there are steps to help you on the ascent. That’s the majority of the elevation gain. Most of the hike is along a rocky trail that leads out to the overlook. The most dangerous parts have fencing to prevent accidents.

There’s a short, tricky part of a narrow trail area that is two ways. The hardest part here is just folks going in the opposite direction. Overall, it’s a super fast hike, taking an average of about 15 minutes to reach the overlook and about 30 minutes for the round trip.

Tip: Parking is the most challenging part here. Thankfully, parking has pretty good turnover. If you need to turn around, try to avoid going too close to the tunnel, as otherwise, you’re forced to go through before turning around.

View from Observation Point in Zion National Park

Observation Point Trail (via East Mesa)

Trailhead | Length: 7 miles | Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Moderate

Note: The hike is only an out-and-back trail, as the connection to the canyon is still closed due to rock fall.

Observation Point is one of the best overlooks in the park. The view here is similar to some of the other views, but this angle give a different perspective on landmarks such as Angel’s Landing and Zion Canyon. Looking down the canyon from this vantage point is such a beautiful view.

The hike out here is steady, with an uphill ascent for the majority of the hike before descending to the overlook. There are several areas where you can get some views over the canyons, but nothing is as good as the final overlook.

The trickiest part is reaching the trailhead, as the road to the trail at the best of times rutted and rocky. Most folks recommend a 4WD, but during summer seasons many folks traverse this with AWD vehicles with some clearance. For those unsure of the roads, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort runs shuttles to the trailhead.

Taylor Creek Trail

Trailhead | Length: 5 miles | Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Moderate

The Taylor Creek Trail is one of the main day hikes in the Kolob Canyon Section of Zion National Park. The trail is one of the easier trails both in the area and in the park and takes you meandering through some beautiful forested areas.

The hike is one of my favorite in the park, it feels so different in terms of environment than other sections of the park. The crossing back and forth over the creek as well as the beautiful forested pathways makes it pretty idyllic.

The hike actually has a few interesting landmarks as well including two cabins. The hike officially ends at a double archway, however there are options for continuing a little further. We loved continuing a bit further to a small alcove with a waterfall. We had met folks who continued miles further as well but we didn’t venture that way.

Waterfall on Overhang Lower Emerald Pool Zion National Park Utah

Emerald Pools Trail

Lodge Trailhead | Kayenta Trailhead | Length: 2.3 – 3 miles | Type: Loop or Point to Point | Difficulty: Moderate

The Emerald Pools trail takes visitors to a set of beautiful small ponds in Zion. The pools are 3 distinct water bodies that are just stunning in this environment. There’s also a waterfall at the first pool that just make it extra special.

For hikers, you can do any number of the pools, but if you are short of time, the lower pool is the one that is a must see. The other two are worth a visit but they definitely don’t measure up to the first lake. My favorites were the first, third, and then second. Thankfully the distance isn’t significant between all three.

The trail can be accessed for more than one trailhead. Many visitors start from Zion Lodge and do a loop. From the Lodge this is the easiest if you want to just visit the lower pool.

Other visitors access the pools from Kayenta Trail which is located by Stop 6 (the Grotto). This makes it a perfect add-on after a visit to Angel’s Landing. This can be done as either a point to point or a longer loop.

Weeping Rock

Trailhead | Length: 0.3 miles | Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Easy

Weeping Rock is more of a quick visit than an actual hike. However, it’s a highly recommend quick trip to visit this unique feature. Plus it has it’s own shuttle stop so why not check it out!

The beautiful Navajo Sandstone alcove appears to weep given the porous nature of the rock. Watching the constant “rain” coming down is such an amazing experience and there’s even a ledge and some stone benchs here for you to relax and enjoy the experience. The rain can be more of a waterfall depending on the season too.

The hike is paved but has steep portions that may make it difficult in terms of accessibility.

The Subway

Trailhead | Traihead (Canyoneering) | Length: 9+ miles | Type: Out & Back / One-Way | Difficulty: Hard

The Subway is one of the most famous canyon is all of Zion National Park. It is wet with bellied-out moss covered walls. The payoff is the beautiful canyon that is made famous from all the photos you’ll see in Zion brochures and advertisements.

The difficult part is getting there. There are two main routes for arriving at the canyon, the Top-down and bottom up. Both are nearly the same length but different in technicality.

The top-down is a canyoneering route which requires rappelling at points along the trail. You’ll need to bring 60 feet of rope with you on this route and know how to use it.

The bottom-up hike can be handled non-technially but is a strenuous hike through water, over-boulders and a fair bit of scrambling.

Regardless of the route, you’ll get wet, and need to navigate over rocks and boulders many in cold flowing water. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing and equipment.

You’ll also need a permit to visit the Subway. There are rangers that do check permits of those along the route.

Watchman Trail

Trailhead | Length: 3.1 miles | Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Moderate

One of the more overlooked trails in Zion, Watchman doesn’t have the big name of some of the bigger hikes on this list. Also it’s proximity to the Visitor Center and lack of dazzling views makes it one that most folks skip for trails further down the canyon.

However, some of those reasons are why this is a great trail. Watchman over its 3 miles provides a great view into the canyon that you don’t usually see. It’s proximity to the visitor center make it a great hike you can do during peak shuttle times.

The trail is mostly out and back with a small loop at the top of the trail. You’ll get some good views from a few angles and the fewer hikers helps you escape some of the heavy crowds of other trails.

We found this to especially be a great late day or last day hike. One where you wanted to hike something and didn’t have time to deal with the shuttle or other logistics.

Read More: Check out our Watchman Trail Guide

Riverside Walk

Trailhead | Length: 1.9 miles | Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Easy

Riverside Walk may be the route folks take to enter the “bottom-up” Narrows trail. But it’s a pretty cool trail even in its own right! For those who may not want to get wet in the river, it’s worth visiting the Riverside Walk, regardless. This area of the river becomes particularly beautiful with the soaring canyon walls of the narrows.

This is what is considered the “end” of the narrows area, and you’ll start from the Temple of Sinawava and work your way up to where folks enter the river for doing the bottom up. It’s a beautiful and easy route and one we recommend you take to get some impressive views of the canyons (even if you are not going to enter and traverse the Virgin River)

Pa’rus Trail

Trailhead | Length: 3.2 miles | Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Easy

Pa’rus Trail may be considered “too boring” and easy for most of the readers of this blog. It is a flat trail that heads from the visitor center, past the campground, and along some fields.

But, it’s actually a really lovely travel with some views of the canyon, and just a relaxing wander that doesn’t require getting on the shuttle. In my opinion it’s really fun to walk this trail either at sunrise or sunset. The views here with the changing light is quite memorable. And even more so that you can take the sunset hike and not worry about missing a shuttle!

This hike is also the only one that allows dogs. So for those who have dogs with you, it’s a good option for taking your puppy out and getting some views too.

Where to Eat near Zion National Park

Red Rock Grill: Main restaurant in the park at Zion Lodge. Buffet Breakfast and Lunch Dinner Options. Some other fast options available at seasonal Castle Dome Cafe.
Thai Sapa: Really good Thai in Springdale. Ended up being my group’s favorite of the restaurants
Stage Coach Grille: Very popular and interesting grill restaurant. My burger was good and the portions were good.
Oscar’s Cafe: Nice Cafe with sandwiches, Mexican, burgers, and more.
Hoodoos Market: We found this a great option for to-go sandwiches when visiting the park.