There’s no shortage of things to see and do during your visit to Zion National Park. One of the most popular is to take a hike.
Zion National Park is located in southern Utah, known for its unique landscape and stunning red rock formations.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker eager to try one of the park’s famous trails or are looking for a more relaxing way to explore the park on foot, keep reading. Zion is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, and we’re bringing you the top 5 hikes in Zion National Park—must-do experiences for anyone visiting Zion.
1. Angels Landing
Perhaps the most famous trail in all of Zion, the hike to Angels Landing is a bucket-list hike for adventurers around the world. Many visitors come to Zion specifically to hike Angels Landing. But while this beautiful hike rewards brave travelers with some of the best views in the park, it isn’t for everyone and isn’t a trail that you should take on without some careful planning and preparation.
Besides being one of the most famous trails in the nation, Angels Landing holds another title; one of the most dangerous trails in the U.S. While that title mainly refers to the last half-mile of the trail, it can be dangerous before that, too.
On busy days, the trail may get crowded. Near the top, where the trail gets narrow, as well as at the trailhead, this can lead to crowds and lines, leaving hikers standing out in sometimes triple-digit temperatures. Add in the 21 tight, steep switchbacks — referred to as Walter’s Wiggles — and you’ve got a recipe for heatstroke and exhaustion if you haven’t packed plenty of water. The significant elevation gain on this trail adds to the challenge, making it a strenuous but rewarding experience.
If you get past Walter’s Wiggles without turning back, the next portion of the trail is certain to get your heart pumping. For around a half-mile, the trail travels along a narrow spine on a ridgeline. While not for the faint of heart, there are chain link handrails to assist hikers in navigating the difficult sections. The incredible views from the top make the effort worthwhile.
If you have your heart set on hiking Angels Landing during your trip, make sure that you’re prepared ahead of time. Get to the trailhead early to avoid the crowds and give yourself more time to complete your hike. Scout Lookout is a popular stopping point for those not continuing to the summit, offering impressive views and a less crowded experience.
Completing the entire hike is a major accomplishment, and Angels Landing is often cited as a favorite hike among visitors to Zion National Park.
2. Canyon Overlook Trail
Angels Landing is far from the only option for those looking to experience some stunning views of Zion Canyon. Canyon Overlook Trail is an easy-to-moderate hike that’s just one mile in length and is an ideal day hike for visitors with limited time. Starting just off of Highway 9, east of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, this trail is a great option for families, those in a hurry, or anyone not up to the more strenuous Angels Landing trail.
Canyon Overlook Trail is ideal for hikers of all ages and experience levels. You’ll climb just 100 feet in elevation on this hike. This hike provides some stunning panoramic views of the rest of the park, and it is especially known for offering breathtaking sunrise views of the East Temple, so don’t forget your camera!
3. Riverside Walk
Another leisurely trail that’s perfect for spending a relaxing afternoon is the Riverside Walk. This 2.2-mile round trip hike is rated “easy,” making it a great hike for visitors young and old. Unlike the Canyon Overlook Trail, which will largely leave you exposed to the hot sun, the Riverside Walk offers some much-welcomed shade on a hot summer day.
On this trail, you’ll follow the Virgin River all the way to where the famous Narrows Trail begins. The trail is paved, though the trail can be uneven for strollers or wheelchairs. This trail is particularly beautiful during the fall when the leaves on the trees along the river begin to change.
While the Riverside Walk itself is paved, those continuing into The Narrows will encounter multiple creek crossings, adding an adventurous element to the hike as you traverse the river.
4. The Narrows
Rivaling Angels Landing in popularity, the iconic Narrows hike is well-known, but not for its height. Instead, what makes this trail unique is that hikers will have to wade through the cool waters of the Virgin River for a large portion of their journey, surrounded by towering slot canyon walls carved from Navajo sandstone.
While this trail might not be steep, it is lengthy. The entire hike is 16 miles in total one way. The trail begins at the end of the Riverside Walk, so you’ll need to stroll that first. From there, get ready to get your feet wet as you begin your walk up the Virgin River.
The Narrows can be hiked in either direction. If you’re not up for the entire hike, don’t fret — you can turn around after any amount of hiking to get back. For hikers looking to complete the full trail, you’ll want to plan ahead to camp overnight. If you’re hiking any time other than the summer, you may want to consider renting a wetsuit or waders to make the hike through the chilly water safer and more comfortable.
The Narrows takes hikers deep into the Zion Wilderness, offering a unique perspective on the park’s natural beauty and remote landscapes.
5. Pa’Rus Trail
For visitors looking for an easy, accessible trail, Pa’Rus Trail is a great choice. This out and back hike is 3.5 miles roundtrip and allows for a few more activities than the other trails in the park. This means you can bike and even walk your pet along this mostly shaded trail, and you have the flexibility to turn around at any point, making it suitable for all experience levels.
The Pa’Rus Trail starts near Watchman Campground, just a short walk from the Zion Visitor Center. After hopping off the shuttle, cross the road to Watchman Campground, and then look for the bridge. Over that bridge is the start of the trail. You can also access the trail from Shuttle Stop #3. If you’re visiting during the winter months when the shuttle is closed, you can park in the lot at the Visitor’s Center instead.
The nearby Watchman Trail is another great option for those seeking scenic views and a moderate hike close to the Visitor Center. Zion Lodge is also a convenient landmark and accommodation option for visitors exploring this part of the park.
Getting Around Zion
Getting around Zion National Park is part of the adventure, with several convenient options to help you make the most of your visit. From March through November, the park operates a free shuttle bus system that makes it easy to reach many of the most popular trails in Zion Canyon, including favorites like the Canyon Overlook Trail and the Emerald Pools. The shuttle bus runs frequently, but it’s a good idea to check the schedule and plan your day in advance, especially if you want to catch the first ride out to your chosen trailhead.
If you prefer to drive, consider entering through the east entrance of Zion National Park. This route is often less crowded than the main south entrance, giving you a smoother start to your day. However, parking can fill up quickly during peak season, so arrive early to secure a spot. For those looking to explore beyond the main canyon, the Kolob Canyons area offers a quieter experience. Take a scenic drive along Kolob Canyons Road, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of towering canyon walls and have access to hiking trails like the Taylor Creek Trail and Timber Creek Overlook Trail.
Planning to tackle the West Rim Trail or the East Rim Trail? You can access the West Rim from Lava Point, while the East Rim Trail is best reached from the East Mesa Trailhead. These trailheads open up a world of incredible hikes and panoramic views, away from the crowds of lower Zion Canyon.
For a more leisurely way to explore, rent a bike and cruise along the paved trail that follows the Virgin River. This route offers stunning canyon scenery and a relaxing way to experience the park at your own pace. Guided tours and shuttle services are also available, providing transportation to various trailheads and sharing fascinating insights into Zion’s geology, wildlife, and history.
Keep in mind that some of Zion’s most popular hiking trails, such as Angels Landing and Observation Point, require permits and have specific regulations to ensure visitor safety. Always check the park’s website before your trip to stay up to date on current requirements and trail conditions.
With its diverse landscape, scenic drives, and variety of hiking trails, Zion National Park offers something for every type of adventurer. Whether you’re exploring the Kolob Canyons, hiking to the Timber Creek Overlook, or simply soaking in the panoramic views along the Virgin River, getting around Zion is all part of the unforgettable experience.
Planning Your Next Visit to Zion National Park
Whether you’re planning to brave the heat for a summer visit or the cold in the winter, or are lucky enough to be planning a visit during the shoulder seasons, you’ll definitely want to plan some time for hiking during your time in Zion. These 5 trails offer options for experienced hikers and those brand new to the sport. For the hikes mentioned, make sure to prepare appropriate gear and equipment suited to each trail’s conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Ready to start planning your next adventure in Zion National Park? Start by booking your stay at The Dwellings and get ready for the unforgettable experience of a Zion hike.
