13 Best Hikes in Zion National Park to Explore

Zion National Park is Utah’s 1st National Park and the 4th most visited park in the United States. It is home to some of the best hiking opportunities in the United States, including some of our personal all-time favorites. Choosing the best hikes in Zion National Park was not an easy task, due to its countless possibilities.

When we visited Zion National Park, we were immediately captivated by its stunning views of the colorful sandstone cliffs surrounding the impressive Zion Canyon. This park is a must-see and belongs on everyone’s bucket list.

Let us help you find your personal list of best hikes in Zion, which you don’t want to miss on your next trip. Also, don’t forget to read our tips for visiting Zion National Park to save you from unfortunate surprises.

Our Other Resources for Zion National Park:

• Zion National Park Itinerary
• How to Hike Angels Landing
• A Guide to Hiking the Narrows
• Zion to Bryce Canyon Trip

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Getting to Zion National Park

To visit Zion National Park you can technically start from either Las Vegas, Nevada, or Salt Lake City, Utah. Deciding where to start your trip will determine where you are coming from and the flight prices. 

Zion National Park is about 3 hours from Las Vegas and about 4 hours and 20 minutes from Salt Lake City.  

You will need to rent a car at the airport to make the journey to Zion National Park.

Top Tip: If you are interested, you can easily continue visiting Utahs National Parks after you explore Zion. See how to extend your Utahs National Parks road trip.

The Ultimate List of Best Hikes in Zion National Park

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Zion National Park is filled with amazing hiking opportunities for all types of visitors. We have listed the best Zion hikes from easy to strenuous:

1. Timber Creek Overlook Trail

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Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.0 mile
Type of Hike: Out and Back
Elevation Change: 100 feet
Location: Kolob Canyons Viewpoint parking lot at the end of the Kolob Canyons Road
Time: ½ hour

The Timber Creek Overlook trail provides a fantastic view of Kolob Canyon, Kolob Terraces, and Pine Valley Mountains as it meanders along a small ridge.

Since many visitors to Zion don’t actually go to the Kolob Canyon section of the park, this is a very overlooked trail. 

If you happen to be hiking during the spring and summer months, there is a good chance the trail will be covered in colorful desert wildflowers. 

2. Emerald Pool Trails – Lower & Upper Emerald Pools

The Emerald Pool trails are one of the more popular hikes in Zion National Park. You can decide if you’re in the mood for a short and easy or steep and moderate hike to see the dazzling pools and majestic waterfall. The hike starts out from Zion Lodge, where you will cross over a small bridge to the paved path leading to Lower Emerald Pools.

Note: When we visited Emerald Pool in the summertime, there was no water falling down the cliffs at all. It was still a fun hike, but don’t be disappointed when you don’t see the waterfall and water-filled pools in the warmer months.

1. Lower Emerald Pool Trail

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.2 miles
Type of Hike: Out and Back
Elevation Change: 70 ft
Shuttle Stop: #5 – Zion Lodge
Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour

Reaching Lower Emerald Pools is fairly easy for most visitors. You will be able to enjoy the stunning canyon scenery along this lush trail and even walk underneath the two waterfalls coming from the Middle Pool.

2. Upper Emerald Pool Trail

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.0 miles
Type of Hike: Out and Back
Elevation Change: 200 ft
Shuttle Stop: #6 – The Grotto
Time: 2 – 3 hours

If you are looking for a bit more of a challenge, continue on to the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools after arriving at the Lower Emerald Pool. Here the trail becomes more scenic, but also more difficult and dangerous as you will be climbing up the cliffs, which you just walked under at Lower Emerald Pools.

The last part of the trail to Upper Emerald Pools will be the most challenging, leading you to the final pool surrounded by 3 tall canyon cliffs.

3. Riverside Walk

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.2 miles
Type of Hike: Out and Back
Elevation Change: very little
Shuttle Stop: #9 – Temple of Sinawava
Time: 1 – 1.5 hours

Journey along the Virgin River on this paved path through Zion Canyon, the most popular area of Zion National Park. This mostly level path offers great views of the river, lush vegetation, and the well-known Zion canyon. At the end of the trail, you will find yourself at the start of the famous Zion Narrows hike (bottom to top).

You will know you have reached the end when there is no longer a path running along the river and the canyon starts to narrow. If you aren’t planning to hike the Narrows, take a minute to enjoy the river, before heading back to the shuttle.

4. Pa’rus Trail

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3.5 miles
Type of Hike: Out and Back
Elevation Change: 50 ft
Shuttle Stop: #1 Visitor Center or #3 Canyon Junction
Time: 2 hours

The Pa’rus is the only multi-use trail in Zion National Park. This easy paved trail follows the Virgin River from the South Campground to Canyon Junction. The best part about the trail is that it is accessible for wheelchairs and bicycles. It also allows pets on a leash. The Pa’rus is one of the best Zion National Park hikes if you are looking for an easy stroll to admire the beautiful Zion Canyon views.

5. The Watchman Trail

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 3.3 miles
Type of Hike: Loop
Elevation Change: 368 ft
Shuttle Stop: #1 – Visitor Center
Time: 2 hours

If you are looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a less challenging hike Zion, then this may be one of the best hikes in Zion for you.

The Watchman Trail is one of Zion’s easier trails, which often gets overlooked by the more famous Zion hikes. Although this trail does not bring you up the Watchman Spire, it does showcase the impressive peak from the valley below.

Note: This trail is completely exposed to the sun. It is best to finish this Zion hike in the morning or when the sun is not shining as bright.

6. Canyon Overlook Trail

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1 mile
Type of Hike: Out and back
Elevation Change: 160 ft
Shuttle Stop: No Shuttle Access
Trailhead: Located near the east entrance of Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel
Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour

This is an excellent trail to add to your best hiking in Zion National Park list for first-time visitors because it is quick, easy, and doable for all ability levels. Here you get quickly rewarded with a perfect view overlooking Zion Canyon without all the hassle of hiking for a long time.

Parking is limited and has a tendency to fill up quickly, especially during the busier months of the year. However, you may be able to find parking further up along the road, as long as you are willing to walk on the road to the trailhead.

7. Hidden Canyon Trail

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.0 miles
Type of Hike: Out and Back
Elevation Change: 950 ft
Shuttle Stop: #7 – Weeping Rock
Time: 3 hours

Hidden Canyon rests above the east rim of Zion Canyon. Just like Angels Landing, Hidden Canyon has the thrill of dramatic drop-offs and the use of chains to pass safely. After navigating your way up the trail, you will reach the beautiful secluded hanging canyon.

If you don’t want to miss out on a thrilling hike Zion, but you want to avoid the crowds, Hidden Canyon might be the better option for you.

8. Taylor Creek Trail

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Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5.0 miles
Type of Hike: Out and Back
Elevation Change: 450 feet
Location: Taylor Creek Trailhead on the Kolob Canyons Road
Time: 3 – 4 hours

Taylor Creek Trail in the Kolob Canyon section of Zion National Park is a beautiful hike that leads hikers into a narrow box canyon toward the Double Arch Alcove. Here you are able to witness how erosion carved out natural openings in the sandstone. 

As you approach the mouth of the canyon, you will enter Zion Wilderness where it entwines with Taylor Creek. 

Additional features along the way are the geologic formation of the Kanarraville Fold and 2 historic cabins from the 1930s. 

9. Angels Landing

Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 5.4 miles
Type of Hike: Out and Back
Elevation Change: 1,488 ft
Shuttle Stop: #6 – The Grotto
Permit: Required
Time: 4 hours

The famous Angels Landing hike is the most popular hike in Zion National Park. The final climb is along a very steep narrow ridge above Zion Canyon. This section requires the use of bolted chains to assist in scrambling over the rocks.

Angels Landing is by far one of the most thrilling and adventurous hikes we have completed in the United States. If you are looking for a challenging adventure, this hike needs to be on your list. After arriving at the top, you will know why this is one of the popular best hikes at Zion National Park.

Don’t think you are up for the final climb to the highest point of Angels Landing? Then stop at Scout Lookout. Here you can still take in the incredible views of Zion Canyon without completing the scariest part of the Angels Landing hike.

Angels Landing Hike Permit

As of April 1, 2022, you will need to obtain a hiking permit for Angels Landing UT. This is a pilot program which is in response to the concerns of the overcrowding and congestion on the popular Zion hike. 

To get a permit to hike to Angels Landing, you will need to enter the lottery system. There is a seasonal lottery system and a day before you hike lottery. To apply for a permit, sign in to your recreation.gov account. 

It will cost $6 to get into the lottery system. If you happen to be one of the lucky winners of Angels Landing Zion National Park permit, you will then have to pay $3 per person.

10. Observation Point

Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 8.0 miles
Type of Hike: Out and back
Elevation Change: 2,100 ft
Shuttle Stop: #7 – Weeping Rock
Time: 5 hours

Looking for one of the most epic viewpoints in Zion National Park? Then hike up to Observation Point. This trail is no easy feat as it is a continuous zigzag uphill climb along the canyon walls.

This hike does not have the thrill of Angels Landing’s narrow ridge but is much more strenuous with an elevation gain of over 2,000 feet.

At the final viewpoint, you will be breathless as you take in Zion Canyon far above Angels Landing.

11. The Subway

The Subway is a slot canyon hike, comparable to the Narrows, but more technical and more intense. We would have loved to hike this beautifully shaped slot canyon, but unfortunately, we were not lucky enough to get a permit for this hike.

You can hike the subway in two directions, from the bottom up or the top down. No matter the direction you hike, a permit is always required for the Subway trail because both directions require considerable route-finding skills.

If hiking the Subway has you interested, read more about the permit process on the National Park’s website.

1. Top Down

Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 9.5 miles
Type of Hike: One way
Trailhead: Starts at Wildcat Canyon Trailhead and ends at the Left Fork Trailhead – Located on Kolob Terrace Road
Permit: Required

Hiking the Subway from the top down is a very technical hike, that requires rappelling, route finding, and swimming skills through deep cold pools of water.

2. Bottom Up

Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 9 miles
Elevation Change: 1,300 ft
Trailhead: Left Fork Trailhead (approximately 1 hour from Zion Canyon) – Located on Kolob Terrace Road
Permit: Required

Hiking the Subway from the bottom up is a little less technical than hiking it from the top down because it eliminates rappelling and swimming.

12. The Narrows

The Narrows is another one of the best hikes in Zion and is usually on all hiker’s bucket lists.

The canyon has been carved out by the Virgin River for thousands of years, which has created one of the most extraordinary and thrilling hiking trails in the United States.

Hiking the Narrows will have you walking right through the Virgin River as you meander through the canyon. The water can be up to your chest and the stream can be quite strong, but the challenge will be totally worth it. The Narrows will probably end up being one of your favorite experiences from Zion National Park.

It is important to know there are 2 ways to hike the Narrows. You can either hike it from the bottom up or the top down:

1. Bottom Up

Difficulty: Moderate, but depends on the flow of the Virgin River
Length: up to 12 miles
Type of Hike: Out and Back
Elevation Gain: 330 ft
Shuttle Stop: #9 – Temple of Sinawava
Permit: No
Time: 1 – 8 hours

Hiking the Narrows from the bottom up is the most popular way, and you won’t need a permit when you stop at Big Springs.

2. Top Down

Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 16 miles
Type of Hike: One-way end at Temple of Sinawava (Shuttle Stop #9)
Elevation Change: 1,300 ft
Trailhead: Chamberlain’s Ranch
Permit: Required
Time: 10 – 14 hours

If you are looking for the full Narrows experience, then you may want to think about hiking the Narrows from the top down. Here you will be able to complete the entire length of the Narrows from Chamberlain’s Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava for a total of 16 miles.

13. West Rim Trail

Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 19 miles
Type of Hike: Out and Back or end at The Grotto (Shuttle Stop #6)
Elevation Change: 1,500 ft
Trailhead: West Rim Trailhead at Lava Point on Kolob Terrace Road
Permit: When you want to hike this trail in 2 days
Time: Full day or split into 2 days

Take the journey through the backcountry on one of Zion’s long hiking trails. The hike begins at one of the highest points in Zion National Park, Lava Point, and descends slowly into Zion Canyon.

You have the choice of hiking the West Rim trail (top-down) as a long 1-day hike or a more leisurely 2-day hike.

If you plan on hiking the West Rim Trail in 1 day, you do not need a permit. However, if you plan on camping in the backcountry, you will need one. A permit is available online or in-person at the Visitor Center on a first come first, serve basis.

Best Hikes in Zion National Park Map

Find Your Perfect Zion Hike

Are you having difficulties figuring out which of the Zion hikes is best for you? We have placed the best hikes in Zion into different categories to help find your perfect trail in Zion. This should help narrow down which trails to venture on based on your specific needs. 

Bucket List Zion Hikes

• Angels Landing
• The Narrows
• The Subway

Best Zion Hikes for Families

• Riverside Walk
• Canyon Overlook Trail
• Emerald Pools

Zion Hiking for Views

• Angels Landing
• Observation Point
• Canyon Overlook Trail 
• West Rim Trail

Escape the Crowd Zion Hikes

• Watchman Trail
• Canyon Overlook Trail
• Pa’rus Trail
• Kolob Canyon hikes

No Shuttle Required Hiking in Zion

• Canyon Overlook Trail
• Pa’rus Trail
• Watchman Trail
• Taylor Creek Trail
• Timber Creek Overlook Trail

Top Adventurous Zion Hiking

• Angels Landing
• Hidden Canyon
• The Narrows
• The Subway

Backpacking Hikes in Zion

• The Narrows
• West Rim Trail

What to Pack for Hiking at Zion National Park

When packing for your trip to Zion National Park, you will require appropriate hiking gear, especially when you plan on hiking the Narrows.

Daypack – A daypack is essential for your hikes. Try out the comfortable lightweight Deuter Speed Lite daypack. It is our choice when hitting the trails.

Dry Pack – When you decide to hike the Narrows in Zion you will be walking through deep water. It is best to use a dry pack to avoid getting your precious gear wet.

Water Bottle – Keep your water cool by bringing an insulated water bottle. We always carry our Hydro Flask water bottles with us.

Comfortable Hiking Boots – One of the worst things when heading out for a hike is not having comfortable footwear. For hiking in Zion National Park, it is best to use over-the-ankle hiking boots because they provide you with good support on the more rocky and difficult terrain.

Quick Drying Clothing – You will want to wear clothes that dry quickly since you will be in and out of water frequently on the Narrows hike. These clothes are also best for the hot temperatures in Utah during the summer months.

Hiking Stick or Trekking Pole – Trekking poles or hiking sticks are a must when hiking the Narrows. They make a huge difference when trying to walk through the water because they help stabilize you on the uneven slippery ground. We found ourselves using them more than we thought we would.

Sun Protection – Most of the trails in Zion NP are in the direct sun. Don’t forget to use sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the grueling sun beating down on you.

Camera & Accessories – Don’t forget to pack a camera to capture all the memories you are about to make. Our essential camera gear is our Olympus OMD Em Mark ii, the Rollei travel tripod, a camera remote, and our Peak Design capture clip.

How Many Days Do You Need in Zion National Park?

With the endless possibilities that Zion offers, it is difficult to put an exact number of days needed to see and explore Zion National park to its fullest. The length of your stay will be largely determined by what you would like to see and do during your visit.

We only visited Zion National Park for 2 days, which was okay but we wish we had more time. Every day, we did one long hike in the morning and chose a short hike or simply relaxed in the afternoon. Staying for 3-5 days should give you plenty of time to complete many of the best hikes at Zion National Park.

Here is a short overview of what you can accomplish in 1 to 5+ days:

1 Day: You will have enough time to get a glimpse of the park. We would suggest picking 2 smaller hikes or 1 longer hike and taking the shuttle to see Zion Canyon.

2 Days: You will have enough time to see the highlights of Zion, including Angels Landing and the Narrows.

3 Days: You will have enough time to see the major highlights, as well as enjoy some of the smaller hikes and other cool features of the park.

4+ Days: You will have enough time to explore the park and the best hikes in Zion at a leisurely pace.

How to Get Around Zion National Park

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Zion National Park has a shuttle service that accesses the main Zion Canyon section of the park from the Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava.

The shuttle runs much of the year from March through November, weekends in February and March, and the last week in December. Personal vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive when the shuttles are in service.

It runs about every 10 to 15 minutes, stopping at all the major trailheads and attractions on the way. 

For the most up-to-date information on the Zion Canyon Shuttle Service visit the park’s website.

Best Time to Visit

You can visit Zion National Park all year round. But the best time to travel to Zion National Park is in the spring and fall, which are the months of April – May, and September – October. 

These times of the year are ideal because it’s mostly sunny with temperatures that are not too high. However, you may experience some more rain during this time.

If you plan to visit during the spring, you do have to keep in mind that hiking the Narrows may not happen. The flow rate of the Virgin River can be high during this time, that is when the trail gets closed for safety reasons.

Summer is crowded with hot temperatures. Fall has beautiful colors and weather with lesser crowds.

Where to Stay

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Zion has a variety of accommodations that satisfies all types of travelers from sleeping for free under the stars to staying in a stylish lodge.  

Inside Zion National Park

Staying inside the park will require a 6-month in advance booking for campgrounds and 13 months in advance for the Zion Lodge.

Camping

There are 3 campgrounds in Zion that require advance reservations. Camping is very popular in the park and campsites tend to book out quickly. Camping is only allowed in these 3 designated camping areas: 

• South Campground (reservable 14 days in advance)
• Watchman Campground (reservable 6 months in advance)
• The Lava Point Campground (first come, first serve, typically open May through September)

Lodging

If camping is not your thing, you can stay in Zion Lodge. It is the only lodging inside Zion National Park. The lodge starts accepting reservations on the first of every month for the entire month for the same month the following year. 

Outside Zion National Park

Dispersed Camping

30 minutes outside of the park on BLM lands located on Dalton Wash Road for free

Hotels

Hotels in Springdale are very pricey, so expect to spend a few bucks when you want to spend the nights in the charming small town. 

These are some of the best options:

• Holiday Inn Express Springdale
• Bumbleberry Inn
• Majestic View Lodge 

Top Tip: If you plan to stay outside of the park in Springdale, plan to book anywhere from 4 to 6 months in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions: Zion National Park

How much does Zion National Park cost?

All park visitors need a valid recreational use pass to enter Zion National Park. When you purchase a weekly pass at one of the gates, it will be valid for 7 consecutive days including the date you purchased it. 

These are the prices for a weekly pass:

Vehicle: $35
Per Person (without a vehicle): $20
Motorcycle: $30

Top Tip: Plan on visiting a lot of National Parks? If you haven’t already done so, buy an America the Beautiful Pass. This is the best way to save money for all your national park and national monument adventures in the United States.

What is the best way to see Zion National Park?

To see the unique highlights of Zion, you will need to hit the best trails in Zion National Park. Much of what makes Zion such a great park to visit is the different and thrilling hiking opportunities. But don’t worry if you are not much of a hiker, there are some short and easy trails for all hiking levels. 

Other great ways to experience Zion are driving on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, climbing the canyons, or riding a bike on the Pa’rus trail or the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

What is the best hike in Zion National Park?

In our opinion, you can’t really mention one best hike in Zion National Park. There are a couple of unique trails we can recommend. But we do have to say you can’t visit this national park without hiking the 2 popular best trails in Zion National Park, Angels Landing, and the Narrows. 

A hike that we, unfortunately, missed out on is the Subway. We have to make sure to come back soon.

Is hiking Zion difficult?

Hiking Zion National Park can be as difficult or as easy as you make it. Zion has a wide range of hikes with different terrains and difficulties which make it easy to fit your hiking needs. 

What is the hardest hike in Zion?

Zion has a few challenging hikes in the park. Both Angels Landing and the Narrows are difficult but for different reasons. 

Angels Landing is known for being one of the most dangerous hikes in the country due to climbing around a narrow ledge at a high elevation. 

When hiking the Narrows you wade in the Virgin River. You always have to keep an eye out for the water level and water flow since flash floods can occur in this area.

Can you see Zion without hiking?

Hiking is our favorite way of exploring Zion National Park because it allows you to see more secluded spots in the park. If you are not up for a hike or you’re looking for different experiences to enjoy Zion’s outstanding landscape, here is a list of other ways to explore Zion National Park without hiking:

1. Scenic Drives: Take a drive on the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and drive through the Kolob Canyon area of Zion National Park.

2. Educate Yourself: Learn more about the park’s history at the Zion Human History Museum.

3. Spot Wildlife: We saw a lot of deer around the Visitor Center and bighorn sheep along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.

4. Rent a Bike: See Zion on two wheels by renting a bike or bringing your own bike, and ride on the Pa’rus trail or the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

5. Climb the Rocks: Are you an experienced rock climber? Then take on a climb up the 2,000-foot cliffs.

6. View the Sunset: Catch a sunset over the Zion cliffs, as they are illuminated in orange by the fading sun.

7. Gaze the Stars: After dark, observe the stars over the canyon. Maybe you will be lucky to view the majestic milky way.

Is Zion National Park Crowded?

Zion is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, so the answer is simple. Yes, Zion National Park can get crowded, especially during the more popular times of the year, from early February to late November. 

Check out the park visitation statistics to see how many people visit each month of the year. 

To find parking at Zion National Park and to avoid the big crowds, start your day early. Especially, when it is not your first visit, you can also decide to take the less popular hikes to be more secluded.

Is Zion Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Zion is definitely worth visiting! We have currently visited more than half of the national parks in the United States and Zion is among our most favorite parks. If you are in the area, even for a short time, Zion is a must! 

After your visit, we are sure Zion will have you mesmerized and wanting more, just as much as it did for us. 

List of Best Hikes in Zion (From Easy to Strenuous)

1. Timber Creek Overlook Trail
2. Emerald Pool Trails – Lower & Upper Emerald Pools
3. Riverside Walk
4. Pa’rus Trail
5. The Watchman Trail
6. Canyon Overlook Trail
7. Hidden Canyon Trail
8. Taylor Creek Trail 
9. Angels Landing
10. Observation Point
11. The Subway

Which of our best hikes in Zion is your favorite? Is Zion also one of your beloved National Parks in the USA?

Share your experiences with us or drop a question in the comments below!

Our Other Resources for Zion National Park:

• A Guide to Hike the Narrows in Zion National Park
• How to Hike Angels Landing in Zion National Park
• Zion National Park Itinerary: Spend 1-5 Days
• Plan a Trip from Zion to Bryce Canyon: 2 Utah National Parks
• How to Save Money with the America the Beautiful Pass

Other Resources for Utah’s National Parks:

• ARCHES: 8 Incredible Trails to Hike Arches National Park
• BRYCE CANYON: Best Bryce Canyon Hikes for Your Bucket List
• CANYONLANDS: The Best of Island in the Sky Canyonlands National Park
• CAPITOL REEF: Explore 10 Striking Capitol Reef Hikes in the Fruita District
• ROAD TRIP: Explore Utahs National Parks in One Unforgettable Road Trip
• HIKING: What You Should be Packing for a Hike: The Essentials + Extras
• HIKING: 100+ Best Gifts for Hikers to Buy
• NATIONAL PARK: First Hand Ranking of National Parks in USA from Best to Worst
• NATIONAL PARK: 34 Best West Coast National Park + Western U.S. Parks that Will Blow Your Mind
• QUOTES: 100+ Best Hiking Quotes to Inspire Your Future Adventures

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