Zion National Park is a bucket-list destination for many travelers. If you’re a hiker, though, it doesn’t get much better than this Utah park. I’ve been twice now, and I still haven’t hit all of the top hikes in the park.
I do have a running list of the best Zion National Park hikes for you to narrow down your own choices. Yes, I’ve done some of the heavy lifting (and heavy-footed trekking) so that you don’t have to.
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What is the best hike in Zion National Park?
The best hike in Zion National Park is The Narrows. It just doesn’t get more bucket list-worthy than walking through the Virgin River to get to each scenic stop on this one.
While it’s not one I’d jump to do again just because of the planning involved, it is one that I don’t have to think too hard about when I remember what I enjoyed about it. It’s stunning.
If you commit to hiking beyond the first mile, by the way, the crowds fall away, too.
How do I get around Zion National Park?
To get around Zion National Park, you’ll likely need to take the park shuttle.
You can only drive through the most popular sections of Zion National Park during certain months of the year. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is accessible to shuttle traffic only from March through late November.
If you’re sticking to Zion Canyon hikes, which is what most first-time Zion trekkers do, you’ll need to take the free Zion Canyon Shuttle to get from place to place.
The bus drivers do a great job of letting you know what’s at each shuttle stop, but here’s a quick reference for the more popular hikes:
- Stop 1: Visitor Center/1 Zion Park Blvd. (Watchman Trail, Pa’rus Trail)
- Stop 2: Museum
- Stop 3: Canyon Junction
- Stop 4: Court of the Patriarchs
- Stop 5: Zion Lodge (Emerald Pools Trails)
- Stop 6: The Grotto (Angels Landing, Kayenta Trail)
- Stop 7: Weeping Rock (Observation Point Trail, Hidden Canyon Trail)
- Stop 8: Big Bend
- Stop 9: Temple of Sinawava (Riverside Walk, The Narrows)
Note: The shuttle is free and convenient, but it does get crowded by mid-afternoon. Exercise patience if you find yourself in a long line or crammed against someone’s backpack at the back of the bus. It’ll all be over soon.
If you’re planning a lengthier trip to Utah, by the way, I’ve got a guide to help you plan the best Utah vacation.
Best Zion National Park Hikes
These Zion park hikes are in order from shortest to longest hiking trails in Zion. If I haven’t done the trail myself, I’ll say so.
As with any trip to the national parks in Utah, it’s important to be aware of any updates from the National Park Service (NPS) before attempting any hikes. Trails in this park are closed all the time.
I’ll try to mention any standouts here and keep things updated, but it’s always best to rely on alerts from the park service for your travel.
Interested in a map of all the best Zion park trails? Keep in mind again that you’ll likely be taking the shuttle for any of the most popular treks in Zion Canyon. This is just for those visual folks out there seeking a Zion National Park trail map:
GIMME MY ZION NATIONAL PARK MAP!
1. Weeping Rock
Mileage: 0.4 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy
The Weeping Rock trail was closed for three years following the 2019 rockfall, then returned as one of the quintessential Zion experiences in 2022. It then closed AGAIN in 2023 following a second rockfall, so just check with the park service on this one before your trip.
In any case, the view isn’t what you’re here for, but the dripping springs at the top are worth the short but steep trek.
I haven’t been since it reopened the first time around, but I’m sure it’s even more popular than it was…when it’s open. Tread carefully, as it does get slick under there.
2. Canyon Overlook Trail
Mileage: 1 mile
Difficulty Level: Moderate
This short trail has a great payoff of one of the best views of Zion Canyon. It’s rated moderate compared to other hikes at Zion for dropoffs along the way, but there isn’t much elevation on this one.
I’d still call it family-friendly despite the NPS rating.
3. The Grotto Trail
Mileage: 1 mile
Difficulty Level: Easy
This intro to Zion hike gets you to Zion Lodge. If you’re only here for easy peasy strolls and lodge snacks, this one is definitely for you.
No judgment, by the way. I love that you’re exploring the great outdoors!
If you have the time, this one connects to other trails in the park, namely the various Emerald Pools and the Kayenta Trail.
4. Upper Emerald Pool Trail
Mileage: 1 mile
Difficulty Level: Moderate
The Upper Emerald Pools are the most difficult to get to, which means you’ll have a lot less competition once you’re there for glamorous photo shoots.
Once you’re there, you’ll have a sandy stretch surrounded by tall cliffs that’s a great place to relax. Just don’t expect this spot to yourself.
No, you cannot swim at the Emerald Pools at Zion. Don’t even think about it.
5. Timber Creek Overlook Trail
Mileage: 1.1 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy
This beginner trail is another fun hike in the Kolob Canyons area of the park. I urge you not to ignore this section of Zion like most other travelers. It makes for some excellent Zion National Park photos without the crowds.
If anything, you’ll get a break from riding that overcrowded shuttle. This one gives you a nice payoff at the end of the Kolob Canyons and Pine Valley Mountains.
6. Lower Emerald Pool Trail
Mileage: 1.2 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy
This beginner hike to the Lower Emerald Pools is paved and accessible to all, which also means you may need to share the pathways with strollers. The scenery is lovely enough, but the crowds can be a bummer if you arrive at this one by mid-afternoon.
Continue walking to the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools trails to watch the crowds fade away somewhat on one of the most popular trails at Zion National Park.
7. Kayenta Trail
Mileage: 2 miles
Difficulty Level: Moderate
The Kayenta Trail was one of the first hikes Zion had to offer us on our first trip to the park, and it did not disappoint.
The elevation gain is minimal but fairly steady, so be prepared for some switchbacks that don’t seem to quit as you trek above the river. Sunny, exposed areas make this one better first thing in the morning if you’re visiting in the summertime.
It gets crowded, too, so plan accordingly.
8. Middle Emerald Pool Trail
Mileage: 2.2 miles
Difficulty Level: Moderate
The Middle Emerald Pools are parallel to the pools below, so you get a bit of a bird’s eye view of the cliff you likely walked underneath to get here.
You’re walking an unpaved sandstone ledge up to these mid-level pools, so hopefully, the strollers from below don’t follow you up.
9. Riverside Walk
Mileage: 2.2 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy
We didn’t have time to hike The Narrows on our first visit to Zion, so were limited to the Riverside Walk for a taste of what we were missing out on. This mostly paved trail is lovely all on its own, and very family-friendly.
Start early if you don’t want much foot traffic, especially if you’re visiting in the summer months. This is one of the best easy hikes in Zion for sure.
10. South Fork Taylor Creek Trail
Mileage: 2.7 miles
Difficulty Level: Moderate
This is an unofficial trail in the Kolob Canyons area of Zion National Park, although it still comes with a spacious parking area for the handful of humans you may encounter along the way.
You’ll pass through steep dropoffs and jungly sections until you reach a popular climbing spot, the Namaste Wall. We didn’t see any climbers, but I’m told it’s a thing.
AllTrails calls this one “hard,” by the way, but if I’m saying it’s moderate, the hype is a little overblown. There is quite a bit of elevation gain at the start, but I found it manageable.
11. Hidden Canyon Trail
Mileage: 3 miles
Difficulty Level: Moderate
This is another trail that fell victim to the rockfall of 2019. I’d love to return to tick this one off as it has those slightly sketchy dropoffs that make Angels Landing pretty scary without the crowds of Angels Landing.
Just like with that more well-known trail, chains help you along part of the way.
12. Watchman Trail
Mileage: 3.3 miles
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Catch views of Springdale and lower Zion Canyon from this moderate trail, a decent leg-stretcher if you’re seeking another trek to fill up your afternoon.
Dropoffs here are less scary than some of the more popular trails, so this one may be an easier pill to swallow if you’re afraid of heights.
13. Pa’rus Trail
Mileage: 3.5 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy
This is basically the only dog-friendly hike in Zion National Park. Have we taken Kimmy there? No.
Look, we typically exhaust ourselves on our people-friendly hikes by the time we get back to our accommodations, so don’t look at me like that.
If you want to try it out, expect a paved stroll that requires minimal effort on the part of you or your pup.You’ll have a nice view of the Virgin River along the way.
14. Taylor Creek Trail
Mileage: 5 miles
Difficulty Level: Moderate
We spent our time on the South Fork Taylor Creek Trail in Kolob Canyons, but this one also looks like a good time if you’re visiting this stunning area of Zion.
You’ll follow the Middle Fork this time around to the Double Arch Alcove, an impressive rock formation that will make you feel quite small.
15. Angels Landing
Mileage: 5.4 miles
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
What is the most popular hike in Zion National Park? The most popular hike in Zion National Park is likely Angels Landing, if only by the level of infamy involved. The Narrows is a close second.
That said, all of the most popular trails will start and end in Zion Canyon.
Fun fact: If you want to lose the people, head to Kolob Canyons, instead.
I had every intention of at least hiking up to Scout Lookout during our last visit to Zion. I got the relevant permits, a requirement to finish the hike since 2022, and mentally prepared for the switchbacks ahead.
Unfortunately, there was an issue with a loose chain that shut the trail down on the day of our permit and a few days prior. While it reopened during our visit, we weren’t able to get day-of permits. We decided it wasn’t meant to be.
Will I return to Zion just for Angels Landing? I’m not sure that’d be my main motivation, as Zion National Park is pretty great without that hike, but I don’t think I’ve seen the last of Angels Landing.
16. Observation Point via East Mesa Trail
Mileage: 7 miles
Difficulty Level: Moderate
This is the only way to access Observation Point at the moment. The classic approach on the Observation Point Trail via Weeping Rock has been closed since 2019 due to a rockfall. Fortunately, this approach is much easier than the old way.
Note: Even once it reopens, I’d still recommend this one for those same views looking down on Angels Landing from the top.
Here are a few more tips to make your hike up to Observation Point more successful:
- The trailhead is outside of the park, but you’ll still need to drive through Zion to get there.
- If you get there by 7:45am, you’ll likely find parking at the trailhead. (That’s what we did!) There’s room for about 18-20 cars.
- I’d only recommend driving if you’re in an SUV-type car, though. Things get bumpy.
- If you’re driving a sedan, park at the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort and get a ride on one of the East Zion Adventures shuttles there. Shuttles pick up every half hour at the trailhead. You can book a spot online from the outfitter.
- Service is spotty, so download your AllTrails map before you get there.
I’d agree with the moderate rating on this one. While Brian at one point exclaimed, “This isn’t too bad!” he said that to no one…because I was well behind him, glistening like a holiday ham.
There’s elevation gain on the return of about a mile that made things a little dramatic, but otherwise, it’s fairly flat for the rest.
17. The Left Fork (Subway)
Mileage: 9-9.5 miles
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
You’ll need a Wilderness permit to attempt one of the most challenging Zion day hikes. Choose from a top-down or bottom-up approach. You’ll also need canyoneering skills to tackle this thing from the top down, the classic approach.
Fun fact: If you love canyoneering, Orderville Canyon is another option for a rappelling fix. You can check out the canyon along the way on a bottom-up Narrows hike, but if you want to do any canyoneering, you’ll need a permit to do so from the top-down.
The bottom-up isn’t a slouch, either. You’ll still have to scale large boulders and navigate the water. Both require excellent route-finding skills. I don’t think I’ll get to this one, folks!
18. The Narrows
Mileage: 9.4 miles-16 miles
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
It doesn’t get better than The Narrows hike at Zion.
I get into the details on what it’s really like out there on a day hike in the Virgin River, what you should bring, and whether a beginner can really tackle The Narrows in a detailed post on the topic.
You’ll want to check it out if you’re interested, or whether you want to know if it’s for you.
Hiking in Zion: FAQs
What is the most difficult hike in Zion National Park?
The most difficult hike in Zion National Park is the trail known as the “Subway.” This one requires technical canyoneering skills on one of the approaches, route-finding, and swimming. Permits are required, and you should be an experienced hiker to even begin thinking about this one.
Multi-day backpacking trip hikes like the West Rim Trail are also quite challenging if only because of their length.
Can beginners hike Zion?
Beginners can hike Zion hiking trails. Hikes like the Riverside Walk, Lower Emerald Pool Trail, and the Grotto Trail all offer a great introduction for new hikers in Zion.
Is there a way to see all of Zion National Park without hiking?
There are ways to see Zion National Park without hiking. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is the most popular, but it closes to vehicle traffic from March through November. You’ll need to ride the shuttle bus, instead. To see ALL of the park, though, hiking Zion is the best way to make that happen.
What is the most dangerous hike in Zion?
The most dangerous hike in Zion is Angels Landing. It involves narrow paths with sheer drop-offs, exposed sections, and chains for safety. Despite safety measures, accidents have occurred because of slips and falls. Exercise caution on this one and be prepared to switch gears if the weather calls for it.
Which is better, Zion or Bryce?
Zion is better if you want a variety of hikes and a more diverse landscape. Bryce is better if you want a more compact Utah park with vistas you won’t see elsewhere. Those hoodoos at Bryce are striking.
Where to Stay Near Zion
Springdale offers the most efficient and easiest access to the park. You can even walk to Zion from Springdale or take the Springdale Shuttle.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Springdale on our first trip to Zion. It wasn’t cheap, but it was comfortable and had a decent breakfast to fuel our day.
We stayed at La Quinta by Wyndham La Verkin on our second trip. The La Quinta by Wyndham at Zion Park/Springdalethat we would have preferred was sold out, but that was our fault. We didn’t book hotel accommodations for our trip far enough in advance.
We generally like La Quinta when we’re traveling with our dog. They don’t charge extra fees!
Want more options? Use the map below to peruse accommodations near Zion:
What is the best thing to do in Zion National Park?
The best thing to do in Zion National Park is hike the park’s trails. No matter your skill level, there are trails in this park that can scratch that itch for scenic vistas, potential wildlife spotting, and seeing a side of Zion that not everyone does.
The longer the hike, the fewer the people, too, with the exception of Angels Landing.
Even though I’ve been twice now, I bet I’ll be back at Zion soon enough to tick off more of the best hikes at Zion. That monster of a trail I just mentioned is waiting.
Ready for the Best Hikes in Zion National Park?
Your Flight: I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, especially during busy times (e.g. summertime, school breaks), you should use Skyscanner.
To get to Zion, you’ll likely fly into McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. Salt Lake City International Airport in Salt Lake City is the next closest airport. From there, rent a car to get yourself the rest of the way on a Utah road trip.
You can manage using available shuttles once you’re in Springdale, but you’ll need to get to the Utah town, first. Use an aggregator like Priceline or Hotwire for the best deals on car rentals.
Love deals? Subscribe toGoing, formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights, and get them straight to your inbox on a regular basis.
Your Accommodations: When booking accommodations, more often than not I start with Booking.com. They have a loyalty program I like. From there, I’ll typically cross-check with Hotels.com.
Vrbo has become my preferred Airbnb alternative. Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try Hostelworld. Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience on a budget.
Etc.: For general travel goodies outside of hiking gear, visit my Favorite Things page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my Travel Tools page.
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Interested in a road trip after those Zion trails? Check out these posts:
- A Complete Guide to the Bonneville Salt Flats
- Should You See Reno? Yes! Here’s Why
- ET Highway: One of the Strangest Road Trips
- How to Visit Death Valley National Park
