Best Hikes in Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of Utah’s five national parks—a desert landscape full of unique and renowned trails with rare features that attract outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. Whether you're a seasoned hiker seeking challenging climbs or a family looking for scenic walks, there are Zion hiking trails for everyone. This guide highlights the best Zion National Park hikes, including their difficulty, distance, and elevation to help you plan your adventure. Let’s get into it! 

Key Takeaways

• Perhaps the most famous of the Zion hikes, Angels Landing offers unforgettable adventure with its steep and thrilling ascent. It involves a section with chains where hikers hold on for safety.
  
• The Narrows is a breathtaking hike through narrow slot canyons and streams. The streams can be several feet deep at points, allowing for an adventurous wade through their waters, perfect for cooling off during Zion’s hot summers.
  
• Some Zion National Park trails require permits, so plan ahead to secure your spot. Permits can be obtained through the National Park Service website, which is especially important for popular hikes like The Subway and Angels Landing.
  
• The best times to visit Zion are spring and fall when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded. Summer can be scorching hot and crowded, while winter temps drop below freezing. 

Kuhl’s Top Zion National Park Hikes

Thanks to its vast and beautiful desert landscape, Zion offers some of the best hikes in the U.S. From the breathtaking heights of Angel’s Landing to the serene beauty of the Emerald Pools, each trail presents its own charm and challenge. Under each hike, we’ve included the round-trip mileage, which you can always shorten by turning around earlier for out-and-back trails. Here are our 15 most worthwhile Zion National Park trails. 

1. Angel’s Landing Trail

Distance: 5.4 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 1,488 feet

The famous, thrilling Angel’s Landing trail is one of the best Zion hikes. It features steep switchbacks and narrow ridges equipped with chains to hold onto for support. The panoramic views from the summit are more than worth the effort. For these reasons, it landed the #1 spot on our list of best hikes in the U.S.!  

2. The Subway

Distance: 7.2 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet

The Subway is a unique and adventurous trail, making it one of the best hikes in Zion National Park. It features narrow canyons, flowing water, and stunning rock formations. The trail requires navigating through cold water and boulders, making it suitable for experienced hikers. A permit is required for this hike.

3. The Narrows

Distance: Up to 16 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: Variable

The Narrows is a world-famous Zion hike that involves wading and sometimes swimming through the Virgin River as it flows through a deep, narrow canyon. The trail can be customized in length, with the most popular section being the Bottom-Up hike from the Temple of Sinawava.

4. Riverside Walk

Distance: 1.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Minimal

Riverside Walk is a family-friendly trail that follows the Virgin River to the start of The Narrows. It's a paved path suitable for all ages and offers beautiful views of the river and surrounding cliffs.

5. East Rim Trail

Distance: 10.3 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet

The East Rim Trail provides hikers with spectacular views of Zion Canyon and beyond. This challenging hike is best done as a point-to-point trail, starting from the East Entrance and ending at Weeping Rock.

6. West Rim Trail

Distance: 14.5 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet

The West Rim Trail is a long and challenging hike that offers some of the park's most stunning vistas. It can be done as a long all-day hike, but it’s also a great overnight adventure for those interested in Zion backpacking. 

7. The Watchman Trail

Distance: 3.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 368 feet

The Watchman Trail offers beautiful views of the Watchman Spire and the southern part of Zion Canyon. It’s a great day hike for those seeking a moderate challenge with rewarding views.

8. Emerald Pools Trail

Distance: Up to 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Up to 350 feet

The Emerald Pools Trail features a series of picturesque pools and waterfalls and is one of the best easy hikes in Zion. The trail has three sections—Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools—each varying in difficulty and distance. You can make this hike shorter by only visiting the first pool. 

9. East Mesa Trail

Distance: 9.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 680 feet

Starting at the East Mesa Trailhead, this is one of the less crowded Zion National Park hiking trails. It offers stunning views of Zion Canyon, particularly from Observation Point. It’s a great alternative to the more strenuous trails in the park.

10. Zion Canyon Overlook Trail

Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 163 feet

This short and easy day hike offers incredible views of Zion Canyon, making it one of the quickest yet most rewarding hikes in Zion National Park. 

11. Pa’rus Trail

Distance: 3.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Minimal

The Pa’rus Trail is a paved, accessible trail that follows the Virgin River. It’s perfect for families, cyclists, and those seeking a leisurely walk with beautiful scenery.

12. The Grotto Trail

Distance: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Minimal

The Grotto Trail connects the Zion Lodge with the Grotto Picnic Area. It’s an easy Zion National Park hike that provides pleasant views of the Virgin River and surrounding cliffs.

13. Taylor Creek Trail

Distance: 5 miles 
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 450 feet

Taylor Creek Trail is located in the less-visited Kolob Canyons section of Zion. The hike follows a scenic stream to a double arch alcove, offering a peaceful and picturesque experience.

14. Timber Creek Overlook Trail

Distance: 1.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 250 feet

This short trail in Kolob Canyons provides panoramic views of Timber Creek, Kolob Canyons, and the Pine Valley Mountains. It’s a great option for those looking for a quick, easy option while hiking Zion National Park.

15. Kayenta Trail

Distance: 3.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 150 feet

The Kayenta Trail connects the Grotto to the Emerald Pools Trail, offering beautiful views of the canyon and the Virgin River. It’s suitable for most visitors, making it one of the many great Zion hikes with kids. 

What to Bring on Your Zion National Park Hikes

Before you start packing for your Zion hikes, you’ll need to consider which season you’ll be visiting. In spring, prepare for fluctuating temperatures by dressing in layers. A lightweight, moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer will keep you comfortable. In the summer, the days are long and hot, so we suggest using light-colored, sun-protective clothing to stay cool and prevent sunburn. In fall, expect a mix of summer heat and cooler days, so continue to layer with a focus on flexibility. Winter hiking requires insulated, moisture-wicking layers, a warm jacket, gloves, and shoes with traction for icy trails. Check out our women’s hiking clothing and men’s outdoor wear.

• Water: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the desert environment. During the summer, Zion is extremely hot, so make sure to bring plenty of water. Zion water is not safe to drink, so don’t depend on drinking from any of the park’s natural water sources. 
• Snacks: Bring energy-boosting snacks like nuts, granola bars, and fruit.
• Proper Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or trainers are essential for rocky terrain. Some people opt for sandals or water shoes for the iconic Narrows hike.  
• Clothing: Your Zion wardrobe will vary vastly based on the season, but we always suggest dressing in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions day-to-day. Zion weather can be harsh, especially during winter and summer, so be prepared to dress appropriately based on the time of year you’ll be visiting.
• First Aid Kit: Always be prepared for emergencies. See our first-aid checklist for more details.
• Navigation Tools: A map, compass, or GPS device can help you stay on track, especially if you’re venturing through the backcountry. We also suggest downloading an offline Zion trail map before your trip.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential to protect against the sun, especially during summer months. 
• Backpack: Carry all your essentials in a comfortable backpack. If you’re spending in the Zion backcountry, check out our backpacking checklist.

8 Tips for Hiking in Zion National Park

1. Use the Shuttle System: From early March through November, the free Zion shuttle is the best way to explore Zion Canyon. During these months, you can not drive your car on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
2. Be Prepared for Summer Storms: Monsoon season in Zion runs from July through September, bringing frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Be cautious of flash floods, especially in slot canyons like The Narrows.
3. Beat the Heat: Summer temperatures in Zion can reach up to 115 degrees. Drink at least one gallon of water per person daily and wear sun protection. 
4. Try a Night Hike: Did you know the park never closes? The entrance station has limited hours, but you can enter the park and do any of these Zion trails day or night.
5. Explore Different Park Sections: Zion National Park consists of four main sections, Zion Canyon, East Zion, Kolob Canyon, and Kolob Terrace, each with a distinct terrain. 
6. Stay Informed About the Virgin River: Toxic bacteria can often be detected in the Virgin River. Avoid swimming or submerging your head, and keep your pets on a leash.
7. Permits for Angels Landing: You can hike to Scouts Lookout without a permit, but continuing to Angels Landing requires one. Apply for permits in advance or enter the lottery the day before your hike.
8. Best Time for The Narrows: The best time to hike The Narrows is in summer, but be aware of potential closures due to flash floods or spring runoff. Other seasons will offer fewer crowds but require proper gear to stay warm.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a peaceful nature walk, Zion has a hike for you. Angels Landing and The Narrows are the most unique and well-known Zion hikes, but each of these trails offers stunning landscapes worth exploring. If you want to explore beyond just hiking, there are many other Zion National Park things to do. Remember to respect the natural environment, dress appropriately for the weather, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this incredible national park.

Featured image by:Wirestock Creators