Zion National Park offers a stunning array of hikes that showcase its unique and breathtaking natural beauty. From short, easy nature walks to strenuous summit climbs, there are Zion National Park hikes for every type of adventurer.
Some of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park include the easy Riverside Walk, which follows the Virgin River and offers stunning views of the towering sandstone cliffs; the iconic Angels Landing, a challenging and thrilling hike that rewards those who make it to the summit with unparalleled 360-degree views of the park; and the Narrows, a hike through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon where hikers can wade through the cool waters of the Virgin River and marvel at the towering walls around them.
Other notable hikes include the Emerald Pools, a series of pools and waterfalls that offer a refreshing respite on a hot day; Observation Point, a strenuous but rewarding hike that offers sweeping views of Zion Canyon from a high vantage point; and the Subway, a challenging and technical hike through a stunning slot canyon.
Diving Into Zion National Park Hikes
No matter which hike you choose, you’re sure to be awed by the natural beauty of Zion National Park. So pack your hiking boots and hit the trails – adventure awaits!
Easy Hikes in Zion National Park
Zion National Park isn’t just for experienced hikers and climbers. It also offers a range of easy hikes that are perfect for families, beginners, or anyone looking for a more leisurely way to explore the park’s natural beauty.
These hikes offer stunning views of the park’s sandstone cliffs, canyons, and unique geological formations, all without the need for advanced hiking skills or equipment. Whether you’re looking for a short, easy nature walk or a more challenging hike with a gentle incline, Zion National Park has plenty of options to choose from.
Below are what I consider to be the top five easy hikes to not miss in Zion National Park.
Zion Narrows Riverside Walk
The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk is a relatively easy and popular hike in Zion National Park that takes you along the banks of the Virgin River, through towering canyon walls, and into the beginning of the famous Narrows section of the stunning national park.
This 2.2-mile round-trip hike is accessible for most visitors, including families with children and those with limited mobility, and offers stunning views of the surrounding sandstone cliffs and riparian ecosystem. The hike can be done year-round, although it may be closed during high water periods, and provides a great introduction to the unique and unforgettable scenery of Zion National Park.
Zion Canyon Overlook Trail
The Zion Canyon Overlook is a short but rewarding hike in Zion National Park that provides stunning views of the Zion Canyon from above. This moderately difficult hike covers a distance of just 1-mile round-trip, but involves some steep inclines and narrow ledges, making it suitable for visitors with some level of hiking experience.
The trail takes you through a narrow canyon before opening up to a breathtaking view of Zion Canyon and surrounding peaks. This hike is popular for sunrise or sunset photography and can be done year-round, offering an unforgettable experience of the park’s natural beauty.
Pa’rus Trail
The Pa’rus Trail is an easy and accessible hike in Zion National Park that offers a peaceful stroll along the Virgin River. This 3.5-mile round-trip paved trail is perfect for families with strollers, bikes, or dogs, and offers stunning views of the surrounding canyon walls and the riparian ecosystem along the river.
The trail is accessible year-round and provides a great opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Zion National Park without the need for advanced hiking skills or equipment. So if you’re looking for a relaxing and enjoyable hike in Zion, the Pa’rus Trail is definitely worth a visit!
Lower Emerald Pool Trail
The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is a popular and accessible hike in Zion National Park that takes visitors to a stunning pool and waterfall nestled in the heart of the park’s unique landscape. This easy 1.2-mile round-trip hike is suitable for all ages and skill levels and offers views of the surrounding sandstone cliffs, as well as the lush vegetation that thrives in the cool, misty environment near the waterfall.
The trail is accessible year-round and is a great way to experience the beauty of Zion National Park while enjoying a refreshing dip in the cool pool at the end of the hike. So if you’re looking for a scenic and easy hike with a beautiful payoff, the Lower Emerald Pool Trail is a great choice!
Timber Creek Overlook Trail
The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is a lesser-known but stunning hike in Zion National Park that offers visitors sweeping views of the Kolob Canyons from above. This moderately difficult hike covers a distance of 1.2 miles round-trip, with a steep incline for the first half-mile, making it suitable for visitors with some level of hiking experience.
The trail takes you through a quiet forest before opening up to a breathtaking view of the canyons and surrounding peaks. This hike is less crowded than many of the more popular hikes in Zion, making it a great option for those looking for a quieter and more peaceful experience of the park’s natural beauty. The trail is accessible year-round, but visitors should be aware that winter conditions may require snowshoes or traction devices.
Moderate Hikes in Zion National Park
For hikers who want a bit more of a challenge, Zion National Park offers a range of moderate hikes that offer stunning views and unforgettable experiences. These hikes require a bit more effort and skill than easy hikes, but are still accessible to most hikers with some level of experience.
Moderate hikes in Zion National Park can take you to amazing locations such as hidden waterfalls, high vistas, and beautiful slot canyons, allowing you to explore the park’s natural beauty and unique geology in a deeper and more immersive way.
DEEPER DIVE INTO MODERATE HIKES ➤
Below are what I consider to be the top five moderate hikes to not miss in Zion National Park.
Emerald Pools Trail
The Emerald Pools Trail is a popular and diverse hike in Zion National Park that takes visitors to a series of beautiful pools and waterfalls, surrounded by lush vegetation and towering sandstone cliffs. This moderate 3-mile round-trip hike can be customized to fit different skill levels and interests, with options to visit the Lower, Middle, and Upper pools depending on the desired length and difficulty of the hike.
The trail is accessible year-round and offers visitors a refreshing and scenic respite from the heat and crowds of the more popular hikes in the park. So if you’re looking for a diverse and rewarding hike in Zion National Park, the Emerald Pools Trail is definitely worth a visit!
The Watchman Trail
The Watchman Trail is a moderate and less-crowded hike in Zion National Park that offers visitors stunning views of the park’s iconic Watchman peak and surrounding landscape. This 3.3-mile round-trip hike begins at the visitor center and climbs gently to a high vantage point overlooking the Virgin River and Watchman peak.
The trail offers a quieter and more peaceful hiking experience compared to some of the more popular hikes in the park, making it a great option for those looking for a more serene and immersive nature experience. The trail is accessible year-round, but visitors should be aware that summer temperatures can be hot, and winter conditions may require snowshoes or traction devices.
Observation Point via East Mesa Trail
The Observation Point via East Mesa Trail is a strenuous but highly rewarding hike in Zion National Park that offers visitors unparalleled views of the surrounding canyon landscape. This challenging 8-mile round-trip hike begins at the East Mesa Trailhead and climbs steeply up the mountain, eventually reaching the highest point accessible by trail in Zion National Park.
The trail offers stunning views of the canyon and surrounding peaks, as well as a unique perspective on the park’s natural beauty. This hike is recommended for experienced hikers with a high level of fitness, as it involves a steep incline and exposure to heights. The trail is accessible year-round, but visitors should be aware that summer temperatures can be hot, and winter conditions may require snowshoes or traction devices.
Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail
The Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail is a scenic and less-traveled hike in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park that takes visitors to a picturesque canyon filled with stunning rock formations and unique geological features. This moderately difficult 5.4-mile round-trip hike begins at the trailhead and follows the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek, passing by beautiful waterfalls, rock alcoves, and colorful sandstone cliffs.
The trail offers a unique perspective on the park’s natural beauty and a quieter and more secluded hiking experience compared to some of the more popular hikes in the main section of the park. The trail is accessible year-round, but visitors should be aware that winter conditions may require snowshoes or traction devices.
Kayenta Trail
The Kayenta Trail is a moderate and diverse hike in Zion National Park that takes visitors through some of the most iconic and stunning locations in the park, including the famous Emerald Pools, the towering sandstone cliffs of Zion Canyon, and the unique landscape of the West Rim.
This 3.3-mile round-trip hike can be customized to fit different skill levels and interests, with options to combine with other trails in the area, such as the Upper Emerald Pools or the Angels Landing. The trail offers visitors a chance to explore the park’s natural beauty in a more immersive and varied way, with breathtaking views and diverse scenery around every corner.
The trail is accessible year-round, but visitors should be aware that summer temperatures can be hot, and winter conditions may require snowshoes or traction devices.
Strenuous Hikes in Zion National Park
For the experienced hiker looking for a challenge, Zion National Park offers a range of strenuous hikes that will push your limits and reward you with some of the most spectacular views in the park. These hikes require a high level of physical fitness and skill, as they often involve steep inclines, narrow ledges, and exposure to heights.
However, the effort is well worth it, as you’ll have the chance to explore some of the most iconic and stunning locations in the park, such as Angels Landing or Observation Point.
DEEPER DIVE INTO STRENUOUS HIKES ➤
Below are what I consider to be the top five strenuous hikes to not miss in Zion National Park.
Angels Landing Trail
The Angels Landing Trail is a strenuous and iconic hike in Zion National Park that takes visitors to a high vantage point overlooking Zion Canyon and surrounding peaks. This challenging 5.4-mile round-trip hike involves a steep incline, exposure to heights, and a narrow ridge section with chains for safety, making it suitable only for experienced hikers with a high level of fitness and no fear of heights.
The trail offers breathtaking views of the canyon and surrounding landscape, as well as a thrilling and unforgettable hiking experience. The trail is accessible year-round, but visitors should be aware that summer temperatures can be hot, and winter conditions may require snowshoes or traction devices.
The Narrows (Bottom Up)
The Narrows Bottom Up hike is a unique and unforgettable experience in Zion National Park that takes visitors through the narrowest section of the Zion Canyon, following the Virgin River as it flows through towering sandstone walls. This challenging 9.4-mile round-trip hike involves wading and walking through the river, which can be knee-deep or deeper in some sections, making it suitable only for experienced hikers with a high level of fitness and comfortable with river walking.
The trail offers breathtaking views of the canyon and unique geological formations, as well as a refreshing and immersive way to experience the park’s natural beauty. The trail is accessible year-round, but visitors should be aware that summer temperatures can be hot, and winter conditions may require appropriate gear to stay warm.
Subway Trail
The Subway Trail is a challenging and technical hike in Zion National Park that takes visitors through a unique and stunning slot canyon filled with pools, waterfalls, and unique geological formations. This strenuous 9-mile round-trip hike involves some steep inclines, boulder scrambling, and technical canyoneering skills, making it suitable only for experienced hikers with a high level of fitness and canyoneering experience.
The trail offers breathtaking views of the canyon and the Subway, a unique tunnel-like formation created by the erosion of the rock over time. The trail is accessible only during dry conditions, typically from late May to early October, and requires a permit and appropriate gear for canyoneering. The Subway Trail is a thrilling and unforgettable hiking experience for those with the skills and experience to tackle it.
The Narrows (Top Down)
The Narrows Top Down hike is an epic and challenging adventure in Zion National Park that takes visitors through the entire length of the Zion Canyon, from its high plateau to its narrowest section near the Temple of Sinawava. This strenuous 16-mile hike involves a long day of wading and walking through the river, boulder scrambling, and exposure to the elements, making it suitable only for experienced hikers with a high level of fitness and comfortable with long-distance hiking and river walking.
The trail offers breathtaking views of the canyon, unique geological formations, and diverse ecosystems, as well as a challenging and immersive way to experience the park’s natural beauty. The trail is accessible only during dry conditions, typically from mid-May to early October, and requires a permit and appropriate gear for canyoneering. The Narrows Top Down hike is a thrilling and unforgettable adventure for those with the skills and experience to take it on.
Grotto Trailhead to The West Rim
The Grotto Trailhead to the West Rim hike is a challenging but rewarding trail in Zion National Park that offers visitors stunning views of the Zion Canyon and surrounding peaks from a high vantage point. This 16-mile round-trip hike involves a steep incline and a long, strenuous day of hiking, making it suitable only for experienced hikers with a high level of fitness and endurance.
The trail begins at the Grotto Trailhead and climbs steeply to the West Rim, passing through a diverse and stunning landscape of sandstone cliffs, riparian ecosystems, and alpine forests. The trail offers breathtaking views of the canyon, the Great Basin, and the surrounding peaks, as well as a unique and immersive hiking experience in the heart of the park. The trail is accessible year-round, but visitors should be aware that winter conditions may require snowshoes or traction devices.
Final Thoughts on Zion National Park Hikes
Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise with a wide range of hikes that cater to all levels of experience and fitness. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll along the river, a moderate hike to a scenic overlook, or a challenging adventure through narrow slot canyons, Zion has something for everyone.
The park’s unique and stunning landscape, with its towering sandstone cliffs, lush vegetation, and diverse ecosystems, offers unforgettable views and experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.
So put on your hiking boots, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the wonders of Zion National Park on one of the many amazing hikes available in this breathtakingly beautiful park.