Zion National Park in Utah offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. If you’re looking for a bit of a challenge, but not quite ready for the strenuous hikes, moderate hikes might be a good fit. Here are a few of the best hikes in Zion National Park that can be considered “moderate” in difficulty.
Angels Landing is an iconic trail, which is both thrilling and challenging. This 5.4-mile round-trip hike starts out easy but quickly becomes more difficult as it ascends a series of switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles. The trail then traverses a narrow ridgeline with steep drop-offs on either side and ends at a stunning viewpoint with panoramic views.
Ample Hiking Options in Zion
Observation Point is considered one of the most scenic trails in Zion National Park. This 8-mile round-trip hike begins in the Weeping Rock area and ascends the canyon wall through a series of switchbacks. Once at the top, hikers are rewarded with stunning views of the canyon and surrounding landscape.
Hidden Canyon is a hidden gem in Zion National Park. This 3.2-mile round-trip hike takes hikers through a narrow canyon with towering walls and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is moderately difficult, with some steep drop-offs and a bit of scrambling required in some areas.
The West Rim Trail is a 14-mile round-trip hike that offers stunning views of the park’s most iconic features, including Angels Landing and Zion Canyon. The trail starts at the Grotto Trailhead and ascends steeply up to the West Rim, with stunning views of the canyon along the way.
Moderate hikes in Zion National Park offer a great way to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty while challenging yourself and enjoying a bit of adventure. With stunning views, unique rock formations, and lush vegetation, these hikes are a great option for those who are looking to explore one of the most beautiful national parks in the world.
Best Hikes in Zion National Park: Our Moderate Recommendations
In addition to these options, there are several other moderate hikes in Zion National Park. These hikes offer visitors a chance to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty without the need for extensive hiking experience or equipment. These include the Emerald Pools Trail, Watchman Trail, Observation Point Trail, and others.
Below are my top five recommended moderate hikes in Zion National Park.
Emerald Pools Trail
The Emerald Pools Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park, offering visitors a chance to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty up close. This trail is perfect for visitors of all ages and abilities and is a great option for families with children. Here is some key information about this incredible hike:
Fast Facts
- Hike Distance: The Emerald Pools Trail is a 2.3-mile round-trip hike.
- Time To Complete: The hike typically takes around 1-2 hours to complete, depending on how often you stop to take in the scenery.
- Total Elevation Gain: The Emerald Pools Trail gains approximately 200 feet in elevation.
- Hike Type: The Emerald Pools Trail is an out-and-back hike, meaning that you will retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
More About This Hike
The Emerald Pools Trail takes visitors through a verdant canyon with towering canyon walls rising up on either side. The trail is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it a great option for families with children or those who are new to hiking. As you hike, you’ll be surrounded by a variety of plant species, including ferns, mosses, and wildflowers.
At the end of the trail, hikers are rewarded with stunning views of the Emerald Pools, a series of tranquil pools surrounded by lush vegetation and stunning sandstone cliffs. The pools themselves are fed by a waterfall, which adds to the serene and peaceful atmosphere. The Emerald Pools Trail is a great option for visitors who want to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty without the need for extensive hiking experience or equipment.
In addition to the Lower Emerald Pool, the trail also offers a Middle and Upper Emerald Pool option, which requires a bit more effort but offers even more stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Middle Emerald Pool is a moderate hike and takes approximately 30-45 minutes to reach, while the Upper Emerald Pool is a more difficult hike, taking approximately 1-2 hours to complete.
Overall, the Emerald Pools Trail is a must-see hike in Zion National Park, offering visitors a chance to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty up close. With breathtaking views, lush vegetation, and a peaceful atmosphere, this hike is a great option for families, those who are new to hiking, or anyone who wants to take a leisurely stroll through one of the most beautiful national parks in the world.
The Watchman Trail
The Watchman Trail is a moderately challenging hike in Zion National Park, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. This particular trail is a great option for hikers who are looking for a bit of a challenge but are not quite ready for the more strenuous hikes. Here is some key information about this incredible hike:
Fast Facts
- Hike Distance: The Watchman Trail is a 3.3-mile round-trip hike.
- Time To Complete: The hike typically takes around 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the scenery.
- Total Elevation Gain: The Watchman Trail gains approximately 400 feet in elevation.
- Hike Type: The Watchman Trail is an out-and-back hike, meaning that you will retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
More About This Hike
The Watchman Trail takes visitors through a beautiful canyon with towering canyon walls rising up on either side. The trail starts in the heart of Zion Canyon and offers hikers a chance to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty up close. The trail is well-maintained but does require a bit of effort, with some steep switchbacks and rocky terrain.
At the end of the trail, hikers are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including a panoramic view of Zion Canyon and Watchman peak. The trail offers a unique vantage point of the park, with sweeping views of the surrounding desert landscape, lush vegetation, and towering sandstone cliffs.
Overall, the Watchman Trail is a must-see hike in Zion National Park, offering visitors a chance to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty up close. With breathtaking views, unique rock formations, and a peaceful atmosphere, this hike is a great option for hikers who are looking for a bit of a challenge but are not quite ready for the more strenuous hikes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or new to the trails, the Watchman Trail is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Zion National Park.
Observation Point via East Mesa Trail
The Observation Point via East Mesa Trail hike is one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in Zion National Park. The trail takes hikers to one of the highest points in the park, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Here is some key information about this incredible hike:
Fast Facts
- Hike Distance: The Observation Point via East Mesa Trail hike is an 8-mile round-trip hike.
- Time To Complete: The hike typically takes around 5-7 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the scenery.
- Total Elevation Gain: The Observation Point via East Mesa Trail hike gains approximately 2,100 feet in elevation.
- Hike Type: The Observation Point via East Mesa Trail hike is an out-and-back hike, meaning that you will retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
More About This Hike
The trail starts at the East Mesa Trailhead and takes hikers through a variety of landscapes, including lush forests, open meadows, and rocky terrain. The first few miles of the trail are relatively easy, but the trail becomes more challenging as it ascends steeply up the canyon wall. Hikers will need to navigate a series of switchbacks and steep inclines, but the stunning views of the canyon and surrounding landscape make it all worth it.
At the end of the trail, hikers are rewarded with stunning views of Zion Canyon and the surrounding landscape. The Observation Point offers a unique vantage point of the park, with sweeping views of the Virgin River, Watchman peak, and the surrounding canyons. The viewpoint is perched on a narrow ridgeline, offering a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
Overall, the Observation Point via East Mesa Trail hike is a must-see hike in Zion National Park, offering visitors a chance to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty up close. With breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and a peaceful atmosphere, this hike is a great option for experienced hikers who are up for a challenge.
Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself, or simply want to experience one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, the Observation Point via East Mesa Trail hike is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Zion National Park.
Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail
The Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail hike is a beautiful and less-traveled trail in Zion National Park. The trail takes hikers through a lush forest, across a babbling creek, and to two historic cabins. Here is some key information about this incredible hike:
Fast Facts
- Hike Distance: The Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail hike is a 5.4-mile round-trip hike.
- Time To Complete: The hike typically takes around 3-4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the scenery.
- Total Elevation Gain: The Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail hike gains approximately 460 feet in elevation.
- Hike Type: The Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail hike is an out-and-back hike, meaning that you will retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
More About This Hike
The trail starts at the Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trailhead and takes hikers through a dense forest of pines and firs, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Along the trail, hikers will cross over a creek multiple times and may need to navigate some rocky terrain, but the trail is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all levels.
At the end of the trail, hikers are rewarded with stunning views of two historic cabins, the Larson and Fife Cabins. The cabins were built in the early 1900s and offer a glimpse into the early history of the area. The cabins are located in a clearing surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs and lush vegetation, creating a picturesque and peaceful setting.
Overall, the Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail hike is a must-see hike in Zion National Park, offering visitors a chance to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty up close. With breathtaking views, a serene atmosphere, and a unique glimpse into the area’s history, this hike is a great option for hikers who are looking for a less-crowded and more peaceful experience.
Whether you’re looking to get away from the crowds or simply want to experience one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, the Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail hike is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Zion National Park.
Kayenta Trail
The Kayenta Trail hike is a moderate hike in Zion National Park that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail takes hikers through a variety of terrains, including slick rock, sandy washes, and rocky outcroppings. Here is some key information about this incredible hike:
Fast Facts
- Hike Distance: The Kayenta Trail hike is a 2.2-mile round-trip hike.
- Time To Complete: The hike typically takes around 1-2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the scenery.
- Total Elevation Gain: The Kayenta Trail hike gains approximately 150 feet in elevation.
- Hike Type: The Kayenta Trail hike is an out-and-back hike, meaning that you will retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
More About This Hike
The trail starts at the Grotto Trailhead and takes hikers through a beautiful canyon. It offers stunning views of the towering sandstone cliffs that Zion National Park is famous for. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow but does require some effort, with some steep sections and rocky terrain.
At the end of the trail, hikers are rewarded with stunning views of the Emerald Pools. These are a series of pools and waterfalls located in the heart of the park. The pools are a popular destination for hikers and offer a refreshing break after a challenging hike.
Overall, the Kayenta Trail hike is a must-see hike in Zion National Park, offering visitors a chance to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty up close. With breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and a peaceful atmosphere, this hike is a great option for hikers who are looking for a moderate challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or new to the trails, the Kayenta Trail hike is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Zion National Park.
Our Final Thoughts: Moderate Best Hikes in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States. Moderate hikes are a great way to experience the park’s natural beauty up close. From the lush forests of the Lower Emerald Pools Trail to the stunning views of the Watchman Trail, there are plenty of hikes to choose from for hikers of all levels.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or a challenging hike, the moderate hikes in Zion National Park offer a unique opportunity to explore one of the country’s most beautiful national parks. With stunning views, challenging terrain, and a peaceful atmosphere, these hikes are sure to be a highlight of any trip to Zion National Park. So lace up your hiking boots, grab your water bottle, and hit the trails to experience the beauty of Zion firsthand.