Zion National Park is known for its stunning natural beauty, with towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and crystal-clear streams. For experienced hikers who are up for a challenge, Zion offers a variety of strenuous hikes that take you deep into the heart of this incredible landscape. If you’re looking for solid hikes in Zion National Park, look no further.
From the adrenaline-pumping Angels Landing Trail to the awe-inspiring views of the Narrows Top Down Hike, these hikes are not for the faint of heart but are well worth the effort for those who are up for the challenge.
Extensive Hiking Options in Zion
Strenuous hikes in Zion National Park require a high level of fitness and experience, as they often involve steep inclines, rocky terrain, and other challenging conditions. However, the rewards for completing these hikes are many, including breathtaking views, unique perspectives of the park’s natural beauty, and a sense of accomplishment that comes from tackling one of the country’s most challenging trails.
If you’re an experienced hiker who is up for the challenge, Zion National Park’s strenuous hikes are sure to offer an unforgettable experience. These hikes are a great way to push yourself to your limits while experiencing the stunning beauty of this national park up close. So lace up your boots, pack your water and snacks, and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime in one of the most beautiful natural settings in the world.
Our Recommended Strenuous Hikes in Zion National Park
In addition to these options, there are several other strenuous hikes in Zion National Park that offer visitors a chance to experience once-in-a-lifetime stunning natural beauty. These include Angels Landing, The Subway, The Narrows, and more.
Below are my top five recommended strenuous hikes in Zion National Park.
Angels Landing Trail
The Angels Landing Trail is one of the most iconic and thrilling hikes in Zion National Park. This strenuous hike is not for the faint of heart, as it involves a steep climb up a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides. Here is some key information about this incredible hike:
Fast Facts
- Hike Distance: The Angels Landing Trail is a 5.4-mile round-trip hike.
- Time To Complete: The hike typically takes around 4-5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the scenery.
- Total Elevation Gain: The Angels Landing Trail gains approximately 1,500 feet in elevation.
- Hike Type: The Angels Landing Trail 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 series of switchbacks, known as Walter’s Wiggles, before ascending up a narrow ridge with chains for handholds to the summit. The final ascent is the most thrilling and challenging part of the hike, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
From the summit, hikers can take in panoramic views of Zion National Park, including the winding Virgin River, the towering sandstone cliffs, and the stunning red rock formations.
The Angels Landing Trail is not for everyone, as it requires a high level of fitness and comfort with heights. However, for those who are up for the challenge, this hike is sure to be an unforgettable experience. With breathtaking views, thrilling terrain, and a sense of accomplishment that comes from completing one of the country’s most challenging hikes, the Angels Landing Trail is a must-do for experienced hikers visiting Zion National Park.
The Narrows (Bottom Up)
The Narrows Bottom Up Trail is one of the most popular and unique hikes in Zion National Park. The trail follows the Virgin River, allowing hikers to wade through the river while surrounded by towering canyon walls. Here is some key information about this incredible hike:
Fast Facts
- Hike Distance: The Narrows Bottom Up Trail is a 9.4-mile round-trip hike.
- Time To Complete: The hike typically takes around 8-10 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the scenery.
- Total Elevation Gain: The Narrows Bottom Up Trail gains approximately 334 feet in elevation.
- Hike Type: The Narrows Bottom Up Trail 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 Temple of Sinawava and takes hikers through the Virgin River, where you will hike in the river, with water levels ranging from ankle to waist-deep. The river is surrounded by towering canyon walls that rise over 1,000 feet high, making for an awe-inspiring and unique hiking experience. The Narrows Bottom Up Trail is best hiked during the warmer months, as the water can be quite chilly during other times of the year.
The Narrows Bottom Up Trail is a popular hike for both experienced hikers and families. The hike is not technically challenging but requires a high level of fitness, comfort with water, and a sense of adventure. With breathtaking views, stunning scenery, and a unique hiking experience that you won’t find anywhere else, the Narrows Bottom Up Trail is a must-do for anyone visiting Zion National Park.
Subway Trail
The Subway Trail is a popular and challenging hike in Zion National Park that takes hikers through a narrow slot canyon that resembles a subway tunnel. This is a technical hike that requires rappelling, route-finding, and a high level of fitness. Here is some key information about this incredible hike:
Fast Facts
- Hike Distance: The Subway Trail is a 9-mile round-trip hike.
- Time To Complete: The hike typically takes around 6-9 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the scenery.
- Total Elevation Gain: The Subway Trail gains approximately 1,000 feet in elevation.
- Hike Type: The Subway Trail is an out-and-back hike, meaning that you will retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
More About This Hike
The Subway Trail starts at the Left Fork Trailhead and takes hikers through a beautiful canyon filled with waterfalls, pools, and stunning scenery. The trail eventually leads to a narrow slot canyon that requires hikers to rappel down waterfalls and navigate through obstacles. The Subway itself is a unique geological formation that resembles a subway tunnel, with smooth walls and a stream running through the bottom.
The Subway Trail is not for everyone, as it requires technical skills and experience. Hikers must have the appropriate gear, including a wetsuit, harness, and ropes, and be comfortable with rappelling and route-finding. However, for experienced hikers who are up for the challenge, this hike is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
With stunning scenery, thrilling terrain, and a sense of accomplishment that comes from completing one of the most challenging hikes in Zion National Park, the Subway Trail is a must-do for those seeking a unique and challenging hiking experience.
The Narrows (Top Down)
The Narrows Top Down Trail is a legendary and strenuous hike in Zion National Park. The trail takes hikers through the narrow and deep canyon of the North Fork of the Virgin River, starting at Chamberlain’s Ranch and ending at the Temple of Sinawava. This hike is a truly unforgettable and unique experience, as it allows hikers to experience the beauty of the Narrows in its entirety. Here is some key information about this incredible hike:
Fast Facts
- Hike Distance: The Narrows Top Down Trail is a 16-mile hike.
- Time To Complete: The hike typically takes around 12-14 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the scenery.
- Total Elevation Gain: The Narrows Top Down Trail gains approximately 1,200 feet in elevation.
- Hike Type: The Narrows Top Down Trail is a point-to-point hike, meaning that hikers will need to arrange transportation to the trailhead and from the trail end.
More About This Hike
The Narrows Top Down Trail is not for the faint of heart, as it requires a high level of fitness and endurance. Hikers will need to wade through the river for much of the hike, with water levels ranging from ankle to chest-deep. The trail takes hikers through some of the most stunning scenery in the park, including towering canyon walls, cascading waterfalls, and peaceful river pools. Along the way, hikers will encounter some challenging obstacles, such as boulder fields and deep pools.
The Narrows Top Down Trail is a bucket list hike for experienced hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who are up for the challenge. This hike requires advanced planning and preparation, as hikers will need to arrange transportation, obtain a permit, and have the appropriate gear, including a drysuit, backpack, and hiking poles.
With breathtaking scenery, thrilling terrain, and a sense of accomplishment that comes from completing one of the most challenging hikes in Zion National Park, the Narrows Top Down Trail is a must-do for those seeking a unique and unforgettable hiking experience.
Grotto Trailhead to The West Rim
The West Rim Trail is a challenging and rewarding hike in Zion National Park that takes hikers through some of the most stunning scenery in the park. The trail starts at the Grotto Trailhead and takes hikers through the high country of Zion, offering incredible views of the surrounding canyons and mountains. Here is some key information about this incredible hike:
Fast Facts
- Hike Distance: The Grotto Trailhead to the West Rim Trail is a 14.4-mile round-trip hike.
- Time To Complete: The hike typically takes around 8-10 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the scenery.
- Total Elevation Gain: The Grotto Trailhead to the West Rim Trail gains approximately 2,755 feet in elevation.
- Hike Type: The Grotto Trailhead to the West Rim Trail is an out-and-back hike, meaning that you will retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
More About This Hike
The Grotto Trailhead to the West Rim Trail is a challenging hike that requires a high level of fitness and endurance. Hikers will climb steep switchbacks and navigate through rocky terrain, but the incredible views along the way are well worth the effort.
The trail takes hikers through some of the most stunning scenery in the park, including sweeping vistas of Zion Canyon and distant mountain ranges. Along the way, hikers will encounter stunning rock formations, towering cliffs, and vibrant wildflowers.
The Grotto Trailhead to the West Rim Trail is a must-do for experienced hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who are up for the challenge. This hike requires advanced planning and preparation, as hikers will need to have the appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, and sunscreen.
With breathtaking scenery, challenging terrain, and a sense of accomplishment that comes from completing one of the most challenging hikes in Zion National Park, the Grotto Trailhead to the West Rim Trail is an unforgettable hike.
Final Thoughts: Strenuous Hikes in Zion National Park
Zion National Park offers some of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the country, attracting experienced hikers and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.
With breathtaking scenery, thrilling terrain, and a sense of accomplishment that comes from completing one of the most challenging hikes in Zion National Park, these hikes are a must-do for those seeking a unique and unforgettable hiking experience. From the iconic Angels Landing Trail to the incredible Narrows Top Down Trail, these strenuous hikes offer a variety of challenges and rewards.
While these hikes require advanced planning and preparation, including obtaining permits and having the appropriate gear, the payoff is well worth the effort. Hikers will encounter stunning rock formations, towering cliffs, and cascading waterfalls, all set against the backdrop of the dramatic Zion landscape.
Whether you’re seeking a challenging day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, Zion National Park has something for everyone. So pack your hiking boots, grab your gear, and get ready to experience some of the most unforgettable hikes in the world.