The Ultimate List of Hikes in Zion National Park

Welcome to Zion National Park, a hiker's paradise filled with breathtaking views and unforgettable adventures. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner explorer, Zion provides a range of trails suitable for all levels. Get ready to lace up your hiking boots and embark on an unforgettable journey through this stunning natural wonder.

All the hikes that I will be suggesting below are located in Zion Canyon.

GETTING AROUND: The park's shuttle is your best friend and it's very easy to use. Getting to the park early is always a good idea so you can secure parking at the visitor's center.

To see how I spent a long weekend in Zion and Bryce Canyon, read my last blog.

Before you plan your trip or hike any trails, it's important to check out any trail updates on the park's website. It is common for trails to be temporarily closed due to weather. 

  • View Park Updates here

MUST HAVES

Here is everything I needed when hiking in Zion National Park!

  • BOOTS
    • These Columbia boots are my absolute favorite boots on long hikes. They are grippy in slippery situations and waterproof. They are also great in colder weather because I am able to wear thicker socks.
    • These are the boots I wore for this trip and they were perfect. Even though they are my second favorite pair of hiking boots, they worked perfect for this trip because they are breathable yet waterproof. I have noticed I am not able to wear very thick socks with these, which is why I usually only wear these in the summer months. These are also grippy for slippery situations.
  • WADING SHOES FOR THE NARROWS
    • The shoes I wore are a closed toed water sandal. Although they worked fine for me, small rocks did get into them as I was wading through the water. I am still linking them because I wear them EVERYWHERE and they are my favorite sandal to do pretty much anything else in.
    • I did not wear these, but based on what I know, these seem like they would be great for the narrows
  • HAT
    • Hats are a must. I pretty much always have one in my backpack. Especially when you're high in altitude, you want to make sure your skin and face is protected.
  • BACKPACK
    • This one is pretty self explanatory. I carry everything I need for a long hike in here. Water, food, hat, hiking sticks, etc. An important thing to do when you buy a hiking pack pack, is to make sure you're not getting anything too heavy or bulky. You'll be carrying this on your pack for several hours.. you don't want anything weighing you down! Also, straps are very helpful! I didn't think they were a big deal, but once you've been hiking for several hours, it really helps relieve some pressure off your shoulders 
  • WATER
    • Making sure that you pack a lot of water when you go hiking can definitely make or break your trip. I have made the mistake of not packing enough water and I was pretty miserable the entire time. I also quickly learned that sticking 6 water bottles in your backpack will weigh you down and also make your trip miserable. I bought one of these a few years ago and they are amazing! You can buy a special backpack for them, but I find that sticking this in my regular hiking backpack works great. Plus, I still have room for snacks and other things I want to bring!
  • PANTS
    • The pants you wear are important on long hikes. You want to make sure you have something that will keep you warm if its cool, but also will let you breath. You will be working up a sweat even if it is cooler outside! Here are some of my favorite hiking pants and shorts:
  • Hiking Stick
    • You definitely want a hiking stick for the Narrows and I also used it a bit on Observation Point. You will regret not bringing one, so don't make that mistake! 

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EASY

RIVERSIDE WALK

DISTANCE - 2.2 miles roundtrip

SHUTTLE STOP - #9 (Temple of Sinawava)

DESCRIPTION - This is a very simple, paved hike that will take you about an hour and a half to complete. This is a good hike if you just want to ease into the day with some great views of water and red canyons. You also get a glimpse of what the Narrows is like. If you're planning on doing the Narrows, you have to walk this trail to get to the Narrows.

MODERATE

THE EMERALD POOL TRAILS

Unfortunately, these trails were all closed when we visited the park in 2018. I have heard tremendous things about them, so even though I didn't get to experience it, I think you should!

There are 3 pool trails, one right after the other, starting with the lower. The lower pool is the easiest part of the trip, and each pool gets a bit harder as you go on. I suggest you do them all, and not just stop at the lower pool. 

There are two ways to do the Emerald Pool Trails.

    1. You can take the shuttle to the Grotto, and do the trail via the Kayenta Trail (1.0 mile). This is the most popular way, and the way I will explain below.
    2. You can take the shuttle to the Zion Lodge, and enter the Emerald Pools trail via the Sand Bench Trail. You basically get off this trail right away and cut through on the Middle Upper Pool.

Here is a map of the park to get you a better idea of the two ways. Just zoom in on the first map.

LOWER EMERALD POOL TRAIL

DISTANCE - 1.4 miles (roundtrip)

SHUTTLE STOP - #6 (the Grotto)

DESCRIPTION - This is a paved trail that features a waterfall. It is a very easy trail that is great for all ages because of this, it can get get a little crowded. I suggest continuing on this trail to get to the Middle Emerald Pool.

MIDDLE EMERALD POOL TRAIL

DISTANCE - 2.2 miles (roundtrip)

SHUTTLE STOP - #6 (the Grotto)

DESCRIPTION - This part of the Emerald Pool trail is unpaved and features moderate drop-offs. This part of the hike is moderately challenging with an elevation gain of 150 feet.

UPPER EMERALD POOL TRAIL

DISTANCE - 3.0 miles (roundtrip)

SHUTTLE STOP - #6 (the Grotto)

DESCRIPTION - This part of the hike is the toughest of it, with 350 feet in elevation gain but it will reward you with stunning scenery. 

CANYON OVERLOOK TRAIL

DISTANCE - 1 mile (roundtrip)

LOCATION - Zion Mount Carmel Tunnel (East Entrance)

DESCRIPTION - This hike has such a great view of Zion Canyon. I highly recommend this one as it is pretty easy and quick. We went there later in the day (on our way back from Bryce Canyon), so there was not a lot of people. Parking is limited here, so thing can get crowded quickly. 

STRENUOUS

ANGELS LANDING

DISTANCE - 5.4 miles (roundtrip)

SHUTTLE STOP - #6 (the Grotto)

DESCRIPTION - I have not personally done this hike, instead I opted for Observation Point. However, Angels Landing is one of the most popular hikes in the park. From what I've read, it starts off its first few miles paved, then you will enter a series of 21 switchbacks up the mountain. Once you reach the top of Angel's Landing, there are chains and rungs that lead you out onto an amazing view 1500 feet above Zion Canyon. This is a technical hike with steep drop-offs and it's best not to do it when it's wet out. Not only is this hike physically challenging, but it's also mentally challenging. If I go back to Zion, I definitely want to try this hike. All reviews I've read are incredible. 

**You must have a permit to do this trail. Ranger can and will ask you for your permit at any point during this hike. It is simple to get one, so don't let that scare you. Here is the link to get your permit.

OBSERVATION POINT

DISTANCE - 7 miles (out and back)

SHUTTLE STOP - #7 (Weeping Rock)

DESCRIPTION - I did this hike in 2018, and unfortunately this trail is permanently closed due to a major rockfall. From my research, there are no plans to reopen. This is very sad to hear. This was by far the best hike I have ever done. Because of this, I still think it deserves a spot on this blog.

One thing to note is that there are multiple ways to enter this hike. The description below is from the East Rim, which is the most popular.

We opted for Observation Point when we were in Zion. This is because we weren't sure of the chains and rungs Angels Landing had to offer, not because it would be any easier. This may surprise you, but Observation Point is significantly higher in elevation than Angels Landing. I remember being at the top of Observation Point and looking down at the tiny people on Angels Landing. While Angels Landing is 1500 feet in elevation, Observation Point is 2500.

As soon as you start the hike, you immediately start on the switchbacks and gaining elevation. Although you are climbing uphill the entire way, I never really felt exhausted. The switchbacks help ease the climb.

THE NARROWS

DISTANCE - 9.4 miles (roundtrip)

SHUTTLE STOP - #9 (Temple of Sinawava)

DESCRIPTION - Prepare to get your feet wet as you hike through the iconic Narrows, a slot canyon with walls reaching up to 1,000 feet high. This trail follows the Virgin River, offering a one-of-a-kind experience as you wade through the water and marvel at the towering cliffs above. 

Along with Angels Landing, this is also one of the most popular trails in the park. You will spend majority of the hike wading through the water in the canyon. It is so much fun and there is so much to look at. We went in September, and I remember the water being pretty chilly when I first got in. Don't let it stop you though! Power through and you'll get used to the water.

You want to make sure you don't do this hike when there is a chance of rain! This is very important. Water can easily come rushing through the canyon and you don't want to be caught in that. There have been many search and rescues in the Narrows. 

To do this hike, you need to walk 1 mile on the Riverside Walk before getting to the Narrows. From there, it will be pretty obvious as to where you should be getting in the water at. We took some breaks to get lunch and take in the views. I didn't think the hike itself was hard, but you do need to have good balance. You cannot see what is below you, so a hiking stick is extremely helpful. 


 

LASTLY,

I hope this blog inspires you to plan your next adventure. Whether it’s to Zion or the many other parks America has to offer, there is so much beauty to discover! Follow along to see where I go next!

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