Zion National Park is one of our favorite places to hike in the US. The trails here are about as adventurous, thrilling, scenic and unique as it gets. We love how easy it is to get around the park to access the best easy and hard hikes – and we really like the variety of trails on offer. Hiking in Zion isn’t just about Angels Landing and The Narrows, there’s also a few hidden gems you have to try.
In this guide we show you the 10 hikes you absolutely can’t miss when you visit Zion National Park, based on our experiences. We’re ordering by difficulty from easiest to hardest, so stay tuned until the end for the legendary adventure hikes that attract almost 5 million people to Zion each year. Let’s begin!
Hi, we’re Mark and Kristen Morgan. We left our scientific careers in 2018 to become travel writers and photographers, and since then our expert guides have helped millions of travel planners take better trips. Read more about us.
Why trust us with your Zion hiking plans? We’ve completed almost 20 trails across two trips to Zion in different seasons – including plenty that didn’t make the cut for our list of top 10 must-do’s. As always, we took every photo in this guide.
We spent 6 full days exploring Zion’s trails across two separate visits – 3 days in October 2019 when the park was jam-packed, and another 3 days in December 2021 when we practically had the hikes to ourselves. The contrast was incredible and really showed us how much the experience changes based on when you visit.
Our favorites were The Narrows, Angels Landing and The Subway because they really are completely unique adventures you simply can’t find anywhere else. But we were also blown away by some of the easier trails like Canyon Overlook and Timber Creek Overlook that deliver massive payoffs for minimal effort.
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1. Pa’rus Trail
Trailhead: Zion Visitor Center
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.5 miles roundtrip
Type: Out and back
Elevation Gain: 50 ft
Time: 1-2 hours
Comments: All Trails
Pa’rus Trail is the perfect introduction to hiking in Zion National Park. The flat, paved trail follows the scenic Virgin River between the visitor center and Canyon Junction Bridge, making it accessible for everyone including families with strollers and visitors with mobility challenges. It’s also the only dog-friendly trail in the entire park.
We really enjoyed walking along Pa’rus Trail for its incredible views of the main canyon’s towering walls and the peaceful river setting. It’s an ideal warm-up hike or a relaxing way to end a day of more strenuous adventures. Oh, and here’s an insider tip – Canyon Junction Bridge is one of our favorite sunset photo spots in Zion, so don’t forget your camera on this one.
2. Canyon Overlook Trail
Trailhead: Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
Type: Out and back
Elevation Gain: 170 ft
Time: 45 minutes-1 hour
Comments: All Trails
Canyon Overlook Trail is hands down the best easy hike in Zion National Park. It’s a short but rewarding trail leading to spectacular views from Pine Creek Canyon Overlook, where you can see deep into Zion’s main canyon. Honestly, we think it should be on every first time visitor’s itinerary because it delivers such incredible bang for your buck.
We’ve hiked to Canyon Overlook four times across our two visits to Zion. The trail is fun and engaging with some light scrambling over slickrock, but nothing too challenging. We love watching sunset from the overlook – the way the golden light illuminates the canyon walls is so dramatic and striking. It’s perfect if you want amazing views without tackling the more strenuous summit hikes.
3. Timber Creek Overlook Trail
- Trailhead: E Kolob Canyon Rd
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
- Type: Out and back
- Elevation Gain: 100 ft
- Time: 45 minutes-1 hour
- Comments: All Trails
Timber Creek Overlook Trail is a hidden gem that most visitors to Zion never experience because it’s located in the much quieter Kolob Canyons section of the park. It’s a short, easy and family friendly trail rewarding you with far-reaching views over canyon floors filled with trees and towering red rock formations.
What we love about Timber Creek Overlook Trail is how peaceful it is compared to the main canyon. And honestly, for very little effort you’re treated to some of the most beautiful and expansive views in the entire park. The viewpoint is southeast facing, so we recommend hiking later in the day to see the canyon walls light up. Don’t miss this one if you make the drive over to Kolob Canyons.
4. Emerald Pools Trail
Trailhead: Zion Lodge (shuttle stop #5)
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.2 miles roundtrip
Type: Out and back or loop
Elevation Gain: 400 ft
Time: 2 hours
Comments: All Trails
Emerald Pools Trail is one of the very best family hikes in Zion National Park. It’s a popular trail taking you to three shallow pools and two picturesque waterfalls, each with their own unique character. Lower Emerald Pool has a waterfall you can walk behind and Upper Emerald Pool provides the most dramatic setting. Your teenagers will love this hike because it has an adventurous feel without being dangerous like Angels Landing.
We hiked to all three waterfalls as part of a full loop but you can visit Lower Emerald Pool alone to make the hike easier and more accessible. Unfortunately, the water levels were very low when we visited in December – but the waterfalls will be far more impressive if you visit Zion in spring or early summer. Overall, this is a great all-round hike that’s got something for everyone.
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5. The Watchman Trail
Trailhead: Zion Visitor Center
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.3 miles roundtrip
Type: Out and back
Elevation Gain: 370 ft
Time: 2-3 hours
Comments: All Trails
The Watchman Trail is a hugely popular hike that begins right at the main visitor center. While the trail itself isn’t particularly special – it’s mostly gradual switchbacks through desert terrain – the payoff at the end is superb. The small summit loop provides special views over southern Zion and the town of Springdale below. Trust us, it’s well worth the effort.
We hiked to The Watchman for sunrise and had the entire summit to ourselves, which was amazing. The east-facing viewpoint made it perfect for sunrise photography with dramatic contrasts between highlights and shadows, and we loved watching the first light of day hit the towering red cliffs ahead. Spending a night in our tent at Watchman campground made it easy for us to get up to the summit for sunrise, but it’s also a piece of cake if you’re staying at a hotel in Springdale.
6. Taylor Creek Trail
Trailhead: Taylor Creek
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
Type: Out and back
Elevation Gain: 450 ft
Time: 3 hours
Comments: All Trails
Taylor Creek Trail is perfect for families or couples seeking a quieter Zion hiking experience away from the crowds of the main canyon. Located in Kolob Canyons, this relaxing forest hike takes you alongside a creek for 2.5 miles until reaching the impressive Double Arch Alcove. It’s definitely a hidden gem, so add this one to your hiking itinerary if you’re looking to get off the beaten path.
Criss-crossing the creek kept us entertained throughout the hike, and we were surprised to pass by two photogenic pioneer cabins before reaching the end of the box canyon trail at a massive natural alcove that left us feeling tiny in comparison. Overall, we found Taylor Creek Trail to be engaging but relaxing and peaceful. It was one of the longer hikes we did, but it’s mostly flat or very gradual.
7. Observation Point
Trailhead: East Mesa
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.8 miles roundtrip
Type: Out and back
Elevation Gain: 300 ft
Time: 3-4 hours
Comments: All Trails
Observation Point offers the ultimate viewpoint in Zion National Park – even better than Angels Landing. From the highest accessible point in the park you can actually look down on Angels Landing and see the entire Zion Canyon system spread out below. The East Mesa approach is the only way to reach Observation Point since the main canyon trail from Weeping Rock was closed due to rockfall.
We tried to hike this trail along with Hidden Canyon from the Weeping Rock trailhead without realizing it was closed. It’s the only major hike in Zion we haven’t done ourselves yet, so we have the perfect reason to go back for more adventures. The hike from East Mesa barely has any elevation change, but it’s long and remote so this is a moderately challenging trail. Reaching the trailhead is a bit of a logistical nightmare but the payoff will absolutely be worth it.
Hiking Tip: The access road requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles. Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offers a shuttle service to the trailhead for $5 per person.
8. The Narrows
Trailhead: Temple of Sinawava (shuttle stop #9)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: Up to 9.4 miles roundtrip
Type: Out and back
Elevation Gain: 350 ft
Time: 1-10 hours
Comments: All Trails
Permit: Top down (no permit for bottom up)
The Narrows is an extraordinary adventure unlike anything else in the world. You’ll wade through the Virgin River in ankle, knee or waist-deep water as towering slot canyon walls close in around you. It’s as much swimming and wading as it is hiking, making it one of the unique outdoor experiences you can have. Take it from us, it will be busy near the trailhead but it quickly gets quiet and before long you’ll end up having the whole thing to yourself – and it’s pretty eerie!
Big Springs is the furthest you can go on a bottom up day hike of The Narrows, and it took us 8 hours to complete the full journey. The trail constantly changed as we moved deeper into the canyon – the walls got higher, the water got deeper and the sense of adventure intensified. We consider this our favorite hike in Zion because it’s so completely different from traditional hiking. Waterproof gear and a walking stick are essential.
9. The Subway
Trailhead: Left Fork
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: ~9 miles roundtrip
Type: Out and back
Elevation Gain: ~1,300 ft
Comments: All Trails
Permit: Required
The Subway is Zion’s incredible adventure hike that feels like exploring a lost world. You’ll forge your own path up Left Fork North Creek by scrambling over boulders, climbing steep banks and wading through pools until reaching the famous Subway tunnel formation with its perfect cylindrical shape. Standing next to small pot holes filled with emerald waters inside, we could see the natural tunnel glowing orange under sunlight.
This was true wilderness hiking and we absolutely loved making our own route rather than following a maintained trail. The daily permit limits combined with our December visit meant we only encountered 7 other hikers all day, which added to the sense of discovery and adventure massively. The Subway formation itself was stunning, and even better than we expected for photos. It was a physically demanding trail with a killer climb at the very end, but it’s perfect for strong hikers seeking something special.
10. Angels Landing
Trailhead: The Grotto (shuttle stop #6)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 5.4 miles roundtrip
Type: Out and back
Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft
Comments: All Trails
Permit: Required
Angels Landing is unquestionably the most thrilling adventure hike in Zion National Park. This legendary trail combines a steep climb through Walter’s Wiggles with the famous chain sections that will send your heart rate into the stratosphere. The narrow ridgeline with 1,000 foot drop-offs on both sides is not for the faint of heart.
We’ve hiked Angels Landing twice – once during the day with crowds and once at sunrise when we had the trail completely to ourselves. The sunrise experience was truly magical and honestly we enjoyed it so much more without traffic jams on the chains. Is it worth it? Oh yes, the summit views and overpowering sense of achievement are worth every nerve-wracking moment.
With More Time
Here’s our summary of which hikes we think are worth prioritizing in Zion:
- Families – Pa’rus Trail, Canyon Overlook and Emerald Pools
- Adventure seekers – Angels Landing, The Narrows and The Subway
- Escape the crowds – Taylor Creek, Timber Creek Overlook and Observation Point
- Instagram – Canyon Overlook and The Subway
However, if you have more time, you’re a return visitor or you prefer to get off the beaten path, here a a few more hikes you can consider:
- Weeping Rock Trail – 0.5 miles roundtrip, easy, 40 ft elevation gain, 30 minutes
- Kayenta Trail – 2 miles roundtrip, easy, 150 ft elevation gain, 1 hour (great connector trail)
- Many Pools – 2 miles roundtrip, moderate, 500 ft elevation gain, 2 hours (hidden gem)
- La Verkin Creek to Kolob Arch – 14 miles roundtrip, strenuous, 1,100 ft elevation gain, 7-8 hours
- Scout Lookout – 3.6 miles roundtrip, moderate, 1,100 ft elevation gain, 3 hours (Angels Landing without the chains)
We highly recommend Scout Lookout if you want the Angels Landing experience without the permits and chain sections. Many Pools is a true hidden gem that very few people know about, offering unique geological formations after rainfall.
Wilderness Hikes
You might also consider trying some of Zion’s wilderness trails if you’re a strong hiker, it’s your third or fourth visit or you want to ditch the crowds. You’ll need permits for backpack camping.
Here are the top rated wilderness trails that we would prioritize:
East Rim Trail – Trailheads located at East Entrance to Zion and Zion Pines Cabin. Leads to Observation Point, Deertrap Mountain and Cable Mountain.
West Rim Trail – Can be hiked bottom up or the more popular top down version. Begin at the trailhead near Lava Point off Kolob Terrace Rd, before camping overnight and descending into the main canyon via Angels Landing.
Chinle Trail – Begin at the trailhead on Anasazi Way in Rockville, hike low desert to Coalpits Wash and continue to the campsite before looping on Scoggins Wash and finishing at Coalpits Wash trailhead in Grafton.
Need a campsite in Zion? Take advantage of our exclusive 30 day free trial of The Dyrt PRO to get reservations at sold out campgrounds like Watchman and South. Try it for free today with no strings attached!
Trails Map
Click or touch the map below to activate, zoom in and out, and scroll around. If you’d like to see a bigger version, click the “view larger map” icon in the top right. Or if you’d like to see any specific trails, click the arrow and square icon in the top left.
Map key:
- Orange – Easy trailheads
- Blue – Moderate trailheads
- Purple– Strenuous trailheads
- Yellow – Viewpoints and turnaround points
Key Things To Know
Before you head out on these incredible trails, there are some important things you should know:
Permits – You’ll need permits for Angels Landing, The Subway and top-down Narrows hikes. Apply well in advance as they sell out quickly.
Shuttle System – During peak season (March-October), you must use the free Zion shuttle system to access trails in the main canyon. No private vehicles allowed except in winter.
Flash Flood Risk – Always check flash flood conditions before hiking slot canyons like The Narrows and The Subway. Never hike these trails in threatening weather.
Water and Weather – Desert conditions can be extreme. Always carry plenty of water, especially in summer months when temperatures can exceed 100°F. Check current trail conditions before your visit
Crowds – Main canyon trails can be extremely busy. Consider hiking at sunrise or visiting Zion in winter for a more peaceful experience.
Gear Rentals – You can rent waterproof gear, dry suits, walking sticks and canyoneering equipment in Springdale for water hikes. We used Zion Outfitter and paid around $50 each for hire gear to do The Narrows.
Lodging – Stay in Springdale for the most convenient park access and best amenities. Virgin has unique glamping options, whereas La Verkin and Hurricane offer cheaper alternatives. Here’s our guide on where to stay near Zion.
Best Time To Hike In Zion
The fall months of October and November are the best time to hike in Zion. You’ll benefit from fewer crowds, comfortable hiking temperatures, lower water levels in The Narrows and The Subway, and stunning autumn colors in the canyons. Hotel prices are also more reasonable than peak summer season.
Spring (March-May) offers mild weather and longer days, but the park is prone to flash flooding. Summer (June-August) provides the warmest weather and longest days, but it’s excessively crowded and hot. Winter (December-February) is the quietest time with potential snow adding dramatic beauty, but mornings and evenings are very cold.
We’ve visited Zion in both October and December. October was busier but allowed us to comfortably hike The Narrows. December was incredibly peaceful – we had Angels Landing to ourselves at sunrise, which really was unforgettable.
Zion Hiking Itinerary
Wondering how to piece these hikes together into an efficient Zion itinerary? Here’s how we’d plan different length visits:
Adventure Packed One Day
Morning – Start before dawn with Angels Landing at sunrise (apply for the pre-9:00am permit). Return to Springdale for brunch and to rent waterproof gear.
Afternoon – Hike The Narrows for 3-4 hours. If time permits, drive through the tunnel and hike Canyon Overlook for sunset.
Balanced Two Days
Day 1 – Hike The Narrows to Big Springs (full day adventure). Evening at Watchman Trail for sunset if you have energy.
Day 2 – Angels Landing at sunrise, then Emerald Pools. Drive to East Rim for Observation Point and stop at Canyon Overlook for sunset.
Complete Three Days
Day 1 – Start with Watchman Trail for sunrise, then Pa’rus Trail. Drive over to East Rim for Observation Point and then finish with sunset at Canyon Overlook.
Day 2 – Full day hiking The Narrows to Big Springs with packed lunch, snacks and plenty of fluids.
Day 3 – Angels Landing at sunrise, Emerald Pools, then drive to Kolob Canyons for Taylor Creek and Timber Creek Overlook.
Ultimate Four Days
Day 1 – Start with Watchman Trail for sunrise, then head east to hike Observation Point, Many Pools and Canyon Overlook for sunset.
Day 2 – The Narrows full day to Big Springs.
Day 3 – Angels Landing for sunrise, then Emerald Pools right after. Drive to Kolob Canyons for Taylor Creek and Timber Creek Overlook. There’s also a hidden hike along Taylor Creek’s South Fork if you have time (read our Kolob Canyons hiking guide to learn more).
Day 4 – The Subway bottom up – full day adventure (permit required).
Hiking Permits
Three trails in Zion require advanced permits:
Angels Landing – Required for chain sections. Three daily time slots: before 9:00am, 9:00am to 12:00pm, and after 12:00pm. You can hike to Scout Lookout without permits.
The Subway – Required for both directions. Bottom-up day hiking and top-down canyoneering both need permits.
The Narrows – Required for overnight top-down hiking. Bottom-up day hiking required no permits.
What Do Others Think?
We’ve picked the hikes in this guide based on our opinions and preferences, but don’t just take our word for it!
According to AllTrails, here are the 5 best hiking trails in Zion in order:
- Angels Landing Trail
- Scout Lookout Trail (Angels Landing without the chains)
- The Watchman Trail
- The Narrows to Floating Rock (half way)
- Emerald Pools Trail
And according to TripAdvisor, here are the top 5 hiking trails in Zion in order:
- The Narrows
- Angels Landing
- Canyon Overlook
- Observation Point
- Watchman Trail
Next Steps
We hope our guide to Zion’s unmissable hikes helps you plan an incredible adventure! Have questions about any of these trails? Drop them in the comments below – we respond to every one.
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- 1-5 day Zion itinerary ideas – Find unique ways to see the park.
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Happy hiking,
Mark & Kristen
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Mark and Kristen spent 6 years traveling the world, visiting over 40 countries across 4 continents and more than 30 US states. They created Where Are Those Morgans in 2018 to help others plan the best possible vacations by writing authentic travel and hiking guides based on their real experiences.
Since the arrival of baby Maya in late 2024, Mark and Kristen’s extensive travels have slowed down but they still take plenty of trips. Where Are Those Morgans now helps millions of travelers each year to visit new places and hike new trails through information-packed blog posts and expert travel guidebooks. Read more about Mark and Kristen.