20 Best Hikes In Zion National Park For 2023

Are you looking for a complete list of the very best hikes in Zion National Park, Utah? Perfect! We’re going to walk you through the top 20 most popular hiking trails in Zion National Park with helpful tips and important permit information so you can begin planning your Zion hiking itinerary today.

Do hikes in Zion live up to expectation?

Oh yes! We have personally hiked almost all of the best Zion National Park trails throughout each of Zion’s 3 regions and we are confident these unique adventure hikes will surpass your expectations.

Here’s what we will show you:

• 3 Zion National Park hiking regions
• Permit information for the most popular Zion hikes
• Zion entrances, fees and passes
• The 20 best hikes in Zion National Park
• 3 day Zion hiking itinerary

Let’s hike the most amazing Zion National Park trails!

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Our Zion Hiking Experience

Why trust us with you hiking plans for Zion?

Because we have personally hiked nearly every trail on our list of 20 best hiking trails in Zion.

During two separate visits lasting 3 full days both times, we have enjoyed ticking off the most popular trails in all three Zion regions.

The only hikes on this list we haven’t hiked are wilderness trails or trails that are closed due to rockfalls.

We have also stayed in Zion Lodge, Watchman Campground, Springdale and La Verkin. So we have a deep understanding of how to plan Zion hiking itineraries based around hotel location.

Zion National Park Hiking Regions

Hiking trails in Zion National Park are spread between 3 different regions:

• 1. Zion Main Canyon
• 2. Kolob Terrace
• 3. Kolob Canyon

Let’s take a quick look at each region:

1. Zion Main Canyon

Main Canyon is by far the busiest region in Zion National Park. This is where you will find Angels Landing and The Narrows, two of the best hikes in the US.

There are also several fantastic family friendly hikes in the main Zion canyon, such as Emerald Pools and Zion Canyon Overlook.

Technically, the main canyon could be further split into Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and East Rim. But we want to keep things simple, so the hikes on East Rim you will find below are labeled as main canyon.

In addition, the town of Springdale with its many hotels and restaurants is located right at Zion main canyon. Zion Lodge is the only official park lodging at Zion and it is located inside main canyon.

If this is going to be your fist time hiking in Zion, we recommend you prioritize hikes in the main canyon.

2. Kolob Terrace

Kolob Terrace is home to popular hike The Subway via Left Fork Trailhead. If you can win a permit for The Subway, we highly recommend hiking this trail over the lesser trails in main canyon.

The Kolob Terrace area also hosts a handful of lesser known or wilderness hikes in Zion.

3. Kolob Canyon

Kolob Canyon hikes are much quieter Zion National Park alternatives. You will find 4 off the beaten path trails with very few hikers in sight.

Timber Creek Overlook is a popular easy Zion hike leading to spectacular views, but you can also hike La Verkin Creek, Taylor Creek Trail and a hidden hike you won’t find on the map.

Each of the 3 regions offer entirely different hiking experiences for visitors to Zion National Park.

What Are The Best Hikes In Zion National Park?

We think The Narrows, Angels Landing, The Subway, Emerald Pools and Zion Canyon Overlook are the best hikes in Zion. They cover the top views, waterfalls and most iconic adventure elements in Zion.

The Narrows is arguably the most popular Zion hike. But Angels Landing and The Subway certainly rival The Narrows for the title of best Zion adventure hike.

These 3 hikes are the reason Zion is one of the top USA national parks.

Emerald Pools and Zion Canyon Overlook are two of the best family friendly Zion hikes. They also have the most bang for your buck with trails leading to serene waterfalls and a dramatic vista respectively.

Which Zion National Park Hikes Need Permits?

Here are the Zion National Park hikes requiring permits:

• Angels Landing (permit and timed reservation as of April 2022)
• The Subway (Bottom up and top down)
• The Narrows (Top down only)

It will come as no surprise to you that the three hikes requiring permits in Zion are the most popular adventure trails.

Over 4 million people visit Zion each year and almost everyone wants to hike these 3 trails.

Angels Landing Permit + Timed Reservation

Angels Landing is the latest hike in Zion to require a permit and timed reservation. There are 3 time slots available to hike Angels Landing each day; before 9:00am, from 9:00am to 12:00pm and after 12:00pm.

This is a pilot permit system which means the National Park Service (NPS) will evaluate how effective it is at providing a better experience for hikers.

Hiking to Scout Lookout is open to all at any time, but in order to hike from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing on the notorious chain section you must win a permit through an advanced or a next day walk in lottery system.

Here are the details and information you need for Angels Landing hiking permits.

The Subway + The Narrows Hiking Permits

The Subway requires a permit whether hiking top down or bottom up. Here are the details and information about The Subway permit.

The Narrows only requires a permit if hiking top down. It is important to remember that day hiking The Narrows bottom up does not require a permit. Here are details and information about permits for The Narrows.

Can Beginners Hike In Zion?

Yes, Zion National Park has more easy hikes for beginners and the entire family than you might expect.

There’s a bit of a misconception with Zion that it is only suitable for experienced hikers looking for adventure and an adrenaline rush.

But there are plenty of flat, fun and easy hiking trails in Zion for all visitors to enjoy.

Here are the most popular easy Zion hikes for beginners to consider:

• Kayenta Trail
• Pa’rus Trail
• Timber Creek Overlook Trail
• The Grotto
• Zion Canyon Overlook

Many of the easier trails in Zion are interconnecting paths between more popular and challenging hikes. This means beginner hikers get close to the more famous trails without actually having to take them on.

Need a hand organizing your visit to Zion?

Our popular 40+ page Zion National Park Guidebook can help you with planning every aspect of your trip.

Zion Canyon Shuttle Bus vs Driving Into Zion Canyon

Over 4 million people visit Zion National Park each year and most of those visitors turn up in the peak months from May to September.

What many don’t realize is that Zion is actually a comparatively small National Park, especially inside the main canyon where the majority play and stay.

The only ways to access Zion main canyon are to take a shuttle, hike into the canyon or drive your own vehicle.

Zion shuttle runs from mid March through the end of November. That means if you are planning to visit Zion in spring, summer or fall you have to take the shuttle to hike Angels Landing and The Narrows.

From December through mid-March visitors can drive personal vehicles into the main Zion canyon.

Here’s more information on shuttle bus schedules at Zion.

Zion Fees, Passes and Entrances

You have to pay to hike in Zion National Park whether you enter at the Main Zion Canyon, Kolob Terrace or Kolob Canyon.

Let’s take a look at fees, passes and entrances to Zion.

How Much Does It Cost To Visit Zion National Park?

Zion entry fees are as follows:

• $35 for a 7 day vehicle permit – Private, non-commercial vehicle for up to 15 passengers.
• $30 for a motorcycle pass – Single, private, non-commercial motorcycle with one passenger.
• $20 for an individual permit – Entering by foot, bicycle, park shuttle bus or private rafting trip.

Zion has the joint highest entry fee to any US national park because it is such as popular tourist destination.

Does America The Beautiful Pass Get You Into Zion?

Yes, you can use your America the Beautiful Pass to get into Zion National Park.

At just $80 for a year, the popular national park pass is perfect for those who plan to visit multiple parks in the next 365 days.

We personally buy a new pass each year and you can read our America the Beautiful Pass guide to see if it worth it for you.

What Is The Best Entrance To Zion National Park?

There are 4 entrances to Zion National Park but only 3 have kiosks at which you pay for entry.

You will pay to enter Zion at south entrance in Springdale, east entrance near Zion Mt Carmel Tunnel and Kolob Canyon.

There is no ticket kiosk on Kolob Terrace Road but there are very few hikes up that way, except The Subway which requires a hiking permit.

Quick Tips for Hiking In Zion National Park

Let’s take a quick look at some of our top tips for hiking in Zion National Park to help with planning your visit:

• Make sure you apply to any hiking permits months in advance.
• If you don’t win and want to to try a next day walk in permit, visit Zion in off season.
• Peak season lasts from May until September.
• Zion is so much quieter and more affordable in Winter.
• Try to stay in Springdale to avoid drives into and out of the park every day.
• Watch for flash flooding in Spring, the NPS will close The Narrows if it is dangerous.
• Kolob Canyon is an excellent alternative if the crowds are too much in the main canyon.
• Hire your waterproof gear the night before to save time in the morning.
• Hiking in Summer months on exposed trails can lead to dangerous conditions.
• Always pack plenty of fluids including water and electrolyte replacements.

Top Zion Tip:

Zion is one of the top vacations spots in the USA so you need to plan accordingly with advanced hotel reservations, hiking permit reservations and even restaurant reservations in peak season.

Can You Hike Angels Landing + The Narrows In One Day?

The answer is yes, you can hike both Angels Landing and The Narrows in one day but you will face several limitations.

The first thing you need to remember is the requirement to win a hiking permit for Angels Landing in advance or as a next day walk in. Angels Landing permits are timed reservations so you need to make sure you apply for either before 9:00am or after 12:00pm.

If you get the permit to hike Angels Landing between 9:00am and 12:00pm you are going to struggle to get into The Narrows on the same day.

The second issue you face is waterproof gear for hiking The Narrows. If you are visiting Zion outside of summer you will need waterproof shoes, socks and pants.

Hiring Waterproofs For Hiking The Narrows

If you visit Zion in summer you only need to worry about winning that Angels Landing permit for early or late in the day.

Fall, winter and spring visitors have two options for hiking both Angels Landing and The Narrows in one day:

• 1. Hike Angels Landing early in the morning and head back to Springdale to hire waterproof gear, then return to the far end of the canyon to hike The Narrows in the afternoon.
• 2. Hire your waterproof gear the night before, hike The Narrows first thing in the morning and return it before heading back into the canyon to hike Angels Landing later in the day.

Either way, you probably won’t be able to make it all the way to Big Springs in The Narrows if you want to hike Angels Landing on the same day.

It took us 8 hours return to reach Big Springs and we were exhausted.

Important – We highly recommend you book a hotel in Springdale so you have easier access to both The Narrows and Angels Landing.

When Is The Best Time To Hike In Zion National Park?

Let’s take a quick look the best time of year for hiking in Zion.

Spring

The spring months of March, April and May are fantastic for hiking in Zion National Park. You will benefit from comfortable temperatures and fewer hikers versus summer.

However, flash floods are common in spring. So if your top priorities are The Narrows and The Subway, you might want to consider visiting Zion at a different time of year.

Summer

The summer months of June, July and August allow visitors to hike Angels Landing and The Narrows in one day easily. Plus, daylight hours are longer so you can fit more trails into one day.

However, Zion is almost unbearably busy in summer. As a result, trails are overcrowded, hotel prices are inflated and restaurants will be fully booked every night. In addition, temperatures can be dangerously high during the day.

Fall

The fall months of September, October and November are the best time to visit Zion National Park. You will benefit from fewer crowds, cheaper hotel rooms, comfortable hiking temperatures, lower water levels in The Narrows and The Subway, as well as stunning Autumnal colors in the canyons.

There are no real downsides to visiting Zion in fall.

Winter

The winter months of December, January and February are excellent for visiting Zion if your main goal is to escape overcrowding on trails and save a significant amount of money at hotels.

We loved our winter visit to Zion but it was bitterly cold in the morning and evening, plus trails can become treacherous when icy.

Not sure when to visit Zion? Read our popular guide on the best time to visit Zion National Park to see when you should plan your trip.

Zion National Park Hiking Map

Would you like to see a map of the best hikes in Zion National Park?

Orientating yourself with the geography and regions of Zion before you arrive will help save time once you are on site in southern Utah.

Here’s a link to our interactive google map of the best Zion National Park hikes.

You will find 23 hikes in total, which is comprised of the 20 major hikes and 3 wilderness hikes you can read about at the end of the guide.

Click or touch the map to activate, scroll around, zoom in and out of each region and get to know the locations of trailheads you might want to visit.

Map key:

• Maroon – Hikes in Kolob Canyon
• Orange – Hikes in Kolob Terrace
• Yellow – Hikes in the Main Zion Canyon
• Blue – Hikes near Zion’s main visitor center in Springdale
• Purple – Hikes east of Zion-Mt Carmel tunnel

Note: Blue, purple and yellow hikes are all in Zion main canyon. We split them up to show how you can cluster hikes together.

20 Best Hikes In Zion National Park

OK, let’s get into the hikes!

We considered splitting Zion up into its 3 regions, but the overwhelming majority of Zion’s top hikes are in the main canyon.

So in the end we decided the most logical way to help you choose which hikes to add to your Zion National Park hiking wishlist was to simply list by trail difficulty.

You will find easy Zion hikes, followed by moderately difficult hikes and the more challenging adventure hikes later in the guide.

1. Kayenta Trail (Main Canyon)

• Trail Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back / Interconnecting
• Elevation Gain: 150 ft
• Trailhead: Grotto Trailhead – Shuttle stop #6
• Recent Comments: AllTrails

Kayenta Trail is the perfect easy going Zion hike to kick things off. This is a classic interconnecting trail in the main canyon which transports hikers to more challenging hikes along the banks of the Virgin River.

Starting at shuttle stop # 6 – or The Grotto – you will cross a bridge and immediately reach a fork in the path.

• Right leads to Scout Lookout and Angels Landing via West Rim Trail, whereas left follows Kayenta Trail for 0.8 miles until it reaches a fork near Lower Emerald Pools.
• Left leads you to Lower Emerald Pool, but the right would lead you up toward Middle Emerald Pool and Upper Emerald Pool.

Kayenta Trail is typically hiked by families with younger kids as a nice easy stroll, or as a connecting trail between Angels Landing and Emerald Pools.

Note: There are moderate drop offs on this trail to consider if hiking with younger children.

2. Pa’rus Trail (Main Canyon)

• Trail Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Distance: 3.5 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out & back
• Elevation Gain: 50 ft
• Trailhead: Zion main canyon visitor center
• Recent Comments: All Trails

Pa’rus Trail is one of the best easy hikes in Zion National Park. It begins and ends right at the main Zion canyon visitor center and it is a very flat out and back trail.

The beauty of hiking the Pa’rus Trail is being able to follow the Virgin River through the southern part of Zion main canyon with towering canyon walls dramatically flanking each side.

Pa’rus Trail is the most accessible trail in Zion with paved surfaces throughout, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

The trail ends where the road into Zion canyon begins at Canyon Junction Bridge. You can either turn around and hike back, take a shuttle bus into the canyon or take a shuttle back to the visitor center.

Are you visiting Zion with your dog?

Pa’rus Trail is the only hike in Zion you can take your dog for a walk, but pets must be leashed at all times. Watch out for cyclists when hiking, this trail is open to all.

Are you into photography?

Look back at Pa’rus Trail from Canyon Junction Bridge for an iconic Zion sunset location. Don’t forget your camera!

Want to hike Pa’rus Trail? Read our complete guide to hiking Pa’rus Trail in Zion here for more information.

3. Riverside Walk (Main Canyon)

• Trail Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Distance: 2.2 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 60 ft
• Trailhead: Temple of Sinawava – Shuttle stop #9
• Recent Comments: All Trails

Riverside Walk is the shortened version of its full trail name – The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk. But please do not confuse this with hiking The Narrows.

Riverside Walk is a very easy and flat paved trail leading from the Temple of Sinawava to the staging area of The Narrows river slot canyon hike.

Don’t want to hike in the river but you want to see what all the fuss is about?

You can hike Riverside Walk with the family to watch others entering and leaving the Virgin River with waterproof gear and poles.

Note: Anyone planning to hike The Narrows has to begin and end with Riverside Walk, adding 2.2 miles onto however far into the slot canyon you go.

4. The Grotto (Main Canyon)

• Trail Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out & back
• Elevation Gain: 40 ft
• Trailhead: Zion Lodge
• Recent Comments: All Trails

The Grotto is another of those easy connecting hikes in Zion National Park perfect for the whole family.

Anyone staying at Zion Lodge can hike The Grotto Trail to Grotto Picnic Area, which is opposite the start of popular Zion hikes to Emerald Pools and Angels Landing.

There’s not much to see on the hike as it runs parallel to the road, but it is the perfect loop connector for Emerald Pools Trail and Kayenta Trail.

Looking for a very short and easy walk to stretch your legs after breakfast at Zion Lodge?

The Grotto is great for blowing the off the cobwebs.

It is just half a mile one way and almost perfectly flat from Zion Lodge to The Grotto Picnic Area. This is typically a busy path between Spring and Fall when Zion Lodge is fully booked.

5. Weeping Rock (Main Canyon)

• Trail Difficulty: Very Easy
• Trail Distance: 0.5 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out & back
• Elevation Gain: 40 ft
• Trailhead: Shuttle stop #7
• Recent Comments: All Trails

Weeping Rock is a very short and easy Zion hiking trail leading to a concave formation with a waterfall plunging overhead, similar to that at Lower Emerald Pool.

Important – Weeping Rock Trailhead is closed indefinitely due to a landslide falling from above. There is no timeframe on when it will reopen. We will update this guide when the trail is cleared.

Before it closed, the short hiking trail to Weeping Rock in Zion National Park was immensely popular.

Fantastic down canyon views over The Great White Throne and seeing one of very few accessible waterfalls in Zion canyon made this the perfect short hike for the whole family.

6. Zion Canyon Overlook (Main Canyon)

• Trail Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out & back
• Elevation Gain: 170 ft
• Trailhead: East Side of Zion Tunnel
• Recent Comments: All Trails

Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is an essential Zion hike, and arguably the very best easy and short hiking trail in the entire national park.

We strongly recommend you include Zion Canyon Overlook in your hiking itinerary for visiting Zion.

This is one of our personal favorite hikes in the park thanks to a fun interpretive trail and truly awesome views over Pine Creek Canyon from the summit.

The best time to hike Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is early in the early morning or late in the afternoon for sunrise or sunset.

One of the best ways to include Canyon Overlook is to hike either on your way into or out of the main Zion canyon area. Be aware that parking for the Canyon Overlook hike is limited.

Want to hike Canyon Overlook? Read our complete guide to hiking Zion Canyon Overlook Trail at sunrise and sunset for details and photos.

7. Timber Creek Overlook Trail (Kolob Canyon)

• Trail Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out & back
• Elevation Gain: 100 ft
• Trailhead: End of E Kolob Canyon Road
• Recent Comments: All Trails

Timber Creek Overlook Trail is the most popular hike in the Kolob Canyon area of Zion National Park. It is short, easy and perfect for the whole family.

For very little effort, you are rewarded with sweeping 270 degree views over Kolob Canyon and Kolob Terrace.

A memorable panorama of rolling forested hills at the base of gigantic orange sandstone mountains make for a special way to end this hike at the Timber Creek Overlook.

If you’re looking for an escape from the main canyon or you have hiked the more famous Zion trails before, Kolob Canyon is your answer.

Want to hike Timber Creek? Read our complete guide to hiking Timber Creek Overlook Trail to see more of the short trail leading to stunning views.

8. Emerald Pools Trail (Main Canyon)

• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Distance: 3.2 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out & back / Loop
• Elevation Gain: 400 ft
• Trailhead: Zion Lodge – Shuttle stop #5
• Recent Comments: All Trails

Emerald Pools Trail is one of the best family hikes in Zion National Park.

The kids will love this trail with three shallow pools, two waterfalls and an adventurous feel without being too dangerous like Angels Landing.

It is important to note you can hike to Lower Emerald Pool along Kayenta Trail (hike # 1 on this list) or from Emerald Pools Trailhead opposite Zion Lodge.

Lower Emerald Pool Trail alone is an easy and accessible hike.

However, hiking difficulty increases to moderately challenging if you include Middle Emerald Pool and / or Upper Emerald Pool. With that said, this entire hike is on the easier end of moderate.

In Spring and early Summer you will see waterfalls cascading down through each of the 3 pools. We think Emerald Pools Trail should be on every first time visitor Zion National Park hiking list.

Want to hike Emerald Pools? Read our full guide to hiking Emerald Pools Trail in Zion for details on how to reach all three pools.

9. Sand Bench Trail (Main Canyon)

• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out & back with loop
• Elevation Gain: 450 ft
• Trailhead: Court of the Patriarchs – Shuttle stop #4
• Recent Comments: All Trails

Sand Bench Trail is a moderately trafficked Zion hike starting at Court of the Patriarchs shuttle stop.

However, you could also hike this trail by starting at Zion Lodge and crossing the Virgin River as though hiking Emerald Pools. Take a left turn and continue along the river bank for a total roundtrip of 7.6 miles.

Sand Bench is a commercial horse trail from March to October, which means you will have to share the trail in peak season.

The major downside to hiking this popular trail in Zion National Park is in its name. Sand Bench is very sandy and you know how hard hiking in deep sand can be!

Despite being popular, we would suggest you steer clear of this hike unless you have already hiked the more famous trails in Zion.

10. Scout Lookout (Main Canyon)

• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Distance: 3.6 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out & back
• Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft
• Trailhead: The Grotto – Shuttle stop #6
• Recent Comments: All Trails

Scout Lookout is a flat staging area at the bottom of the narrow chain section leading to Angels Landing.

First time visitors to Zion who are about to climb Angels Landing give little thought about the trail leading to the chains. But hiking to Scout Lookout is steep and tough going!

After walking through refrigerator canyon and ascending a series of moderately steep switchbacks you will reach a cool undercutting path carved into the side of a cliff.

Suddenly the trail turns left in between two cliffs through a narrow passage. This leads to a long series of very short but steep switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles.

At the top of switchbacks you summit onto a flat and narrow sandy plateau. This is Scout Lookout and it is likely to be packed full of hikers.

Scout Lookout is a great hike even without going onto the Angels Landing chain section. Views are immense from the summit and the steep trail is a great workout.

11. The Watchman Trail (Main Canyon)

• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Distance: 3.3 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out & back
• Elevation Gain: 370 ft
• Trailhead: Zion main canyon visitor center
• Recent Comments: All Trails

Watchman Trail is a very popular hike in Zion National Park beginning at the main visitor center in Springdale.

Pa’rus Trail (hike # 2 in this list) shares a trailhead with Watchman Trail, which makes for two scenic but very different hikes in one.

This is especially important to know in peak season when getting parked up at Zion visitor center can be a real problem. Hike both trails before moving on!

Watchman Trail climbs up behind the visitor center and Watchman campground. Eventually it reaches a very small summit loop with fantastic views over the southern part of Zion and the town of Springdale.

The hike to Watchman Overlook is great any time of day but due to its easy access from town, sunrise and sunset are both wonderful times of day to take this hike on.

We watched sunrise over Zion after hiking Watchman at dawn and highly recommend it to anyone staying in Springdale.

Want to hike Watchman? Read our complete guide to hiking Watchman Trail in Zion for sunrise photos and directions.

12. East Mesa Trail To Observation Point (Main Canyon)

• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Distance: 6.8 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out & back
• Elevation Gain: 300 ft
• Trailhead: East Mesa Trailhead off North Fork Road
• Recent Comments: All Trails

Observation Point is famous for having the most magnificent view over Zion National Park, even better than Angels Landing and Zion Canyon Overlook.

As of early 2023, the only way you can access Observation Point and its astounding view over Zion National Park is by hiking East Mesa Trail.

Observation Point is the highest elevation summit viewpoint in Zion, which means both sunrise and sunset are spectacular from such a commanding position.

Most of East Mesa trail is through ponderosa and juniper forest before reaching East Rim Trail. From the intersection you need to take a short spur trail to reach Observation Point.

You cannot descend into Zion canyon from Observation Point because the trail is closed. You must return to the trailhead on North Fork Road.

Note: High clearance 4×4 vehicles are highly recommended for reaching East Mesa Trailhead. However, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offers a shuttle to the trailhead for $5 per person.

13. Many Pools Trail (Main Canyon)

• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out & back
• Elevation Gain: 500 ft
• Trailhead: Zion – Mt Carmel Hwy near East entrance
• Recent Comments: All Trails

Many Pools is one of the best hikes in Zion National Park remaining in the “hidden gem” category. Very few people know Many Pools even exists, let alone hike it!

Look for a very small roadside parking area half way between Zion Carmel Tunnel and Zion east entrance. Park up and follow the side of the road for a few meters before crossing the road as the trail turns North.

Many Pools Trail is unmaintained but it is easy enough to navigate. It is the perfect family hike with dozens of small eroded pools formed by wind and water over time.

These smooth rounded pools are filled by small waterfalls if timed after rainfall or during snowmelt in the region. It is a very open and exposed trail but bighorn sheep are frequent visitors so don’t forget your camera.

Many Pools is almost guaranteed to be quiet, so it could be the ideal escape once you’ve had enough of overcrowding on hikes in the main Zion canyon during peak season.

14. Middle Fork of Taylor Creek (Kolob Canyon)

• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Distance: 6.0 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out & back
• Elevation Gain: 2,135 ft
• Trailhead: Intermediate hikers, getting away from the crowd
• Recent Comments: All Trails

Taylor Creek Trail is perfect for families or couples seeking a quieter Zion hiking experience. If you look at a map of Kolob Canyon, you can see Taylor Creek split into three fingers in the shape of a trident.

There are no ‘popular’ hikes in the Kolob Canyon area of Zion, but Middle Fork of Taylor Creek is about as busy as it gets here.

Park at the very first parking area after entering Kolob Canyon and hike down to the river. You will cross the river dozens of times as the trail criss-crosses the shallow creek until it reaches its conclusion.

Taylor Creek is a box canyon hike so it dead ends. You will pass by two historic log cabins surrounded by forest and colorful leaves, before climaxing at Double Arch Alcove.

Double Arch Alcove is an enormous and photogenic concave rock formation. It is an unexpected and mightily impressive ending to the hike.

Want to hike Taylor Creek? Read our complete guide to hiking Taylor Creek Trail in Zion to see what you can expect.

15. South Fork Of Taylor Creek (Kolob Canyon)

• Trail Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Distance: ~ 4 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out & back
• Elevation Gain: ~ 500 ft
• Trailhead: Unmarked parking lot 3 miles up E Kolob Canyon Rd
• Recent Comments: All Trails

South Fork of Taylor Creek is a true ‘hidden gem’ hike in Zion National Park. You will not find it on maps or hiking information guides.

Go back to that map where you found Middle Fork of Taylor Creek and this time look at the South Fork. This hike follows the southern fork of Taylor Creek into another box canyon.

We saw a handful of other hikers on both Middle Fork and Timber Creek in Kolob Canyons during our trip to Zion in Winter. But we didn’t see a single person when hiking South Fork of Taylor Creek.

Park at a very obvious lot with vault toilets 3 miles up E Kolob Canyon Rd. It is the second parking lot on the road after entering Kolob Canyon.

Walk to the east side of the lot and cross the road as it curves. Find a rough trail until it reaches a more obvious trail leading east into the trees.

South Fork of Taylor Creek is a fun trail with pink sand and natural wall climbs. It leads to a dead end when towering cliffs on either side eventually join together in a V shape.

16. Angels Landing (Main Canyon)

• Trail Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trail Distance: 5.4 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out & back
• Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft
• Trailhead: The Grotto – Shuttle stop #6
• Recent Comments: All Trails
• Permit Info: NPS website

Angels Landing is the most dangerous but electrifying hike in Zion National Park.

Our fitness watch trackers showed an insanely elevated BPM both on the way up and down the first time we hiked Angels Landing on a busy and hot October afternoon.

The second time we hiked Angels Landing at sunrise in December to beat the crowds. Climbing up to Angels Landing and being the only 2 people up there at sunrise was an unforgettable experience.

Angels Landing hosts Disneyland level crowds daily and as a result has forced the NPS into piloting a long overdue permit system. As frustrating as permits are at National Parks (trust us, we know!) this one is a no brainer.

Hiking Angels Landing in Zion National Park is every bit as terrifying as it is exhilarating. The 1 mile roundtrip climb from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing summit is a hike you won’t forget in a hurry.

Want to hike Angels Landing? Read our in depth guide on exactly what it is like hiking Angels Landing trail in Zion so you know what to expect.

17. Observation Point (Main Canyon)

• Trail Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trail Distance: 8 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out & back
• Elevation Gain: 2,150 ft
• Trailhead: Weeping Rock – Shuttle stop #7
• Recent Comments: All Trails

Observation Point via East Rim Trail is one of the very best hikes in Zion National Park but it is not open as of early 2023.

The sooner this hike to Observation Point opens back up the better, because it would help alleviate some of the overcrowding on other trails like The Narrows and Angels Landing.

Observation Point has the best vista overlooking Zion, but it also has a ‘mini Angels Landing‘ section called Hidden Canyon.

Hidden Canyon is touted as being the perfect warm up before taking on Angels Landing for those who are unsure about how they might respond to a fear of heights and severe drop offs.

Keep an eye on Observation Point Trail before you visit. If it reopens, adventure hikers should add it to the top of their Zion National Park hiking wishlist.

Remember, you can still reach Observation Point by hiking East Mesa Trail (hike # 12 in this guide).

18. The Narrows (Main Canyon)

• Trail Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trail Distance: Up to 9.4 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out & back
• Elevation Gain: 340 ft
• Trailhead: Temple of Sinawava – Shuttle stop #9
• Recent Comments: All Trails
• Top Down Permit Info: NPS website

The Narrows is the most iconic hike in Zion National Park and we have to say the amazing river slot canyon is so much fun.

Wading through water in a narrow slot canyon flanked by two enormous cliff walls is a completely unique experience. The Narrows is the one hike not to be missed on your visit to Zion National Park.

But it is important to understand the distinction between a bottom up day hike and a permit only top down hike. We are referring only to the bottom up day hike which is the most popular and common way to experience The Narrows.

What Can You Expect When Hiking The Narrows?

The Narrows is a strenuous hike whether you do 1 mile or 9.4 miles roundtrip all the way to Big Springs.

The going is slow and unsteady underfoot as you constantly battle for foot placements on stones. Strong river currents add to the difficulty.

We very strongly advise you take a walking pole because you won’t get far without one. You will be submerged to ankles, shins, knees and even waists for most of this hike.

Be aware of flash floods and high water levels. A narrow slot canyon is not where you want to be in a sudden flood.

To reach Big Springs and the end of your permitted bottom up day hike in The Narrows, you will need to navigate large boulders, have good stamina and pass far beyond the famous Wall Street.

We spent around 2 hours completely alone wading through The Narrows, which was one of our most incredible hiking experiences to date.

Want to hike The Narrows? Read our complete guide to day hiking The Narrows bottom up as far as Big Springs in Zion National Park.

19. La Verkin Creek Trail (Kolob Canyon)

• Trail Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trail Distance: 14 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out & back
• Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft
• Trailhead: Lee Pass on E Kolob Canyon Rd
• Recent Comments: All Trails

La Verkin Creek Trail to Kolob Arch is the hardest hike in the Kolob Canyon area of Zion National Park.

We have already mentioned that hiking in Kolob Canyons is a much quieter Zion experience, but hiking the long and challenging La Verkin Creek means your chances of seeing other hikers are even fewer.

Most visitors to Kolob Canyon will go to Timber Creek Overlook and maybe hike Middle Fork of Taylor Creek. That means you can get lost in Zion wilderness and enjoy spectacular views in solitude.

You will pass by Timber Creek and descend gradually into La Verkin Creek. Turn east and head upstream before eventually reaching Kolob Arch.

Kolob Arch is one of the world’s largest natural arches and a fitting end to a fantastic day hike in Zion.

If you do hike La Verkin Creek Trail, it is unlikely you will have chance to hike any other trails, so make sure you can spare a full day on your Zion hiking itinerary.

20. The Subway (Kolob Terrace)

• Trail Difficulty: Strenuous
• Trail Distance: ~ 9 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail: Out & back
• Elevation Gain: ~ 1,300 ft
• Trailhead: Left Fork Trailhead on Kolob Terrace Rd
• Recent Comments: All Trails
• Permit Info: NPS website

The Subway is a permit only Zion wilderness hike that can be navigated either from the bottom up or top down. It is important to know that both require a permit.

You must obtain your permit in advance or as a next day walk in. We picked up a next day permit to hike The Subway bottom up in December 2021 and only saw 7 other hikers all day.

Hiking The Subway bottom up is easier and the more popular method. Whereas hiking The Subway top down requires canyoneering with a handful of rappelling sections and is therefore less traveled.

The Subway bottom up begins at Left Fork Trailhead on Kolob Terrace Road.

Hiking to The Subway requires you to forge your own path over boulders, across stream, up steep banks and through vegetation.

It is one of the most enjoyable hikes we have ever completed and it is certainly one of the most fun things to do in Utah.

The crescendo of beautiful emerald pools and The Subway itself are phenomenal.

Want to hike The Subway? Read our complete guide to day hiking The Subway bottom up in Zion National Park with details on permits and photos of the trail.

Wilderness Hikes In Zion National Park

Do you like to get off the beaten path when visiting national parks? Or maybe you’ve already hiked all of the popular trails in Zion so you want to get lost in the wilderness?

Either way, there are plenty of wilderness trails you can get stuck into across the Zion regions.

Due to the nature of being a wilderness trail, you will have to contend with more challenging logistics to access these hikes and many require camping in wilderness areas.

You will need permits for camping and you can find information on backpacking reservations here.

List Of Zion Wilderness Hikes

Here are some of the top rated wilderness hikes to consider including on your visit to Zion National Park:

1. East Rim Trail – Trailheads located at East Entrance to Zion and near Zion Pines Cabin, connects to Stave Spring. Leads to Observation Point, Deertrap Mountain and Cable Mountain.

2. 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.

3. 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 some motivation for the trails? Don’t miss our inspirational hiking quotes.

3 Day Zion National Park Hiking Itinerary

Let’s take a quick look at examples of how you can link some of the best hikes in Zion National Park together.

This is how we would plan a one, two or three day hiking itinerary for Zion National Park with the experience of two visits.

Easy One Day Zion Hiking Itinerary

Here’s an example of an easy to moderate loop beginning and ending at Zion Lodge lasting just a few hours for a half day Zion hiking itinerary:

• Start at Zion Lodge and take The Grotto Trail to The Grotto Picnic Area.
• Cross the bridge and turn left onto Kayenta Trail, before taking a left at the fork and pass underneath Lower Emerald Pool waterfall.
• Walk back down to Emerald Pools Trailhead and cross the road to Zion Lodge.

To make it a little more challenging, just add in Middle and Upper Emerald Pools.

Challenging One Day Zion Hiking Itinerary

Here’s an example of an action packed one day Zion hiking itinerary starting in Springdale:

• Jump on the first canyon shuttle of the day or drive your car to stop #6 The Grotto.
• Hike to Angels Landing and arrive as close to sunrise as possible.
• Once back down, hike over to see all three Emerald Pools.
• Head over to Riverside Walk and continue to hike The Narrows as far as you feel comfortable.
• Once back to Springdale, drive over to hike Zion Canyon Overlook for sunset.

Ideal Two Day Zion Hiking Itinerary

Two days would allow you to split Angels Landing and The Narrows. You can then add on the ‘best of the rest’ around these trails.

Here’s an example of how you can spend 2 days hiking in Zion:

• Day 1 get an early start and spend the whole day hiking The Narrows.
• Hike The Watchman for sunset back in Springdale.

• Day 2 hike Angels Landing at sunrise.
• Hike Emerald Pools Trail.
• Head east and hike East Mesa to Observation Point.
• Stop at Zion Canyon Overlook trail for sunset.

Three Day Zion Hiking Itinerary

If you have 3 full days free for hiking in Zion and you want to hike the most adventurous trails, we highly recommend you follow days 1 and 2 as above, and apply for a permit to hike The Subway.

The Subway is a unique Zion trail because you don’t follow a set path and you have to carve your own way upstream. The climax is worthy of the effort you put in to reach the end.

Hiking The Subway will take you most of the day, but quicker hikers could still squeeze another easy going trail in back in Springdale afterwards.

If you can’t get a permit for The Subway, spend your third day hiking in Kolob Canyons.

This will be a welcome relief from overcrowding in the main Zion canyon and the hikes are still great fun for the entire family.

Want to see what else you can do in Zion other than hike? Our popular guide on 5 different ways you can plan a one day in Zion National Park itinerary which also covers the best sightseeing spots.

Useful Apps for Hiking In Zion National Park

Most hikes in Zion National Park are crowded and safe to hike without need for hiking apps.

However, we recommend you consider downloading one of the best hiking navigation apps if you are venturing into Zion wilderness.

The Subway Trail has few signposts and people have been known to get lost. You can just follow the river, but it does help to have peace of mind with an app showing you exactly where you are on any trail.

We use two hiking apps to do this: AllTrails and GAIA GPS.

Both apps offer similar features and will allow you to download maps to your phone for offline use. But each app is a little different so will go over the benefits to both.

AllTrails

AllTrails uses a database of trail maps and has a large amount of active users.

What makes this app great is the reviews, tips and current conditions hikers leave about each trail. We always check to see what people are saying about a trail in the lead up to hiking.

AllTrails is a fantastic resource if you want to know what to expect before you hike.

While AllTrails offers a pro membership for $2.50 per month, $69.99 for three years, or $100 a lifetime, we personally only use the basic free membership.

Be aware maps on this app are crowdsourced meaning trails are uploaded by users. For this reason, we have found AllTrails to not always be accurate.

We only use this app for recent reviews so we can prepare for trail conditions.

GAIA GPS

GAIA has become a hiking app we can not live without. What sets GAIA apart for us is the technical detail.

We have used offline maps on our GAIA app for hundreds of hiking trails and have never missed a turn.

This app will record, track, save and share the time and distance of your trip. It will also tell you altitude, current speed, average speed, moving speed, max speed, and pace.

Membership runs $20/year while a premium membership will cost you $40/year.

If you plan to hike in remote places, GAIA will be your best choice for tracking your exact location at all times.

Use our exclusive GAIA GPS 20% discount to get instant access to this awesome hiking navigation app today.

Best Hikes In Zion National Park FAQ’s

Let’s finish with some of the most asked questions about hiking in Zion.

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We hope this guide to the best hikes in Zion National Park helps with planning your Zion hiking itinerary!

Please let us know if you have any questions about the hiking trails in Zion National Park or need help planning your trip in the comments below.

Happy Hiking,

Mark and Kristen

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