Best Hikes in Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a haven for hikers, offering some of the best trails to suit all experience levels. From gentle walks to challenging treks, we have the best hikes in Zion National Park, that showcase Zion’s breathtaking landscapes, featuring towering sandstone cliffs and hidden canyons, make it a must-visit destination for day hikers.

For beginners, easy trails like the Pa’rus Trail and Riverside Walk provide stunning views with little effort, making them perfect introductions to Zion’s beauty. Those seeking a moderate challenge when visiting Zion National Park will love the Canyon Overlook and Kayenta Trails, which combine manageable climbs with rewarding scenery. For experienced adventurers, famous routes like Angels Landing and The Narrows offer unparalleled views and a sense of accomplishment.

This guide showcases Zion’s best hikes, helping you find the perfect trail to match your time, fitness, and interests. Lace-up your boots and get ready to experience the wonders of Zion National Park!

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Easy Hikes at Zion National Park

Zion National Park features a range of easy hikes that allow visitors of all ages and abilities to take in the park’s stunning scenery. These easy trails are perfect for casual walkers, or anyone looking to enjoy Zion’s beauty without a tough workout.

The trails are well-maintained and relatively short and these hikes are ideal for those with limited time or mobility. Whether following the Virgin River on the Riverside Walk, enjoying the waterfalls on the Lower Emerald Pools Trail, or taking in the panoramic views along the Pa’rus Trail, these routes offer incredible experiences with minimal effort.

Even on these easier trails, Zion’s natural beauty surrounds you. From the gentle trickle of water over rocks to sightings of mule deer and the grandeur of the canyon walls, these hikes provide a memorable way to connect with the wonders of the park.

Pa’rus Trail

• Shuttle Stop: #3 Canyon Junction or #1 The Visitor Center
• Distance: 3.5 mi / 5.6 km roundtrip
• Estimated Time to Hike: 2 hours
• Elevation change: 50 ft / 15 m
• Pets: Yes
• Trailhead location: The trail can be accessed from two locations: the Canyon Junction shuttle stop or farther up the canyon from the visitor center.

This trail is a great choice whether you’re wanting to start off hiking into the canyon or to end your day with a walk before reaching the visitors center. The views are truly breathtaking, showcasing the majestic canyon walls and the river that runs alongside the path. With its paved surface and gentle incline, the trail is easy to navigate and accessible to most visitors.

On my trip, I decided to hop off at stop #3, Canyon Junction, during my return journey and took the scenic stroll back to the visitor center.

Riverside Walk

• Shuttle Stop: #9 Temple of Sinawava
• Distance: 2.2 mi / 3.5 km roundtrip
• Estimated Time to Hike: 1.5 hours
• Elevation change: 57 ft / 17 m
• Pets: No
• Trailhead location: Next to the water filling station and restrooms

The Riverside Walk Zion National Park offers a pleasant and mostly easy walk, with much of it paved, although a few steeper sections add a bit of variety. It also serves as the starting point for those venturing into the Narrows, making it an important route for exploring deeper into the canyon. Even if the Narrows isn’t on your itinerary, the trail is worth experiencing to see how the canyon walls narrow until the river takes over the path.

Accessible year-round, the trail can become muddy after heavy rain, so it’s a good idea to check conditions ahead of time. It’s a popular route, so consider visiting early in the morning or later in the day to enjoy a quieter experience.

Moderate Hikes in Zion National Park

If you’re seeking a hike that offers a challenge without being too strenuous, Zion’s moderate trails are an excellent choice. These routes combine stunning scenery with manageable terrain, providing the perfect mix of adventure and accessibility.

From canyons and sparkling pools to sweeping sandstone views, these trails showcase the incredible variety that makes Zion a must-visit destination. They’re ideal for hikers with some experience or anyone looking to step beyond easier paths.

Trails like the Kayenta Trail and Canyon Overlook offer breathtaking views without the difficulty of more intense hikes like Angels Landing. They’ll get your heart rate up, but the experience feels energizing rather than overwhelming. Whether you’re hiking solo, aiming for a satisfying day trek, or wanting to enjoy Zion’s beauty at a steady pace, these moderate trails are a fantastic option.

Zion Canyon Overlook Trail

• Hike Location: You will need a car to do this hike, as the car park for the trailhead is located on the other side of the tunnel from Zion Canyon.
• Distance: 1 mile / 1.6 km roundtrip
• Elevation change: 163 feet / 50 meters
• Estimated Time to Hike: 1 hour
• Trailhead location: It is located on the opposite side of the road from the parking area, right as you exit the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel.
• Pets: Not allowed

This hike is well worth the effort for its one-of-a-kind views of the canyon, providing a perspective that’s unlike any other in the park. Though the trail is a bit uneven and includes some steep spots, it’s fairly short and definitely should not be overlooked, particularly if you have access to a car.

Kayenta Trail

• Shuttle Stop: #6 The Grotto
• Distance: 2 mi / 3.2 km roundtrip
• Estimated Time to Hike: 1.5 hours
• Elevation change: 150 ft / 46 m
• Pets: No
• Trailhead location: Cross the road from the Grotto and you will find signs directing you to the Kayenta Trail.

At present, this trail is the sole access point to the Emerald Pools, as the route from #5 Zion Lodge remains closed due to a damaged bridge. The path is unpaved and follows the edge of the canyon, providing a rugged and adventurous hike. Although parts of the trail are steep and challenging, the breathtaking beauty of the Emerald Pools at the end makes the journey well worth it.

Strenuous Hikes in Zion National Park

Zion’s true gems are found on its more demanding trails. These challenging hikes not only test your endurance but also provide access to some of the park’s most awe-inspiring and rewarding views.

From scaling steep switchbacks to navigating rocky paths or gripping chains along sheer cliffs, Zion’s toughest trails are not for the faint-hearted. Yet, the effort is well worth it, offering panoramic canyon views, secluded landscapes, and an incredible sense of achievement at the journey’s end.

Proper preparation is essential with sturdy footwear, ample water, and good physical fitness are must-haves. For those ready to embrace the challenge, the experience is unparalleled. Whether it’s the famous Angels Landing with its thrilling ridge walk or wading through the Virgin River in the Narrows, Zion’s strenuous hikes deliver unforgettable adventures.

The Narrows

• Shuttle Stop: # Temple of Sinawava
• Distance: up to 9.4 mi / up to 15.1 km roundtrip
• Estimated Time to Hike: up to 8 hours
• Elevation change: 334 ft / 102 m
• Pets: No
• Trailhead location: The trailhead for the Riverside Walk is next to the restrooms and water filling station. When you finish the riverside walk, you will be at the river and here you will enter it to start hiking the Narrrows.

To hike the Narrows, you’ll first need to complete the Riverside Walk. You’ll know you’ve reached the end when the trail meets the river, leaving no more path to follow. Without a permit, you can explore up to 4.7 miles into the Narrows. This can be a full-day adventure or however long you want, with water levels varying from ankle-deep to chest-high along the way.

Proper footwear is essential, and depending on the season, you might need a dry suit. In the summer, quick-drying clothes should suffice due to warmer temperatures. This hike offers a unique experience hiking through the canyon, allowing you to go as far as you like (max 4.7 miles) before turning back. Before starting, always check weather conditions with the park rangers to ensure there is no flash flooding expected.

Angels Landing

• Shuttle Stop: #6 The Grotto
• Distance: 5.4 mi / 8.7 km roundtrip
• Estimated Time to Hike: 4 hours
• Elevation change: 1,488 ft / 453 m
• Pets: No
• Trailhead location: Across the road from the shuttle stop and then cross the footbridge.

Angels Landing is among the park’s most popular hikes and also one of its most challenging, but the incredible views from the summit make it well worth the effort. If you plan to continue beyond Scout Lookout, you’ll need an Angels Landing permit, which was introduced in April 2022 to help manage overcrowding on the trail.

The final 500 meters of the hike, covered by the permit requirement, are a must for those seeking breathtaking views of the valley below. However, if you’re uncomfortable with heights, this may not be the best hike for you.

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