Day Hikes at Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a hiker’s dream, offering trails for every level, from easy walks to challenging adventures. Its stunning landscapes include towering sandstone cliffs and hidden green canyons, making it a must-visit for day hikers with all the possible day hikes at Zion National Park.

Easy trails like the Pa’rus Trail and Riverside Walk are perfect for beginners visiting Zion National Park, offering scenic views with minimal effort. Moderate options, such as the Canyon Overlook and Kayenta Trails, provide a rewarding mix of beauty and challenge. For seasoned hikers, strenuous routes like Angels Landing and The Narrows deliver breathtaking vistas and a true sense of achievement.

This guide highlights Zion’s top hikes for a day trip, helping you choose the perfect trail for your time and fitness level. Pack your gear and get ready to discover the beauty of Zion!

orange slopes and cliffs of a canyon with rocks and bushes on the slopes

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Easy Day Hikes at Zion National Park

Zion offers a variety of easy hikes, perfect for visitors of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy the park’s breathtaking scenery. These trails are great for families, casual hikers, or anyone wanting to take in Zion’s beauty without strenuous effort.

Short, well-maintained, and scenic, Zion’s easy hikes are ideal for those with limited time or mobility concerns. Whether strolling along the Virgin River on the Riverside Walk, admiring waterfalls on the Lower Emerald Pools Trail, or soaking in the views on the Pa’rus Trail, these routes deliver stunning rewards with minimal exertion.

Even on these gentle paths, you’ll feel deeply connected to nature. From the sound of water over rocks to glimpses of mule deer and towering canyon walls, these hikes offer an unforgettable introduction to Zion’s wonders.

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
Trailhead location: The trail can be accessed from two locations: the Canyon Junction shuttle stop or farther up the canyon from the visitor center.
Pets: Yes – It is the only trail in the park where pets are allowed.

This trail is an excellent option, whether you’re venturing deeper into the canyon or returning the way you came. The scenery is absolutely stunning, with incredible views of the canyon walls and the river flowing nearby. The path is paved and mostly flat, making it an easy and accessible choice for all hikers.

During my visit, I got off at stop #3, Canyon Junction, on my way back out of the canyon and enjoyed a peaceful, picturesque walk back to the visitor center.

Riverside Walk

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

The Riverside Walk Zion National Park is an enjoyable and mostly easy walk, with a paved path for much of the way, though there are a few steeper stretches to navigate. It also acts as the gateway to the Narrows, making it a key route for adventurers looking to delve deeper into the canyon. Even if the Narrows isn’t part of your plans, the trail is still worth exploring to witness how the canyon walls gradually close in until the river claims the path’s end.

The hike is generally accessible throughout the year, but after heavy rain, sections can become muddy, so it’s wise to check conditions beforehand. This is quite a busy trail, so try to do either first thing in a morning or towards the end of the day for a more peaceful walk.

Grotto Trail

Shuttle Stop: #6 The Grotto or #5 Zion Lodge
Distance: 0.5 mile / 0.8 km one way
Elevation change: 35 feet / 11 meters
Estimated Time to Hike: 15 minutes
Pets: None allowed
Trailhead location: You can access the trail either from The Grotto, starting behind the historic building and heading toward the visitor center, or from the area behind the shuttle stop at Zion Lodge.

The Grotto Trail is a short, scenic path that connects the Grotto Picnic Area with Zion Lodge, making it an excellent choice for a quick and easy hike. For those seeking a longer adventure, the trail can be combined with the Kayenta Trail, Sand Bench Trail, or even the Pa’rus Trail for a more extensive route back to the visitor center.

Hiking this trail at dusk is especially memorable. During my walk, I came across mule deer grazing quietly along the way. After finishing the Grotto Trail, I opted to take the shuttle to stop #3, Canyon Junction, and enjoyed a peaceful 1.75-mile stroll from there to the visitor center on the Pa’rus Trail.

Weeping Rock Trail * Currently Closed due to a Rockslide *

Shuttle Stop: #7 Weeping Rock
Distance: 0.4 mi / 0.6 km roundtrip
Elevation change: 98 ft / 30 m
Estimated Time to Hike: 30 mins
Pets: No
Trailhead location: From the shuttle stop and parking lot, look for the bridge and cross it.

The Weeping Rock Trail offers a short, scenic hike that leads you to the impressive canyon walls. After a rainstorm, you might witness a stunning waterfall, while in drier weather, gentle trickles of water continue to flow from the cliffs. Surrounded by vibrant greenery, this peaceful spot is an ideal place to enjoy a moment of tranquility in nature.

Moderate Day Hikes in Zion National Park

For those looking for a hike that’s challenging but not overly demanding, Zion’s moderate trails strike the perfect balance. These paths blend captivating landscapes with accessible terrain, offering just the right amount of adventure without venturing into the park’s most grueling routes.

From canyons and shimmering pools to expansive sandstone views, these trails highlight the stunning diversity that makes Zion so famous. They’re well-suited for hikers with some experience or anyone ready to go beyond the shorter, easier strolls.

Options like the Kayenta Trail and Canyon Overlook deliver awe-inspiring views without the intensity of hikes like Angels Landing. You’ll get your heart pumping, but the effort feels invigorating rather than exhausting. Whether you’re exploring with family, seeking a rewarding day hike, or simply wanting to take in Zion’s beauty at a comfortable pace, these moderate trails are an excellent choice.

Emerald Pools Trail (Upper and Lower)

Shuttle Stop: #6 The Grotto (Access is no longer possible at #5 Zion Lodge, due to damage to the bridge)
Distance: 3 mi / 4.8 km roundtrip
Elevation change: 200 ft / 61 m
Estimated Time to Hike: 2 hours
Pets: No
Trailhead location: On the other side of the road to the Grotto, you will see signs for the Kayenta Trail, follow this to get to the Emerald Pools Trail.

The Lower Emerald Pools hike is classed as an easy hike, though if you plan on hiking to the Upper Pools, this is classed as a moderate hike due to the elevation change. However, due to bridge damage at Zion Lodge, the usual access point is currently closed. To reach the pools, you’ll need to begin your hike on the Kayenta Trail from the Grotto, which adds some distance compared to the original route, making all of this hike a moderate hike rather than easy hike.

This scenic trail leads you to the Lower and Upper Emerald Pools, where rainfall may create waterfalls that tumble into the pools, creating a beautiful spectacle. The pools are well worth the effort, particularly the upper pool, where the views overlooking the valley are truly breathtaking. Swimming in the pools is prohibited, and depending on the season, the water levels may be quite low.

Kayenta Trail

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

Currently, this trail is the only way to access the Emerald Pools, as the route from #5 Zion Lodge is no longer open. The path is unpaved and winds close to the canyon’s edge, offering a rugged hiking experience. While sections of the trail can be steep and demanding, the reward of reaching the stunning Emerald Pools makes the effort worthwhile.

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
Pets: Not allowed
Trailhead location: You’ll find it across the road from the parking area, just after you exit the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel.

The hike is highly rewarding, offering unique canyon views that can’t be found elsewhere in the park. While the trail is somewhat uneven and features a few steep sections, it’s relatively short and should not be missed, especially if you have a car at your disposal.

Strenuous Day Hikes in Zion National Park

Zion’s most breathtaking experiences await on its more challenging trails. These strenuous day hikes in Zion push your limits while granting access to some of the park’s most stunning and rewarding views.

Whether it’s tackling steep switchbacks, navigating rugged terrain, or gripping chains along sheer cliffs, Zion’s most difficult trails are not for the faint of heart. However, the effort is rewarded with sweeping canyon panoramas, hidden landscapes, and an immense sense of accomplishment at the finish.

Preparation is key with sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and some physical fitness are essential. For those up to the task, the adventure is unmatched. From the famous Angels Landing with its heart-pounding ridge walk to the Narrows where you trek through the Virgin River, Zion’s challenging hikes promise unforgettable memories.

Angels Landing

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

Angels Landing is one of the most renowned hikes in the park, offering a thrilling challenge and rewarding hikers with spectacular views from the top. To proceed beyond Scout Lookout, you’ll need an Angels Landing permit, a system introduced in April 2022 to address overcrowding on the trail.

The last 500 meters, which require the permit, provide unmatched views of the valley and are well worth the effort. However, the final part of this hike is not recommended for those who have a fear of heights.

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
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.
Pets: No

To explore the Narrows, you’ll first need to complete the Riverside Walk. The trail ends where it meets the river, signaling the start of your Narrows adventure. Without a permit, you can venture up to 4.7 miles into the canyon, which can easily turn into a full-day excursion. Water levels along the way can range from ankle-deep to chest-high, adding to the challenge and excitement.

Wearing the right footwear is crucial, and depending on the season, you might also need a dry suit. During summer, quick-drying clothing is usually sufficient due to the warmer weather. This famous canyon hike lets you decide how far to go, up to the 4.7-mile limit, before heading back. Always consult with park rangers about weather conditions beforehand to avoid the risk of flash flooding.

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