Zion National Park is one of the most iconic hiking destinations in the United States, and it’s not hard to see why. From towering red cliffs to winding slot canyons and panoramic overlooks, Zion hikes offer some of the most breathtaking views in the Southwest. The park’s unique mix of geology, dramatic elevation changes and well-marked trails make it a dream for both seasoned hikers and first-time visitors.
This guide is designed to help every type of hiker, whether you’re looking for an easy walk with great views or a full-day adventure through the backcountry. It covers the best hikes in Zion National Park, organized by difficulty, with tips on permits, shuttle access and what to pack. Whether planning a family-friendly stroll, a challenging climb to Angel’s Landing, or an unforgettable journey through the Narrows, this is your go-to resource for hiking Zion National Park.
Ready to explore? Let’s talk about planning your trip and then our top 15 hikes in Zion National Park to help you find the hike that fits your pace, your plans and your sense of adventure.
Planning Your Zion Hiking Adventure: What to Know Before You Go
Whether you’ve been to Zion before or not, it’s always good to lay out a plan and make sure you know all of the basics. Here are a few pieces of information to help you start planning your trip.
Where is Zion National Park?
If you’ve been to the park before, we know you know this already. For all of the first-time visitors, Zion National Park is located in the southwest part of Utah, right outside the town of Springdale. It’s one of the most visited parks in the U.S., and for good reason. The red rock views, narrow slot canyons and epic trail systems make it a top destination for hikers from all over the world.
If you’re flying in, the closest major airports are Las Vegas (about 2.5 hours away) and Salt Lake City (around 4.5 hours). From there, it’s an easy and scenic drive to the park.
Zion Canyon Shuttle System
To protect the park and make access easier, Zion uses a shuttle system for most of the year. From March to November, personal vehicles aren’t allowed inside Zion Canyon, so you’ll need to hop on the shuttle to reach most trailheads.
Shuttles start running at 7 a.m., and the last shuttle of the day changes with the season. So, always double-check the current schedule so you don’t get stuck. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, aim to catch one of the first shuttles in the morning.
Park Entrance Fees
Zion actually charges a $35 per vehicle entrance fee, which covers seven consecutive days in the park. If you’re planning to visit other parks like Bryce Canyon or the Grand Canyon on the same trip, it’s worth looking into the America the Beautiful Pass. It’s $80 for the year and covers entry to all U.S. national parks and federal recreation areas. There are different-priced passes for seniors, military personnel, etc.
Best Time to Visit
Each season offers a different experience in Zion:
- Spring and Fall: These are the best times to hike Zion National Park. The temperatures are mild, the trails are open and the scenery is incredible.
- Summer: Everything’s open, but it’s hot and busy. You’ll want to start early, pack extra water and plan for crowds.
- Winter: Trails are quiet and the views are stunning with a dusting of snow, but ice and weather conditions may close some routes, especially higher elevation hikes.
No matter when you go, a little prep work can make a big difference. With the right timing and a good plan, you’ll be set up to enjoy some of the best Zion hikes the park has to offer.
The 15 Best Hikes in Zion National Park
Zion serves up a trail for every mood! There are slow riverside rambles, family-friendly climbs and bucket-list routes that test both legs and nerves. To keep planning simple, the hikes below are grouped by difficulty.
Skim the easy strolls, check out the moderate crowd‑pleasers or dive straight into the strenuous classics like the famous Zion Narrows hike and West Rim Trail Zion.
Easy Hikes at Zion National Park
1. Riverside Walk:
This flat, shaded and mostly paved trail follows the Virgin River and ends at the start of the famous Narrows hike. It’s a great pick if you want something scenic without a ton of effort, and it’s especially nice on hot days. Keep an eye out for animals like squirrels, mule deer and hanging gardens along the way.
- Trailhead: Temple of Sinawava (Shuttle Stop #9)
- Distance: 2.2 miles round trip
- Time: 1–1.5 hours
- Elevation Gain: 57 ft.
- Scenery Rating: 8/10
2. Lower Emerald Pool Trail:
This short trail takes you to small waterfalls and pools tucked into a shady alcove. It’s a really peaceful walk that’s perfect for families or anyone easing into Zion’s terrain.
- Trailhead: Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop #5)
- Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
- Time: 45 mins.–1 hour
- Elevation Gain: 70 ft.
- Scenery Rating: 7/10
3. Pa’rus Trail:
If you’re looking for something accessible, paved and pet-friendly, this is it. The Pa’rus Trail connects the Visitor Center to Canyon Junction, offering open views of Zion’s cliffs and bridges over the Virgin River. Bikes, strollers and wheelchairs are welcome here. This is the only trail in the park that is pet-friendly.
- Trailhead: Near South Campground and Visitor Center
- Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
- Time: 1–2 hours
- Elevation Gain: 50 ft.
- Scenery Rating: 7/10
Moderate Hikes at Zion National Park
4. Zion Narrows – Bottom-Up Day Hike:
This version of the Narrows starts at the end of Riverside Walk and lets you hike in the Virgin River through a narrow canyon with thousand-foot walls. It’s an out-and-back route, so you can go as far as you feel comfortable. Water levels and flow matter. So, check with the visitor center before heading out. No permit is needed for this bottom-up route.
- Trailhead: Temple of Sinawava (Shuttle Stop #9)
- Distance: Up to 10 miles round trip
- Time: 2–8 hours
- Elevation Gain: 200–300 ft. (gradual)
- Scenery Rating: 9/10
5. Upper Emerald Pool Trail (via Kayenta Trail):
This hike adds on to the Lower and Middle Pools, leading to a dramatic pool tucked beneath towering cliffs. It’s a bit of a climb, but it’s totally worth it for the views. The trail can be a little bit steep and very rocky in spots, so wear good shoes.
- Trailhead: The Grotto (Shuttle Stop #6)
- Distance: 2.8 miles round trip
- Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Elevation Gain: 400 ft.
- Scenery Rating: 8/10
6. Canyon Overlook Trail:
Short hike, big payoff. Canyon Overlook gives you sweeping views without the commitment of a long trek. It’s on the east side of the park and can get a little narrow in places, but there are guardrails where you need them.
- Trailhead: Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, just past the tunnel
- Distance: 1 mile round trip
- Time: 1 hour or less
- Elevation Gain: 160 ft.
- Scenery Rating: 8/10
7. Many Pools Trail:
A quieter option on the east side of the park, Many Pools is more of a “choose your own adventure” hike. You’ll scramble over slickrocks and pass natural potholes that fill with water after rain. It’s a great one for exploring and taking photos.
- Trailhead: Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, 0.9 miles east of the small tunnel
- Distance: 1–3 miles round trip
- Time: 1–2 hours
- Elevation Gain: ~200 ft.
- Scenery Rating: 7/10
8. The Watchman Trail:
This trail winds up to a viewpoint overlooking Springdale and Zion Canyon. It’s less traveled than other trails near the Visitor Center, and especially pretty at sunrise or sunset.
- Trailhead: Zion Canyon Visitor Center
- Distance: 3.3 miles round trip
- Time: 1–2 hours
- Elevation Gain: 360 ft.
- Scenery Rating: 6/10
Difficult Hikes at Zion National Park
9. Angels Landing:
This is the classic Zion adrenaline rush. The trail climbs steeply with narrow sections and chain-assisted handholds right before the summit. It’s not for anyone afraid of heights. You do need a permit to hike Angels Landing to help protect the trail and keep it safe.
- Trailhead: The Grotto (Shuttle Stop #6)
- Distance: 5 miles round trip
- Time: 3–5 hours
- Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft.
- Scenery Rating: 10/10
10. West Rim Trail – Top-Down Route:
This long hike descends all the way into Zion Canyon and starts at Lava Point. It’s a serious day hike with about 15 miles to cover, or you can split it overnight with a permit. The views change constantly, making it worth the effort.
- Trailhead: West Rim Trailhead off Kolob Terrace Road
- Distance: 15 miles one way
- Time: 6–10 hours (day hike) / 8–12 hours (backpacking)
- Elevation Change: 4,400 ft. descent and 1,000+ ft. ascent
- Scenery Rating: 10/10
11. West Rim Trail – Bottom-Up Day Hike:
This route starts at The Grotto and heads upward. It’s shorter than the top-down version but tougher with about 3,000 feet of climbing. No permit is needed for this day hike.
- Trailhead: The Grotto (Shuttle Stop #6)
- Distance: 8.5 miles round trip (to Cabin Spring and back)
- Time: 4–7 hours to Cabin Spring; longer if going further
- Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft.
- Scenery Rating: 9/10
12. Zion Narrows – Top-Down Route:
This through-hike from Chamberlain Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava is the full Narrows experience. It requires a permit, technical river hiking skills and a full-day or overnight backpacking trip. Prepare for wet boots and unforgettable scenery. Be sure to check out the conditions before heading out because flash floods can occur.
- Trailhead: Chamberlain Ranch (East park entrance)
- Distance: 18 miles one way
- Time: 10–13 hours (day hike) / 12–18 hours (backpacking)
- Elevation Change: 1,500 ft. gradual descent
- Scenery Rating: 10/10
13. The Subway – Top-Down Route:
A technical canyoneering route requiring rappelling and route knowledge. Permits are required, and this is only for experienced hikers with the right gear. The hike covers dramatic slot canyons and unique formations.
- Trailhead: Wildcat Canyon Trailhead, Kolob Terrace Road (not in main Zion Canyon)
- Distance: 9.5 miles round trip
- Time: 6–10 hours
- Elevation Change: 2,000 ft. descent and 400 ft. ascent
- Scenery Rating: 10/10
14. The Subway – The Bottom-Up Route:
This difficult route starts at the Left Fork Trailhead, and you need to navigate it carefully. No ropes are needed, but a permit is still required due to its fragile environment and popularity.
- Trailhead: Left Fork Trailhead, Kolob Terrace Road (not in main Zion Canyon)
- Distance: 8 miles round trip
- Time: 5–8 hours
- Elevation Gain: 1,400 ft.
- Scenery Rating: 9/10
15. Observation Point (via East Mesa Trailhead)
This trail offers a gorgeous panoramic view, looking down on Angels Landing and the canyon below. It’s easier than the original route from Weeping Rock, but it’s still a long hike with some exposed sections. The East Mesa access depends on dirt road conditions.
- Trailhead: East Mesa Trailhead (east side of the park)
- Distance: 7 miles round trip
- Time: Around 3 hours
- Elevation Gain: 700 ft.
- Difficulty: Strenuous | Scenery Rating: 9/10
Essential Zion Hiking Tips & Packing List
Now that we’ve talked about the hikes, it’s really important to have all of the appropriate gear and supplies. It’s always good to be prepared for an emergency, as well. So, keep that in mind as you pack.
Gear Tips
Start with broken-in hiking boots that have good grip. That means flip-flops or sandals just won’t work on these trails. Dress in layers with moisture-wicking socks and clothes because temperatures can change a lot during the day.
Water & Snacks
Bring about a gallon of water per person for a full day of hiking. You can refill your bottles at the Visitor Centers or Zion Lodge. Pack high-protein snacks and electrolyte tablets to stay fueled and hydrated.
Safety First
Always check trail conditions on the official Zion National Park website before you go. Watch for flash flood warnings, especially if you’re hiking The Narrows or other slot canyons. And make sure someone knows your plan before you head out.
Leave No Trace
Respect the park by packing out all your trash, including wrappers, food scraps and toilet paper. For long hikes in The Narrows, bring or rent a waste bag to handle waste properly.
What to Pack
This depends on your hike, but generally, a daypack with hiking boots, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, snacks and a first-aid kit is a solid start. If you’re planning early or late hikes, a headlamp comes in handy.
Special Gear for The Narrows
If The Narrows is on your list, consider renting gear like neoprene socks, dry pants, canyoneering boots and a walking stick from many of the outfitters in Springdale offering gear for the Narrows. A dry bag will keep your electronics safe while you’re in the water.
It’s important to note that this isn’t a comprehensive gear and supply list. Be sure to think about your needs and be prepared for emergencies, as well. It’s always good to seek out a guide or someone with expert advice before conquering a difficult hike.
Also, make sure to always tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. That way, if something happens, they can send help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in Zion
Now that we’ve talked about gear, let’s go over a few frequently asked questions about the park.
What Not to Miss in Zion National Park?
If time is tight, don’t miss Angels Landing, if you’re up for the challenge, The Narrows for a unique water hike and the Canyon Overlook Trail for stunning views. Also, the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel Drive is a cool, scenic stop worth taking. Keep the difficulties of these trails in mind as you choose, though.
Which Is Better: Angels Landing or The Narrows?
It depends on what kind of adventure you want. Angels Landing is all about heights, narrow ridges and a big adrenaline rush. The Narrows offers a water hike through a beautiful slot canyon, perfect if you prefer cool water over exposure. Pick based on whether you’re comfortable with heights or with wading through water.
Can You Bring Your Dog Hiking in Zion?
Dogs are only allowed on the Pa’rus Trail, and they must be on a leash. Pets aren’t permitted on any other trails in the park, so plan accordingly.
What’s the Best Easy Hike in Zion for Photos?
The Canyon Overlook Trail is a top choice. It’s short, usually less crowded early in the day and offers some of the best viewpoints in Zion for great pictures.
Ready to get hiking? We hope so. No matter how experienced you are, Zion has a hike that fits your pace and style. The key is planning ahead and packing what you need so you can focus on soaking in the amazing scenery.
When it’s time to rest, staying at The Riv at Zion puts you close to the trails with all the comforts you want after a day outdoors. You can also check out our PDF for a printable version of the 15 hikes we’ve mentioned above.