The best hikes in Zion National Park combine dramatic sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, desert landscapes, flowing rivers, and some of the most spectacular viewpoints in Utah. From the famous chain-assisted route of Angels Landing to the cool waters of The Narrows, Zion offers hiking experiences for almost every ability level.

But choosing the right trail matters. Some hikes are short and accessible, while others involve steep elevation gain, exposure, river crossings, or changing weather conditions.

This guide to the Zion National Park best hikes breaks down the park’s most worthwhile trails, including distance, difficulty, scenery, and what to know before you go. Whether you have one day in Zion or an entire weekend, this list can help you build a realistic hiking itinerary.

Important: Trail conditions, shuttle operations, closures, water levels, and permit requirements can change. Always check the latest information from the National Park Service before starting your hike.

1. Angels Landing

Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: Approximately 5.4 miles round trip to the summit
Elevation gain: Approximately 1,500 feet
Starting point: The Grotto

If you have seen photographs of Zion National Park, there is a good chance you have seen Angels Landing. The narrow sandstone ridge rising above Zion Canyon has become one of the park’s defining landmarks.

The trail begins near The Grotto and climbs through a series of steep switchbacks. Walter’s Wiggles are one of the most recognizable sections before hikers reach Scout Lookout.

The final section is where the adventure becomes significantly more demanding. A series of chains assists hikers along a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides.

A permit is required to hike beyond Scout Lookout to Angels Landing. The National Park Service uses a permit system because of the popularity and safety challenges of the route.

If you reach Scout Lookout and decide the exposed section is not for you, you have still completed a rewarding hike with excellent canyon views.

Why hike Angels Landing?

The combination of physical challenge, height, exposure, and panoramic views makes Angels Landing one of the best Zion National Park hikes for experienced hikers who are comfortable with heights.

It should not, however, be treated as a casual sightseeing walk.

2. The Narrows

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Location: Temple of Sinawava
Terrain: Virgin River

The Narrows is arguably the most unusual hike in Zion.

Instead of following a conventional trail, you walk through the Virgin River while enormous sandstone walls rise on both sides of you. In some places, the canyon becomes so narrow that there is little space between the river and the towering cliffs.

The most common visitor experience is the bottom-up hike, beginning at the end of Riverside Walk at Temple of Sinawava. You can walk upstream for as long as conditions and energy allow before turning around.

There is no requirement to complete a specific distance. The experience can be as short or as long as you choose, although the terrain becomes increasingly demanding the farther you travel.

Water depth, current strength, slippery rocks, and weather can change the difficulty dramatically.

Is The Narrows safe?

The Narrows deserves serious preparation. Flash floods are a major hazard in narrow canyons. Even distant storms can cause dangerous changes in water levels.

Always check the current Virgin River conditions, weather forecast, and National Park Service warnings before entering the canyon.

For adventurous travelers, The Narrows remains one of the best hikes at Zion National Park because there are few hiking experiences quite like it.

3. Canyon Overlook Trail

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: Approximately 1 mile round trip
Location: Zion-Mount Carmel Highway

If you want a spectacular Zion view without committing to a long hike, put Canyon Overlook Trail near the top of your list.

The short route climbs through rocky terrain before reaching a viewpoint overlooking Zion Canyon and the surrounding sandstone formations.

The hike is considerably shorter than Angels Landing, but it still includes uneven terrain and sections where you should pay attention to your footing.

The viewpoint is particularly impressive around sunrise and sunset, when changing light creates strong shadows across the canyon walls.

Because the trail is short, Canyon Overlook can also work well for travelers with limited time.

4. Watchman Trail

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: Approximately 3.3 miles round trip
Elevation gain: Approximately 630 feet
Starting point: Zion Canyon Visitor Center

The Watchman Trail is one of the most convenient moderate hikes in Zion.

The trail begins close to the visitor center and climbs above the lower section of Zion Canyon. Along the way, hikers get views of Springdale, the Virgin River, and formations including the Towers of the Virgin.

Unlike Angels Landing, the route does not require navigating the famous chain section.

That makes Watchman a useful option for travelers who want elevation and panoramic scenery without committing to one of Zion’s most exposed trails.

The trail can also be convenient on arrival day because it does not require traveling deep into Zion Canyon.

5. Emerald Pools Trail

Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Starting point: Zion Lodge

The Emerald Pools are among Zion’s classic attractions.

The trail system is divided into Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools, allowing visitors to decide how far they want to continue.

The Lower Emerald Pool is the easiest destination, while reaching the higher pools involves additional climbing over rocky and sandy terrain.

Along the way, you can see waterfalls, hanging vegetation, sandstone cliffs, and seasonal water flows.

The appearance of the pools and waterfalls can change significantly depending on recent rainfall and seasonal conditions, so don’t expect the same water flow every time you visit.

Swimming is not permitted in the Emerald Pools.

For families and travelers who want a scenic hike without the exposure of Angels Landing, the Emerald Pools are a worthwhile choice.

6. Riverside Walk

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Approximately 2.2 miles round trip
Starting point: Temple of Sinawava

Riverside Walk proves that you do not need a strenuous climb to experience Zion’s canyon scenery.

The mostly paved route follows the Virgin River toward the entrance to The Narrows. Large canyon walls surround the trail, while trees and hanging gardens add greenery along the river.

Because the trail is relatively gentle, it is one of the most accessible ways to experience the main canyon.

It is also the starting point for the bottom-up Narrows hike.

For families, older travelers, or anyone wanting a relaxed introduction to Zion, Riverside Walk is one of the best hikes in Zion National Park.

7. Pa’rus Trail

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Approximately 3.5 miles round trip

The Pa’rus Trail is a paved path following the Virgin River between the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and Canyon Junction.

Unlike many of Zion’s famous trails, this route involves little elevation gain.

The trail provides open views of the surrounding cliffs and is particularly enjoyable around sunset. Because it is paved, it is also one of the more accessible options in the park.

Cyclists are permitted on the Pa’rus Trail, and pets are permitted on this specific trail when following park regulations.

If you are looking for a gentle walk after a strenuous hike, this is an excellent option.

8. Observation Point

Difficulty: Strenuous, depending on access route
Location: East Zion

Observation Point offers one of Zion’s most expansive perspectives.

From the viewpoint, Zion Canyon stretches below you, creating a sense of scale that is difficult to appreciate from the canyon floor.

One of the reasons hikers seek out Observation Point is the perspective it provides over Angels Landing. Instead of standing on the famous ridge, you can see it from above as part of the larger canyon landscape.

However, access to Observation Point has changed over the years because of trail and road conditions. Travelers should check current National Park Service information before planning this hike.

Do not rely on an old blog post or outdated map for current access.

9. Taylor Creek Trail

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: Approximately 5 miles round trip
Location: Kolob Canyons

One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is assuming Zion is only the main canyon.

The Kolob Canyons section in the park’s northwest area offers a completely different atmosphere.

Taylor Creek Trail follows the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek through a colorful canyon. Along the route, hikers pass historic structures before reaching Double Arch Alcove.

The combination of forest, creek, red rock, and historic remains makes this one of the most varied best Zion National Park hikes for travelers willing to drive beyond the main canyon.

10. Timber Creek Overlook Trail

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Approximately 1-mile round trip
Location: Kolob Canyons

Timber Creek Overlook is an excellent choice when you want impressive scenery without a long hike.

The trail follows a ridge toward views of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley Mountains.

The relatively short distance makes it easy to combine with a scenic drive through the Kolob Canyons area.

It is also a useful alternative for travelers who want to escape some of the crowds found around Zion Canyon.

11. Watchman Overlook Area

For travelers who do not want to commit to a full mountain hike, the viewpoints around the Watchman area can provide beautiful perspectives of Zion’s lower canyon.

The surrounding landscape is particularly attractive during early morning and late afternoon when the sandstone formations catch changing light.

This area can be combined with the Pa’rus Trail or a visit to the visitor center, making it useful when you have limited hiking time.

12. Hidden Canyon and Other Historic Routes

Older Zion hiking guides frequently mention trails such as Hidden Canyon and Observation Point via Weeping Rock.

However, this is where travelers need to be particularly careful with online hiking information.

Zion has experienced rockfalls, trail damage, closures, and route changes over the years. A trail that appears in an older article may not currently be accessible.

This is an important part of planning the best hikes zion national park has to offer: use current National Park Service information rather than assuming every trail described online remains open.

Best Zion Hikes for Different Travelers

There is no single “best” Zion hike for everyone.

Best for experienced hikers: Angels Landing

Choose Angels Landing if you want a challenging climb, major elevation gain, and dramatic exposure.

Best for adventure: The Narrows

Choose The Narrows if walking through a river beneath towering canyon walls sounds more exciting than a traditional trail.

Best short viewpoint hike: Canyon Overlook

Canyon Overlook gives you an impressive payoff without spending an entire day on the trail.

Best for families: Riverside Walk

The relatively gentle terrain and river scenery make Riverside Walk one of the easiest ways to experience Zion Canyon.

Best moderate hike: Watchman Trail

Watchman offers a good balance between effort and scenery.

Best for exploring beyond Zion Canyon: Taylor Creek Trail

If you have additional time, Kolob Canyons can show you a quieter and less familiar side of the park.

Best Time to Hike Zion National Park

Zion can be spectacular in every season, but your experience can change considerably throughout the year.

Spring

Spring brings cooler temperatures and seasonal water flow, but rain and snowmelt can affect trail conditions. Water levels are especially important when planning The Narrows.

Summer

Summer is the busiest season and temperatures in the canyon can become extremely hot.

Start strenuous hikes early, carry adequate water, and avoid assuming that a short trail will be easy in extreme heat.

Fall

Fall is one of the most appealing seasons for hiking. Temperatures are often more comfortable, and cottonwoods and other vegetation can add seasonal color along the river.

Winter

Winter can bring snow and ice, especially at higher elevations. Some routes can become slippery or inaccessible.

Always check current conditions before heading out.

Zion Hiking Safety: What You Should Know

The spectacular scenery can sometimes distract visitors from the hazards of Zion’s terrain.

Carry enough water

Desert hiking can lead to dehydration quickly, particularly during warmer months.

Watch the weather

Thunderstorms can create dangerous conditions in narrow canyons even when the weather overhead appears reasonable.

Take exposure seriously

Angels Landing and several other routes include steep drop-offs. Do not attempt exposed terrain simply because other hikers are doing it.

Check river conditions

The Narrows is dependent on Virgin River conditions. Strong current, cold water, and slippery rocks can make the hike much more difficult.

Start early

Early starts can help you avoid some of the day’s heat and may provide a quieter experience on popular trails.

Follow current park guidance

Trail closures and conditions change. Check the National Park Service immediately before your hike.

Zion Shuttle Tips for Hikers

During periods when the Zion Canyon shuttle is operating, private vehicles are generally restricted from driving the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive beyond the designated access area.

This means you need to plan your hike around the shuttle system.

For popular hikes such as Angels Landing, The Grotto is the relevant shuttle stop. Riverside Walk and The Narrows begin near Temple of Sinawava.

Allow extra time for shuttle queues during busy periods.

A carefully planned hiking itinerary should consider transportation time, not just hiking time.

Final Thoughts

The best hikes in Zion National Park offer something for every type of traveler, from the thrilling heights of Angels Landing and the river adventure of The Narrows to the easier scenery of Riverside Walk and Canyon Overlook.

Choose your trail based on your fitness, experience, available time, and current conditions. If you have more than one day, combine a challenging hike with an easier trail to experience different sides of the park.

Take plenty of water, check trail conditions before heading out, and allow enough time to enjoy the scenery along the way. With the right preparation, hiking in Zion can be one of the most memorable experiences of your Utah trip.

Frequently Asked Questions