The Best Hikes in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is widely considered one of the best places to visit in Utah. One of the reasons for this is because of the many hikes giving marvelous views of the canyon, wildlife, and other natural wonders.
In this guide, we aim to give you all the info on the top visited hikes in Zion, so you can be prepared long before you begin your vacation.
The Easiest Walks
For the hiker who just wants to see the sights without the strain.
Pa'rus Trail
Distance: 3.4 miles
Shuttle Access: Yes, there’s three different stops on the Pa’rus Trail, so you’ll always be near the shuttle.
Dog-Friendly: Yes
The most accessible trail has to be the Pa’rus. This modest bike and walking trail will give you prime access to the gorgeous canyon views. It’s a great walk for rookie hikers, seniors, and young pups who need to stretch their legs. It’s the only dog-friendly trail in Zion, so get familiar with this one if you’re bringing Fido.
Riverside Walk
Distance: 1.9 miles
Shuttle Access: Yes, it’s the last shuttle the stop will make when traveling south-to-north.
Dog-Friendly: No
The Riverside Walk is the entry hike to the Narrows. On this easygoing walking trail, access to the river banks is plentiful. It’s a great trail to go on a picnic. The path ends at the start to the Narrows Trail, which you’ll be able to see comfortably from the shore.
Medium-Difficult Trails
For the hiker who doesn’t mind a workout to see something spectacular.
Zion Canyon Overlook Trail
Distance: 1 mile
Shuttle Access: No
Dog-Friendly: No
Guests who only care about getting the perfect picturesque moment should come to the Canyon Overlook. It’s a moderately-difficult incline, but the trail itself is short, and you get a grand glimpse of Zion in its entirety.
The Watchman Trail
Distance: 3.1 miles
Shuttle Access: No
Dog-Friendly: No
This hike is toward the entrance to Zion. The watchman is the first mountain that watches the gates of the national park. As you hike to the peak, you’ll get a vast glance at the entire canyon. Highly worth it if you don’t mind not having shuttle access.
Emerald Pools
Distance: 3 miles
Shuttle Access: Yes
Dog-Friendly: No
Emerald Pools is one of our favorite trails. Hikers of every skill level and ability can do this one. You’ll start at the base of a hill, and gradually see three verde springs on the path. You’ll see the first one below your feet with waterfalls streaming into it. The second, while hardly a pool, is still pretty in its own way. The final one is the best of them all, as you can walk right up to the water’s edge and breathe it all in.
The Hardest Hikes
For the hiker who yearns to conquer mountains.
Observation Point
Distance: 7 miles
Shuttle Access: No
Dog-Friendly: No
While a bit out of the way compared to the hikes with shuttle access, Observation Point grants you the same lookout point as Angel’s Landing, but from a higher point of view. When you’ve arrived at the peak of this hike, you’ll be able to look down at the Angel’s Landing hikers.
Just know that Observation Point is not for the faint of heart, as it’s a long round-trip hike with many uphill segments. Bring lots of water, snacks, and any other equipment to make your trek easier.
Angel's Landing
Distance: 4.4 miles
Shuttle Access: Yes
Dog-Friendly: No
The signature adventure in Zion is Angel’s Landing. While the hike itself isn’t the longest, the most thrilling (or infamous) section of the trail is the chains. Sheer cliff sides will be on your left and right as you cling to chains for support. If you complete the hike, it’s something you’ll never forget (and you’ll always have bragging rights).
To hike Angel’s Landing, you need a
Canyoneering Permit
from the Zion lottery. Enter soon to secure your spot.
The Narrows
Distance: 15.5 miles
Shuttle Access: Yes
Dog-Friendly: No
Rather than hiking toward the skies, you’ll be down in the slot canyons when on the Narrows Trail. Walk through the river with water streaming between your legs, and see how the water once carved the very path you are trekking. You’ll also see some ancient cave drawings and dwellings if you stay the course.
You’ll need the
Canyoneering Permit to walk the Narrows as well. Don’t miss out on it.
Hope you’ve learned a bit more about the hikes offered at Zion. If you want to learn more about the beautiful attractions in the canyon, take a look at the rest of our travel guide for more insight.
