Zion National Park in Utah is another popular destination in the Southwestern United states with some beautiful views. It was the first national park in Utah and the best way to experience it is hiking among the high cliffs and through the narrow canyons. It is home to some very unique hikes, such as the Narrows where you walk up to 6 miles up a river, the sheer canyon walls on either side of you, or hike the Angels Landing Trail with 21 switchbacks to the top for a great lookout.
Hiking Trails
Easy
Pa'rus Trail - 3.5 mile pave trail following the Virgin River from the South Campground to Canyon Junction.
Archeology Trail - 0.4 mile short but steep hike from the visitor center parking lot with exhibits along the trail.
Lower Emerald Pool Trail - 1.2 mile paved trail to Lower Emerald Pool and waterfall, you can continue further to the Middle Emerald Pools Trail.
Grotto Trail - 1 mi trail connecting Zion Lodge to The Grotto, can be extended via the Middle Emerald Pools Trail.
Weeping Rock Trail - 0.4 mile short but steep paved trail to a rock alcove with springs.
Riverside Walk - 2.2 mile paved trail along the Virgin River.
Moderate
Watchman Trail - 2.7 mile climb to the Middle Emerald Pools
Middle Emerald Pools Trail - 2 mile climb to the Middle Emerald Pools
Upper Emerald Pool Trail - 1 mile rocky trail to the Upper Emerald Pool.
Kayenta Trail - 2.0 mile climb to the Emerald Pools from The Grotto.
Canyon Overlook Trail - 1 mile to a short trail to some great views of lower Zion Canyon.
Taylor Creek Trail - 5 mile trail along the middle fork of Taylor Creek to Double Arch Alcove.
Timber Creek Overlook Trail - 1 mile trail to a peak with views of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace, and Pine Valley Mountains.
Strenous
Angels Landing via West Rim Trail - 5.4 mile trail up to Angels Landing, with a section along a steep narrow ridge at the end towards the summit.
Hidden Canyon Trail - 2.4 mile trail along a cliff face to the mouth of a narrow canyon.
Observation Point via East Rim Trail - 8 mile climb through Echo Canyon to a great viewpoint of Zion Canyon.
The Narrows via Riverside Walk - 9.4 mile "trail" in the river through narrow canyons. Expect water up to chest high in some places (you can turn around at any point).
Kolob Arch via La Verkin Creek Trail - 14 mile trail to one of the world's largest freestanding arches.
Easy
Pa'rus Trail - 3.5 mile pave trail following the Virgin River from the South Campground to Canyon Junction.
Archeology Trail - 0.4 mile short but steep hike from the visitor center parking lot with exhibits along the trail.
Lower Emerald Pool Trail - 1.2 mile paved trail to Lower Emerald Pool and waterfall, you can continue further to the Middle Emerald Pools Trail.
Grotto Trail - 1 mi trail connecting Zion Lodge to The Grotto, can be extended via the Middle Emerald Pools Trail.
Weeping Rock Trail - 0.4 mile short but steep paved trail to a rock alcove with springs.
Riverside Walk - 2.2 mile paved trail along the Virgin River.
Moderate
Watchman Trail - 2.7 mile climb to the Middle Emerald Pools
Middle Emerald Pools Trail - 2 mile climb to the Middle Emerald Pools
Upper Emerald Pool Trail - 1 mile rocky trail to the Upper Emerald Pool.
Kayenta Trail - 2.0 mile climb to the Emerald Pools from The Grotto.
Canyon Overlook Trail - 1 mile to a short trail to some great views of lower Zion Canyon.
Taylor Creek Trail - 5 mile trail along the middle fork of Taylor Creek to Double Arch Alcove.
Timber Creek Overlook Trail - 1 mile trail to a peak with views of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace, and Pine Valley Mountains.
Strenous
Angels Landing via West Rim Trail - 5.4 mile trail up to Angels Landing, with a section along a steep narrow ridge at the end towards the summit.
Hidden Canyon Trail - 2.4 mile trail along a cliff face to the mouth of a narrow canyon.
Observation Point via East Rim Trail - 8 mile climb through Echo Canyon to a great viewpoint of Zion Canyon.
The Narrows via Riverside Walk - 9.4 mile "trail" in the river through narrow canyons. Expect water up to chest high in some places (you can turn around at any point).
Kolob Arch via La Verkin Creek Trail - 14 mile trail to one of the world's largest freestanding arches.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
The Narrows - Zion National Park
Walk through the water between high canyon walls as a nice way to cool off in Zion National Park
Walk through the water between high canyon walls as a nice way to cool off in Zion National Park
Easy
3.1 mi/
5.0 km
5.0 km
Northgate Peaks - Kolob Terrace
An alpine hike to a viewpoint between Peaks. A difficult route extension to the summit of both peaks is provided.
An alpine hike to a viewpoint between Peaks. A difficult route extension to the summit of both peaks is provided.
Easy
6.0 mi/
9.7 km
9.7 km
Lower Pine Creek Waterfall
This fun hike takes you to a beautiful pond and 15-foot waterfall on Pine Creek. Boulder-hopping or wading is required.
This fun hike takes you to a beautiful pond and 15-foot waterfall on Pine Creek. Boulder-hopping or wading is required.
Moderate
0.7 mi/
1.1 km
1.1 km
Canyon Overlook Trail
Hike up for a spectacular view of Zion Canyon on your entrance to Zion National Park
Hike up for a spectacular view of Zion Canyon on your entrance to Zion National Park
Moderate
1.0 mi/
1.6 km
1.6 km
Many Pools - Zion National Park
A nice moderate unmaintained trail on the East side of Zion.
A nice moderate unmaintained trail on the East side of Zion.
Moderate
2.3 mi/
3.7 km
3.7 km
Separation Canyon - Zion National Park
Moderate stroll through a wide slickrock wash. Includes a 4th class scramble to Separation Point if desired.
Moderate stroll through a wide slickrock wash. Includes a 4th class scramble to Separation Point if desired.
Moderate
2.8 mi/
4.5 km
4.5 km
South Ariel Peak - Zion National Park
Short summit ascent up a massive slickrock slab. Requires 4th class scramble and steep rock skills.
Short summit ascent up a massive slickrock slab. Requires 4th class scramble and steep rock skills.
Difficult
1.1 mi/
1.8 km
1.8 km
Lady Mountain - Zion National Park
Demanding summit hike on an unmaintained but well marked trail.
Demanding summit hike on an unmaintained but well marked trail.
Difficult
1.3 mi/
2.1 km
2.1 km
Progeny Peak - Zion National Park
Short but challenging summit hike. Includes the beautiful Two Pines Arch along the way.
Short but challenging summit hike. Includes the beautiful Two Pines Arch along the way.
Difficult
1.6 mi/
2.6 km
2.6 km
Angels Landing in Winter
The top 3 most dangouse hike int he US in winter with tips on ice and snow condition.
The top 3 most dangouse hike int he US in winter with tips on ice and snow condition.
Difficult
2.6 mi/
4.2 km
4.2 km
Jug Handle Arch - Zion National Park
Challenging to reach view points or challenging to reach summit hike your choice.
Challenging to reach view points or challenging to reach summit hike your choice.
Difficult
2.7 mi/
4.3 km
4.3 km
The Triplets - Zion National Park
Backcountry route to the summit of Peak 6531. Three distinct peaks can be reached from this out and back hike.
Backcountry route to the summit of Peak 6531. Three distinct peaks can be reached from this out and back hike.
Difficult
2.8 mi/
4.5 km
4.5 km
East Temple Saddle - Zion National Park
The East Temple Saddle route is a backcountry extension turning the Canyon Overlook trail into a loop.
The East Temple Saddle route is a backcountry extension turning the Canyon Overlook trail into a loop.
Difficult
3.1 mi/
5.0 km
5.0 km
The Subway - Zion National Park
Long day hike to dinosaur tracks, keyhole falls and subway
Long day hike to dinosaur tracks, keyhole falls and subway
Difficult
4.0 mi/
6.4 km
6.4 km
Cockeye Falls - Zion National Park
This 5 mile loop includes a wonderful view into remote Parunuweap canyon, and ends on top of Cockeye Falls.
This 5 mile loop includes a wonderful view into remote Parunuweap canyon, and ends on top of Cockeye Falls.
Difficult
4.7 mi/
7.6 km
7.6 km
Gifford Peak - Zion National Park
Technical summit hike into seldom explored and rarely seen parts of East Zion
Technical summit hike into seldom explored and rarely seen parts of East Zion
Difficult
5.2 mi/
8.4 km
8.4 km
Destination Peak - Zion National Park
Rewarding summit hike into seldom explored and rarely seen parts of East Zion.
Rewarding summit hike into seldom explored and rarely seen parts of East Zion.
Difficult
6.2 mi/
10.0 km
10.0 km
Parunuweap Pass - Zion National Park
Rewarding but difficult day hike into seldom explored East Zion.
Rewarding but difficult day hike into seldom explored East Zion.
Difficult
6.4 mi/
10.3 km
10.3 km
Hepworth and Roof Peaks - Zion National Park
A beautiful backcountry loop. This 6 mile class 3 scramble reaches the summit of two peaks in East Zion.
A beautiful backcountry loop. This 6 mile class 3 scramble reaches the summit of two peaks in East Zion.
Difficult
6.6 mi/
10.6 km
10.6 km
The Subway (Top-Down) - Zion National Park
This 7.5-mile trail takes hikers through one of the most beautiful sections of slot canyon in Zion National Park.
This 7.5-mile trail takes hikers through one of the most beautiful sections of slot canyon in Zion National Park.
Difficult
7.5 mi/
12.1 km
12.1 km
Mount Kinesava - Zion National Park
Inspiring summit ascent. Long difficult approach to the prominent peak beside West Temple. Petroglyphs.
Inspiring summit ascent. Long difficult approach to the prominent peak beside West Temple. Petroglyphs.
Difficult
8.1 mi/
13.0 km
13.0 km
Mountain of the Sun
Spectacular, challenging summit hike. Long difficult approach. Represents the best of Zion backcountry adventure.
Spectacular, challenging summit hike. Long difficult approach. Represents the best of Zion backcountry adventure.
Difficult
8.1 mi/
13.0 km
13.0 km
G2 - Zion National Park
A full day of Zion backcountry adventure to the Summit of G2.
A full day of Zion backcountry adventure to the Summit of G2.
Difficult
9.7 mi/
15.6 km
15.6 km
South Guardian Angel - Kolob Terrace
Sierra Clubs "desert classic peak" and part of the "top one-hundred desert peaks".
Sierra Clubs "desert classic peak" and part of the "top one-hundred desert peaks".
Difficult
11.4 mi/
18.3 km
18.3 km
Zion West Rim Trail
The West Rim Trail has some of the most spectacular views that anyone could hope to see
The West Rim Trail has some of the most spectacular views that anyone could hope to see
Difficult
18.6 mi/
30 km
30 km
Red Butte Wilderness
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Red Butte - Kolob Terrace
Technical summit hike. Stunning views. Challenging route finding required. Includes the beautiful Red Window Arch.
Technical summit hike. Stunning views. Challenging route finding required. Includes the beautiful Red Window Arch.
Difficult
2.7 mi/
4.3 km
4.3 km
Guide
A hike to the highest point in Zion National Park
Hike up for a spectacular view of Zion Canyon on your entrance to Zion National Park
Demanding summit hike on an unmaintained but well marked trail.
Long day hike to dinosaur tracks, keyhole falls and subway
Short but challenging summit hike. Includes the beautiful Two Pines Arch along the way.
Rewarding summit hike into seldom explored and rarely seen parts of East Zion.
Rewarding but difficult day hike into seldom explored East Zion.
Spectacular, challenging summit hike. Long difficult approach. Represents the best of Zion backcountry adventure.
This 5 mile loop includes a wonderful view into remote Parunuweap canyon, and ends on top of Cockeye Falls.
The East Temple Saddle route is a backcountry extension turning the Canyon Overlook trail into a loop.
Technical summit hike. Stunning views. Challenging route finding required. Includes the beautiful Red Window Arch.
This 7.5-mile trail takes hikers through one of the most beautiful sections of slot canyon in Zion National Park.
Community Trips
One of my all-time favorite hikes. This hike is well documented so there is nothing more I can add, other than it's a hike everyone should experience once. Hiked it this time with my dad, son (age 9) and daughter (age 8).
This is the hike we had been waiting for the entire road trip! The weather was over 100 degrees, so we took the short 1 mile hike to the creek where we started the narrows hike. This hike is completely in the water, walking upsteam. At times the water got up to our chest, which was a little scary for my new camera and backpack, but we managed to keep the electronics...
We were excited for another water hike on such a hot day and after spending a week in the desert on the Colorado plateau. Unfortunately, there was very little water coming from these waterfalls. We had to hurry because we were already about 2 hours behind schedule and still had 2 hours to drive before the night was over, but this brief walk was a nice and relaxing way to end a...
Absolutely fantastic hike: not extremely difficult, but extremely rewarding. Trail head starts at "The Grotto" shuttle stop.
Saturday started bright and early.We carpooled up to the trailhead.The first part of the hike was uneventful except that we followed the wrong trail. We ended up at the edge of a very long and very steep cliff.A couple of the guys rappelled down a ways to see if it was passable. It wasn't, so we backtracked and found the right trail.Highlights are:We passed a couple of slow groups that were "hard...
Zion National Park - Weeping Rock and Hidden Canyon, UT, USA
Springdale, Utah, United States
5.0 miles
5.0 miles
Another great hike in Zion National park. Weeping rock is an easy walk. But you definitely need to go beyond the weeping rock to enjoy the views. Hidden canyon's view isn't as good as others but getting there is a good experience with great rewards.
On October 21, 2011 Tara and I hiked Angels Landing after completing Pine Creek Canyon. We got off the bus at about 5:15 pm.Most of the trail is paved.The first part of the Angels Landing trail is switchbacks. Some parts of the trail are carved into the rock face.At the top of the first series of switchbacks, the trail turns left, crosses a bridge, and enters a shady canyon.This part of the trail...
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Well once every 4 years we get a bonus day. This year it came on a Friday. Why not use it particularly since the weather was so incredibly beautiful. So we headed to the Guacamole trail just outside Zion National park and near Virgin Utah. This is a s uper fun slickrock trail and we had a great day.
A dayhike on the West Rim trail, from the Grotto trailhead up to West Rim campsite #2, and back.
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