The Best Hikes in Zion National Park: Top Trails for Every Adventurer in Utah
When you step into Zion National Park, you are greeted by towering cliffs reaching for the sky and a landscape painted in shades of red, orange and cream. The beauty of the park will leave you mesmerized and wanting to see more.
Best Hiking Trails in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a truly remarkable place in the state of Utah. With red cliffs reaching for the sky and deep valleys, this park is a delight for visitors.
The unique geological formations here make for one of the most beautiful places in North America. But Zion’s beauty doesn’t stop there; the park is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal species.
Angels Landing
Angels Landing is the crown jewel of Zion National Park and offers hikers one of the most breathtaking views in the park. This 5-mile round-trip trail offers a challenging journey, gaining nearly 1,500 feet in elevation, with steep switchbacks, narrow ridges and a chain-supported zone at the end.
As you begin your hike, you are accompanied by mesmerizing views of Zion Canyon. A more spectacular panorama awaits you with every step. After crossing 21 steep switchbacks, Walter’s Wiggles, you reach Scout Lookout, where many hikers stop to rest and take in the surroundings.
From here only the brave continue on to the last section. As you make your way along a narrow ridge, steep cliffs are found on both sides and chains provided are used for support. This section is known for its adrenaline-filled challenges.
When you reach the top of Angels Landing, you will have a spectacular view of the entire park. With this view, you will also see Angels Landing and The Narrows.
The Narrows
The Narrows is one of Zion’s most iconic trails. This unique hike passes through the narrowest part of Zion Narrows. Sandstone walls rise on both sides, allowing you to see the geological wonders of the park up close. The length of the trail varies depending on the route you choose and can be up to 16 miles if you choose the top-to-bottom route starting at Chamberlain’s Ranch.
Once you enter The Narrows, the Virgin River becomes your trail. You will have to wade through the slow flowing waters of the river and over slippery rocks. The water level can range from ankle-deep to waist-deep, so you have to be prepared to get wet. The canyon walls wrap around you as you go and the sunlight casts a mesmerizing glow on the sandstone.
Before starting your hike to The Narrows, remember to check the weather forecast and the possibility of flash floods, as conditions can change quickly and can be dangerous for hikers.
Emerald Pools
The Emerald Pools Trail is an oasis of calm nestled among Zion’s massive red rock giants. The journey winds through lush vegetation and streams to a series of pools fed by waterfalls.
Divided into three distinct sections – Lower, Middle and Upper Emerald Pools – the trail allows hikers to choose their desired level of difficulty. Lower Emerald Pool is perfect for families. Upper Emerald Pool offers a more challenging hike for those looking for more adventure.
Observation Point
If you want a mesmerizing, panoramic view of Zion National Park, check out the Observation Point trail. This 8-mile round-trip trail ascends steadily through the park’s diverse ecosystems, rising to an elevation of 6,508 feet and rewarding your efforts with a bird’s-eye view of Zion’s majestic canyon.
As you ascend, you pass through the fascinating Echo Canyon, where interesting rock formations and a narrow slot canyon will impress you. At the summit, you’ll see views encompassing the park’s iconic spots, including Angels Landing and the Great White Throne.
Riverside Walk
Riverside Walk is a pleasant and relaxed walk along the banks of the Virgin River. It’s perfect for those who want to experience the stunning beauty of Zion Canyon without the hassle. This 2-mile round-trip, paved trail is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
As you stroll along the riverside, you will be surrounded by lush vegetation, towering canyon walls and the soothing sounds of the river’s gentle flow.
Kolob Canyons
When most people think of Zion National Park, they think of the towering red rocks of the main canyon. Located in the southwest corner of Utah, Zion is home to diverse landscapes, from alpine forests to desert canyons. While the main canyon is the center of the park, there are plenty of other places to explore, one of them being the Kolob Canyons.
The Kolob Canyons consist of five side canyons located in the northwestern part of Zion National Park. These canyons are narrower and less crowded, so they are ideal for escaping the crowds and finding some solitude. The trail is of moderate difficulty and suitable for experienced hikers.
Canyon Overlook
The Canyon Overlook hike is one of the most popular trails in Zion National Park. The starting point of the trail is close to the park entrance and the shuttle stop. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. Following a series of winding paths you reach the top of a hill, where you can enjoy spectacular views down into the canyon below. The total hiking distance is only one mile round trip.
Weeping Rock
Weeping Rock, a short but steep 0.4 mile round-trip trail, takes you to a place adorned with hanging gardens and water droplets falling from above. Standing beneath the weeping sandstone, you marvel at the mesmerizing play of light and water.
Subway
Deep in the wilderness of Zion National Park, Subway lures with its cylindrical slot canyon. Entering this extraordinary world requires good route-finding skills, swimming and a willingness to overcome the many obstacles along the canyon.
Don’t Miss These…
Located in the heart of Utah, Zion National Park is renowned for its spectacular hiking trails that appeal to adventurers of all levels. Trails such as the West Rim Trail and the East Rim Trail offer hikers unparalleled views and landscapes.
For those looking for a shorter journey, the Canyon Overlook Trail and the Watchman Trail offer a shorter but equally mesmerizing experience. These trails allow you to see impressive views of Zion without the commitment of a full day hike.
Families and casual hikers may prefer the Pa’rus Trail, which winds along the Virgin River and offers picturesque scenes, providing a relaxed atmosphere.
The Taylor Creek Trail and the La Verkin Creek Trail are quieter areas of the park, showing the calmer side of Zion. For the more daring, head to Zion Narrows. This unique canyon hike takes you along the Virgin River and is surrounded by high canyon walls.
But not everyone who visits Zion is complete without climbing the famous Angels Landing. This hike is not for the faint-hearted, with its steep inclines and narrow paths. At the top, however, there is a wonderful view that offers unparalleled views of Zion.
The East Mesa Trail, Timber Creek Overlook Trail and La Verkin Creek Trail are also worth noting, each adding its own special flavor to the rich tapestry of Zion hikes. These trails, and others like the Overlook Trail and Landing Trail, make up the list of Zion’s best hikes, ensuring that every visitor will find a path that appeals to their adventurous side.
How Much does it Cost to Visit Zion?
To see the beauties of Zion National Park, you need to pay an entrance fee. The fees are as follows:
- Private vehicle toll: 35 dollars (valid for 7 days)
- Motorcycle toll: 30 dollars (valid for 7 days)
- Toll for pedestrians or cyclists: 20 dollars per person (valid for 7 days)
- Special annual pass to Zion National Park: 70 dollars
- America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Areas Pass: $80 (valid for more than 2,000 federal recreation sites per year)
Best Time to Visit Zion National Park
The best time to visit Zion National Park depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. Generally, the most pleasant weather conditions occur in the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). Daytime temperatures are mild during these seasons, making it ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities.
In the fall, the park’s vibrant vegetation adds extra charm to the already impressive landscape. The summer months can be hot and crowded, while winter is cooler and occasionally snowy, so access to some trails may be restricted.
Where to Stay in Zion National Park?
You can choose from a variety of accommodation options in Zion National Park. From cozy campsites under the stars to hotels that surround you with comfort, you can find places to suit every need. Three enchanting campgrounds within the park allow you to get in touch with nature.
Camping in Zion National Park
- Watchman Campground: Close to the South Entrance, this campground offers tent and caravan sites for campers. Some sites with electric hook-ups are also available. Modern amenities and services such as toilets, drinking water and a waste disposal station ensure a comfortable stay. Don’t forget to book your place by making an early reservation.
- South Campground: Located near Watchman Campground, this campground offers a quiet retreat for tent and RV campers. Although the sites do not have electric hook-ups, they do have Watchman’s facilities. Reservations can only be made up to two weeks in advance.
- Lava Point Campground: Located at a higher altitude, this campground offers a more primitive and intimate experience. With only six sites, this campground has no water and electricity connections, but basic toilets are available. Lava Point usually accepts guests between May and September.
For a more luxurious camping experience close to Zion National Park, consider staying at Zion Wildflower Resort or Zion White Bison Glamping.
- Zion Wildflower Resort: Offers a variety of glamping accommodation options such as canvas tents, covered wagons, and sheds. Comfortable beds, private patios, and shared fire pits make for an unforgettable stay.Zion White Bison Glamping: Offering an elegant camping experience, this luxury glamping site offers canvas tents furnished with comfortable beds and private outdoor seating areas.
Hotels near Zion National Park
If you prefer the comfort of a hotel, you can find a variety of accommodation options in the town of Springdale, located outside the park’s South Entrance. From boutique hotels to chain hotels and hostels, there are plenty of options to suit different tastes and budgets. Most hotels offer spectacular views of the surrounding red rock cliffs and easy access to the park via the Springdale Shuttle.
If you would like to experience a hotel within the park, Zion Lodge is another option. The only accommodation inside the park, it offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotel rooms, cabins and suites.
How to Get to Zion National Park?
Getting to Zion National Park is easier than you might think. Located in the southwest corner of Utah, the park is connected to major cities and transportation hubs.
- McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas, Nevada): Located approximately 170 miles west of the park.
- Salt Lake City International Airport (Utah): Approximately 300 miles north of the park.
Both airports have car rental services, so you can drive to the park at your own pace.
If you prefer to travel by car, Zion National Park is easily accessible via Interstate 15. This road connects with Utah State Route 9 (Zion-Mount Carmel Highway) in the town of Hurricane.
This scenic road leads through small towns and past red rock formations to the park’s South Entrance. For those coming from the east, Utah State Route 9 connects with US Highway 89 and provides access to the park’s East Entrance.
Zion National Park Shuttle Services
During the peak season, a compulsory shuttle service operates in Zion National Park to preserve the natural beauty of the park and reduce traffic congestion. This efficient and environmentally friendly system consists of two routes:
- Zion Canyon Scenic Drive: Includes nine stops at major hiking trails and viewpoints.
- Springdale Shuttle: Provides a connection between the park’s visitor center and the town of Springdale.
Shuttles run at regular intervals and offer visitors an effortless way to explore the park. This service is included with the park entrance fee, so you can hop on and off as you please as you explore the park’s features.
Zion Helicopter Tours
If you want to see Zion’s spectacular scenery from the air, consider helicopter tours. These exciting tours show the vast expanse of the park and its extraordinary topography from a bird’s-eye perspective. Professional pilots provide information about the park’s geology, history and wildlife during the tour.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
A journey along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive reveals the stunning beauty and splendor of Zion National Park. This 57-mile route winds through the heart of the park, offering soaring red rock cliffs, lush green valleys and iconic sights such as Court of the Patriarchs and Temple of Sinawava. There are many stops and viewpoints along the way, so you can pause to snap the perfect photo.
Conclusion
In the vast, awe-inspiring realm of Zion National Park, a treasure trove of natural wonders awaits your discovery. As you travel through this extraordinary land, you will create memories that resonate through time and leave you with a deep sense of awe and admiration for the splendor of our natural world.
