8 Great Hikes in Zion National Park
Take a tour through Zion National Park's stunning scenery and hidden gems with this complete travel guide. Featuring 8 of Zion's best hikes.
Calling all outdoor enthusiasts, Zion National Park is a hikers dream. From short 2 mile trails to challenging day hikes Zion National Park has something for everyone.
With over 90 miles of trails, hikers can explore desert plant life on the Kayenta trail, take in the amazing views from the top of Angels Landing or hike through the virgin river on The Narrows. Either way you’re sure to experience the beauty and wonder of Zion.
In this post, we are sharing 8 great hikes to explore in Zion National Park.
Always check for current conditions before hiking in Zion National Park.
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See our Complete Guide to Zion National Park for the parks full pet policy, entrance fees, & amenities.
#1. CANYON OVERLOOK
Distance: 1.0 Mile | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 187 FT. | Time: 1 hour | Location: Zion Park Blvd
If you’re looking for a short trail with a big reward then the Canyon Overlook trail is the one for you. This 1 mile trail takes you past steep drop offs and over boardwalks to AMAZING views of lower Zion Canyon. This trail is fairly moderate so having the proper hiking shoes, sun protectant, and water is essential. The trail is located just past the Mount Carmel Tunnel on the East side of Zion.
TIP | The Canyon Overlook trail is very popular and parking is limited so make sure to get there early or later in the day.
#2. KAYENTA TRAIL
Distance: 2.0 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 150 FT. | Time: 2 Hours | Location: Stop 6 The Grotto
The Kayenta Trail is one of our favorite trails we did in Zion. On the trail you’ll have stunning views of the canyon and the virgin river as you climb up toward Emerald Pools.
TIP | This trail can easily be combine with several other trails in the area such as upper, middle, and lower emerald pools as well as The Grotto trail.
#3. PA’RUS TRAIL
Distance: 3.5 Miles | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation Gain: 50 FT. | Time: 2 Hours | Location: Stop 1 Zion Canyon Visitor Center
For a dog friendly day in Zion, take the easy 3.5 mile paved Pa’rus Trail through Zion Canyon. This trail starts at the visitor center and follows the virgin river to Canyon Junction with great opportunity to explore the plant and animal life found in Zion. This is the only dog friendly trail in the park.
TIP | This trail is very exposed so bring plenty of water and sun protectant especially if you do this hike in the summer. On the trail you’ll find several overhangs with benches to rest and provide shade from the sun.
#4. ANGELS LANDING/ SCOUTS LOOKOUT
Distance: 4.4 Miles | Difficulty: Strenuous | Elevation Gain: 1,604 FT. | Time: 3 Hours | Location: Stop 6 The Grotto
Angel’s Landing might be one of the most popular hikes in all U.S National Parks. This challenging hike climbs up nearly 1,500 feet and follows a steep and narrow ridge to the top of Angels Landing. The most notable features of this hike are the 21 steep switchbacks and the varies sections of chains provided throughout the climb.
TIP | Permits are required to hike Angel’s Landing and are given out on a lottery system.
#5. THE NARROWS
Distance: 9.4 Miles | Difficulty: Strenuous | Elevation Gain: 334 FT. | Time: 8 Hour | Location: Stop 9 Temple of Sinawava
If you’re coming to Zion, then you’ve probably heard of The Narrows. The Narrows is a stretch of towering rock walls extremely close together with the virgin river running through it. To get to the Narrows you first must hike the paved Riverside Walk Trail and then the path will end and you’ll start your river hike.
For more details about exploring the narrows in Zion check out our post, How to Hike the Narrows in Zion National Park.
#6. ZION NARROWS RIVERSIDE WALK
Distance: 2.2 Miles | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation Gain: 57 FT. | Time: 1 Hours | Location: Stop 9 Temple of Sinawava
The Narrows Riverside Walk is an easy scenic stroll along the virgin river as you make your way towards The Narrows. If you aren’t looking to do the Narrows hike through the river then this is a good alternative. The path is paved and provides a great opportunity to see the different plant and animal life that call Zion home.
#7. EMERALD POOLS
Distance: 3.0 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 620 FT. | Time: 1.5 hours | Location: Stop 5 Zion Lodge
Emerald Pools is 3 trails combined into one, Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools. These trails are family friendly and therefore extremely busy. Each trail takes you to three different pools all from the same stream. Water flow can vary depending on the time of year.
TIP | This trail can also be combined with the Kayenta Trail.
#8. WATCHMAN
Distance: 3.1 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation Gain: 368 FT. | Time: 2 Hours | Location: Stop 1 Zion Canyon Visitor Center
If you’re looking to get on a trail in Zion but want to avoid some of the crowds, check out the Watchman trail. It’s located near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center making it easy an hike to access, no shuttle bus needed. The trail overlooks the town of Springdale and provides a great opportunity to see the diversity of plant life found in Zion.
TIP | This trail gets the afternoon sun so it’s best hiked in the morning.
Let us know in the comments what are your favorite hikes in Zion National Park!
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WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
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