Zion is renowned for its grandiose cliffs, vast valley, and diverse wildlife. All of these beautiful landmarks are waiting for you to discover them. Not sure which hikes to trailblaze? Learn more about each of the trails using this guide. We’ve made it easy for you to customize your Zion National Park trip by sharing all the important details surrounding each of the famous hikes.
Angels Landing
Distance: 4.4 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Shuttle Accessible: Yes
As the most iconic hike in the park, Angels Landing is a thrilling trail that will probably drive your adrenaline through the roof. While the hike itself isn’t super long, it’s still largely uphill and can be difficult for some rookie hikers.
The true test for most guests will be the chains. To get to the Angel’s Landing peak, you’re going to need to walk atop a narrow rocky walkway with sheer cliffside on both sides of you. You have chains to hold onto, but if you are afraid of heights, you may want to avoid this one. The canyon view at the end though is absolutely stunning, and you’ll have the bragging rights to know you made it through the toughest trail Zion has to offer.
To hike this one, you’ll need a canyoneering permit. Enroll in the permit lottery so you don’t miss out. Angels Landing information
Observation Point Trail
Distance: 7.0 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Shuttle Accessible: No, you’ll need to drive and find parking.
Didn’t get a permit? Don’t worry, the Observation Point Trail offers the same view of the canyon from a higher point of view than Angels Landing. This is probably the most challenging hike in the park from a physically-demanding standpoint. There’s a lot of uphill sections and it’s pretty long, but if you are craving the best view of the park, this is the hike for you. Observation Point Trail information
The Narrows
Distance: 8.9 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Shuttle Accessible: Yes
The other famous hike in Zion has to be the Narrows. If you have your canyoneering permit, stop by the visitor center in Zion and grab your red shoes, waterproof pants, and walking stick. The Narrows path guides you through the slot canyons of Zion. At some points you’ll be up to your waist in water!
Riverside Walk
Distance: 1.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Shuttle Accessible: Yes
Even if you didn’t get a permit for the Narrows, you can still enjoy the river that runs through Zion. This short trail is great for all ages, and has several pull-offs where you can sit on the banks of the water. You’ll even be able to see the entrance to the Narrows. Narrows and Riverside Walk information
Emerald Pools Trail
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Shuttle Accessible: Yes
Probably one of the most underrated hikes in Zion, Emerald Pools will dazzle you with its gorgeous overlooks of the canyon and picturesque water features. There are three pools on this trail, with the first and third being the most beautiful.
If you want to skip the first one entirely (we don’t know why you’d want to), you can take the Kayenta Trail and see the second and first ones instead, which is a shorter, more direct hike. Emerald Pools information
Canyon Overlook Trail
Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: Moderate
Shuttle Accessible: No
If you don’t mind driving your own car into the Canyon, you’ll be able to hike a short path where you’ll see a gorgeous panoramic view of Zion. Canyon Overlook isn’t a must-do, but it’s an easy hike that anybody can do. Canyon Overlook Trail information
The Watchman Trail
Distance: 3.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Shuttle Accessible: No, but you can access it from the first parking area.
The Watchman is the closest mountain peak to the entrance of the park. It’s a decently long trail with a tremendous view of the entrance to the park, the Court of the Patriarchs, and part of the valley. There’s not much shade here, so you’ll want to bring some water, but it can be a great way to start or close your day at Zion. Watchman Trail information
Pa’rus Trail
Distance: 3.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Shuttle Accessible: Yes
The second and third shuttle stops are geared exclusively to people walking on the Pa’rus Trail. It’s more of a nature trail than a hike, and it’s popular for bikers. Dog owners should know that this is the only trail that their pup can explore when in Zion, so it might be worth it to walk this one for that alone. Perfect for seniors and young children. Pa’rus Trail information
