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A hiker using the safety chains to climb the narrow, steep red rock ridge of the Angels Landing trail in Zion National Park.
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The Best Zion National Park Hikes

Zion is renowned for its grandiose cliffs, vast valley, and diverse wildlife. Visiting Zion offers a unique hiking experience, drawing outdoor enthusiasts from around the world to explore its natural wonders. All of these beautiful landmarks are waiting for you to discover them.

Not sure which hikes to trailblaze? Zion offers a variety of trails, and this article will introduce you to the best hikes in Zion, helping you choose the perfect route for your adventure. 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. The hikes in Zion National are known for their spectacular views, making every journey unforgettable.

Many visitors love hiking in Zion due to its unforgettable scenery and the remarkable hiking experience it provides.

When planning your trip, consider exploring nearby state parks as well, as they offer additional scenic destinations to enhance your adventure, and you can browse our broader travel tips and Southern Utah activity guides for more ideas.

Introduction to Zion National Park

Zion National Park, nestled in the heart of southwestern Utah, stands as one of the crown jewels of the US national parks system. With its dramatic red rock formations, lush valleys, and the winding Virgin River carving through Zion Canyon, this park draws millions of visitors each year in search of adventure, tranquility, and awe-inspiring scenery. Whether you’re gazing up at the towering canyon walls or exploring the park’s more than 120 miles of hiking trails, Zion offers an unforgettable experience for every type of traveler.

The park’s diverse trail network ranges from easy strolls along the Riverside Walk and Pa’rus Trail to challenging climbs like the West Rim Trail, East Rim Trail, and the adrenaline-pumping hike to Angels Landing. For those seeking panoramic views, the Canyon Overlook Trail and Observation Point via East Mesa Trail deliver spectacular vistas of Zion Canyon and beyond. The Emerald Pools Trail, with its enchanting waterfalls and unique rock formations, is a favorite for families and photographers alike.

Zion Lodge, located in the heart of the canyon, serves as a convenient base for exploring many of the park’s most popular trails. The park’s shuttle system, operating from spring through fall, makes it easy to access trailheads without the hassle of parking, especially during peak seasons, and complements the scenic driving routes through Zion National Park. For those looking to venture off the beaten path, Kolob Canyons and the Taylor Creek Trail offer quieter, equally stunning alternatives to the main canyon hikes.

Planning your visit to Zion National Park means considering the time of year, as weather and trail conditions can change quickly. Whether you’re interested in a leisurely walk, a strenuous day hike, or an overnight backpacking trip into the park’s wilderness, Zion has something for everyone, especially if you follow a dedicated RV trip planning guide for Zion. From the iconic hike up Angels Landing to the serene beauty of the Emerald Pools, every trail promises incredible views and a chance to connect with nature.

Angels Landing

Distance: 4.4 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Shuttle Accessible: Yes

The trail starts at the Grotto Trailhead, easily accessible via the park shuttle, but RV travelers should also be aware of Zion’s RV size limits and tunnel rules if they plan to drive larger rigs in the area. As the most iconic hike in the park, Angels Landing is a thrilling trail that will probably drive your adrenaline through the roof and is a must for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Early in the hike, you’ll pass through Refrigerator Canyon, a cooler, shaded section that offers a brief respite before the climb intensifies. While the hike itself isn’t super long, it’s still largely uphill and can be difficult for some rookie hikers. The entire hike features steep switchbacks, including the famous Walter’s Wiggles—a series of 21 tight, steep switchbacks—resulting in significant elevation gain that makes the hike demanding from start to finish.

Scout Lookout serves as a key waypoint and popular resting spot before the final ascent, offering a scenic view and a chance to catch your breath. 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 spine—a rocky ridgeline with sheer cliffside on both sides of you. You have chains to hold onto, which assist hikers in safely navigating the exposed and technical sections of the trail. The last half mile is the most challenging and thrilling part of the hike, featuring the narrow spine, chains, and dramatic drop-offs that make hike Angels Landing such a legendary adventure. 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.

It’s worth reviewing RV parking options in and around Zion if you’re visiting with a larger vehicle. The parking lot at the trailhead has limited availability, so plan to arrive early.

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. Due to rockfall, the traditional East Rim Trail route is closed, so hikers now use the East Mesa Trail or start from the east entrance to reach Observation Point. This is an out and back hike, giving you the flexibility to turn around whenever you want or complete the entire route. This is probably the most challenging hike in the park from a physically-demanding standpoint. There are 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, a classic slot canyon hike. If you have your canyoneering permit, stop by the visitor center in Zion and grab your red shoes, waterproof pants, and walking stick. The path follows the canyon floor, guiding you through the dramatic slot canyons of Zion, which many visitors also enjoy seeing from above on helicopter tours over Zion National Park. Be prepared for uneven terrain, as you’ll be navigating slippery rocks and water—caution is essential. 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. The Riverside Walk is about a half mile from the start to the entrance of the Narrows, making it an accessible option for those seeking a manageable hike with scenic rewards. 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. The lower emerald pools section is an easy, accessible part of the trail, featuring scenic waterfalls and minimal elevation gain, making it perfect for a relaxing walk. The upper pools are the most challenging and rewarding part of the Emerald Pools Trail, offering a more strenuous hike and stunning views for those willing to make the climb.

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

Often considered the best hike in Zion for spectacular views with manageable difficulty, the Canyon Overlook Trail is a top choice for visitors. The trailhead is accessed just after passing through the Carmel Tunnel, making the drive itself a memorable part of the experience. Note that the parking lot at the trailhead is very limited, so it’s important to arrive early to secure a spot. 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 before returning to the comfort of Gateway Luxury RV Resort’s Southern Utah getaway. 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

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