Zion National Park Hikes: Top 10 Trails For Visitor to Try
Zion National Park is a gem for hiking trails and in this post I want to cover 9 of the most popular to visit if it’s your 1st time visiting the area. Now these 10 are the main ones to explore and there are truly way more, including secret ones scattered throughout the park, but believe me, they are all awesome choices to help you really get an awesome experience from your visit here. Let’s begin:
- The Narrows
- Angels Landing
- Emerald Pools Trail
- Observation Point
- Canyon Overlook Trail
- Weeping Rock Trail
- The Watchman Trail
- Hidden Canyon Trail
- Pa’rus Trail
Gear recommendations:
- Best rated hiking shoes for day hikes (men/women sizes available)
- Best rated hiking backpack for day hikes
- Best rated hiking pole for day hikes
Photos:
The Narrows:
- Length: Variable (up to 14 mile round-trip)
- Elevation Gain: Under 100 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (depending on water conditions)
The Narrows takes hikers into the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, where the Virgin River flows between towering sandstone walls. Hikers wade through the river, with water levels varying from ankle to waist-deep. The most popular route is the Bottom-Up Hike, which has no permit required to do while the Top-Down Hike is a 16-mile is a permit-required adventure. Full guide on hiking the Narrows.
Angels Landing:
- Length: 5.4 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Angels Landing is one of the most famous hikes in Zion, featuring steep switchbacks and a narrow ridge with chains for support. The trail offers stunning views of Zion Canyon but is not recommended for those with a fear of heights. Permits are required for this hike. One thing to know is that about 90% of the hike is moderate having you go up to the beginning of Angels Landing, while the last 10% (0.5 miles) are where the chain areas and scariest parts begin.
Emerald Pools Trail:
- Length: 1.2 to 3 miles round-trip (depending on route)
- Elevation Gain: 150 to 400 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
This family-friendly trail leads to a series of picturesque pools and waterfalls. The trail is divided into three sections—Lower, Middle, and Upper Pools. The Lower Pool trail is easy and paved, while the Upper Pool trail offers a moderate hike with rewarding views of larger pools and cliffs.
Observation Point:
- Length: 6 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Observation Point offers one of the best panoramic views in Zion, including a bird’s-eye view of Zion Canyon and Angels Landing. There are 2 trails you can take to reach Observation Point. The main one (within the park) is and has been closed for a few years due to a rock fall while the second involves you having to drive outside of the park and enter back into it from the east through another trail that takes you to the overlook (details).
Canyon Overlook Trail:
- Length: 1 mile round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 163 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
This short but rewarding trail offers incredible views of the eastern side of Zion Canyon. The trail follows a ledge along the canyon and ends at a viewpoint with stunning vistas of the valley and the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. I would highly recommend this hike for anyone, including families and beginner hikers as it’s short, easy and the payoff view is truly amazing, especially during sunset!
Weeping Rock Trail
- Length: 0.4 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
A short, paved trail that leads to a rock alcove where water seeps through the sandstone walls, creating a “weeping” effect. The trail is accessible for most visitors and features lush hanging gardens along the way. Another good one for beginners and families to try!
The Watchman Trail:
- Length: 3.3 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 368 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Watchman Trail offers panoramic views of The Watchman, a towering rock formation. The trail starts near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and gradually climbs, offering views of Springdale and the surrounding canyon walls.
Hidden Canyon Trail:
- Length: 2.4 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 850 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
This lesser-known trail starts at Weeping Rock and offers a steep ascent with several sections requiring chains for safety. The trail leads to a narrow, secluded canyon for hikers seeking adventure and solitude.
Pa’rus Trail:
- Length: 3.5 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Difficulty: Easy
The Pa’rus Trail is a paved, accessible trail that follows the Virgin River. It’s perfect for families, cyclists, and leisurely strolls, offering beautiful views of the canyon and the river. It’s also the only dog-friendly trail in Zion.
The Subway:
- Length: 9 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
The Subway is one of Zion’s most iconic and challenging hikes. Known for its unique tube-shaped canyon, the hike involves route-finding, scrambling over boulders, and wading through water. It’s an adventurous journey through a slot canyon with stunning scenery and small waterfalls. The hike requires a permit and is best suited for experienced hikers and those comfortable with navigating difficult terrain.
