Best trails in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a unique landscape with high cliffs, narrow gorges and a beautiful view. The park has many famous walks. Angels Landing is an intense switchback trail with truly spectacular views from the top of the canyon. Another famous hike is the unique Narrows Trail, a very long hike through a river that lies between a steep gorge. Other notable trails include the East Rim Trail to the park's highest point, the Slot Canyon Subway Trail, and the family-friendly but equally beautiful Kayenta Trail. There's also the paved Emerald Pools Trail and the more challenging West Rim Trail for backpackers.
Top trails
- (36752)•Hard•4.2 miThe Angels Landing Trail is a technical route in Zion National Park with steep drop-offs and very narrow sections. The incredible views of Zion Canyon make this hike the most popular in Zion. You'll start by parking at The Grotto Trailhead or taking the West Rim Shuttle to The Grotto shuttle stop. You'll cross a bridge over the Virgin River onto the West Rim Trail. The first few miles of this route along the West Rim Trail are on a paved path. Most of the path is sunny, but Refrigerator...
- (17422)•Hard•3.5 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrThis is a popular paved trail that leads up to Scout Lookout. Despite the pavement, the trail can be very steep and difficult in some sections. It is also quite exposed, so visiting in either the morning or late afternoon will provide some shade. After crossing the Virgin River on a bridge, the trail turns right and follows the river for a bit. Then, it starts climbing on a paved trail. The views of the canyon become incredible along the way, offering great photo opportunities. After a...
- (20242)•Moderate•3.2 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrThe Watchman Trail in Zion National Park is an easy and well-maintained trail that is often overlooked by hikers. Many others are going to the neighboring trails and often pass by this hike in Zion. It overlooks the entire Springdale area and is ideal for beginner hikers. The Watchman trailhead parking lot is the closest classic hike to the south entrance of the park, only half a mile away. The trail starts as a steady incline up moderate switchbacks leading to great views of the area at...
- (6939)•Moderate•2.4 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis hike takes you to the Emerald Pools. It is one of the alternate paths to the pools via the Kayenta Trail. The Kayenta Trail takes you alongside the Virgin River, and the terrain is sandy and rocky. There are long drop-offs and sandstone steps on the trail. The views of Zion Canyon are stunning as you make your way toward the lower, middle, and upper pools. This trail is crowded on a nice day, and swimming is not allowed at Emerald Pools.
- (14522)•Moderate•5.7 mi•Est. 3.5–4 hrThis section of the Zion Narrows Riverside walk takes you to the Floating Rock feature, situated just under two peaks: Imlay Temple and Elephant Temple. This route continues into the Narrows past the end of the maintained trail. A trip through Utah’s most famous slot canyon is unlike any other typical day hike. You’ll be walking in between towering canyon walls alongside the beautiful Virgin River. The river’s water level does vary and those who choose to continue past the end of this route...
- (14284)•Easy•1.9 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrPlanning a trip to Zion to hike The Narrows should be on every outdoor enthusiast's bucket list. This route along the Riverside Walk Trail is a relatively easy and paved out and back located at the end of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. This route only includes the maintained trail. Those looking for a longer adventure can find the full Zion Narrows route that continues down the river past this trail's endpoint. There is water and a restroom at the trailhead. You’ll also have access to sandy...
- (14061)•Easy•0.9 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThe Canyon Overlook Trail offers some of the most breathtaking views of Zion Canyon. Located in the Upper East Canyon portion of the park, the trail is actually one of the few official trails in the area. This unfortunately means that the shuttle does not stop at this trailhead. To do this hike, you must enter the park in a private vehicle. You’ll be able to see the overlook from the switchbacks on Route 9. After going through the tunnel, the trailhead parking area is on your right. Parking...
- (6407)•Moderate•2.9 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrEmerald Pools Trail is a paved trail to Lower Emerald Pool which then leads to a rocky trail to the Upper Emerald Pool at the base of a cliff. This trail starts from Zion Lodge and crosses the bridge to a paved trail that leads to the Lower Emerald Pool and waterfalls. There are multiple pools here to soak up the sun and enjoy the variety of local flora and fauna. There are beautiful views of the valley but sometimes the water level in the pools can be low. The trail is well-maintained and...
- (6258)•Moderate•2.2 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis trail is commonly done as a point-to-point trail in either direction, depending on which shuttle stop you decide to start and end with. To get to this trail, you will need to take the shuttle. You can start or end at either the Grotto or the Zion Lodge shuttle stops. The route follows the Kayenta Trail to the lower and upper Emerald Pools, where you can also enjoy great views of Zion.
- (5962)•Hard•8.9 miThe Narrows is one of the most iconic day hikes in Zion National Park named for being the most narrow spot in Zion Canyon. As you hike through the blue water in the gorge, you will look up at rocky canyon walls a thousand feet tall as you walk through the Virgin River. Water levels can vary from ankle deep to chest high, and as with all slot canyons, caution should be used and the weather forecast should be checked. The most popular time to hike the narrows is late spring and summer when the...
Visitor info
Admits one, non-commercial motorcycle to Zion National Park. Valid for 1-7 days.
$20 per person. Non-commercial vehicles with a capacity of 16 or greater. Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per person rate. Pass and photo ID must be present upon entry.
Admits one individual with no car to Zion National Park. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free. Valid for 1-7 days.
Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants to Zion National Park. Valid for 1-7 days.
Admits one individual with no car to Zion National Park. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free. Valid for 1-7 days.
The Zion Annual Pass is valid only at Zion and may be purchased in person. This pass is valid for 12 months from purchase month. This pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. You can buy this entrance pass at all entrance stations.
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
All visitor centers and the Human History Museum are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. Orientation films include closed captioning.
Loaner wheelchairs, assistive listening devices, audio descriptions, tactile exhibits, and Braille and text materials are available.
Many ranger-led programs are wheelchair accessible and assistive listening devices and ASL interpreters are available by reservation. Please call 435-772-3256 or email zion_park_information@nps.gov in advance to make a reservation for equipment or interpretation services.
Additional information about accessibility at Zion National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
All shuttle buses in the park are wheelchair accessible and can fit chairs under 45 inches long and 25 inches wide.
For driving personal vehicles in the gorge, there is a special parking permit available at the information desks of the museum.
All visitor centers and the Human History Museum are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. Orientation films include closed captioning.
The Zion Lodge has 4 wheelchair accessible rooms and loaner wheelchairs available. It also has a wheelchair accessible snack bar, auditorium, gift shop, restrooms, and dining room.
The Grotto Picnic Area is wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces and accessible restrooms.
The Watchman Campground has 7 individual camping sites, 2 group sites, and restrooms that are all wheelchair accessible. The South Campground has packed level surfaces, but no designated accessible campsites and no accessible restrooms.
The amphitheater at the South Campground has wheelchair accessible seating in the top row and access to the beach near campsite B56.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
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Frequently asked questions
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Attractions
- Hard trails in Zion National Park
- Easy trails in Zion National Park
- Forest trails in Zion National Park
- Long trails in Zion National Park
- Moderate trails in Zion National Park
- No dogs trails in Zion National Park
- River trails in Zion National Park
- Short trails in Zion National Park
- Scenic viewpoint trails in Zion National Park
- Waterfall trails in Zion National Park
- Wildflowers trails in Zion National Park
- Wildlife trails in Zion National Park
Points of interest
- Angels Landing
- Elephant Temple
- Virgin River
- Observation Point
- Lower Pine Creek Waterfall
- Middle Emerald Pool
- Lower Emerald Pool
- R4 - Bolted Rappel Anchor: 20ft
- The Subway
- Mystery Springs
- Watchman Overlook
- Canyon Overlook
- Double Arch Alcove
- View on the Patriarchs
- Big Bend Viewpoint
- Kolob Arch Viewpoint
- Upper Emerald Pool
- Zion Canyon
- Jolley Gulch
- Pullout
