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
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.
Guides
Trail reviews for Zion National Park
This a great 1st hike when you get to Zion National Park. Park at the Visitors Center (you’ll have to circle the parking lot multiple times to find a spot) and walk to the trail from there. No need to shuttle for this one.
Hiking The Narrows in Zion National Park up to the 200-foot waterfall is an unforgettable experience through one of the most breathtaking slot canyons in the park. To reach the start of the river hike, you first walk about a mile from the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop along the Riverside Walk, a scenic paved path lined with greenery and steep canyon walls. After that, the real hike begins in the Virgin River itself, where you wade upstream through cool, flowing water. I chose not to take any pictures with my phone during the hike—I just wanted to be fully present and enjoy the surroundings without worrying about keeping my gear dry. The canyon becomes more dramatic the farther you go, with towering rock walls narrowing in around you and sunlight occasionally cutting through the shade. The riverbed is rocky and uneven, and it can definitely be slippery in some spots, so having good footing is important. While many people rent special wet gear for this hike, I personally didn’t find it necessary in July. The air and water were both warm enough that I was comfortable in just regular clothes and sturdy shoes. Reaching the 200-foot waterfall at the end feels like finding a hidden gem, surrounded by smooth canyon walls and the sound of rushing water echoing through the gorge.
Level 2 Trail with spectacular views. Hiked .5 in and back and it gave a great flavor of Zion.
An absolute must do in Zion. A profound spiritual experience. My jaw was dropped basically the entire way. In the end it was a round trip of 25km for us, but you don't feel as fatigued as you're in cool and refreshing water all the time. Most of the hike is in shade. There are a few incredible spots to warm up and soak up the sun. Make sure to rent the water shoes and the walking stick! Made a huge difference. Amazing grip and comfort. Yes you'll be wet, but not cold or uncomfortable. Of course slipping is still very possible, there are also a few spots where you'll have to go in almost chest high deep into water. I'm 6'2 and had to hold my bag up on a few occasions. In the end I felt reborn after this hike.
A lot of people write reviews here for bottom up. Top down is completely different. Was scared about it being monsoon season but seems like the only bad thing was that the shuttles often can’t get you to the trailhead. Somehow we got up there the one day the shuttles could make it. Hike was awesome, stayed at campsite 10 which was also awesome. We rented the shoes, socks, and poles from Zion adventure. Would suggest that since it’s a lot of water. Good luck. If you’re reading this you should definitely try it
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Frequently asked questions
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Points of interest
- Angels Landing
- Virgin River
- The Narrows
- Mountain of the Sun
- Cable Mountain
- Pine Valley Peak
- Lady Mountain
- Mountain of Mystery
- South Guardian Angel
- Bridge Mountain
- Big Springs
- Lava Point Overlook Picnic Area
- Scout Lookout
- Potato Hollow Springs
- Campsite 6 - Coalpits Wash Camp
- Canyon Overlook
- The Subway
- Upper Emerald Pool
- Dinosaur Tracks
- Cabin Spring