Zion National Park is one of the great hiking destinations of the American Southwest. Towering sandstone cliffs rise thousands of feet above the Virgin River, narrow canyons disappear between walls of red rock, and trails climb from the desert floor to viewpoints overlooking some of the most dramatic scenery in Utah.
The best hikes in Zion National Park range from easy paved walks to strenuous adventures that require permits, careful planning, and a good head for heights. You can stroll beside the Virgin River, climb toward Angels Landing, wade directly through the river in The Narrows, or escape the busiest parts of Zion Canyon by exploring Kolob Canyons.
Choosing the right hike is important. Zion’s elevation changes, summer heat, exposed cliffs, flash-flood hazards, and seasonal trail conditions can make even relatively short trails more demanding than their mileage suggests.
This guide covers some of the best Zion hikes for first-time visitors, families, experienced hikers, photographers, and anyone trying to decide which trails deserve a place on their itinerary.
⚡ Zion Hiking Quick Guide
| Trail | Approx. Distance | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angels Landing | 5.4 miles round trip | Strenuous | Iconic adventure |
| Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail | About 4.2 miles round trip | Strenuous | Big views without the chains |
| The Narrows | Variable, up to about 9.4 miles round trip | Strenuous | Slot canyon adventure |
| Canyon Overlook Trail | 1 mile round trip | Moderate | Best short viewpoint hike |
| Lower Emerald Pool Trail | 1.2 miles round trip | Easy | Families and waterfalls |
| Upper Emerald Pools | About 3 miles round trip depending on route | Moderate | Longer Emerald Pools hike |
| Riverside Walk | About 2.2 miles round trip | Easy | Easy canyon scenery |
| Pa’rus Trail | About 3.5 miles end to end | Easy | Sunset, biking, and pets |
| Timber Creek Overlook | About 1.2 miles round trip | Easy to moderate | Kolob Canyons views |
| Taylor Creek Trail | About 5.2 miles round trip | Moderate | Quieter Zion hiking |
Distances and trail conditions can change because of closures, rockfalls, floods, construction, or route alterations. Always check current National Park Service information before beginning a hike.
🥾 1. Angels Landing
Angels Landing is Zion National Park’s most famous hike and one of the most recognizable trails in the entire national park system. The trail climbs from the floor of Zion Canyon to a narrow sandstone ridge with enormous views in nearly every direction.
The hike begins near The Grotto and follows the West Rim Trail uphill. The early portion is strenuous but relatively conventional, climbing through a series of switchbacks before entering Refrigerator Canyon. From there, hikers tackle the tight switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles before reaching Scout Lookout.
The character of the hike changes dramatically after Scout Lookout. The final portion follows an exposed ridge where chains have been installed to help hikers negotiate steep terrain and significant drop-offs. This section is not appropriate for everyone, particularly hikers uncomfortable with heights or exposed scrambling.
A permit is required to hike the section from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing. Permits are distributed through seasonal lotteries and a day-before lottery. The permit system is designed to reduce congestion on the narrowest and most exposed section of the route.
Angels Landing is approximately 5.4 miles round trip and involves nearly 1,500 feet of elevation gain. Although experienced hikers may complete it relatively quickly, it is better to allow several hours so you are not rushing through steep or crowded sections.
Best for: Experienced hikers looking for Zion’s signature adventure.
Skip it if: You are uncomfortable with heights, exposed ledges, wet or icy rock, or congested mountain trails.
⛰️ 2. Scout Lookout via the West Rim Trail
You do not have to hike the chain section of Angels Landing to enjoy one of Zion Canyon’s best viewpoints. Scout Lookout provides a rewarding alternative and does not require an Angels Landing permit.
The route follows the same trail as Angels Landing through the lower switchbacks, Refrigerator Canyon, and Walter’s Wiggles. Instead of continuing onto the narrow ridge, hikers can stop at Scout Lookout and enjoy expansive views over Zion Canyon.
This is still a strenuous hike. The climb gains roughly 1,000 feet, and the switchbacks can feel relentless in hot weather. However, hikers avoid the most exposed part of Angels Landing while still experiencing much of what makes the route memorable.
Scout Lookout is also an excellent choice if you apply for an Angels Landing permit but do not receive one. You can still hike the West Rim Trail to the overlook and turn around there.
For hikers who want to continue exploring, the West Rim Trail extends beyond the Angels Landing junction into Zion’s higher country. Even a short continuation can provide additional canyon views and a noticeably quieter experience.
Best for: Hikers who want the Angels Landing scenery without hiking the chain section.
🌊 3. The Narrows
The Narrows is unlike almost any other popular national park hike because the Virgin River itself becomes the trail.
The adventure begins at the Temple of Sinawava, where hikers follow the Riverside Walk into increasingly narrow Zion Canyon. At the end of the paved trail, you step into the Virgin River and begin traveling upstream between towering sandstone walls.
There is no single required turnaround point for the standard bottom-up day hike. Some visitors spend only a short time walking in the river before returning, while stronger hikers continue several miles upstream. Bottom-up hikers can travel as far as Big Spring without a Wilderness permit, although most visitors turn around well before that point.
The Narrows is physically demanding despite its modest elevation gain. Walking against moving water over submerged rocks requires considerably more effort than hiking a normal trail. Water temperature, depth, current, weather, and river flow can also change the difficulty dramatically.
Flash flooding is the most serious hazard. Never enter The Narrows when dangerous weather or flooding conditions are possible. The National Park Service may close the route because of high water or other hazards, so checking current conditions shortly before your hike is essential.
Proper footwear makes an enormous difference. Shoes with strong traction and ankle support are preferable to ordinary sandals or flip-flops. Many hikers also use a sturdy walking stick to maintain balance on slippery river rocks.
Best for: Adventurous hikers looking for Zion’s most unusual hiking experience.
🏜️ 4. Canyon Overlook Trail
Few Zion hikes provide as much scenery for so little mileage as the Canyon Overlook Trail.
Located on the east side of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, the trail is only about one mile round trip. It climbs across rocky sandstone terrain before reaching an impressive overlook above Pine Creek Canyon and lower Zion Canyon.
Despite its short length, this should not be treated like a flat nature walk. The path includes uneven rock, steps, narrow sections, and drop-offs. Handrails and protective barriers are present in some areas, but hikers should still watch children carefully.
The viewpoint at the end is outstanding, especially when soft morning or late-afternoon light illuminates Zion’s sandstone landscape. It is one of the best choices for visitors who want a dramatic overlook without committing to a half-day hike.
Parking is the major challenge. The trailhead has very limited parking, and spaces near the tunnel can fill quickly. Avoid stopping illegally along the road or creating traffic problems while waiting for a space.
Best for: First-time Zion visitors, photographers, and anyone seeking maximum scenery from a short hike.
💧 5. Emerald Pools Trails
The Emerald Pools area offers several interconnected hiking options, making it easy to adjust your outing according to time, energy, and trail conditions.
The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is the easiest option. Starting near Zion Lodge, the route travels beneath towering cliffs toward a pool surrounded by vegetation and seasonal water features. Depending on recent precipitation, water may trickle or fall from the sandstone above.
The Middle Emerald Pools route climbs onto higher sandstone ledges with broader views across Zion Canyon. Continuing to Upper Emerald Pool leads to a pool set beneath massive cliffs at the head of a natural amphitheater.
Visitors should not swim or enter the pools. These are sensitive natural water sources and wildlife habitat rather than swimming holes.
The complete Emerald Pools experience is considerably more demanding than simply visiting Lower Emerald Pool. Sandy sections, rocky steps, elevation gain, and exposed areas become more noticeable as you continue toward the upper pool.
Because several trails connect in this area, route availability can change after rockfalls, storms, or maintenance work. Check trail conditions before deciding exactly which combination to hike.
Best for: Families, moderate hikers, and visitors who want a flexible trail with several turnaround options.
🌿 6. Riverside Walk
Riverside Walk is one of the best easy hikes in Zion National Park and the perfect choice for visitors who want to experience the narrow upper reaches of Zion Canyon without actually hiking through the Virgin River.
The trail starts at the Temple of Sinawava at the end of Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. From there, the paved path follows the Virgin River for about a mile as sandstone walls rise increasingly high on both sides.
The scenery becomes more dramatic as you approach the beginning of The Narrows. Hanging gardens, rock alcoves, river vegetation, and towering canyon walls make this much more than simply an access trail.
When you reach the end of Riverside Walk, you can watch hikers entering The Narrows and then turn around without getting your feet wet. It is therefore an excellent option for families or visitors who want to see the famous canyon but do not want to hike in moving water.
Although the trail is paved, sand, wet surfaces, slopes, and other natural conditions can affect accessibility.
Best for: Families, casual hikers, and visitors who want to see the entrance to The Narrows.
🌅 7. Pa’rus Trail
The Pa’rus Trail follows the Virgin River near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and offers a relaxing alternative to Zion’s steeper trails.
The mostly paved route travels between the visitor center area and Canyon Junction, passing meadows, river access points, bridges, and open views of Zion’s sandstone peaks. It is particularly beautiful in the late afternoon when warm light begins to illuminate the canyon walls.
Pa’rus is also notable because it is Zion National Park’s primary pet-friendly trail. Leashed dogs are allowed here, while pets are prohibited on most other park trails. Bicycles are also permitted.
You do not need to hike the entire trail. Because it has several access points, it works well for a short morning walk, evening stroll, or sunset outing after completing a more demanding hike earlier in the day.
This is one of the easiest ways to enjoy Zion scenery without dealing with narrow ledges, major elevation gain, or complicated trail logistics.
Best for: Sunset walks, families, cyclists, visitors with leashed dogs, and easy hiking days.
🌄 8. Timber Creek Overlook Trail
Visitors who never leave Zion Canyon miss an entirely different side of the national park. Kolob Canyons, located in the northwestern portion of Zion, features enormous red cliffs and dramatically fewer visitors than the main canyon.
Timber Creek Overlook Trail is one of the easiest ways to experience this area. The trail follows a ridge for roughly 0.6 mile each way and ends at a viewpoint overlooking Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace, and the surrounding mountains.
Although relatively short, the trail has rocky and uneven sections that make it more demanding than a paved nature walk. The payoff is substantial: broad views stretch across layers of red-rock country, and wildflowers can brighten the trail during spring and early summer.
Kolob Canyons is separated from the main Zion Canyon visitor area, so include additional driving time when planning your day. For travelers entering or leaving Zion via Interstate 15, however, it can be a particularly convenient stop.
Best for: Travelers looking for big views with a short hike and fewer crowds.
🏞️ 9. Taylor Creek Trail
Taylor Creek is another excellent reason to explore the Kolob Canyons section of Zion.
The trail follows the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek through a canyon bordered by soaring sandstone walls. Instead of the wide-open desert vistas found on many Zion trails, this route feels more intimate, with vegetation, creek crossings, historic cabins, and changing canyon scenery along the way.
The hike is approximately 5.2 miles round trip. Several shallow creek crossings are normally required, and the condition of those crossings depends on recent weather and seasonal water levels.
Taylor Creek is long enough to feel like a substantial hike without the intense exposure found on Angels Landing or some of Zion’s higher trails. It is also generally quieter than the famous Zion Canyon routes.
For visitors with several days in the park, this is one of the best trails for adding variety to an itinerary.
Best for: Moderate hikers, repeat Zion visitors, and anyone hoping to escape the busiest areas.
🎯 Best Zion Hikes by Type
If this is your first visit and you have limited time, Canyon Overlook provides one of the best combinations of short distance and dramatic scenery. Add Riverside Walk for a completely different view from deep within Zion Canyon.
For experienced hikers looking for adventure, Angels Landing and The Narrows are the park’s two signature experiences. They are very different challenges: Angels Landing emphasizes elevation, exposure, and heights, while The Narrows requires river travel, balance, and careful attention to weather and water conditions.
Families will generally find Riverside Walk, Lower Emerald Pool, and Pa’rus Trail more manageable. Shorter does not always mean easier in Zion, however, so consider heat, terrain, elevation, and each person’s hiking experience.
Visitors hoping to avoid crowds should explore Kolob Canyons, where Timber Creek Overlook and Taylor Creek offer a different side of the park.
☀️ Best Time to Hike in Zion National Park
Spring and fall are often excellent hiking seasons because daytime temperatures are generally more comfortable than they are during midsummer. These seasons can still bring rapidly changing weather, cold mornings, storms, and occasional snow or ice at higher elevations.
Summer brings long daylight hours but also potentially extreme heat. Temperatures in lower Zion Canyon can become dangerously hot, making early starts especially important for exposed trails. Summer thunderstorms can also create flash-flood hazards in narrow canyons.
Winter can be beautiful and much quieter, but snow and ice may make steep trails dangerous. Trails with exposed ledges deserve particular caution when frozen or wet.
The best season for The Narrows is harder to generalize because river conditions matter as much as air temperature. High spring runoff, thunderstorms, cold water, and flash-flood potential can all affect access.
🚌 Getting to Zion’s Trailheads
During much of the year, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is served by the Zion Canyon shuttle system. When the shuttle is operating, visitors generally use it to reach major trailheads including Zion Lodge, The Grotto, and the Temple of Sinawava.
No reservation is normally required to ride the park shuttle, but you should always check the current operating schedule because hours and seasonal dates can change.
Trails on Zion’s east side, including Canyon Overlook, require different transportation planning. Canyon Overlook has particularly limited parking.
Kolob Canyons is reached separately by road near Interstate 15 and is not served by the Zion Canyon shuttle.
Allow extra time for transportation when planning major hikes. A five-hour hike can occupy much more than five hours of your day once parking, shuttle travel, rest stops, and trailhead access are included.
⚠️ Zion Hiking Safety
Zion’s scenery can make the landscape seem inviting, but the park contains serious natural hazards. Heat illness is one of the biggest concerns during warmer months. Carry more water than you think you will need, avoid strenuous midday hiking during extreme heat, and recognize symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, and confusion.
Flash flooding is another major concern, particularly in The Narrows and other confined canyons. A storm may create dangerous conditions even when rain is not falling directly above you. Never enter a narrow canyon when flash flooding is possible.
Cliff edges require constant attention. Sandstone can be slick when wet, and loose sand over rock may reduce traction even in dry weather. Stay on established trails and never climb around barriers to get a photograph.
Good hiking shoes, sun protection, food, water, layers, and a downloaded or printed map should be considered basic equipment. Mobile phone service is unreliable in many parts of Zion.
Before any major hike, check current weather, trail closures, shuttle operations, and permit requirements.
🎟️ Do You Need a Permit to Hike in Zion?
Most ordinary day hikes in Zion National Park do not require a hiking permit.
The major exception for many visitors is Angels Landing, where a permit is required to continue beyond Scout Lookout onto the chain-assisted section of the route. Permits are distributed through lottery systems, so travelers hoping to hike Angels Landing should research the process before their trip.
The standard bottom-up Narrows hike from the Temple of Sinawava does not require a Wilderness permit as long as hikers stay within the permitted bottom-up boundaries. Top-down Narrows trips and many overnight Wilderness trips do require permits.
Permit rules can change, so confirm requirements directly with the National Park Service before your visit.
🗺️ How Many Days Do You Need for Hiking in Zion?
One day is enough to experience a small taste of Zion, but two or three days allow hikers to see far more variety.
With one day, you might combine Canyon Overlook with Riverside Walk or Emerald Pools. Experienced hikers with the necessary permit could instead dedicate much of the day to Angels Landing.
With two days, you can combine a major hike such as Angels Landing or The Narrows with several shorter trails.
Three or more days give you time to explore beyond Zion Canyon. Adding Kolob Canyons, the East Rim area, or portions of the West Rim Trail reveals landscapes that many short-term visitors never see.
Avoid trying to pack every famous hike into one visit. Zion rewards slower exploration, and trail conditions may force plans to change anyway.
🌲 Which Zion Hike Is the Best?
There is no single best hike in Zion National Park because the trails offer such different experiences.
Angels Landing is the classic choice for experienced hikers seeking exposure and panoramic views. The Narrows is the most unusual adventure. Canyon Overlook may be the best short hike, while Riverside Walk is one of the easiest ways to experience Zion’s towering canyon walls.
For visitors who dislike heights, Scout Lookout provides much of the Angels Landing experience without requiring the final exposed ridge. Families have several good options around Riverside Walk, Pa’rus Trail, and the Emerald Pools area.
And if the crowds of Zion Canyon become overwhelming, head north to Kolob Canyons. The quieter trails there demonstrate just how much of Zion exists beyond its famous shuttle corridor.
Whichever trail you choose, leave enough flexibility in your itinerary to respond to weather, closures, heat, river conditions, and your own energy level. Some of Zion’s most memorable days begin with changing the plan.
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📚 Sources & Further Reading
- National Park Service — Hiking in Zion National Park
- National Park Service — Zion Canyon Trail Descriptions
- National Park Service — Angels Landing Permits & Hiking
- National Park Service — The Narrows
- National Park Service — The Narrows Regulations
- National Park Service — Canyon Overlook
- National Park Service — Lower Emerald Pool Trail
- National Park Service — Upper Emerald Pools Trail
- National Park Service — Riverside Walk
- National Park Service — Pa’rus Trail
- National Park Service — Kolob Canyons Wilderness Hiking Trails
- National Park Service — Timber Creek Overlook
- National Park Service — Current Conditions
