Article Overview: Best Hikes Zion National Park
I have spent more time hiking in Zion than I can count so it brings me great joy to finally be writing about the best hikes in Zion National Park. Where to begin!
In 2015 I was part of a small film crew that shot a film on Zion National Park – it was my job to find all of the most beautiful places in the park. As a result of that, I’ve hiked nearly every trail in Zion and have some pretty epic photos of each spot.
I’ll be including all the popular Zion hikes inside of the main canyon AND some incredible hikes you’ve never heard of that have a tiny fraction of the crowds and are just as amazing.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents: Best Hikes in Zion National Park
Best Hikes in Zion National Park
- Things to Know Before You Hike in Zion National Park
- Getting to Zion National Park
- Which Zion National Park Hikes Are CLOSED Due to the Rock Fall?
- Best Hikes in Zion National Park
About the Folks Behind This List of the Best Hikes in Zion
You should probably know that we didn’t just make up this list of the best hikes in Zion National Park out of thin air.
We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
We’re Will Pattiz and Jim Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
Things to Know Before You Hike in Zion National Park
Entrance Fees
$30 per vehicle OR if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months I suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be found at the entrance gates to most national parks). This pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee.
Sunscreen
Use it. Lots of it. Especially this one which I never leave the house without because it plays nice with our dear friend, earth 🙂
Gas
There are a plethora of fuel options in Springdale right outside of the main canyon so fueling up in Zion is not as much of a concern.
Cell Service
Cell Service is spotty in the park but there is some sporadically outside of Zion canyon.
Guide Book
The Best Guide Book: James Kaiser is the proverbial bees knees in this department. I love all of his National Park guides and his Zion Guide is no exception.
Map
The Best Map: I like this map best for Zion National Park.
Water
Drink it. Lots of it. Don’t forget it in the car.
Best Time to Visit Zion
The Best Time to Visit Zion National Park is during the fall to see all of the cottonwood trees turn a vibrant yellow. If you can’t make it during Autumn, try Spring as a second best time. Summer is extremely hot in Zion and in Winter is surprisingly cold.
Restaurants & Food Options
Food options are abound in the Zion area with several major cities surrounding the park like Springfield and Cedar City. As far as options inside the park go, visitors are limited to the Red Rock Grill restaurant & seasonal Castle Dome Cafe near Zion Lodge.
Where to Stay in Zion
Visiting Zion National Park? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on visiting Zion National Park for tips. Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel near Zion.
Getting to Zion National Park
There are many ways to get to Zion National Park. One of the most popular is flying into Las Vegas and making the 2.5 hour drive to the park. The second closest major city is Salt Lake City at 4.5 hours away.
Which Zion National Park Hikes Are CLOSED Due to the Rock Fall?
On August 24, 2019, a major rock fall occurred in Zion National Park closing some of the most popular trails. What happened is a massive piece of sandstone broke off the face of Cable Mountain causing a significant rock slide.
This rock slide shut off the access to the last portion of the Weeping Rock trail including access to Observation Point.
As a result, the free Zion National Park Shuttle no longer stops at the Weeping Rock station and many of those hikes are closed.
Hikes in Zion National Park Currently CLOSED:
- Weeping Rock Trail (CLOSED)
- Observation Point via Weeping Rock (CLOSED)
- Observation Point via East Rim Trail (CLOSED)
- Hidden Canyon Trail (CLOSED)
- Hidden Canyon via East Rim Trail (CLOSED)
Best Hikes in Zion National Park
Top 5 Best Hikes in Zion National Park
1. The Narrows Hike
- Distance: 16 miles (but most only hike the first few miles which are incredible)
- Elevation: Minimal
- Time: Depends (typically a 2-4 hours)
- Difficulty: Easy (depending on how far you go)
The Narrows is one of the absolute coolest hikes in Zion National Park and the entire national park system for that matter.
Hiking the Narrows
Hikers hike, walk, and wade through a narrow canyon of massive red rock canyon walls where the Virgin River has been at work for millions of years.
The total hike is 16 miles long but most folks only do the first few which are incredible. You’ll need some good water shoes for this hike and a hiking pole is recommended although most folks go without (water shoes can be rented in Springdale at a number of places).
The deepest the water gets is about 3-4ft but most of the hike is in ankle deep water.
2. Angels Landing Hike
- Distance: 5 miles
- Elevation: 1500 feet
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Angels Landing
Angel’s Landing is the most popular, well-known hike in Zion National Park leading to one of the most iconic views in all the National Park system.
The Angel’s Landing trail is a steep 5 miles with about 1,500ft of elevation gain.
Starting in 2022, everyone who hikes Angels Landing must have a permit from the NPS to do so.
This hike is not for acraphobics or the faint of heart as one section of the trail involves holding onto a chain bolted onto a cliff side with sheer drop offs.
I recommend starting this hike as early in the morning as possible to avoid the (massive) crowds that flock in by mid-morning.
It’s no fun waiting on the cliff face holding onto the chain link guide.
3. Canyon Overlook Hike
- Distance: 1 mile
- Elevation: Minimal
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Hiking Canyon Overlook
Canyon Overlook is one of the most spectacular and relatively easy to access overlooks in all of Zion National Park.
Located on the Zion Mt. Carmel (East) side of the park, the Canyon Overlook Trail is a popular one.
The trail itself is about a mile round trip with little elevation gain. Hikers will be rewarded with sweeping views of Zion National Park.
Canyon Overlook is also a decent place to see sunrise but not so much sunset as the shadows fill the canyon long before the sun actually sets.
4. Timber Creek Overlook Trail
- Distance: 1 mile
- Elevation: 100 feet
- Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
Hiking Timber Creek Overlook Trail
The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is perhaps the most overlooked (pun intended) trail in all of Zion National Park.
The sweeping panoramic views of Kolob Canyon are absolutely breathtaking and with a tiny fraction of the visitors of most of the other hikes in the park.
Located in the Kolob Canyon section of the park (separate entrance from Springdale located off I-15 to the north) Timber Creek Overlook Trail is located at the end of the East Kolob Canyon Road.
The hike itself is easy and offers incredible views of Kolob Canyon at 1 mile round trip with just 100 feet of elevation gain.
Interested in visiting all the Utah Mighty 5 National Parks? Read our Utah National Parks article!
5. Observation Point (via East Mesa Trail)
- Distance: 7 miles (or 9 without using the treacherous road)
- Elevation: 700 feet
- Time: 4-6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Status: One route open
Hiking to Observation Point
Observation Point is one of the best hikes in all of Zion National Park offering what some argue are the most epic views in the entire park.
The best views are available from the top of the hike and look down the main Zion Canyon revealing a true “land before time” landscape.
There are three trail options for getting to Observation Point itself, only one of which is currently open to hikers due to a major rock fall.
- (OPEN) Observation Point via East Mesa Trail
- (CLOSED) Observation Point via East Rim Trail
- (CLOSED) Observation Point via Weeping Rock Trail
Currently the only way to access the trail to Observation Point is through the Eastern side of Zion through Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort (privately owned) and BLM land.
I HIGHLY recommend parking at Zion Ranch (only $5) and taking the shuttle to the trailhead rather than driving your own vehicle. The road is extremely treacherous, even for tricked out 4WD jeeps.
The trail is actually lovely with gentle elevation gain over several miles. There is also plenty of shade on this trail (surprisingly) but be sure to pack enough water, especially in Summer months when heat exhaustion is all too common.
At the end you’ll reach Observation Point with relatively minimal effort, one of the best views in Zion National Park.
This is currently the only way to get to Observation Point due to a major rock fall in the the park.
Top 10 Zion National Park Hikes
6. La Verkin Creek Trail
- Distance: 14 miles
- Elevation: 1000 feet
- Time: 8-10 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
Hiking La Verkin Creek
If you’re looking for an uncrowded hike in Zion National Park, La Verkin Creek Trail is a great choice.
This hike sees far fewer hikers each year than most trails in Zion National Park entering into the primitive Zion Wilderness area.
The highlight of the La Verkin Creek Trail is Kolob Arch (one of the world’s largest natural arches) which can be viewed up close off a spur trail about 7 miles into the hike.
7. Weeping Rock
- Distance: .4 miles
- Elevation: 100 feet
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Status: CLOSED
Hiking Weeping Rock
The Weeping Rock Trail is a favorite hike in Zion National Park for many offering beautiful views of the famous Weeping Rock.
Weeping Rock is a small rock alcove with water dripping from an overhang.
The trail is short but steep at points but overall relatively easy for all age groups.
Due to a major rock fall this trail is closed until further notice.
8. Lower Emerald Pool Trail
- Distance: 1.2 miles
- Elevation: Minimal
- Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy
Hiking Lower Emerald Pool Zion
Lower Emerald Pool Trail is one of the most recently paved trails in Zion National Park offering greatly improved accessibility for hikers.
The trail was re-opened in 2017 after damage was sustained from a large rock fall.
Hiking to Lower Emerald Pool is relatively easy at 1.2 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain. The pool itself features some nice little waterfalls and beautiful canyon scenery.
9. Hop Valley Trail
- Distance: 6.6 miles (point to point) or 13.2 round trip
- Elevation: 1000 feet
- Time: 3 hours (each way)
- Difficulty: Moderate – Difficult
Hiking Zion’s Hop Valley Trail
The Hop Valley Trail is one of Zion’s finest starting in the Kolob Terrace region of the park and taking hikers into the spectacular Kolob Canyon.
Along the way you’ll see beautiful valley scenery with fields and meados transform into breathtaking red rock canyons.
This hike should not be attempted without adequate preparation.
The round trip hike back to the Hop Valley Trailhead is over 13 miles so make sure you have a plan for someone to pick you up if you’re doing the point to point hike!
10. Taylor Creek Trail
- Distance: 5 miles
- Elevation: 500 feet
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Taylor Creek in Zion
Taylor Creek is a wonderful hike in the Kolob Canyon region of Zion National Park leading hikers into a narrow, beautiful canyon toward Double Arch Alcove.
There are two historic cabins located on this hike which are worth checking out. Both were built in the 1930s with fir logs – the Larson cabin and the Fife cabin.
The hike follows Taylor Creek and offers hikers plenty of shade and areas to rest. At 5 miles round trip and 500 feet elevation gain the hike is rated as moderate. Double Arch Alcove marks the end of the hike.
Plan for at least 3 hours for this hike.
Top 15 Best Hikes in Zion National Park
11. Lava Point Overlook
- Distance: .3 miles
- Elevation: Minimal
- Time: 20-30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Hiking to Lava Point Overlook
Lava Point Overlook isn’t as much of a hike as it is a short walk from the Lava Point Parking Lot to the overlook.
The hike is one of the shortest n Zion National Park and one of the most beautiful.
Lava Point is a spectacular overlook located in the Kolob Terrace region of Zion National Park. Here you’ll find less crowds, more solace, and just as much beauty albeit of a different variety than what you’ll see in the canyons.
I highly recommend Lava Point at sunset as I believe it’s the best place in all of Zion to watch the sun fade away.
12. Hidden Canyon (via Weeping Rock Trail)
- Distance: 3 miles
- Elevation: 850 feet
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Hiking Hidden Canyon
Hidden Canyon is a very popular hike located in the main canyon of Zion National Park.
Hikers ascend nearly 1000ft up the side of the canyon wall to get into a smaller “hidden” canyon with sandy paths.
There are two ways to access Hidden Canyon, both are currently closed due to a rock fall.
- Hidden Canyon via Weeping Rock Trail (CLOSED)
- Hidden Canyon via East Rim Trail (CLOSED)
Due to a major rock fall this trail is closed until further notice.
13. The Subway (Left Fork, Bottom Up)
- Distance: 9 miles
- Elevation: 1300 feet
- Time: 6-10 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Hiking to The Subway in Zion
Hiking the left fork of the Subway in Zion National Park is one of the most coveted, bucket list hikes in America offering spectacular, up-close viewing of one of the most beautiful slot canyons in the world.
NOTE: Hiking to the Subway always requires a permit via a lottery system. The cost is $5. The lucky few who win permits must also check in at the Wilderness Desk of the Zion National Park Visitor Center to obtain the actual permit.
The “trail” to the Subway follows the left fork of North Creek and frequently is in the creek itself meaning be prepared to get wet in this water (it’s cold).
Be sure to have waterproof shoes and/or a game plan for having wet feet.
The hike starts at the left fork trailhead in the Kolob Terrace part of the park. First up, a 400 foot descent or so meaning you’ll have a nice steep ascent on the way back “up”.
The trail eventually hits the creek bed where I highly recommend bringing something bright and visible to tie onto a tree so you’ll remember where the way out is.
From here, “simply” follow the creek up to the subway.
This will involve scrambling over rocks, climbing around beautiful cascading waterfalls, and passing by ancient dinosaur tracks.
The Subway itself is quite small but with endless photo opportunities.
Be respectful of the other folks there and try to stay as quiet as possible in the Subway to preserve the grandeur of this special place.
14. West Rim Trail (via Lava Point)
- Distance: 19 miles (or however long you want to go)
- Elevation: 1500 feet
- Time: 9-11 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
Hiking the West Rim Trail
The West Rim Trail offers hikers in Zion National Park the rare opportunity of solace in a place so crowded with eager visitors.
The trail is long but can be used as a shorter out & back hike for a great afternoon hike (which is what I usually do).
The scenery on the West Rim Trail is dramatically different than what you see in the photos of Zion offering visitors a unique, unexpected, and uncrowded experience.
15. Pa’rus Trail
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Elevation: Minimal
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Hiking the Pa’rus Trail
The Pa’rus Trail is considered to be one of the easiest and most pleasant hikes in Zion National Park offering great views for minimal effort.
The trail is paved and handicap accessible following the Zion River.
At 3.5 miles long with minimal elevation the Pa’rus Trail is great for kids and families of all ages. One of the most famous views in Zion National Park of the Watchman can be achieved from this hike.
Top 20 – Hiking in Zion National Park
16. Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon
The Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon is one of the most popular technical canyoneering spots in Zion National Park.
If you’re not up for technical rappelling then no problem!
Drive toward the east entrance a bit and find another part of the Pine Creek Gorge to hike around. The creek bed is long and provides lots of great entry points for hikers.
I love this hike as a lesser-traveled and beautiful look into the east side of Zion National Park.
List of the Best Zion National Park Hikes
- The Narrows Hike
- Angels Landing Hike
- Canyon Overlook Hike
- Timber Creek Hike
- Observation Point Hike
- La Verkin Creek Hike
- Weeping Rock Hike
- Lower Emerald Pool Hike
- Hop Valley Hike
- Taylor Creek Hike
- Lava Point Hike
- Hidden Canyon Hike
- The Subway Hike
- West Rim Hike
- Pa’rus Trail Hike
- Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon Hike
Map of Zion National Park Hikes
About Zion National Park
Zion National Park is unlike anywhere else on the planet. Looking up at those impossibly big canyon walls for the first time is a feeling you don’t ever forget.
It’s no wonder why millions of people every year come to visit this breathtaking place.
Millions of people visit lots of national parks each year that don’t have the sort of overcrowding issues that Zion does – so what gives?
Crowds at Zion National Park
The major difference is that most national parks that see millions of viewers a year have a larger area for folks to spread out. In Zion, the main canyon is extremely narrow and just a mere 15 miles long.
Don’t let that deter you from visiting! There are still ways to see Zion without the crowds. In this post I’ll detail exactly how I go about doing this year after year.
Best Time to Visit Zion
The best time of year to visit Zion National Park is September and October as visitation wains, temperatures cool off, and fall foliage (yes, foliage in Utah!) is dazzling.
The best season to visit Zion National Park is Autumn with stunning foliage, cooler temperatures, and smaller crowds. Spring is also a lovely time to visit with smaller crowds and bright spring greens filling the canyons.
With that being said, each season brings something different and beautiful to Zion National Park.
Zion National Park Driving & Transportation
Zion National Park has a few different transportation options that add convenience for the visitor. Visitors can experience the park on foot, by bike, by car, or by shuttle. Visitors should know that no cars are allowed inside the main canyon unless you have reservations at the Zion Lodge.
Zion Shuttle System
The Zion Shuttle is a great way for visitors to visit the main (zion) canyon which holds the majority of the most popular attractions in Zion National Park. This convenient mode runs daily and currently visitors must acquire $1 tickets prior to boarding.
The shuttle stops at all of the most popular spots in the canyon and gives viewers a unique way of enjoying the park. For more shuttle info visit the NPS website.
Zion National Park Driving
Driving in Zion National Park is limited to all the areas outside of the main canyon including:
- Zion Mt. Carmel Scenic Highway
- Kolob Terrace Road
- Kolob Canyon
Gas is available in Springdale, Cedar City, Mt. Carmel Junction, and beyond.
Why Listen to Us About Hiking in Zion National Park?
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues.
Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us national parks experts.
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers.
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
If you’d like to follow along our journey we’d be delighted to have you!
Summary of Zion National Park Hikes
That’s a wrap folks! If you enjoyed this post about the best hikes in Zion National Park please leave us a comment below!
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Very informative. Really appreciate all the current information about closures and such. Makes planning a trip to Zion so much easier will all this info. Thank you very much!
Hi Priya,
Thanks so much for the kind words! So glad you found this information helpful.
Have a wonderful trip to Zion!
Best,
Will