Zion National Park is a destination for hikers from across the globe, and it’s no wonder why. With beautiful scenery and unique treks for hikers of all levels, the Utah park is a place you won’t soon forget.
Upward of 15 distinct trails wind through the desert landscape. While each of these is worth experiencing, some stand out more than others. Wondering which trail to prioritize on your trip to Zion? Here are five of the park’s best hikes.
1. Angels Landing
Zion’s signature trail is one of the world’s most memorable day hikes. With breathtaking exposure along steep, narrow inclines, it will test the nerves of even the most experienced hiker.
Open since 1986, the hike, which requires a permit, climbs up approximately 1,500 vertical feet in roughly 2.5 miles. Chain railings make the final ascent to the 5,790-foot summit easier, as well as add a measure of safety. However, they don’t change the fact that this is a strenuous, dangerous route that should not be attempted by anyone other than experienced, fit adult hikers.
Hikers can reach Angels Landing by taking the Zion shuttle to the Grotto stop, then accessing the trail via the Grotto Trailhead. At 5-plus miles round-trip, the hike can take as many as four or five hours to complete. Angels Landing is most crowded during the summer, so if possible, consider visiting in the late fall, when there are fewer visitors and the temperatures are more forgiving. Early spring is also a good option, although snow runoff can make conditions dangerous.
2. Canyon Overlook
A hike befitting its name, Canyon Overlook offers spectacular views of the Pine Slot Creek Canyon. The views draw crowds, and because the trailhead is accessible only by private vehicle, it’s best to arrive early. The parking lot is small, and it fills up quickly.
The trail opens with a series of stone steps before proceeding on a relatively flat route for half a mile. Along the way, ferns create a shaded alcove that offers a welcome respite from the sun, especially during the summer. While the elevation gain is only 163 feet, switchbacks, slick rock, and steep inclines and drop-offs make this a moderately challenging hike. Bring appropriate footwear, and watch your step.
The hike culminates at its terminus, where views of the East Temple, West Temple, and Bridge Mountain are too stunning to capture in photos. If you bring binoculars, see if you can spot the desert bighorn sheep in the distance.
3. Emerald Pools
This trail is named for the three pools formed by a verdant trailside stream. Scenic and only 2.5 miles round-trip, it’s eclipsed only by Angels Landing as Zion’s most popular hike.
The trail begins across from the historic Zion Lodge, and the first two sections leading to the Lower Pool and Middle Pool consist of wide sidewalks. Both are easy hikes, and the Lower Pool section is accessible for people in wheelchairs, assuming they have assistance.
From a perch near the Middle Pool, hikers can look down at a leafy forest that occupies the canyon bottom. As they move further along the trail, its difficulty increases to moderate, with the route from the Middle Pool to the Upper Pool posing challenges such as drop-offs and uneven surfaces. Navigating the terrain is worthwhile, however, as the Upper Pool sits in a tranquil natural amphitheater surrounded by rock formations and shaded by maple trees.
Hiking all three sections of Emerald Pools takes about an hour. Because considerable resources have been put toward preserving the pools, hikers are reminded not to bathe in or otherwise disturb the water.
4. The Narrows
The Narrows isn’t your typical hike. It’s an upstream trek through the North Fork of the Virgin River.
Hikers who decide to take on the Narrows should expect near-constant wading in cold, waist-deep water. Specialized gear is absolutely required, and hikers should consult with experts before purchasing hiking gear. Among other items, waterproof hiking boots and socks are a must.
Why, with all the discomfort and preparation, would anyone want to subject themselves to the Narrows? The answer lies in the stunning views of thousand-foot Navajo sandstone walls. Thanks to centuries of erosion, the walls have been adorned with otherworldly shapes that need to be seen to be believed.
As an out-and-back trail, the Narrows offer flexible distances. Many hikers opt for the 5-mile round-trip route, while others extend their hikes to nearly 10 miles, at which distance the route can take seven or more hours to complete. The moderately strenuous trek is best taken when the weather is warm, but not overly hot, with June-July and September-October being the ideal time to visit.
5. The Watchman
If it’s your first time visiting Zion, you could do much worse than checking out the Watchman Trail. Overlooked by some, it’s conveniently located near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and provides a great introduction to the park.
The 2.7-mile round-trip route runs along the Virgin River and takes an hour or two to complete. Along the way, it leads hikers past native vegetation and rock formations, including overhanging cliffs. Some sections are rated as easy, but when ascending the base of Bridge Mountain, there’s some moderately strenuous climbing involved.
Along with the Virgin River and Bridge Mountain, the trail offers views of the Towers of the Virgin and the town of Springdale. Perches atop a foothill at the turnaround point are ideal locations to take in the surrounding scenery.