Just about every hike in Zion National Park is worthwhile, but if you are a first-time visitor and want to see the best of Zion in a few days, any of the hikes in the lists below will make you want to come back for more. Click on each hike to view more detailed information.
The Best Short-and-Easy Hikes:
- Emerald Pools Trail
A nice family-friendly collection of trails that wander through three levels of pools, complete with small streams and small waterfalls.
Weeping Rock
A very, very short walk up to the popular seeping wall of the park. Not really my favorite, but a must-do if this is your first visit to Zion.- Riverside Walk (Gateway to the Narrows)
A nice level paved trail that meanders along the Virgin River heading up towards the famous Zion Narrows. Many trees, ferns, and weeping walls add to the ambience.
- Canyon Overlook Trail
If you have a vehicle and can drive up to the east side of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, this is a nice short hike to a great overlook.
More Strenuous Day Hikes:
- Angels Landing
This is one of the defacto classic hikes in Zion and one of the most stunning viewpoints you will ever experience, but it's not recommended for anybody with a fear of heights.
Hidden Canyon
A nice hike up and into a secluded hanging canyon above the main canyon. Some sections involve rock-scrambling to get past obstacles.- Zion Narrows Day Hike
Another defacto classic hike of Zion, the Narrows hike involves constant hiking through water to see the amazingly deep and beautiful Narrows section of the Virgin River.
- Middle Fork of Taylor Creek
This is the popular hike in the Kolob Section; a 5-mile walk up through one of the Kolob Finger Canyons to the stunning Double-Arch Alcove.
The Best Viewpoints:
- Angels Landing
Already mentioned, Angels Landing is a unique, thrilling viewpoint. View almost 360 degrees of canyon beneath you.
- Observation Point
Observation Point from Weeping Rock is a hot, strenuous hike up many, many switchbacks, but the viewpoint at the end of the trail is worth the sweat.
West Rim Trail
The West Rim Trail backpacking route has many outstanding viewpoints, including the grandest viewpoint of them all overlooking the Great West Canyon.- Deertrap Mountain
One of the best views in the park, but it's a long grueling hike up from the main canyon or a somewhat monotonous approach from the east.
- Timber Creek Overlook
For something completely different, travel to the end of the Kolob Canyons Road to get a grand view of the Kolob Finger Canyons.
- Lady Mountain
The view from the top of Lady Mountain is astounding, offering another breathtaking view of the main canyon. This is an exposed rock-scrambling hike only for experienced climbers.
The Backpacking Routes:
- West Rim Trail
Lava Point down to the main canyon in two days is a perfect adventure with many viewpoints and great campsites. (A backcountry permit is required and you can choose your campsite number.)
Zion Narrows Top-Down Route
Another perfect two-day backpacking trip that starts in the upper plateau
and makes its way into the deep and beautiful Virgin River Narrows. (A backcountry permit is required and you can choose your campsite number.)- La Verkin Creek Trail (from Lee Pass)
A two or three day backpacking hike depending on how much you want to explore. Take the La Verkin Creek Trail from Lee Pass to see the Kolob Arch, Willis Creek, and Beartrap Canyon. (A backcountry permit is required and you can choose your campsite number.)
- The Chinle Trail/Upper Coalpits Wash
Admittedly not the most exciting route and not a good choice for the hot summer months, the desert section of Zion offers sublime scenery and a great escape from the more crowded sections of the park. (A backcountry permit is required and you can choose your campsite number.)
- The Trans-Zion Trek
A route made popular by the outfitters in Springdale, the "Trans-Zion Trek" is a multi-day backpacking hike that connects several of Zion's trails into one long route from one corner of the park to the other. Total mileage: roughly 50 miles.
- The Barracks (East Fork of the Virgin River)
The East Fork (Upper Parunuweap Canyon) is a large and remote canyon system with amazing scenery for those looking for a strenuous backpacking trip. Good navigation and rock-scrambling skills are necessary on this route and drybags are recommended in the river.
Beginning Canyoneering Routes:
Canyoneering is an activity that involves hiking and skills like rappelling, rope work, rock-climbing, route finding, and swimming in cold water to allow you to see many more remote and secluded canyons than you could by simply hiking. These routes are not suitable for hikers who have no technical canyoneering experience.
Left Fork of North Creek (The Subway)
A long strenuous day hike through an extremely beautiful section of canyon, involving several short rappels and a handful of swims.- Orderville Canyon
A tributary of the more famous Zion Narrows, the hike through Orderville is a long strenuous day hike that includes two short rappels, many downclimbs, and a few possible swims.
- Keyhole Canyon
A short-but-sweet technical canyon that involves three rappels and a mandatory swim through a dark hallway. Wetsuits recommended.
- Pine Creek (Middle Pine Creek)
One of the most popular technical canyoneering routes in Zion featuring rappels through many beautiful subterranian sections, many pools of cold water, and a 100' free rappel out of the canyon.
