Zion Canyon is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Come discover the beauty for yourself. There are trails accessible for all fitness levels and a shuttle from April to October for viewing the main canyon (tickets are required, so reserve ahead!). We love this place and will happily share with you all of our favorite spots to explore.
Zion can be busy and shuttles often require wait times. To access the park on your own schedule and avoid long lines, we recommend our favorite way to explore the canyon - E-Biking!
More information: https://www.zionguru.com/ebikeszion
Below you’ll find a list of the main hiking trails in Zion National Park. We’ll give you a map when you arrive and look forward to talking with you about all of the amazing opportunities that await you, wherever you decide to venture. Ask us about Guided Trips for even more options.
Main Canyon
5 miles RT
4-5 hr
Vigorous
Angels Landing
Famous for the canyon views, this trail is a challenge for those fearful of heights. Keep your eye out for wildlife. We’ve seen owls, snakes and condors on this trail. Depart from The Grotto Shuttle Station.
2 miles RT
1-2 hr
Moderate
Emerald Pools
Lower Emerald Pool Trail is paved and leads to beautiful waterfalls (in season). Upper Emerald Pool is not paved and leads to a pool at the base of the mountain. Depart from Zion Lodge Shuttle Station.
2 miles RT
3-4 hr
Vigorous
Hidden Canyon
(Closed due to Rockfall in August 2019)
Great introduction to Utah slot canyons. Also a challenge for those afraid of heights, but worth every step. Depart from Weeping Rock Shuttle Station.
Distance varies;
1 – 12 hr
Moderate to Vigorous
The Narrows
The classic Zion hike! We’ll tell you all about it, please ask us for more information or visit Zion Guru. Depart from Temple of Sinawava Shuttle Station.
8 miles RT
5-6 hr
Vigorous
Observation Point
(Closed due to Rockfall in August 2019)
One of our favorite trails. Take the day and explore some of the best Zion has to offer. Stunning views await. Depart from Weeping Rock Shuttle Station.
*Observation Point is still accessible via The East Mesa Trailhead - Contact Zion Guru for more information about directions and beta.
3.5 miles RT
1.5 hr
Casual
Pa'rus
Paved trail follows the Virgin River from the South Campground to Canyon Junction. Great for biking, seeing wildlife at dusk and casual strolls. Depart from Visitor Center.
2 miles RT
1.5 hr
Causal
3.4 miles RT
2 hr
Moderate
Sand Bench
A hidden gem of a trail. Best Nov – Feb. Summer and spring months the trail is used commercially for horseback riding. Depart from Court of the Patriarchs Shuttle Station.
2.7 miles RT
2 hr, Moderate
Watchman
Great early morning or evening trail for sunrise & sunset views. Great view of the Towers of the Virgin, lower Zion Canyon and Springdale. Depart from Visitor Center.
.5 miles RT
30 min, Casual
Weeping Rock
(Closed due to Rockfall in August 2019)
Short, but steep. Paved trail ends at a rock alcove with dripping springs. Depart from Weeping Rock Shuttle Station.
East Side
1 miles RT
1 hr
Moderate
Canyon Overlook
We love this trail, especially at sunrise. Great view of the Towers of the Virgin and Echo Canyon.
Car access only.
8 - 18 miles
5 - 18 hr
Moderate to Vigorous
Cable Mountain
Can be a day hike or part of an overnight backpack trip. There are a variety of ways to access this historical spot, 2,200 ft. above the canyon floor. Accessible from the East Side of Zion NP
11.5 miles (one way)
6-7 hr
Moderate
East Rim
Another popular trail for seeing the variety of scenery Zion has to offer. This trail takes you from the East Side plateaus to the canyon floor. Views, meadows, wildlife and wildflowers. Accessible from the East Side of Zion NP
Kolob Terrace Road
1 - 16 mi RT
Varies
Moderate
Chinle Trail
Best in fall or early spring before the summer heat. The Chinle Trail starts from the Anasazi Way sub-division. Great views of Mount Kinesava. Access off Hwy 9 via bike or car.
7 miles (one way)
4-5 hr
Moderate to Vigorous
Hop Valley
Most people hike this trail as an overnight, camping (permit required) near the Kolob arch. The trail traverses through open fields with rock formations on either side. Hop Valley is a beautiful trail best accessed in late spring and fall. Access via Kolob Terrace Road, from Hwy 9, via car. Overnight trips require a shuttle.
5 miles RT
2-3 hr
Casual
Northgate Peaks
This is a great trail if you want to beat the summer heat and enjoy cool breezes, open meadows and amazing views. Easy trail, great for the whole family. Access via Kolob Terrace Road, from Hwy 9, via car.
14 miles (one way)
7-9 hr
Moderate to Vigorous
West Rim
This is a popular backpacking hike but can also be done as a day hike if you start early. One of the best ways to see Zion as this trail starts at the top of the canyon and descends down to the canyon floor. Arrange a car shuttle if you don't have two cars OR to save a long drive.
Kolob Canyons
14 miles RT
7-10 hr
Vigorous
LaVerkin Creek / Kolob ArcH
This trail can be done as a long day hike or backpacking trip. The prize at the end of the hike is views of the Kolob arch, one of the longest spanning freestanding arches in the world. Access via car at Kolob Canyons, off of Hwy 15.
5 miles RT
3-4 hr
Easy to Moderate
Middle Fork Taylor Creek
A gem of a trail, great for all ages. The path follows a stream through pine forest, views of sandstone cliffs and two old pioneer cabins. The trail ends at an amazing double arch alcove. Access via car at Kolob Canyons, off of Hwy 15.