The Best Hikes in Zion National Park

One of Zion’s most famous and thrilling hikes, Angels Landing is not for the faint of heart. The hike begins with a steady ascent along the West Rim Trail, winding through Refrigerator Canyon before reaching the challenging switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles. Once you reach Scout Lookout, the real adventure begins.

From Scout Lookout, the final half-mile section involves a heart-pounding, narrow ridge with sheer drop-offs on both sides, guided by chains bolted into the rock for safety. The reward at the summit is one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Zion Canyon, with a 360-degree vista of the surrounding cliffs and the Virgin River below.

The Narrows is one of Zion’s most iconic and unique hikes, offering a completely different hiking experience as much of the trail involves wading through the Virgin River. The towering canyon walls, sometimes only 20-30 feet apart, rise dramatically above you as you traverse the water. It’s a refreshing way to experience Zion, especially in the heat of summer.

There are two main ways to hike The Narrows: the Bottom-Up day hike, which starts at the Temple of Sinawava and allows hikers to turn around at any point, or the more strenuous Top-Down hike, which requires a permit and is usually done as an overnight trip.

Water levels can significantly impact the difficulty of this hike, so be sure to check with the park for conditions and bring appropriate gear like water shoes and a walking stick to navigate the slippery riverbed

For those seeking the most breathtaking viewpoint in Zion, Observation Point offers an unforgettable reward. This strenuous hike climbs over 2,000 feet from the canyon floor, providing sweeping views that are even higher than Angels Landing. The trail begins at the Weeping Rock trailhead, ascending steep switchbacks and passing through the stunning Echo Canyon, a narrow slot canyon with impressive rock formations.

Once at the summit, hikers are treated to one of the most panoramic vistas in the park, with views of the entire Zion Canyon, including Angels Landing far below. Due to the current closure of the Weeping Rock trailhead, hikers can still access Observation Point from the East Mesa Trail, which is a longer but less steep route.

The Emerald Pools trails offer a family-friendly option for those looking to enjoy Zion’s beauty without the strenuous climbs. The hike consists of three sections: Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools, each featuring shimmering pools, waterfalls, and scenic canyon views.

The Lower Emerald Pool trail is a relatively flat, easy walk, perfect for families or casual hikers. It leads to a peaceful pool and a waterfall cascading from the cliffs above. From there, you can continue to the Middle and Upper Pools, which require more elevation gain but reward hikers with even more stunning scenery.

This trail is one of the most accessible hikes in the park and provides a tranquil escape surrounded by Zion’s iconic red rock cliffs.

If you’re looking for a short but rewarding hike, the Canyon Overlook Trail offers incredible views with minimal effort. This one-mile round trip trail begins just east of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel and takes you along a scenic path with a few narrow ledges (guardrails provided) and fascinating rock formations.

The endpoint of the trail provides a jaw-dropping view of Zion Canyon, with the road winding below and the towering cliffs of Zion in the distance. This is a great option for sunrise or sunset hikes, offering beautiful light and fewer crowds than some of the longer hikes.

Located in the quieter Kolob Canyons section of Zion, the hike to Kolob Arch offers solitude and one of the park’s most impressive natural features. Kolob Arch, one of the largest free-standing arches in the world, is the reward at the end of this 14-mile round-trip hike.

The trail follows the La Verkin Creek through a beautiful canyon with towering red rock walls, lush vegetation, and a peaceful creek. While the distance is long, the terrain is relatively flat, making it more manageable for hikers with endurance. This hike is ideal for those looking to explore a less-traveled part of Zion and enjoy some backcountry serenity.