Best hiking trails Zion offers range from the vertigo-inducing spine of Angels Landing to a river hike through a slot canyon. This guide covers six routes with real distances, elevation, and permit details, plus a desert-and-river packing list, so you can pick trails that fit your nerve and fitness and hike them prepared.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Iconic Zion Adventures
These three are Zion’s headline hikes, and they draw huge crowds for good reason. Start at dawn to beat the heat and the lines, carry plenty of water, and check current conditions, since permits and flash-flood risk shape when you can go. These headliners define the best hiking trails Zion is known for worldwide.
Angels Landing
About 5.4 miles round trip with roughly 1,500 feet of gain, Angels Landing is strenuous and famous for its final chain-assisted scramble along a narrow spine with sheer drop-offs. The summit view over Zion Canyon is one of the most iconic in the park system. The climb up Walter’s Wiggles, a set of 21 tight switchbacks, warms your legs before the exposed spine.
A permit is required by lottery, and the exposed cables are no place for anyone uneasy with heights. Start early to avoid crowding on the ridge, and skip it in wet or windy conditions. Apply for the permit lottery well ahead, as demand far outstrips the daily slots.
The Narrows (Bottom-Up)
This unforgettable hike sends you wading up the Virgin River between towering canyon walls, and you can go as far as you like, up to about 5 miles one way to Big Spring. The bottom-up route needs no permit and rates as moderate to hard depending on distance and water level.
Around mile 3 the canyon tightens into its most dramatic stretch. Cold water and slick rock mean sturdy footwear and a trekking pole are essential, and you must check the flash-flood forecast before entering. In cooler months, renting canyoneering boots and drysuit bibs makes the cold water far more bearable.
Observation Point
Reached via the East Mesa Trail, Observation Point is about 6.8 to 7 miles round trip and rates as moderate, with relatively little climbing for a huge payoff. From the rim you look down on Angels Landing and the whole canyon, often with far fewer people.
The trail is very exposed, so sun protection is a must, and the dirt access road can turn muddy after rain. Many hikers rate the view even higher than Angels Landing’s, minus the white-knuckle cables. The route also sees far fewer crowds, so it’s a good choice on busy holiday weekends.
Easier and Family-Friendly Trails
Not every great Zion hike demands nerves of steel. These three round out the best hiking trails Zion has for families and casual walkers, delivering canyon beauty with modest effort. They’re the best hiking trails Zion has for families and casual walkers.
Emerald Pools
A network of trails to the Lower, Middle, and Upper pools, the full loop runs roughly 3 miles and ranges from easy to moderate. The lower pool is an easy 1.2-mile round trip past waterfalls and lush hanging gardens.
It’s a family favorite and a good introduction to the canyon’s greenery. The rock near the pools can get slick, so tread carefully on the descents. After rain, the seasonal waterfalls spilling over the Upper Pool alcove are especially striking.
Canyon Overlook Trail
Just about 1 mile round trip and mostly easy, the Canyon Overlook packs a huge reward for little effort, ending at a jaw-dropping view of lower Zion Canyon. It sits east of the tunnel, away from the busy shuttle corridor.
There are some drop-offs along the way, so keep an eye on kids. It’s a superb sunset hike, but bring a light if you plan to stay for the colors. It also makes a great warm-up on your first evening before tackling bigger routes.
Riverside Walk
A flat, paved, roughly 2-mile round trip, the Riverside Walk is the most accessible trail in the park and leads to the start of the Narrows. It follows the Virgin River past hanging gardens and shaded canyon walls.
Stroller and wheelchair friendly, it’s perfect for all ages and a scenic warm-up. Go early or late to enjoy softer light and cooler temperatures in the canyon. Hanging gardens seep from the walls here, a preview of the lush scenery upstream.
What to Pack for Zion
Zion pairs blazing desert sun with cold river wading, so the best hiking trails Zion demands both sun defense and water-ready gear. Here are the essentials, with dependable options on Amazon.
| Gear | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Sturdy shoes + neoprene socks | Grip and warmth wading the cold Narrows |
| Trekking poles | Stability against the Virgin River current |
| Dry bag | Keep phone and gear dry in the river |
| Sun protection | Exposed, shadeless desert trails |
| Hydration + electrolytes | Desert heat drains you fast |
River-Ready Footwear
For the Narrows, sturdy closed-toe shoes with good traction plus neoprene socks keep you stable and warm in the cold Virgin River, and a trekking pole such as the Cascade Mountain Tech set braces you against the current. Quick-dry clothing beats cotton, which stays cold and heavy when wet. A change of dry socks for after the hike is a small luxury worth packing.
Sun and Hydration
Zion’s exposed trails offer little shade, so a wide-brim hat, UV-protective shirt, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. Carry ample water in an insulated bottle like a Hydro Flask or a hydration reservoir, and add electrolyte tabs to replace what desert heat sweats out. Drink before you feel thirsty, since dehydration sneaks up fast in dry canyon air.
Protecting Your Gear
A waterproof dry bag, such as a Sea to Summit or Earth Pak model, keeps your phone, keys, and snacks dry as you wade the Narrows. A waterproof phone case on a lanyard is a smart backup for photos in the spray-filled slot canyon. Pack electronics in a zip bag inside the dry bag for a second layer of protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
A few questions come up again and again when planning the best hiking trails Zion has to offer. Here are quick, practical answers.
When is the best time to hike in Zion?
Spring and fall bring warm, dry, comfortable weather and are ideal, while summer midday heat is intense and winter can bring snow and cold water. For the Narrows, check water levels and flash-flood forecasts, which spike in monsoon season. Time your visit well and the best hiking trails Zion offers open up in comfort.
Do I need a permit?
Angels Landing requires a lottery permit, and the top-down Narrows and the Subway need permits too. The bottom-up Narrows, Observation Point, Emerald Pools, and most day hikes don’t, but always confirm current park rules.
How dangerous is Angels Landing?
The chained spine has sheer drop-offs and has seen fatal falls, so it’s best for fit, sure-footed hikers comfortable with heights. Go on a dry, calm day, start early to avoid crowding on the cables, and turn back if conditions feel unsafe. Take your time on the chains, let faster hikers pass, and keep three points of contact.
Can beginners hike the Narrows?
Yes, the bottom-up Narrows is beginner-friendly since you choose your turnaround point, but the footing is uneven and the water cold. Wear proper river shoes, use a pole, and always check the flash-flood forecast before entering. Renting a walking stick and river shoes from outfitters in Springdale makes a first trip easier.
See More:
- Best daypacks for hiking
- Best hiking sneakers men
- Best backpack for hike
- Best backpack for carry on
- Best travel backpack for men
Final Thoughts
The best hiking trails Zion has span heart-pounding summits, a one-of-a-kind river canyon, and easy family walks. Match the route to your nerve and fitness, pack river-ready footwear, sun protection, a dry bag, and plenty of water, and sort out permits and flash-flood timing — and Zion will deliver a truly unique desert adventure.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!