Among the finest hikes in Zion Nationwide Park embody well-known Utah trails like Angels Touchdown, The Narrows, and Commentary Level, however there are additionally some brief and straightforward Zion hikes with good views and never too many individuals.
Based in 1919, Zion was Utah’s first nationwide park, and immediately it’s ranked as one of the crucial common nationwide parks in the USA. There’s a superb purpose for that, as a result of the surroundings in Zion Nationwide Park is extraordinary. That is undoubtedly one for the bucket record!
Amongst different issues, Zion Nationwide Park is house to one of many world’s greatest slot canyons (The Narrows), one of many longest pure arches (Kolob Arch), and arguably one of the crucial thrilling day hikes on the planet (Angels Touchdown). The experiences you’ll be able to have on this park are simply plain superb.
We’ve visited this particular place many instances over time, so I lastly wrote up this record of the very best hikes in Zion Nationwide Park. This isn’t an entire record of each good mountain climbing path within the park, however these are simply a number of the best possible Zion hikes in my view!
Finest Hikes In Zion Nationwide Park
1. Angels Touchdown Hike
I’ve to begin with Angels Touchdown, as a result of it truly is the king of Zion hikes. When you solely do one hike in Utah and the nationwide parks, make it this one.
It’s an epic and scary path that takes you up the facet of a steep sandstone mountain, with chains to seize onto for security, and superb views of Zion Nationwide Park surrounding you on all sides. Permits are required since 2022.
The Angels Touchdown chain part is very famous for being hair-raising and unsafe, and there have been various falling deaths on this hike over time, though it’s a lot secure in the event you persist with the path.
At instances, the path will solely be a couple of toes huge, and also you’ll should hug the facet of the mountain. Not all of this part has chains, however probably the most sketchy components do to your security.
I wouldn’t say the Angels Touchdown path is for everybody, however in the event you take pleasure in journey, pictures, and a superb adrenaline rush, then undoubtedly add it to your bucket record!
The ultimate Angels Touchdown view offers you a 360 diploma panorama of Zion Canyon, together with the tiny roads and shuttle buses beneath, and you may even look down on the gigantic peak you simply climbed.
It’s simply top-of-the-line hikes in Zion Nationwide Park, however it’s additionally one in every of my favourite views on any hike we’ve ever accomplished.
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km) roundtrip
Elevation Achieve: 1,500 toes (460 m)
Issue: Laborious
Learn Extra: Angels Touchdown Hike
The craziest view on the Angels Touchdown hike
2. Commentary Level Path
The Commentary Level path is underrated, however it’s simply top-of-the-line hikes in Zion Nationwide Park. This one takes you to a viewpoint above Zion Canyon and all the park.
Unfold out in entrance of you might be lots of Zion’s finest sights just like the Nice White Throne, Cathedral Mountain, and Angels Touchdown. We may even see the tiny individuals mountain climbing to the highest of Angels Touchdown, and the roads and shuttle buses appeared like toys within the distance.
The elevation right here at Commentary Level is greater than 700 toes above Angels Touchdown, so you actually do have a chicken’s-eye view of Zion Nationwide Park.
Commentary Level in Zion Nationwide Park
It’s improbable surroundings, and since this hike is much less common than different locations in Zion, you don’t have to fret about sharing it with huge crowds like at The Narrows.
Actually, in the event you go early on a weekday you might even have the place to your self, apart from a couple of chipmunks operating round in search of snacks.
The principle trailhead for this hike was closed because of a giant rockfall in 2019 that worn out a part of the path and switchbacks.
Nonetheless, you’ll be able to nonetheless entry Commentary Level from the East Mesa Path, which is definitely a neater hike anyway. From this route it’s a comparatively brief and easy hike with beautiful finish views, so undoubtedly add it to your Zion bucket record!
Distance: 7 miles (11 km) roundtrip
Elevation Achieve: 700 toes (215 m)
Issue: Simple / Reasonable
Learn Extra: Commentary Level Path
Commentary Level Path in Zion Nationwide Park
3. The Narrows
After all I’ve to say the mom of all slot canyons, the Zion Narrows!
This can be a large gorge with partitions a thousand toes tall, and the Virgin River flowing by it. Mountaineering the Narrows includes strolling in water, and in the event you go the total size it’s 16 miles whole.
The excellent news is that the Narrows is open to all health ranges since you don’t should hike to the tip of the gorge. You’ll be able to cease and switch round everytime you need.
It’s attainable to hike all the Narrows in a single full day in the event you get a allow prematurely, however most individuals simply go partway after which flip again (no allow required for that).
The unhealthy information is that the Narrows is getting extraordinarily common. The crowds sort of ruined it for us. When you’re actually intent on seeing the Narrows with out crowds, I’d advocate getting a allow and mountain climbing it from the highest down. In any other case, you might need to go to one of many different hikes in Zion Nationwide Park as an alternative.
Distance: 9 – 16 miles (14 – 25 km) roundtrip
Elevation Achieve: N/A
Issue: Simple / Reasonable
The Narrows is without doubt one of the hottest Zion hikes
Enormous canyon partitions of the Zion Narrows
4. Zion Canyon Overlook Path
The Canyon Overlook Path is without doubt one of the shortest hikes in Zion Nationwide Park, however the views on the finish are great.
This hike may be accomplished by households with little children, in addition to older of us. There are some sections with steep drop-offs, however probably the most harmful components are protected with a sturdy steel railing, so it’s by no means too scary.
The beginning of this hike is definitely the hardest half, as a result of you must climb some stairs. Despite the fact that it’s a really brief hike, you’ll need to carry water. There are a couple of shady spots alongside the path, together with a shallow cave or alcove, however a lot of the path is within the solar.
On the finish, you get monumental views of Zion Canyon. It’s virtually just like the ultimate view on the high of Angels Touchdown!
Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip
Elevation Achieve: 200 toes (60 m)
Issue: Simple
The Canyon Overlook Path is a comparatively simple Zion hike
The ultimate view on the Canyon Overlook Path
5. Pa’rus Path
When you’re in search of brief, flat, and straightforward Zion hikes, the Pa’rus Path is a good place to begin. This one could be very simple to succeed in as a result of it’s proper subsequent to the campground, the Zion customer middle, and the primary parking space.
The Pa’rus Path is the one hike in Zion Nationwide Park that’s open to bicycles and pets, and it’s additionally one of many solely trails that’s utterly wheelchair-accessible.
This paved hike follows the Virgin River, and you may typically see wildflowers and deer. Don’t count on something too dramatic or earth-shattering, however it’s quiet and nice, with nice views of Zion Canyon and the Watchman.
Alongside the path, there are displays that designate a little bit of the historical past and geology of Zion Nationwide Park. There’s little or no shade, although, so in the event you go in the summertime then the mornings and evenings are the very best instances to do that hike and beat the warmth.
Distance: 3.2 miles (5.1 km) roundtrip
Elevation Achieve: N/A
Issue: Simple
Pa’rus Path — one in every of our favourite simple Zion hikes!
Crowd-free views at Pa’rus Path
6. Riverside Stroll
The Riverside Stroll is an effective choice if you wish to see views just like the Zion Narrows, however with out as a lot effort. That is a straightforward household stroll, so it’s wheelchair accessible and ideal for youths.
All the path is paved and also you don’t should trudge by any water, not like the Narrows. Alongside the best way, you’ll be able to see chipmunks, squirrels, and deer, plus spectacular views of the large canyon partitions. It’s like a preview of the Zion Narrows. In spite of everything, Riverside Stroll is the entry level for the Narrows!
This can be a common hike, so if you wish to keep away from the crowds it’s finest to go earlier within the day.
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) roundtrip
Elevation Achieve: N/A
Issue: Simple
The Riverside Stroll is without doubt one of the best Zion hikes — nice for all ages!
7. The Subway
The Subway is a difficult and semi-technical day hike the place you’ll be able to enter a unique-looking slot canyon that appears a bit like a subway tunnel. Permits are required, which you’ll examine on the NPS web site right here.
This hike is sort of like a extra intense model of the Narrows, and it includes swimming, wading, scrambling, and climbing. You’re rewarded with a number of the most unusual views in Zion, and the managed entry means you received’t should share it with any crowds!
Distance: 9 miles (15 km) roundtrip
Elevation Achieve: 1,300 toes (400 m)
Issue: Laborious
8. The Watchman Path
The Watchman Path is one other good hike which you could attain fairly simply (with none shuttle) by strolling from the Zion customer middle or the campgrounds. This hike has superior views of Zion and the enduring mountain peak often called the Watchman.
Like lots of the finest hikes in Zion Nationwide Park, the problem of the Watchman Path actually depends upon while you go. In the course of a summer time day, the warmth may be excruciating. Apart from that, children can do that hike simply tremendous.
The trail begins out flat, however then there’s a good quantity of uphill strolling, so it’s undoubtedly extra pleasant in the event you go within the morning or night when the temps are cooler.
Distance: 3 miles (5 km) roundtrip
Elevation Achieve: 600 toes (180 m)
Issue: Simple / Reasonable
Watchman Path
Wanting again towards Zion Canyon
9. Court docket of the Patriarchs
This can be a very fast and straightforward 5 minute stroll with nice views of three Zion mountains that have been named for the Biblical patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They have been named by a Methodist minister who was impressed by the surroundings of Zion Canyon in 1916.
Some individuals could discover this one a bit disappointing, and it’s virtually too brief to even name it a hike, however why not knock it out anyway because it’s so brief? This viewpoint is superb!
The three Zion patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob
10. Hidden Canyon Path
The Hidden Canyon is one other underrated hike in Zion with superb views and never as many individuals because the blockbuster hikes just like the Narrows. There’s even a pure arch on the finish of the path.
This one may be scary in the event you’re afraid of heights, and it has a sequence part with steep drop-offs which might be paying homage to Angels Touchdown. Total, it’s not as lengthy or as difficult as Angels Touchdown, however this hike is probably not a superb one to carry the children.
Sadly, this path was closed due to a rockfall in 2018, and it’s been closed ever since. Control the NPS web site for updates, and hopefully it is going to re-open earlier than too lengthy!
Distance: 3 miles (5 km) roundtrip
Elevation Achieve: 1,000 toes (300 m)
Issue: Reasonable
11. Taylor Creek Path
The Taylor Creek Path is an underrated and great hike within the Kolob Canyons part of Zion Nationwide Park. It options two historic cabins, an impressive canyon, and a double arch alcove.
Remember the Kolob Canyons should not situated in the identical part of the park as Zion Canyon, so some driving is required to get right here from Springdale, however it’s effectively definitely worth the effort if you wish to see the much less touristy facet of Zion.
The cabins on this path have been constructed within the Nineteen Thirties, earlier than Kolob was included within the nationwide park boundaries. One among them is extraordinarily photogenic and you may attain it in about 20-Half-hour from the trailhead.
You’ll be able to end the entire hike in a couple of hours, and it’s fairly degree total, so children can do it too. It’s undoubtedly top-of-the-line hikes in Zion Nationwide Park!
Distance: 5 miles (8 km) roundtrip
Elevation Achieve: 600 toes (180 m)
Issue: Simple
Taylor Creek Path — top-of-the-line hikes in Zion Nationwide Park
This photogenic cabin is within the Kolob Canyons part of the park
12. Timber Creek Overlook Path
This can be a brief and straightforward little hike within the Kolob Canyons that offers you great views of a much less traveled facet of Zion Nationwide Park.
Once more, this hike is a part of the Kolob Canyons, which isn’t situated in the identical part of the park as Zion Canyon, so some driving is required to get right here from Springdale, however it’s price it!
That is only a fast stroll to a viewpoint, and you may attain the tip of the path in about quarter-hour or much less. It’s enjoyable for youths too, and the payoff on the final viewpoint is simply superb.
Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip
Elevation Achieve: 250 toes (75 m)
Issue: Simple
Timber Creek Overlook within the Kolob Canyons part of Zion
13. La Verkin Creek Path
The La Verkin Creek Path is without doubt one of the finest Zion hikes within the Kolob Canyons, however it’s additionally a good problem. This can be a lengthy day hike, and it may well take upwards of 7-10 hours roundtrip, relying in your tempo. Come ready, and convey extra water than you suppose you’ll want.
The ultimate vacation spot of this hike is a view of the Kolob Arch, which is attention-grabbing as a result of it’s one of many longest pure arches on the planet. The span is greater than 287 toes (87 meters), which makes it simply barely shorter than the Panorama Arch in Arches Nationwide Park.
Alongside the La Verkin Creek Path, you additionally get some nice views of the canyons and surrounding cliffs. All in all, it’s an amazing day hike with out the crowds you may see at a number of the most well-known Zion hikes!
Distance: 15 miles (25 km) roundtrip
Elevation Achieve: 1,700 toes (515 m)
Issue: Reasonable / Laborious
The spectacular Kolob Canyons of Zion
Extra Nice Hikes Close to Zion Nationwide Park
14. Pink Hole Slot Canyon
The Pink Hole Slot Canyon is a brief and straightforward hike in Orderville, Utah, not too removed from the favored Zion and Bryce nationwide parks.
It’s a really photogenic hike, with good purple rock colours and steep canyon partitions. As a bonus, Pink Hole Canyon is simple to succeed in and nice for youths.
There’s one very tight slot that’s nice for chimneying or stemming, the place you place your again towards one wall after which push your toes on the opposite wall to cross the hole. Any such maneuver was new to us, however we had loads of enjoyable studying the right way to do it.
All in all, this was one in every of our favourite Utah slot canyons!
Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip
Elevation Achieve: 100 toes (30 m)
Issue: Simple
Learn Extra: Pink Hole Slot Canyon
15. Spring Creek Canyon
The Spring Creek Canyon is one other good slot canyon by the little city of Kanarra, situated lower than 1 hour from Zion Nationwide Park.
This one is a fairly simple hike, and it has vivid reddish-orange rock colours that may be actually beautiful with the correct amount of daylight.
We did Spring Creek on a weekday and the path was virtually utterly empty, in order that’s one other factor it has going for it!
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.8 km) roundtrip
Elevation Achieve: N/A
Issue: Simple
16. Kanarra Canyon & Falls
The Kanarra Creek slot canyon is exclusive for additionally having two waterfalls inside, and it’s only a 1 hour drive from Zion Nationwide Park. It’s undoubtedly one in every of our favourite slot canyons in Utah!
The primary waterfall is close to the beginning of the slot canyon, and it’s simple to go due to a brand new steel ladder that was simply put in by the town of Kanarraville. The second waterfall comes into view a bit later.
Total, I’d most likely price this hike as simple, although it’s a bit longer and has extra elevation acquire than lots of the slot canyons in Utah.
These days you must pay for a allow to do the Kanarra Creek hike due to its reputation, and there are a restricted variety of permits out there per day. These promote out typically, so that you’ll need to plan forward.
Distance: 4 miles (6.5 km) roundtrip
Elevation Achieve: 650 toes (200 m)
Issue: Simple
The magnificent partitions of Kanarra Creek Slot Canyon
Finest Brief & Simple Zion Hikes
When you’re primarily in search of brief and straightforward Zion hikes, listed below are some high suggestions:
- Canyon Overlook Path — 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip
- Court docket of the Patriarchs — 0.2 miles (0.3 km) roundtrip
- Pa’rus Path — 3.2 miles (5.1 km) roundtrip
- Riverside Stroll — 2 miles (3.2 km) roundtrip
- Taylor Creek Path — 5 miles (8 km) roundtrip
- Timber Creek Overlook Path — 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip
- Watchman Path — 3 miles (5 km) roundtrip
All of those Zion hikes will probably be fairly simple for many hikers, and a number of other of them are appropriate for seniors or households with children. The perfect wheelchair accessible hikes are Pa’rus Path and the Riverside Stroll.
Slot Canyon Hikes Close to Zion Nationwide Park
There are a bunch of excellent slot canyons close to Zion Nationwide Park, and it’s attainable to mix one or two of those with a go to to the park.
You could have to do some little bit of driving, however it’s price it!
Listed here are a number of the finest Zion slot canyons:
- The Narrows (inside Zion Nationwide Park)
- Keyhole Canyon (inside Zion Nationwide Park)
- The Subway (inside Zion Nationwide Park)
- Pink Hole Canyon (30 miles east of Zion)
- Pink Canyon Kanab (40 miles east of Zion)
- Spring Creek Canyon (45 miles northwest of Zion)
- Kanarra Creek & Falls (45 miles northwest of Zion)
- Buckskin Gulch & Wire Go (90 miles east of Zion)
- Willis Creek Slot Canyon (100 miles northeast of Zion)
These are a number of the finest slot canyons close to Zion. With a little bit of exploring, you could possibly discover others as effectively!
Learn Extra: Utah Slot Canyon Information
Map Of The Finest Zion Hikes
Right here’s a map of Zion hikes you should use to plan your individual street journey. A lighter colour is used to mark some good hikes which might be exterior of Zion Nationwide Park, however nonetheless close to it and shut sufficient to succeed in with a little bit of driving.
You’ll be able to click on the icons to get extra information on every focal point, however bear in mind a number of the areas on this map could also be approximate.
For extra detailed info on the right way to discover the precise trailheads for these Zion mountain climbing trails, you’ll be able to try my particular person journey guides for every hike.
As at all times, please keep in mind to maintain the path clear, be thoughtful of different hikers, and depart no hint. Thanks and pleased travels!
Finest Utah Excursions
Extra Zion Mountaineering Guides
Thanks for wanting! I hope you loved this record of a number of the finest hikes in Zion Nationwide Park.
Don’t overlook to take a look at my Utah slot canyon information in addition to my full record of the finest hikes in Utah!