If you’re searching for the best hikes in Zion National Park, you’re in the right place – because this is hands down one of my favorite hiking destinations in the United States…and that’s saying a lot.
I’ve had the pleasure to experience Zion on many occasions, and every trip has been completely different, but one thing has stayed the same – the hiking here is unreal. Wading through the Narrows or standing on narrow ridge lines with views that don’t even feel real, Zion has a way of making every trail feel like an adventure.
In this guide, I’m sharing 6 epic hikes in Zion that I’ve personally done, trust me, you’ll want these to be at the top of your itinerary. Whether you’re planning your first visit or heading back for more, these hikes in Zion are what make this National park so unforgettable.
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About Zion National Park
Before we get started with the best hikes in Zion National Park, let’s talk about the National Park itself. Home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the Southwest, Zion National Park is a place that truly lives up to the hype.
Towering red rock cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and scenic drives make it one of the most visited national parks in the United States. But what really sets Zion apart, in my opinion is the hiking.
You can tackle challenging hikes like Angles Landing, explore slot canyons like The Narrows, or opt for shorter trails that still deliver incredible views. No matter your experience level, there’s something here for everyone, which is exactly why Zion continues to be one of the most popular national parks in the country.
Hikes in Zion Google Trailhead Locations
To make planning easier, I’ve linked all of these hikes in Zion directly to their trailheads on Google Maps so you can quickly find parking, shuttle stops, and exact starting points.
This is especially helpful in Zion National Park where navigating the shuttle system and trail access can make a big difference in your day.
Best Hikes in Zion National Park
Observation Point
- 🥾 Distance: 7.2 Miles round trip (East Mesa route)
- 💪 Difficulty: Moderate
- ⛰️: Elevation Gain: 700-800 feet
- 🎟️ Permit: Not required
- 🗺️ Trailhead: East Mesa Trailhead
- ✨ Highlight: Spectacular views
If you want the best view in Zion National Park, Observation Point is it. Sitting even higher than Angels Landing, this overlook gives you a massive, panoramic view of Zion Canyon that is out of this world.
You’re looking straight down into the canyon, with cliffs stretching out in every direction. Pack a snack, the viewpoint is the best place to chill out, grab a bite or drink, and take in the views.
The most popular way to get there now is via the East Mesa Trail, which is much more gradual than the original route from the main canyon, which has been closed for a while.
It’s a longer hike, but not overly difficult, making it a great option if you want a huge payoff without the exposure of something like Angles Landing. If you’re choosing between the two, this is one of my favorite hikes in Zion and doesn’t require a permit.
👉 Read Full Guide: Hiking Observation Point
The Narrows Hike in Zion
- 🥾 Distance: Up to 9+ Miles (out & back, go as far as you want)
- 💪 Difficulty: Moderate
- ⛰️: Elevation Gain: Minimal 200-400 depending on how far you go
- 🎟️ Permit: Not required (bottom-up route)
- 🗺️ Trailhead: Zion Shuttle Stop 9 (Temple of Sinawava)
- ✨ Highlight: Towering canyon walls and hiking through a river
If you only do one hike in Zion National Park, I vote The Narrows. This is easily one of the most unique hikes in the Southwest and one of those experiences that never gets old.
You’re literally walking and wading through the Virgin River, surrounded by massive canyon walls that tower above you, it feels unreal in the best way. What I love most about The Narrows is how flexible it is.
You don’t have to commit to a full day, you can go as far as you want, turn around whenever you’re ready, and still have a great time. It is one of the most popular trails in Zion.
Just know going into it you will get wet (like fully river wet), and conditions matter here. Always check water flow and weather before heading out, a flash flood is no joke. But if everything lines up, this is hands down one of the most unforgettable hikes in Zion.
☕️ Read my full guide to hiking The Narrows for exactly what to wear, when to go, and how far to hike.
Angles Landing
- 🥾 Distance: 5.4 Miles Round-Trip
- 💪 Difficulty: Strenuous
- ⛰️: Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
- 🎟️ Permit: Required for the chains section
- 🗺️ Trailhead: Zion Shuttle Stop 6 (The Grotto)
- ✨ Highlight: Narrow ridge hike with chains and jaw-dropping exposure
Angels Landing is probably the most famous hike in Zion National Park, and for good reason. The final stretch follows a narrow ridgeline with sheer drop-offs on both sides, using chains bolted into the rock to help you climb your way to the summit.
It’s equal parts thrilling and intimidating, and definitely not for the faint of heart. I hiked Angles Landing in 2018 and 2019 before the permit system and and Joe has unfortunately never been able to get past the chains part. He’s terrified of heights.
Even if you can’t score a permit for the chains section, you can still hike up until you reach that section. The climb up Walter’s wiggles to Scout Lookout offers incredible views of Zion Canyon and gives you a taste of the experience without the exposure.
If you do go to the summit, take your time, be mindful of other hikes, beware of the steep drop-offs, know your limits, and don’t pose for a picture like I did by ever so slightly putting my head over the cliff. In my defense, the rock was slanted upward and I am very much not afraid of heights.
🥾 Read Full Guide on Hiking Angels Landing
The Subway Left Fork
- 🥾 Distance: 9ish Miles Round Trip
- 💪 Difficulty: Strenuous
- ⛰️: Elevation Gain: 600 feet to climb out of the canyon + rock scrambles
- 🎟️ Permit: Required
- 🗺️ Trailhead: Left Fork Trailhead (Kolob Terrace Road)
- ✨ Highlight: Iconic tunnel-like rock formation with flowing water and pools
The Subway (Left Fork) is one of the mot adventurous hikes in Zion National Park and my absolute favorite hike in the park. This isn’t a typical, well-marked trail. You’ll be route-finding, scrambling over rocks, and hiking through water as you make your way down the canyon to the iconic Subway formation.
The Subway is just that, smooth rock curves into a tunnel like shape with flowing water and pools. It’s wild, remote, and feels like a true backcountry experience from start to finish.
This unique hike requires a permit and the park system only hands out 80 permits a day, so if you score one consider yourself very lucky. I hiked this trail in a group of four and we miraculously got permits for all four of us using the two day lottery 🤯. Wow we got so lucky!
It’s one of those bucket list adventures you’ll never forget. Expect wet feet, a bit of problem solving, and some of the most unique scenery in the park. And oh ya, the steep trail up and out of the canyon is a doozy, but so worth it.
👉 Read Next: Everything You Need to Know about The Subway Hike
Emerald Pools
- 🥾 Distance: 1-3 Miles (depending on route)
- 💪 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- ⛰️: Elevation Gain: 150-500 feet depending on how far you go
- 🎟️ Permit: Not required
- 🗺️ Trailhead: Zion Shuttle Stop 5 (Zion Lodge)
- ✨ Highlight: Lush waterfalls, hanging gardens, and a Jurassic Park-like vibe
If you want a completely different side of Zion without a lot of effort, check out the Emerald Pools Trail. This Zion hike feels so different from the rest of the park, it’s greener, and full of waterfalls, hanging gardens, and those canyon sounds that make it feel almost tropical.
Around Middle Pools especially, you’ll hear frogs echoing through the canyon, which gives it that wild, Jurassic Park kind of vibe. What I love about this trail is how flexible it is and how easy it is to access.
You can keep it short and easy by just visiting the Lower Emerald Pools, or continue to the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools for more of a workout. It’s perfect for a slower paced day or to mix in between bigger hikes, and it’s one of those trails that’s just for fun from start to finish.
Canyon Overlook Trail
- 🥾 Distance: 1 Mile Round Trip
- 💪 Difficulty: Easy
- ⛰️: Elevation Gain: 200 feet
- 🎟️ Permit: Not required
- 🗺️ Trailhead: Near the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel (east side)
- ✨ Highlight: Short trail and one of the best views in Zion for minimal effort, especially at sunset.
If you want epic views without committing to a long hike, then Canyon Overlook Trail is your jam. This short and easy trail packs a serious punch, with sweeping views over Zion Canyon that feel bigger than the effort it takes to get there.
This is a great trail if you’re looking for one to hike at sunset. The trail itself is fun too, with a few narrow sections, stairs, and railings that add just enough adventure without being sketchy.
This east rim trail is located right near the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, making it super east to pair with a scenic drive. Just plan to get there early because parking is limited, and it’s a popular stop.
Hikes in Zion National Park Honorable Mentions
I wanted to include these hikes in Zion because if you’re looking for more mellow strolls these will be more your speed.
- Temple of Sinawava – If you plan on hiking The Narrows you have to stroll the paved path Temple of SInawava. It’s a pleasant riverside walk to get to the start of The Narrows.
- E-Bike the Pa’rus Trail – One of the most fun and underrated ways to experience Zion National Park is by renting an e-bike and cruising the Pa’rus Trail. You can also walk it and this is the only trail in Zion that allows dogs.
- The Watchman Trail – Starts near the visitor center, it’s a quieter hike with big views.
Hiking in Zion National Park Tips
Hiking in Zion is a dream but it’s also not the place to just show up unprepared. If you plan ahead and respect the conditions, hiking in Zion National Park will easily be one of the highlights of your trip. Here are a few tips to help you have an awesome trip to Zion.
- ⏰ Start earlier than you think you need to. Zion gets busy fast. Early morning (sunrise if you can swing it) is hands down the best time to hike – fewer crowds, cooler temps, and better light.
- 🎟️ Permits matter. Hikes like Angles Landing and The Subway require permits. If you don’t plan ahead or enter the daily lotteries, you won’t be able to hike those hikes.
- 🌦️ Check conditions before every hike. This is especially important for The Narrows and The Subway. Water flow and flash flood risk can change quickly and will determine if it’s safe to go.
- 🚌 The Zion Shuttle System. You can’t drive your own car through the main canyon (but you can e-bike!), so the shuttle bus is how you’ll get to the trailheads in the main canyon. You’ll start at the Zion visitor center, plan your hike around shuttle stops and expect lines later in the day.
- 💧 Bring plenty of Water, more than you think you need. Zion is a desert, and the heat sneaks up on you. Even in spring and fall, dehydration is real.
- 🥾 Wear the right shoes. Good traction is key. And if you’re hiking The Narrows or The Subway, proper water shoes or rented gear will make a huge difference.
- 🗺️ Download Maps before you go. Service is limited in the park.
- 🧣 Pack Layers. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, even if it’s hot midday. Especially, if you’re starting early or starting out for sunset.
- 🚗 Rent a Car today if you plan on flying into Las Vegas or St. George to begin your holiday.
Zion Travel Vlogs
Would you rather see some of the best hikes in Zion National Park? Joe and I filmed a couple travel vlogs during our time spent exploring the Zion National Park on our latest trip and it was nothing short of magical.
Check them out after you read this post and please subscribe or give us a thumbs up. It doesn’t cost you anything and really helps us be able to continue creating free content for you to enjoy 🙂.
🎥 Watch our Utah Travel Vlogs on YouTube
Final Thoughts on Zion National Park Hikes
Zion is one of those places that truly lives up to the hype. If you haven’t gathered by now, I absolutely LOVE this part of the world! After hiking all of these Zion hikes across multiple trips, I can confidently say these are the ones that stand out the most.
If you only have time for a few, you really can’t go wrong with The Narrows and Observation Point, but honestly, every hike on this list is worth experiencing if you can.
Just plan ahead, start early, and give yourself time to soak it all in. Zion has a way of pulling you back, and chances are…this won’t be your last trip. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below. 👇
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