by Admin
Southern Utah is a paradise for adventurers, offering a stunning mix of red rock landscapes, world-famous national parks, and hidden oases. Among these treasures, Zion National Park stands out as a hiker’s dream destination with some of the most iconic and breathtaking trails in the United States. Whether you’re staying in a cozy vacation rental nearby or planning a day trip from St. George, Zion’s diverse trails promise unforgettable experiences for all skill levels.
This guide dives deep into twelve spectacular hikes within Zion National Park, from the famous Angels Landing and The Narrows to lesser-known trails tucked away in quiet corners of the park. Alongside detailed trail descriptions, you’ll find essential tips on planning, safety, and how to make the most of your adventure in this stunning landscape. Ready to explore? Let’s embark on a journey through Zion’s top hiking trails.
Zion National Park’s unique environment requires thoughtful preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike. Here are some crucial points to keep in mind before setting out:
If this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry. Planning your Zion adventure is easier with resources like the Zion Starter Guide, which offers strategies for parking, shuttle navigation, and detailed overviews of each stop in Zion Canyon.
Located just a short distance from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, the Watchman Trail is a fantastic option for those seeking a relatively short hike without the need to ride the shuttle. This 3-mile round trip trail offers a good elevation gain and stunning views from a plateau, where hikers can take in sweeping vistas of the iconic Watchman rock formation and surrounding canyon walls.
Best hiked in the cooler months or early morning during summer, this trail provides a rewarding introduction to Zion’s landscape without requiring a full-day commitment.
Often overshadowed by Angels Landing and The Narrows, the Emerald Pools Trail is a gem within Zion Canyon accessible from Zion Lodge or The Grotto. This relatively easy hike features three distinct pools:
This trail combines the beauty of water features with Zion’s signature red rock backdrop, making it a must-see for visitors looking for moderate hikes with visual rewards.
East Zion is dotted with unofficial trails scattered along the Zion Mount Carmel Scenic Highway, often missed by tourists but cherished by locals. These trails are not officially maintained or recognized by the park, so finding them requires a bit of local knowledge or exploration.
Popular examples include:
The Mini Pools Trail is particularly rewarding: it starts with a walk through a sandy wash passing under a bridge, then follows the cliffs upward with increasingly beautiful views the higher you climb. These trails offer peaceful solitude away from the crowds and a chance to experience Zion’s wilderness intimately.
For those willing to venture into Zion’s backcountry, the Lin Creek Trail in Kolob Canyons is a true hidden treasure. This 15-mile round trip trail can be tackled as a day hike or an overnight camping trip. It follows a creek winding around the “fingers” of the canyon, offering gorgeous, varied scenery throughout.
The trail culminates at Kolob Arch, the sixth longest natural arch in the world and one of Zion’s most impressive landmarks. Due to its length and remote nature, proper preparation is essential if attempting this trail in a single day.
Hidden in the Kolob Terrace area, the Northgate Peaks Trail is accessed via the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead and remains largely unknown to most visitors. The trail meanders through open meadows before heading toward the peaks, culminating in an overlook facing the rock formation named Guardian Angel.
For adventurous hikers, scrambling up nearby peaks rewards with panoramic views back toward Zion Canyon, making this trail perfect for those looking to explore beyond the usual tourist paths.
Despite its popularity, the Canyon Overlook Trail remains a crowd-pleaser due to its manageable 1-mile round trip length and moderate elevation gain of a few hundred feet. The trail offers decent views along the path, but the real prize is the wide-open overlook at the end, presenting expansive views of lower Zion Canyon.
Early arrival or late afternoon visits are recommended since parking is limited and can be challenging.
Observation Point offers some of the most spectacular views in Zion National Park. The original route traversed Zion Canyon but was blocked by a rockslide, requiring hikers to start from the East Trailhead instead. The access road is rough, but a shuttle service from Zion Ponderosa Ranch provides a convenient option during peak season for $10.
The trail is about 7 miles long but relatively easy in terms of elevation gain. The path itself offers few notable views until the final viewpoint, which is widely regarded as one of the best vistas in the park.
Kolob Terrace is arguably Zion’s most underrated district, known for its peacefulness and stunning hidden gems. The West Rim Trail, beginning at Lava Point Overlook, stretches 15 miles one way into Zion Canyon. Due to its length, many hikers choose to shuttle from Springdale to the trailhead.
This trail features breathtaking views from Potato Hollow to Phantom Valley and is especially beautiful during fall when the foliage adds vibrant colors to the landscape. While a challenging day hike, reserving campsites along the trail allows for a rewarding overnight trip.
Taylor Creek Trail is nestled in Kolob Canyons and is widely considered one of Zion’s most underrated hikes. The trail follows a small creek between the canyon fingers, passing historic cabins and culminating at Double Arch Alcove. While the arch may not be Zion’s most famous landmark, the serene and quiet environment sets this trail apart from the busier parts of the park.
Angels Landing is arguably Zion’s most famous trail, renowned for its thrilling chain section and jaw-dropping views from the summit. It’s one of the most popular and photographed hikes in the United States. The trail requires a permit to manage the crowds, but even with this system, it remains busy.
Strategic timing—such as hiking early in the morning or during the off-season—can help avoid the busiest periods. Despite the crowds, Angels Landing is a must-do for serious hikers and adventure seekers. The views are spectacular enough to justify the effort and the challenge.
The Narrows is the trail that truly put Zion on the map. It follows the Virgin River through a slot canyon with towering 1,000-foot cliffs on either side. Waterfalls trickle off the canyon walls, and when the light hits just right, parts of the trail glow with a surreal luminescence.
No permit is required to hike The Narrows from the bottom up, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors. Hikers simply follow the river upstream until they decide to turn back, allowing for customizable distances and difficulty levels. Proper footwear and preparation are essential for this unique water hike.
Hands down, The Subway is considered the most beautiful trail in Zion National Park, but it requires a permit due to its popularity and challenging terrain. The 8-mile round trip features significant elevation gain and includes steep, rocky climbs at the start and finish.
The trail follows North Creek, requiring hikers to wade through water and scramble over waterfalls. The climax is a tube-shaped slot canyon known as The Subway, a breathtaking natural formation that feels otherworldly. This trail is suited for experienced hikers comfortable with technical terrain.
Many visitors choose to stay in vacation rentals near Zion National Park to enjoy comfort and convenience after their hiking adventures. Southern Utah offers a wide variety of rental homes, from cozy cabins to luxury properties with stunning views. Choosing a vacation rental with amenities like a full kitchen and outdoor patio can enhance your stay, providing a relaxing retreat after a day on the trails.
For those interested in staying close to Zion, explore the Zion National Park vacation rentals available through Stay Copper Rock. These properties offer easy access to the park and a comfortable base for exploring Southern Utah’s red rock wonders.
Additionally, visitors might enjoy exploring other nearby attractions and outdoor activities in Southern Utah, such as hiking in Kolob Canyons, visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, or experiencing the vibrant town of St. George. For more ideas and detailed travel tips, check out the Top 5 Must-Do Activities in Southern Utah and the 5 Things to Do During Your St. George Vacation.
Yes, some of Zion’s most popular trails, including Angels Landing and The Subway, require permits. These are issued via a lottery or reservation system to manage crowds and protect the environment. Other trails like The Narrows (bottom-up hike) do not require permits.
No. Zion’s streams often contain toxic cyanobacteria that cannot be filtered out. It’s important to carry enough water for your hike or plan accordingly with water containers.
Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for most trails. Water shoes or hiking sandals with good traction are essential for water hikes like The Narrows. Avoid loose tennis shoes, which can slip off in water and cause accidents.
Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for hiking, with cooler temperatures and less crowding. Summer can be very hot, so early morning hikes are advised. Winter offers fewer crowds but can be cold and wet.
Yes, East Zion’s unofficial trails along the Zion Mount Carmel Scenic Highway and Kolob Terrace offer peaceful, less crowded hiking options. Taylor Creek and Lin Creek Trail in Kolob Canyons are also excellent for those seeking quiet backcountry experiences.
Zion National Park is a hiking paradise with a remarkable variety of trails ranging from family-friendly strolls to challenging backcountry adventures. Whether you’re drawn to the adrenaline rush of Angels Landing, the ethereal beauty of The Subway, or the quiet charm of hidden trails in Kolob Canyons, Zion has something for every adventurer.
Planning ahead with proper gear, water, and permits will ensure a safe and memorable experience. Staying in a comfortable vacation rental nearby, such as those offered by Stay Copper Rock, adds an extra layer of relaxation and convenience to your trip, making it easier to recharge for the next day’s adventure.
Embrace the spirit of exploration and let Zion’s iconic and hidden gems inspire your next Southern Utah getaway.
Southern Utah is a treasure trove of natural beauty and adventure, offering visitors a plethora of outdoor activities and stunning landscapes. In... Read More
Are you newly engaged or soon to be? One of the first big decisions you’ll make — after you pop the question,... Read More
STAY COPPER ROCK
1567 W Copper Rock Pkwy
Hurricane, UT 84737
435-352-1842
Join The Discussion