Hiking

World-Class Trails. Unforgettable Views.

From riverside walks to heart-pounding climbs, Zion National Park offers some of the most iconic hiking experiences in the world.

Pa'rus Trail

Pa’rus is Paiute for “bubbling water.” The paved trail follows the Virgin River and has some of the best views of the Watchman. Accessible for wheelchairs, pets on leashes, and bicycles.

Distance:

3.5 mi / 5.6 km (round trip)

Time:

30-120 Minutes

Elevation Change:

50 ft / 15 m

Trail Details

Lower Emerald Pool Trail

A rough, paved trail that leads through pinyon-juniper woodland to the Lower Emerald Pool and ephemeral waterfalls. Do not go into the water.

Distance:

1.2 mi / 1.9 km (round trip)

Time:

1-2 Hours

Elevation Change:

69 ft / 21 m

Trail Details

Riverside Walk

A relatively flat and paved trail in the northern end of Zion Canyon. Follows the Virgin River as the sheer sandstone walls narrow in around you. Wheelchair accessible with assistance.

Distance:

2.2 mi / 3.5 km (round trip)

Time:

1-2 Hours

Elevation Change:

57 ft / 17 m

Trail Details

Weeping Rock Trail

Short but steep! A paved trail leading to a rock alcove with dripping springs. Look for small trailside exhibits and hanging gardens.

Distance:

0.4 mi / 0.6 km (round trip)

Time:

15-45 Minutes

Elevation Change:

98 ft / 30 m

Trail Details

Grotto Trail

Connects the Zion Lodge to the Grotto and is near the road most of the way. A great place to view wildlife.

Distance:

1.0 mi / 1.6 km (round trip)

Time:

15-45 Minutes

Elevation Change:

35 ft / 11 m

Trail Details

Archeology Trail

A short steep trail that leads to an ancestral Puebloan food storage shelter.

Distance:

0.4 mi / 0.6 km (round trip)

Time:

30 Minutes

Elevation Change:

80 ft / 24 m

Trail Details

Watchman Trail

Unpaved trail climbs to a magnificent viewpoint of the Watchman, Temples and Towers, and lower Zion Canyon. The terrain is sandy, rocky, and uneven.

Distance:

3.3 mi / 5.3 km (round trip)

Time:

1-2 Hours

Elevation Gain:

368 ft / 112 m

Trail Details

Middle Emerald Pools Trail

A moderate hike along an unpaved sandstone ledge above the Lower Emerald Pool Trail. Expansive views of main Zion Canyon and pinyon-juniper woodlands.

Distance:

2.2 mi / 3.5 km (round trip)

Time:

1-2 Hours

Elevation Gain:

150 ft / 46 m

Trail Details

Upper Emerald Pools Trail

A sandy and rocky trail that climbs to the base of towering canyon walls and the Upper Emerald Pool. No swimming.

Distance:

1.0 mi / 1.6 km (round trip)

Time:

1-2 Hours

Elevation Gain:

200 ft / 61 m

Trail Details

Canyon Overlook Trail

Long drop-offs, mostly fenced. Rocky and uneven trail ends at a viewpoint for Pine Creek Canyon and lower Zion Canyon. Parking is extremely limited.

Distance:

1.0 mi / 1.6 km (round trip)

Time:

1-2 Hours

Elevation Gain:

163 ft / 50 m

Trail Details

Kayenta Trail

Follows the Virgin River before ascending to the Emerald Pools. Provides panoramic views of Zion Canyon. Long drop-offs are present.

Distance:

2.0 mi / 3.2 km (round trip)

Time:

2-3 Hours

Elevation Gain:

150 ft / 46 m

Trail Details

Sand Bench Trail

Travels atop the remains of an ancient rockfall and landslide. Commercial horse trail from March to October; deep sand and little shade.

Distance:

7.6 mi / 12.2 km (round trip)

Time:

1-4 Hours

Elevation Gain:

466 ft / 142 m

Trail Details

Taylor Creek Trail (Middle Fork)

Follows the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek past two historic cabins to the Double Arch Alcove.

Distance:

5.0 mi / 8.0 km (round trip)

Time:

3-4 Hours

Elevation Gain:

450 ft / 137 m

Trail Details

The Narrows via Riverside Walk

Strenuous hike following the Virgin River through a narrow slot canyon. Most of the hike is in the water with unstable footing. Flash flood danger.

Distance:

9.4 mi / 15.1 km (round trip)

Time:

1-8 Hours

Elevation Gain:

334 ft / 102 m

Trail Details

West Rim to Scout Lookout

Ascends steep switchbacks (including Walter’s Wiggles) to Scout Lookout, high above the canyon floor. Strenuous climb with relief in Refrigerator Canyon.

Distance:

4.0 mi / 6.4 km (round trip)

Time:

3-4 Hours

Elevation Gain:

1000 ft / 305 m

Trail Details

Angels Landing

A steep, narrow ridge with chains leading from Scout Lookout to the summit. Not for those fearful of heights. Permits required. View details to learn more about permits.

Distance:

5.4 mi / 8.7 km (round trip)

Time:

4-5 Hours

Elevation Gain:

1488 ft / 453 m

Trail Details

Observation Point via East Rim

Zigzags up the steep mountain side to the rim of Zion Canyon.

Distance:

8.0 mi / 12.9 km (round trip)

Time:

6 Hours

Elevation Gain:

2148 ft / 655 m

Trail Details