4 hikes you have to do in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is located in Utah and is dominated by Zion Canyon. We already visited this National Park twice, as it has so much to offer. You keep coming back to it. And we are not alone: it is one of the most popular parks in Utah. Zion National Park is most famous for The Narrows and Angels Landing.
We did a few hikes while we were there, one of them being (part of) Angels Landing.
For more information about the hikes you can do there and opening hours, you can visit the park website.
Lower Emerald Pool Trail
Easy hike
Shuttle Stop: #5 Zion Lodge
Distance (roundtrip): 1.2 mi / 1.9 km
Elevation Change: 69 ft / 21 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 1 hour
This is one of the more easier hikes in Zion National Park. This 1.9k hike brings you to a small water fall and the Lower Emerald Pools. This is a fun hike to do with kids because the trail is completely paved. And if you are lucky, you might see a deer.
Angels Landing
Strenous hike
Shuttle Stop: #6 The Grotto
Distance (roundtrip): 5.4 mi / 8.7 km
Elevation Change: 1,488 ft / 453 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 4 hours
We went up to Angels Landing until Scout Overlook. I was feeling too unsteady to go any further but my boyfriend went a little bit further. Until it was also too much for him, especially too crowded. In peak season, you are never alone, so if you want to try Angels Landing on your own pace, you have to try to avoid the crowds. The first part of the trail is fairly easy until you reach a number of switchbacks, 21 to be exacted. At Scout Overlook you can decide to stay and enjoy the few or go further to the top Angels Landing which is another 0.8 km. The entire trail is 8.7 km.
Canyon Overlook Trail
Moderate hike
No shuttle, requires personal transportation
Distance (roundtrip): 1.0 mi / 1.6 km
Elevation Change: 163 ft / 50 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 1 hour
Alongside Zion Mount Carmel Highway you can start a 1.6 km hike that will give you spectacular views onto the valley. The trail is mostly fenced but there are some parts where you might watch your step. But this is definitely a stop if you want the views without the hard work :).
Observation Point Trail
Strenous hike
Shuttle Stop: #7 Weeping Rock
Distance (roundtrip): 8.0 mi / 12.9 km
Elevation Change: 2,148 ft / 655 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 6 hours
This 13 km hike is a tough one, especially when it is warm. There is practically no shade along the trail, so bring a lot of water and avoid the hottest parts of the day. We did this one at the end of September and it was bearable then. There is an elevation gain of 655 m. At the end, you have a beautiful view on Angels Landing and Zion Canyon. This for me is one of the most beautiful hikes in the park. Although hard, the view at the end makes it all worth while.
More hikes in Zion National Park
Name | Difficulty | Shuttle stop | Distance (roundtrip) | Elevation change | Estimated hiking time |
Pa’rus Trail | Easy | #1 Visitor Center #3 Canyon Junction | 3.5 mi / 5.6 km | 50 ft / 15 m | 2 hours |
Archeology Trail | Easy | #1 Visitor Center | 0.4 mi / 0.6 km | 80 ft / 24 m | 30 minutes |
Grotto Trail | Easy | #5 Zion Lodge #6 Grotto | 1 mi / 1.6 km | 35 ft / 11 m | 30 minutes |
Weeping Rock Trail | Easy | #7 Weeping Rock | 0.4 mi / 0.6 km | 98 ft / 30 m | 30 minutes |
Riverside Walk | Easy | #9 Temple of Sinawava | 2.2 mi / 3.5 km | 57 ft / 17 m | 1.5 hours |
Watchman Trail | Moderate | #1 Visitor Center | 3.3 mi / 5.3 km | 368 ft / 112 m | 2 hours |
Sandbench Trail | Moderate | #5 Zion Lodge | 7.6 mi / 12.2 km | 466 ft / 142 m | 5 hours |
Upper Emerald Pool Trail | Moderate | #5 Zion Lodge #6 The Grotto | 1.0 mi / 1.6 km | 200 ft / 61 m | 1 hour |
Kayenta Trail | Moderate | #6 The Grotto | 2.0 mi / 3.2 km | 150 ft / 46 m | 1.5 hours |
Hidden Canyon Trail | Strenous | #7 Weeping Rock | 2.5 mi / 4.0 km | 850 ft / 259 m | 2.5 hours |
The Narrows | Strenous | #9 Temple of Sinawava | 9.4 mi / 15.1 km | 334 ft / 102 m | 8 hours |
Where to stay in Zion National Park
Campgrounds in and around Zion
What are your favorite hikes in Zion National Park?
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