Hiking in Zion National Park
Zion National Park offers a wide-ranging of hiking opportunities, with something suitable for every age and experience level. Hiking is also enjoyable during every month of the year. Take in the spectacular views on easy trails along the river; follow tight switchbacks up the cliff faces or challenge technical slot canyons. Many of the lower trails are wheel chair accessible. The park's shuttle system makes stops at many trailheads.
The Narrows
The most popular hike in Zion Park goes into the Narrows of the Virgin River. The first mile is easy; it is paved and passes hanging gardens and scenic streamlets. Casual hikers can continue beyond the pavement, hiking right up the river, going as far as they feel comfortable. Serious hikers can tackle the entire 16 miles of the canyon, beneath walls that are 2,000 feet high and only 30 feet apart in some spots. A permit is required to hike the entire Narrows. You do not need a permit to casually hike into the bottom. This video clip highlights the Narrows hike (Flash video, 5941K).
Orderville Gulch is an attractive alternative to doing the entire Narrows. It is a tributary that is more narrow, more exciting and perhaps more beautiful. It is also easier to get permits. Orderville is a technical slot canyon and the hike covers about 11 miles. This video clip shows the hike and provides an introduction to the sport of canyoneering.
Kolob Canyons
In the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, the trailhead for the 14-mile round-trip hike to enormous Kolob Arch is accessible off I-15, 18 miles south of Cedar City. Other trails are also available.
Hiking in Winter
Zion includes a large area of low-elevation desert where it is enjoyable to hike during winter. The Chinle Trail in the Coalpits and Huber Wash area offers outstanding hiking opportunities even during the coldest months of the year. Trails along the Virgin River and to locations in the bottom of Zion Canyon can also be hiked during winter. Trails that ascend the canyon rims and probe the high country will be hazardous during winter because of snow and ice.
Zion National Park Trails
| Trails |
Miles/km (Round Trip) |
Avg. Time | Difficulty | Description |
| Weeping Rock | .5 mi/ .8 km | 0.5 hours | Easy | Alcove with springs and gardens |
| Canyon Overlook | 1 mi/1.6 km | 1 hour | Easy | Panoramic view of the canyons |
| Emerald Pools | 1.2 mi/1.9 km | 1 hour | Easy | Waterfalls |
| Riverside Walk | 2 mi/3.2 km | 1.5 hours | Easy | Gardens/Virgin River/Narrows |
| The Narrows | Up to 16 miles | Variable | Easy-Strenuous | This is Zion's classic hike |
| Watchman | 2 mi/3.2 km | 2 hours | Moderate | View of Canyon/Springdale |
| Angels Landing | 5 mi/8.6 km | 4 hours | Strenuous | Summit of Zion Canyon |
| Hidden Canyon | 2 mi/3.2 km | 2 hours | Moderate | View of Canyon/Springdale |
| Pa'rus Trail | 3.5 mi/5.6 km | 1.5 hours | Easy | Zion Canyon Junction |
| Observation Point | 8 mi/12 km | 5 hours | Strenuous | View of Canyon |
| Lower West Rim | 10 mi/17.2 km | 6 hours | Strenuous | View of Canyon |
| Taylor Creek (Kolob Canyon) | 5.4 mi/8.6 km | 4 hours | Moderate | Double Arch Alcove |
| Kolob Arch (Kolob Canyon) | 14.4 mi/23 km | 9 hours | Strenuous | Arch/Creeks |
| Timber Creek (Kolob Canyon) | 1 mi/1.6 km | 30 mins. | Easy | Overlook |
| East Rim | 23.2 mi/37.4 km | 14 hours | Strenuous | Backcountry, Echo Canyon, Observation Point |
| West Rim | 28 mi/45 km | 24 hours | Strenuous | Horse Plateau, Lava Point |
Canyoneering
Zion is famous for its technical canyoneering opportunities. These treks are beyond the scope of this website. Here is a taste - a description and video clip of the Misery Canyon canyoneering adventure hike.
General Tips
- Always carry a topographical map on long or technical hikes
- Pets are NOT allowed along any trails.
- Bring plenty of water. Water is only available at the visitor's center.
- Trail guides may be available. Check at the visitor's center.
- Permits are required for back country or overnight hiking, as well as for the Narrows and its tributaries, the Left Fork of North Creek (the Subway) and Kolob Creek. **When picking up permit, have vehicle description and license plate number ready.
- The Subway is limited to 50 people per day.
- Maximum group size is 12, including all leaders or guides.
- Stay out of drainage areas during thunderstorms.
- Fires are permitted in designated areas, but not in the backcountry. Collecting wood is prohibited.
| Additional Information... |
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Additional information can also be obtained by contacting the Travel Regions for the different entrances::
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