Zion National Park Hiking Trails
Zion is big, beautiful, accessible, and exciting.
Zion National Park offers a wide range of hiking opportunities, with something suitable for every age and experience level, during every month of the year. Get acquainted with a few of Zion’s four million annual visitors as you zoom from one trailhead and scenic overlook to the next aboard the Zion Canyon Shuttle, designed to keep the park pristine, tranquil and pollution-free. Hop off as often as you’d like to traverse a deep, narrow canyon or climb a majestic, multi-colored cliff; another eco-friendly bus will be by in six minutes.
Our favorite hikes in Zion National Park
Canyon Overlook
The Canyon Overlook has produced some of the most breathtaking shots of Zion Canyon ever photographed. It is a favorite among photographers and casual hikers...(more)
Emerald Pool-Lower
The Lower Pool is one of 3 pools in the Emerald Pools system and is popular among hikers for its beauty and accessibility. The trail is short and gently sloped - with only 70 feet of elevation gain...(more)
The Zion Narrows
This is the most popular hiking trail in Zion National Park, and one of the world's best canyon hikes. It is pure fun and can be tailored to any ability level...(more)
Featured Links
RESOURCES
TRAILS
Photo Gallery
Lower Emerald Pools Hike
Several hiking options are available here, ranging from short and easy to strenuous and steep.
Hike The Narrows in Zion
Slosh through the cool river that cut the canyon that's providing all the shade. You'll mostly be in up to your ankles but a few stretches get waist-deep.
Wall Street section of The Narrows in Zion National Park
From the parking lot, it is usually only 2-3 hours into the section of Narrows known as Wall Street.
Angels Landing
Angels landing is one of the most famous hikes in all of Zion National Park, this one is not for the squeamish or those easily affected by vertigo. But if you are up to...(more)
The Subway
The Subway is a classic semi-technical slot canyon hike in Zion National Park. To complete the hike you wade/swim/scramble/climb down the Left Fork of...(more)
Hiking Tips
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.
Canyoneering
Zion is famous for its technical canyoneering opportunities. These treks are beyond the scope of this website. The Subway is perhaps the most popular backcountry slot canyon hike. It is semi-technical. Other canyons are more technical (you need special gear and skills). See our videos at the top of this page for a taste of canyoneering adventure.
General Hiking Tips
Always carry a topographical map on long or technical hikes.
Pets are NOT allowed along any trails.
Bring plenty of water. Drinking water is not available at most trailheads or along any trails.
Trail guides may be available. Check at the visitor centers.
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 a permit, have your vehicle description and license plate number ready.)
Maximum group size is usually limited to 12, including all leaders.
Stay out of drainage areas during thunderstorms.
Fires are permitted in developed campgrounds, but not in the backcountry. Collecting wood is prohibited.
REQUEST INFORMATION
TRAVEL BUREAU INFORMATION
ST. GEORGE TOURISM OFFICE
1835 Convention Center Drive
St. George, UT 84790
435-634-5747
Visit website
KANE COUNTY OFFICE OF TOURISM
78 South 100 East
Kanab, UT 84741
435-644-5033
Visit website
CEDAR CITY-BRIAN HEAD TOURISM BUREAU
581 N. Main
Cedar City, UT 84721
435-586-5124
Visit website
REQUEST INFO & BROCHURE
Zion National Park Map & Directions
Directionszion Weather
Articles & Itineraries
Natural Bridges National Monument: A Hidden Gem, Not a Second Fiddle
If you were the little sibling in your family growing...
Plan a Triathlon of Fun in Greater Zion
Take part in some unforgettable events of your own in...
Get Your Peach Thrills in Box Elder County
Northwestern Utah is the perfect climate for fruit,...
17 Reasons Utah is the #1 Place to Visit in the World
Snowbird Resort If anyone has seen it all, it’s...