Hikers Guide: Most Popular Hikes In Zion National Park

Zion National Park offers a wide variety of hiking trails for everyone with the itch to get outside. Whether you are looking for short easy walks to longer strenuous hikes Zions does not disappoint. Each hike explores different parts of the park such as Zion Canyon, Kolob Canyons, and the Kolob Terrace. Many of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park are located in Zion Canyon. There are many fabulous hikes in Zion National Park, but some of the most popular ones are:

Angels Landing:

This hike is a strenuous 5.4-mile roundtrip trek that offers some of the most incredible views of Zion National Park. The trail climbs up a steep ridge and ends at a rocky outcrop with breathtaking views of the surrounding canyon. Hikers will enjoy the satisfaction of completing a hike that is well-known and celebrated within the hiking community. Zion National Park is piloting a permit program for Angels Landing in 2023 to help manage overcrowding and protect the park’s natural resources. This means that hikers will need to obtain a timed permit to hike past Scout Lookout, adding an extra level of exclusivity to the experience.

Read more in our Hikers Guide: Angels Landing

The Narrows: 

It is a gorge with walls a thousand feet tall and a river that is sometimes just twenty to thirty feet wide. The Narrows is a 10-16 mile roundtrip hike (depending on how far you go), and it requires walking through water, it’s important to be prepared with the appropriate gear. One of the best things about hiking The Narrows is that you can customize the length of your hike based on your preferences and fitness level. The hike can range from just a few miles to a full-day adventure, allowing hikers to tailor their experience to their individual needs. Hikers can hike along the paved, wheelchair-accessible Riverside Walk for one mile to see The Narrows. Making it a great option for hikers of varying abilities.  

Read more in our Hikers Guide: The Narrows

Emerald Pools:

The Emerald Pools feature a series of three stunning pools (Lower, Middle, and Upper) fed by waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery. The pools are a vibrant shade of green, thanks to the algae, offering a unique and captivating nature experience The Emerald Pools hike is an easy and family-friendly hike, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels. The trail is only two miles round trip and can be completed in as little as two hours, making it a great option for those with limited time or limited physical ability.

Observation Point:

This hike is a strenuous 8-mile roundtrip trek that provides stunning panoramic views of Zion Canyon. The trail climbs up a steep elevation gain to the highest point of the park. At the top panoramic breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The hike can take between four and six hours to complete and requires a moderate level of fitness and hiking experience. Observation Point is accessible year-round, as long as the trail is free of snow and ice. The best times to hike are in the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller.

Canyon Overlook:

This is the perfect introduction to hiking in Zion National Park. Offering an experience that will leave visitors eager to explore more of the park’s stunning landscapes. This hike is a moderate 1-mile roundtrip trek that offers beautiful views of Zion Canyon. It is a short and accessible hike, perfect for all ages and physical ability levels. The trail leads you to a rocky outcrop that is a stunning vantage point of the canyon and surrounding landscape.

As you prepare to visit Zion National Park it is important to remember a few things. Check the Park website for trail closures, some hiking trails may be closed due to rockfall or other reasons. The best times to visit are in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and perfect for hiking. It’s important to note that these hikes can be crowded, especially during peak season, so it’s best to start early in the morning to beat the crowds. To avoid crowds, visit in March or November, at either end of peak season. Plan your trip ahead of time and learn about the shuttle bus service. The National Park Service provides free shuttle service in the town of Springdale and Zion Canyon. Last but definitely not least, some of these hikes are considered strenuous. It’s important to be in good physical condition and wear appropriate hiking gear.

Hikes in Zion National Park are some of the most awe-inspiring in the world. So get out there Explore More, Worry Less!