Hiking Home Activities Hiking What better way to soak in the beautiful sites and sounds of Zion National Park than to take to the trails. Here you can plow through to a destination or enjoy the journey – every step of the majestic way. This list of trails across and into the park provide a starter for you to select your path(s) through this scenic wonder. Remember to plan for the conditions, pack in and pack out, and remember to care for this Land of Forever. Table of Contents Angels LandingArcheologyCanyon OverlookChinle TrailEast Rim TrailHidden CanyonKayenta TrailThe NarrowsObservation PointPa’rus TrailSand Bench TrailTaylor Creek Middle ForkThe Grotto TrailThe Watchman TrailWeeping RockWest RimWildcat Canyon Trail Angels Landing Once your permit is secured, you can embark upon one of the most iconic journeys in the country. Known for its soaring heights and chain-lined trails, Angels Landing is for the adventurous, experienced, fit, and level-headed hiker. Getting to this trailhead requires the use of the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout. The entire trek is five miles long round-trip, taking four to five hours to complete due to its steep inclines and technical maneuvers. (There is no permit needed to get to Scout Lookout or to be on the West Rim Trail; it’s simply the “chains section” that requires the permit.) Learn More Archeology A short, family-friendly trail showcasing some of Zion National Park’s history, Archeology trail is perfect for walking and conveniently located near the Main Canyon entrance. This half-mile trail takes less than an hour to complete, serves as the perfect introduction to Zion, and is accessible to all skill levels. Learn More Canyon Overlook We bet you’ve seen pictures from this trail. Trust us – the views are even better in person. This one-mile hike is moderately difficult due to some steep inclines and dropoffs, but perfectly manageable for most able-bodied folks, including mature/well-behaved children. It takes nearly one hour to complete. Be mindful that this trail is very popular, and parking spaces are very limited; since it is only accessible via Route 9, arrive early for the best experience. Learn More Chinle Trail This out-and-back trail is quite the trek, but well worth the work. Beginning in Hurricane, Chinle Trail is 16 challenging miles round trip of exposed hiking through Zion National Park and stunning desert landscapes. Estimated to take around seven hours, this trip is often broken up into multiple days (with an overnight permit, of course) as it is perfect for backpacking and camping in addition to traditional hiking. Learn More East Rim Trail Approximately 10 miles long round-trip, the East Rim Trail takes hikers through Jolley Gulch, Ponderosa Forest, Echo Canyon, and finishes down the Observation Point Trail. Enjoying the journey and the scenery takes about five hours and is best suited for hikers with backpacking experience. Hidden Canyon This trail is currently closed. Kayenta Trail This moderately strenuous trail is the precursor to the well-known Emerald Pools. Approximately two miles long, Kayenta Trail features sandstone stairs and views of the Virgin River, taking approximately two hours to complete. Emerald Pools Trail Network This is one of Zion National Park’s well-known hikes. It is a network of trails divided into three sections: Lower, Middle, and Upper. Access to these sections comes after you hike Kayenta Trail, the only entry point that is currently open. Lower Emerald Pools is a half-mile long, Middle Emerald Pools is a little over a mile, and Upper Emerald Pools is less than a half mile. Strain increases as the sections go on, but the views of waterfalls and green oases will reward you. Learn More – Lower Emerald Pool The Narrows This hike is a Zion National Park staple, taking you upstream and through the narrowest parts of Zion’s canyons. If you take the short out-and-back route, starting at the Temple of Sinawava at the end of the Riverside Walk, no permit is required. (You can go as far as 10 miles round-trip or make it a shorter hike.) If you take the long 16-mile through-hike, permits, campground reservations, and transportation arrangements are required. Regardless of how you choose to experience The Narrows, make sure you have the proper gear to make the experience safe and enjoyable. Observation Point This trail is currently closed. Pa’rus Trail This out-and-back trail is another great introduction to Zion National Park. Paved and surrounded by the most photo-worthy scenery the park has to offer, Pa’rus (PA-roose) is approximately 3.5 miles of beginner and bike-friendly trail. Dogs are allowed on this trail as well, but this is the one and only spot in the park without pet restrictions – plan accordingly. Riverside Walk While this trail is a precursor to accessing The Narrows, it is also an enjoyable hike of its own. You can cruise alongside the Virgin River and marvel at the towering walls of the Temple of Sinawava on a well-groomed trail. This trail is approximately two miles long round-trip, and it takes about an hour to complete. Learn More Sand Bench Trail This exposed loop takes hikers along the edge of the Virgin River between the Court of the Patriarchs and Zion Lodge. Named for the sandy terrain, this trail is approximately seven miles long, taking one to four hours to complete. Taylor Creek Middle Fork This trail is the gem of the Kolob Canyon section of Zion National Park, taking hikers on an out-and-back journey alongside (and sometimes over) Taylor Creek and historical cabins before reaching the awe-inspiring Double Arch Alcove. Perfect for a less-crowded hiking experience, Taylor Creek is five miles long round-trip and takes three to five hours to complete. The Grotto Trail This is a leisurely trail situated between the Zion Lodge and Grotto Picnic Area. It also connects to other iconic hikes like Kayenta Trail and Angels Landing. Standing alone, The Grotto Trail is one mile round-trip, taking up to one hour to complete. The Watchman Trail This trail is just a stone’s throw from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, offering 360-degree views of Zion National Park and the town of Springdale. Often overlooked, The Watchman Trail is an excellent introduction to the park. It stretches three miles round-trip and takes one to two hours to complete. Weeping Rock This trail is currently closed. West Rim This trail is currently closed. Wildcat Canyon Trail A star of the Kolob Terrace section of Zion National park, this trail takes hikers through nearly 11 miles of forest and canyon scenery. It offers access to several other trails and takes about four to seven hours.
