Zion Hikes: Easy, Moderate, And Strenuous

About four million people visit Zion National Park, in Southern Utah, each year, the third highest number of all America’s national parks.  The national parks are so designated because of their rare beauty, wildlife, recreational mettle, unique features, and access by visitors. Zion National Park is not only magnificent to see, but also it possesses a variety of trails for sightseeing, photography, and exercise.  Some of the Zion hikes are perfect for families with small children; others are somewhat challenging; while others are treacherous for the brave and the fit.  This article discusses the hikes of Zion Canyon and categorizes them into easy, moderate, and strenuous.

The Best Easy Hikes

The Canyon Overlook Trail is highly recommended because it’s short, passes through a natural cave, and gives a spectacular view of Zion Canyon, below.  About one mile of walking puts you to a beautiful scene.

The Emerald Pools trails are among the most popular Zion hikes and offer walking from one mile to three.  You’ll see waterfalls, pools, and greenery on these easy hikes.

Riverside Walk is about two miles of paved pathway and takes you from the Temple of Sinawava to the iconic Narrows.  You can wade in the Virgin River and determine if you want to venture through the Narrows. Check the weather forecast, first.  Rain rushing down the narrows can be deadly.

The Watchman Trail is about three miles and rather leisurely.  It’ll give you some pretty views, exercise, and does not climb to the height of the Watchman rock itself.

Weeping Rock hike is only half a mile, but the scenery is colorful and stunning, with hanging ferns and mosses and streams of water.  Relative to other Zion hikes, this trail is narrow and makes it a bit precarious for strollers and wheelchairs.

The Best Moderate Hike

Zion Narrows runs between three and eight miles, depending on when you want to turn back.  Much of it requires walking in the Virgin River, shallow enough for most folks. On a hot day, this hike will be refreshing, but walking through water can get tiring.  This is the wettest of the Zion hikes.  The warning for the Narrows is flash floods.  On a rainy day, rushing water has tragically swept away humans, from children to Boy Scouts to adults.  Check and recheck the forecast. And take snacks and drinking water with you.

The Best Strenuous Hikes

The trail to Observation point is about eight miles round trip, so plan on five hours for the average hiker.  It climbs 2,100 feet of elevation and shows you Echo Canyon, the sharp ridge of Angel’s Landing, and majestic views of Zion Park.

The Subway, going from the bottom of the trail to the top, is a gorge cut through the Park.  You’ll walk in water, but no need for rappel equipment. For a Zion hike that requires more technical skills and equipment, you can go from top to bottom.  You’ll need a permit to tackle the Subway, which is nine miles round trip, so a good half a day.

Of all the Zion hikes, Angel’s Landing is the most famous, not because it’s longer or more demanding, but because it’s scarier.  Toward its climax, you’ll use chains to hold on so you don’t fall from the narrow ridge to your death, below.  Do not choose Angel’s Landing if you are afraid of heights. It’s about five miles round trip, and the views at the Landing are spectacular.

Kolob Arch is fourteen miles, so plan on a full day.  It’s the second longest arch in the world. Beautiful and great exercise, you can get to the trail from Kolob Canyons Road at Lee Pass.

La Verkin Creek Trail is eleven miles, so a couple of days should do it, especially if you want to enjoy the variety and beauties of nature.  It has very good campsites along the trail.

Zion Hikes: Easy, Moderate, And Strenuous

Article By: Clear Content Marketing