Hiking Zion National Park: Trail Guide & Planning Tools
Compare hikes by difficulty, distance, and time. Use our calculators to plan your perfect Zion itinerary.
Interactive Trail Finder
Filter Zion's best hikes by difficulty, distance, and features to find your perfect trail
12 trails match your filters
Calculate Trail DistancesAngels Landing
StrenuousThe Narrows
ModerateObservation Point
StrenuousEmerald Pools
EasyCanyon Overlook
EasyRiverside Walk
EasyHidden Canyon
ModerateWest Rim Trail
StrenuousThe Subway
StrenuousWatchman Trail
ModeratePa'rus Trail
EasyWeeping Rock
EasyDetailed Trail Profiles & Planning Tools
Complete guides for Zion's most popular hikes with integrated calculators for timing, difficulty, and logistics
Angels Landing
Zion's Most Iconic & Thrilling Hike
The most famous hike in Zion features a thrilling final half-mile along a narrow ridge with 1,000-foot drop-offs on both sides. Chain sections help hikers navigate the exposed terrain.
Highlights
Pro Tips
- Start before 7 AM to avoid crowds and midday heat
- Permits required March-November (apply on Recreation.gov)
- Not recommended for those with fear of heights
- Bring gloves for the chains
- Turn around at Scout Lookout if uncomfortable with exposure
The Narrows
Wade Through Zion's Iconic Slot Canyon
Hike up the Virgin River through Zion's most famous slot canyon. The river IS the trail, with towering 1,000-foot walls narrowing to just 20-30 feet wide in places.
Highlights
Pro Tips
- Rent canyoneering shoes and walking stick in Springdale
- Check water levels and flash flood forecast before going
- Best time: June-October when water is warmest
- Most people hike 2-4 miles up and turn around
- Dry suits available for winter hiking
Planning Tools for This Hike
Observation Point
Higher & Less Crowded Than Angels Landing
Climb 1,000 feet higher than Angels Landing for the ultimate Zion panorama. Look down on Angels Landing itself and see the entire canyon spread below you.
Highlights
Pro Tips
- Access via East Mesa Trail (shorter) or from Weeping Rock (longer)
- East Mesa route requires high-clearance vehicle
- Bring plenty of water (3+ liters per person)
- Start early - very exposed to sun
- No permit required (unlike Angels Landing)
Planning Tools for This Hike
Emerald Pools
Family-Friendly Waterfall Hike
A series of three pools and waterfalls accessible via paved and maintained trails. Perfect for families and those wanting a shorter Zion experience.
Highlights
Pro Tips
- Lower Pool: 1.2 miles RT, paved, wheelchair accessible
- Middle Pool: 2.0 miles RT, moderate
- Upper Pool: 3.0 miles RT, steeper climb
- Best flow: spring and early summer
- Can be combined with Kayenta Trail loop
Planning Tools for This Hike
Canyon Overlook
Quick Hike, Massive Views
The best view-to-effort ratio in Zion. This short trail near the east entrance offers stunning views of Pine Creek Canyon and lower Zion Canyon.
Highlights
Pro Tips
- Located on east side of park (no shuttle needed)
- Limited parking - arrive early or late
- Perfect for sunrise photography
- Great option if you have limited time
- Combine with drive through Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel
Planning Tools for This Hike
The Subway
Zion's Ultimate Slot Canyon Adventure
Zion's most unique formation - a tube-shaped slot canyon that looks like a subway tunnel. Requires permit, route-finding skills, and water crossings.
Highlights
Pro Tips
- Permit required (lottery system on Recreation.gov)
- Bottom-up route is non-technical but long
- Top-down route requires rappelling gear
- Best time: June-October
- Bring waterproof bag for gear
Planning Tools for This Hike
Build Your Zion Hiking Day
Select hikes and get a complete timeline with shuttle times, hiking duration, and total distance
Select Your Hikes
Planning Tips
Start Early
Begin hiking by 7 AM to avoid crowds and midday heat, especially for popular trails like Angels Landing.
Shuttle System
The park shuttle adds 30-45 minutes to your day. Factor this into your timeline and arrive early for parking.
Hydration
Bring 3+ liters of water per person. Desert heat is intense, and many trails have no water sources.
Permits
Angels Landing and The Subway require permits. Apply on Recreation.gov well in advance.
Seasonal Strategy & Crowd Calendar
Choose the best time to visit Zion based on weather, crowds, and trail conditions
Spring
March - May
Pros
- Waterfalls at peak flow
- Wildflowers blooming
- Pleasant temperatures
- The Narrows accessible
Cons
- Spring break crowds
- Unpredictable weather
- Some trails muddy
- Permits harder to get
Best Hikes This Season
Summer
June - August
Pros
- Longest daylight hours
- The Narrows warmest water
- All trails accessible
- Evening programs available
Cons
- Extreme heat (100°F+)
- Massive crowds
- Parking fills by 8 AM
- Higher prices
Best Hikes This Season
Fall
September - November
Pros
- Perfect hiking temperatures
- Fall foliage colors
- Smaller crowds after Labor Day
- Clear skies
Cons
- Shorter daylight hours
- Waterfalls may be dry
- The Narrows colder
- Some services close
Best Hikes This Season
Winter
December - February
Pros
- Smallest crowds
- Snow-capped peaks
- Lower prices
- Peaceful experience
Cons
- Cold temperatures
- Ice on trails
- The Narrows dangerous
- Limited shuttle service
Best Hikes This Season
Monthly Crowd Forecast
Peak vs. off-peak visitation. Summer weekends reach 100% capacity by 9 AM.
Shuttle System Integration
The park shuttle operates March-November and is mandatory during peak season. The shuttle adds 30-45 minutes to your day, so factor this into your timeline. Parking lots fill by 8-9 AM on summer weekends.
Safety & Emergency Information
Essential safety tips for hiking in Zion's desert environment
Heat & Hydration
- Bring 3+ liters of water per person
- Start hikes before 8 AM in summer
- Wear sun protection (SPF 50+, hat, sunglasses)
- Take breaks in shade every 30-45 minutes
- Watch for heat exhaustion symptoms
- Electrolyte supplements recommended
Flash Floods
- Check weather forecast before hiking
- Never enter slot canyons if rain is predicted
- Flash floods can occur from distant storms
- The Narrows closes during high water
- Move to high ground if you hear rushing water
- Monitor NPS alerts and warnings
Trail Safety
- Stay on marked trails only
- Don't get too close to cliff edges
- Use trekking poles for stability
- Wear proper hiking boots (not sandals)
- Tell someone your hiking plans
- Carry a first aid kit
Wildlife
- Keep 50+ feet from all wildlife
- Never feed animals
- Store food properly
- Watch for rattlesnakes on trails
- Mountain lions are rare but present
- Report aggressive wildlife to rangers
Emergency Contacts
Cell service is limited in the park. Download offline maps and emergency info before your visit.
Essential Gear Checklist
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking layers
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Hiking boots (broken in)
- Extra socks
Hydration & Food
- 3+ liters water per person
- Electrolyte supplements
- High-energy snacks
- Lunch for full-day hikes
Equipment
- Trekking poles
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- First aid kit
- Headlamp/flashlight
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about hiking in Zion National Park
Start before 7 AM to avoid crowds and midday heat. The trail gets extremely crowded by 9 AM, especially on weekends. Early starts also give you better lighting for photos and cooler temperatures. Remember that permits are required March-November, so apply on Recreation.gov in advance.
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