Conquer the Canyon: A Hiker’s Guide to Zion National Park’s Best Trails
Zion National Park, with its towering sandstone cliffs and emerald-colored pools, is a hiker’s paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a family looking for a leisurely stroll, Zion offers a trail for every skill level. Planning your visit in advance is key, as the park’s popularity means trails can be crowded and some of the most famous hikes now require a permit.
To help you plan your adventure, here’s a breakdown of some of Zion’s most iconic hikes, categorized by difficulty.
Easy Hikes: Perfect for Families and Casual Strolls
These trails are generally short, relatively flat, and offer a great introduction to Zion’s stunning scenery.
Pa’rus Trail: This paved, 3.5-mile trail is a fantastic, multi-use path that’s accessible for wheelchairs, leashed pets, and bicycles. It follows the Virgin River, providing beautiful views of the Watchman and the canyon’s majestic cliffs.
Riverside Walk: Leading to the entrance of The Narrows, this 2.2-mile paved path is a scenic, family-friendly walk. It meanders along the Virgin River, surrounded by the canyon’s narrow, towering walls. Keep an eye out for hanging gardens and wildlife.
Lower Emerald Pool Trail: Starting from the Zion Lodge, this 1.2-mile trail leads to a lush grotto and a picturesque waterfall that feeds the Lower Emerald Pool. While a short and easy hike, it’s a popular choice, so consider going early to avoid the crowds.
Moderate Hikes: A Little More Effort, a Lot More Reward
If you’re looking for a bit of a challenge with stunning payoffs, these hikes are for you. They often include some elevation gain and uneven terrain.
The Watchman Trail: This 3.2-mile out-and-back trail starts near the Visitor Center and offers a steady climb to a plateau with an incredible viewpoint overlooking the Virgin River and the lower Zion Canyon. It’s a great option if you want to escape the shuttle crowds.
Canyon Overlook Trail: A popular and rewarding hike, this 1-mile trail on the east side of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel provides a short but spectacular trek. The trail follows a narrow, winding path with drop-offs and ends at a breathtaking panoramic view of Zion Canyon.
Middle and Upper Emerald Pools Trails: For a more challenging extension of the Lower Emerald Pools trail, continue on to the Middle and Upper pools. The terrain becomes more rocky and steep, but the higher you climb, the more dramatic the views of the pools and waterfalls become.
Strenuous Hikes: For the Prepared and Adventurous
These trails require physical fitness, proper gear, and a healthy dose of determination. They offer some of the most iconic and unforgettable views in the park.
Angels Landing: Known as one of the most famous hikes in the U.S., Angels Landing is a thrilling and challenging 4.3-mile journey. The final section involves a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs, assisted by a chain bolted into the rock. Due to its popularity and safety concerns, this hike now requires a permit, which is obtained through a lottery system.
The Narrows (Bottom-Up): This is one of the most unique hiking experiences in the world. As the name suggests, you hike directly in the Virgin River through the narrowest section of the canyon. The “bottom-up” approach allows you to hike as far as you want before turning around. While not technically steep, hiking through water can be strenuous and requires special gear like water shoes and a walking stick.
Observation Point: Offering arguably the best view in all of Zion, Observation Point provides a stunning panoramic perspective of the entire main canyon, including a bird’s-eye view of Angels Landing. The most common route is via the East Mesa Trail, which is a strenuous but incredibly rewarding hike.
A Different Side of Zion: Remote and Desert Hikes
While the main canyon trails get most of the attention, Zion’s desert trails offer solitude and a different kind of beauty. These hikes are often longer, more exposed to the sun, and require careful planning.
Chinle Trail: This out-and-back trail offers a completely different experience from the main canyon. It’s a true desert hike with expansive views of landmarks like Mount Kinesava and the West Temple. The trail is known for its petrified wood, a fascinating remnant of an ancient forest. Due to the lack of shade, it’s best to hike this trail in the fall, winter, or spring.
Coalpits Wash Trail: This strenuous, 16-mile round-trip hike offers a unique journey through a less-traveled section of the park. It’s not a climb, but its length and exposure make it a challenge. The trail follows a wash with a small stream, surrounded by giant cottonwoods and desert spires. It’s a great option for a long day hike or a backpacking trip.
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