Camp > Destinations > Utah > Zion NP > Hiking
Zion National Park
Hiking
This page contains information on hiking within Zion National Park in Utah.
There are trails in Zion for those who want an easy 10 minute walk, a two-day backpacking trip, or something in-between. Easy trails are short and mostly level. Moderately strenuous and strenuous trails require hiking long distances, often uphill. Extreme summer heat makes any hike more difficult and exhausting. Early morning, late afternoon, and evening are best for hiking, unless you come in the spring or fall when it is much cooler.
Backpacking
Permits are required for all backcountry camping and are based on group size. 1 to 2 people: $10.00; 3 to 6 people: $15.00; 7 to 12 people: $20.00. Maximum group size is 12 people. Permits and hiking information are available at both Visitor Centers.
Hiked
Check our personal notes for detailed descriptions of these trails:
| Angels Landing |
| Distance: |
5 miles round trip |
Rating: |
Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
1,488 feet |
| Trailhead: |
Starts at the Grotto Picnic Area. |
| Description: |
Along the final .5 miles you ascend a steep, narrow ridge, steadying yourself with a chain. The trail ends at a view-filled summit high above the floor of Zion Canyon. |
| Cable Mountain |
| Distance: |
17 miles round trip |
Rating: |
Moderate to Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
|
| Trailhead: |
This trail can be accesses from either the eastern entrance to Zion, where it is a moderate hike, or from the parking lot at Weeping Rock, in the main canyon, where it is a strenuous hike. |
| Description: |
From the Weeping Rock parking lot the trail leads up an imposing set of switchbacks, past Hidden Canyon and through Echo Canyon. Take the East Rim Trail at the Junction with the Observation Point Trail. From there climb up to near Stave Spring, where the trail to Cable Mountain turns west. |
| Canyon Overlook |
| Distance: |
1 mile round trip |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
163 feet |
| Trailhead: |
The trailhead is just east of the long tunnel on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. |
| Description: |
This is a self-guiding trail that ends with a spectacular view of lower Zion Canyon. The trail is adjacent to cliffs with drops of 600 feet. |
| East Rim Trail |
| Distance: |
8 miles round trip |
Rating: |
Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
2,148 feet |
| Trailhead: |
This trail begins at the Weeping Rock parking lot along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. |
| Description: |
This trail climbs to Observation Point high above the floor of Zion Canyon, where there are excellent views of the canyon. The trail gives access to other East Rim plateau trails. The trail follows cliff edges and is not recommended for those fearful of heights. |
| Emerald Pools |
| Distance: |
1.2 to 2.2 miles round trip |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
69 feet |
| Trailhead: |
The trailhead is opposite the Zion Lodge along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. |
| Description: |
This trail ends at the Lower Pool and three waterfalls. To reach the Upper Pool, hike another mile round-trip on a more strenuous trail. The Upper Pool is larger and sits at the base of high cliffs. |
| Gateway to the Narrows |
| Distance: |
2 miles round trip |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
57 feet |
| Trailhead: |
This trailhead is at the end of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive in the Temple of Sinawava parking area. |
| Description: |
This trail follows the Virgin River upstream to the Zion Canyon Narrows, where the paved trail ends. There are hanging gardens of wildflowers in spring and summer and several trailside exhibits. |
| Grotto Trail |
| Distance: |
.5 miles one way |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
35 feet |
| Trailhead: |
|
| Description: |
This trail connects Zion Lodge to The Grotto Picnic Area, and can be linked with the Emerald Pools and Kayenta Trails to make a 3 mile loop hike. |
| Hidden Canyon |
| Distance: |
2 miles round trip |
Rating: |
Moderate to Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
850 feet |
| Trailhead: |
This trailhead is in the Weeping rock parking lot, along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. |
| Description: |
This trail leads through a narrow side canyon carved in a joint in the rock. The trail ends at the canyon's mouth. Adventurous hikers can make it beyond the end of the trail for another .6 miles to a natural arch. |
| Kayenta Trail |
| Distance: |
1 mile one way |
Rating: |
Moderate |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
150 feet |
| Trailhead: |
|
| Description: |
This is an unpaved climb to a sandstone ledge which connects The Grotto to the Emerald Pools. |
| Kolob Arch |
| Distance: |
14 miles round trip |
Rating: |
Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
699 feet |
| Trailhead: |
The trailhead is in the Kolob Section of the park, along the Kolob Canyons Road at Lee Pass. |
| Description: |
This trail follows Timber and La Verkin Creeks and ends at Kolob Arch, the world's largest freestanding arch. This red rock span is 310 feet long. This trail is usually done as an overnight backpacking trip. |
| La Verkin Creek Trail |
| Distance: |
14 miles round trip |
Rating: |
Easy to Moderate |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
699 feet |
| Trailhead: |
Lee Pass Trailhead |
| Description: |
Follows Timber and La Verkin Creeks. Connects to the trail to Kolob Arch. |
| Observation Point |
| Distance: |
8 miles round trip |
Rating: |
Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
2,148 feet |
| Trailhead: |
Start at the Weeping Rock picnic area. |
| Description: |
This hard climb up through Echo Canyon to Observation Point has amazing views. |
| Orderville Canyon |
| Distance: |
5.6 miles round trip |
Rating: |
Moderate to Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
132 feet |
| Trailhead: |
Begins at the Temple of Sinawava parking area at the end of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. |
| Description: |
Avoid carrying items in your hands and protect cameras in plastic bags. Wear ankle supporting shoes for wading in up to four feet of water and for climbing over rocks. Check the Narrows danger level before starting. |
| Pa'rus Trail |
| Distance: |
3.5 miles round trip |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
50 feet |
| Trailhead: |
Near the South Campground or at Canyon Junction. |
| Description: |
This paved trail follows the Virgin River from the South Campground to Canyon Junction. |
| Riverside Walk |
| Distance: |
2 miles round trip |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
57 feet |
| Trailhead: |
From the Temple of Sinawava. |
| Description: |
This paved trail traces the Virgin River through a narrow canyon. |
| Watchman Trail |
| Distance: |
2.7 miles round trip |
Rating: |
Moderate |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
368 feet |
| Trailhead: |
|
| Description: |
There are minor drop-offs. The trail ends at a viewpoint over lower Zion Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, and the town of Springdale. |
| Weeping Rock Trail |
| Distance: |
.5 miles round trip |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
98 feet |
| Trailhead: |
The trailhead is in the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive/Weeping Rock parking area. |
| Description: |
This self-guiding trail ends at Weeping Rock, a rock alcove with dripping springs, and hanging gardens of wildflowers that decorate the walls in spring and summer. |
| West Rim Trail |
| Distance: |
14.3 miles one way |
Rating: |
Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
3,593 feet |
| Trailhead: |
The trailhead begins in the Grotto Picnic Area along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. |
| Description: |
This trail climbs to high country viewpoints of the canyon of the Right Fork of North Creek and continues to Lava Point, an alternate starting point. The trip to Lava Point should not be attempted as a one-day hike. |
| Zion Narrows |
| Distance: |
2 miles one way |
Rating: |
Easy to Moderate |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
344 feet |
| Trailhead: |
There are two ways to approach the hike, from the "Bottom Up" on a day hike from the Riverside Walk, or the "Thru Hike" from Chamberlain's Ranch. |
| Description: |
The Narrows is a 2 mile section of the Virgin River where the walls are 22 feet across and 1,500 feet high. The entire hike is named after this section of river. The "Thru Hike" can be done as either a 16 mile day hike, or an overnight backpacking trip. |
Not Hiked
- Archeology Trail
- Chinle Trail
- Deertrap Mountain Trail
- Double Arch Trail
- East Entrance Trail
- East Mesa Trail
- Hop Valley Trail
- Northgate Peaks Trail
- Petrified Forest Trail
|
- Sand Beach Trail
- Taylor Creek Trail
- Timber Creek Overlook Trail
- Wildcat Canyon Trail
|
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