Zion National Park is one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the United States, combining towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, waterfalls, river trails, and high-elevation viewpoints.
From the famous chains of Angels Landing to the water-filled corridors of The Narrows, these 10 best hikes in Zion National Park cover a range of difficulties and experiences. Trail conditions and closures can change, so always check the National Park Service before heading out.
Best Hikes in Zion National Park at a Glance
| Hike | Distance | Difficulty | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angels Landing | 5.4 mi RT | Strenuous | ~4 hrs | Epic views |
| The Narrows | Up to 9.4 mi RT | Strenuous | Up to 8 hrs | River adventure |
| Canyon Overlook | 1 mi RT | Moderate | ~1 hr | Short scenic hike |
| Emerald Pools | Route-dependent | Moderate | 1–2 hrs | Waterfalls & pools |
| Pa’rus Trail | 3.5 mi RT | Easy | ~2 hrs | Families & easy walks |
| Riverside Walk | 2.2 mi RT | Easy | ~1.5 hrs | Canyon scenery |
| Observation Point | 6.8 mi RT* | Moderate | ~3 hrs* | Huge panoramas |
| Scout Lookout | 4.2 mi RT | Strenuous | ~3 hrs | Angels Landing views |
| Taylor Creek | 5 mi RT | Moderate | ~3.5 hrs | Kolob Canyons |
| Timber Creek Overlook | 1 mi RT | Easy | ~1 hr | Short viewpoint |
*Observation Point via East Mesa; access conditions and road conditions can affect the trip.
1. Angels Landing — Best for Epic Canyon Views
Few hikes are as recognizable as Angels Landing. The trail climbs steeply toward a narrow sandstone ridge before reaching the famous chain-assisted section.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,488 ft / 453 m
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time: About 4 hours
- Best For: Experienced hikers and dramatic canyon views
- Must Visit: Angels Landing summit
⭐ Must Visit: The Chains Section
The final section has exposed edges and drop-offs of up to 1,000 feet. A permit is required to continue from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing, while Scout Lookout itself does not require a permit.
2. The Narrows — Best for a River Adventure
The Narrows takes hiking into the Virgin River, where enormous sandstone walls squeeze the canyon into a spectacular corridor.
Quick Facts
- Distance: Up to 9.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: About 334 ft / 102 m
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time: Up to 8 hours
- Best For: Adventure seekers
- Must Visit: The narrowest canyon sections
⭐ Must Visit: Virgin River Canyon
The bottom-up route begins at the Temple of Sinawava. Much of the hike involves walking or wading in the river, and flash floods and cold water can create serious hazards.
3. Canyon Overlook Trail — Best Short Scenic Hike
If you want spectacular scenery without committing to a long hike, Canyon Overlook is one of Zion’s standout short trails.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 1 mile round trip
- Elevation Gain: 163 ft / 50 m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: About 1 hour
- Best For: Short hikes and photographers
- Must Visit: Canyon Overlook viewpoint
⭐ Must Visit: Canyon Panorama
The trail ends above lower Zion Canyon with views toward Pine Creek Canyon. The NPS notes long drop-offs, although many areas are fenced. Parking is extremely limited.
4. Emerald Pools — Best for Waterfalls & Pools
The Emerald Pools trail system combines sandstone cliffs, seasonal waterfalls, pools, and lush vegetation. You can choose shorter sections or connect multiple pools for a longer outing.
Quick Facts
- Distance: Route-dependent
- Elevation Gain: Route-dependent
- Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
- Time: About 1–2 hours for common sections
- Best For: Waterfalls and families
- Must Visit: Upper and Middle Emerald Pools
⭐ Must Visit: Upper Emerald Pool
The Upper Emerald Pools Trail is about 0.3 mile one way and reaches a sandy pool beneath towering canyon walls. Swimming is not permitted in the pools.
5. Pa’rus Trail — Best Easy Zion Hike
For a relaxed introduction to Zion, Pa’rus Trail follows the Virgin River through the lower canyon.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: About 50 ft / 15 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: About 2 hours
- Best For: Families, beginners and accessible walking
- Must Visit: Virgin River viewpoints
⭐ Must Visit: River & Canyon Views
The paved trail is one of Zion’s easiest routes and is also the only park trail where leashed pets are permitted.
6. Riverside Walk — Best for Dramatic Canyon Wall
Riverside Walk is an easy, mostly paved route following the Virgin River toward the entrance of The Narrows.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 2.2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: About 69 ft / 21 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: About 1.5 hours
- Best For: Families and first-time visitors
- Must Visit: Temple of Sinawava canyon corridor
⭐ Must Visit: The Narrows Gateway
The trail is mostly flat and surrounded by enormous sandstone walls. Hikers who want to stay dry can turn around at the end of the paved route.
7. Observation Point — Best for High-Elevation Panoramas
Observation Point offers an elevated perspective over Zion Canyon, with a completely different viewpoint from the valley floor.
Quick Facts
- Distance: About 6.8 miles round trip via East Mesa
- Elevation Gain: About 300 ft / 90 m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: About 3 hours
- Best For: Wide canyon panoramas
- Must Visit: Observation Point overlook
⭐ Must Visit: Zion Canyon Panorama
Important: Observation Point cannot currently be reached from Zion Canyon because the East Rim connection is closed. The East Mesa route requires access along rough roads that may need a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle.
8. Scout Lookout via West Rim — Best Angels Landing Alternative
You can experience much of the climb toward Angels Landing without tackling its exposed chain section by stopping at Scout Lookout.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 4.2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft / 305 m
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time: About 3 hours
- Best For: Big views without the chains
- Must Visit: Scout Lookout
⭐ Must Visit: Scout Lookout Viewpoint
The NPS specifically notes that you do not need an Angels Landing permit to hike to Scout Lookout. It provides impressive Zion Canyon views after completing most of the elevation gain of the Angels Landing route.
9. Taylor Creek Trail — Best Kolob Canyons Hike
Head to the quieter Kolob Canyons section for Taylor Creek Trail, a scenic route following the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: About 450 ft / 137 m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: About 3.5 hours
- Best For: Creek scenery and solitude
- Must Visit: Double Arch Alcove
⭐ Must Visit: Double Arch Alcove
The trail passes historic cabins before reaching the impressive Double Arch Alcove. It is a great option when you want to explore beyond Zion Canyon’s busiest trails.
10. Timber Creek Overlook — Best Short Kolob Canyons View
Timber Creek Overlook is a short hike with rewarding views across the Kolob Canyons landscape and surrounding mountains.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 1 mile round trip
- Elevation Gain: About 100 ft / 30 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: About 1 hour
- Best For: Short scenic walks
- Must Visit: Timber Creek overlook
⭐ Must Visit: Kolob Canyon Panorama
The trail follows a ridge toward views of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace and the Pine Valley Mountains.
Hiking Tips for Zion National Park
- Check trail conditions before hiking. Closures can change because of rockfall, weather, flooding and maintenance.
- Start early: Popular Zion Canyon trails can become crowded.
- Carry plenty of water: Desert heat can be intense even when temperatures seem comfortable.
- Watch the weather: Flash floods are a serious concern, especially for The Narrows.
- Use the shuttle when required: During shuttle season, private vehicles generally cannot drive beyond Canyon Junction on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
- Respect closures: As of the current NPS conditions page, Hidden Canyon is closed and the East Rim connection from Zion Canyon remains closed.
- Check permits: Angels Landing requires a permit for the chain section.
FAQs
What is the most famous hike in Zion?
Angels Landing is arguably Zion’s most iconic hike, known for its steep ridge, chain-assisted sections and dramatic canyon views. A permit is required to hike the final section.
What is the easiest hike in Zion National Park?
Pa’rus Trail and Riverside Walk are among the easiest popular trails. Both offer scenic river and canyon views without the steep climbs found on Zion’s strenuous routes.
Is The Narrows difficult?
Yes. The bottom-up Narrows involves walking and wading in the Virgin River, often over slippery rocks. Water levels, temperature and flash-flood conditions can significantly affect difficulty.
Can beginners hike Angels Landing?
The trail is officially classified as strenuous and includes exposed sections with steep drop-offs. Beginners should carefully consider their experience, comfort with heights, weather and current trail conditions before attempting it.
What is the best short hike in Zion?
Canyon Overlook Trail is a strong short-hike option, covering about 1 mile round trip and reaching a spectacular viewpoint above lower Zion Canyon.
Final Takeaway
The best hikes in Zion National Park aren’t limited to one type of adventure. Choose Angels Landing for an iconic challenge, The Narrows for a one-of-a-kind river experience, Canyon Overlook for a short panoramic hike, or explore Taylor Creek and Timber Creek Overlook for a quieter Kolob Canyons experience.
Before every hike, check the latest NPS conditions, weather and access information Zion’s trails can change quickly with rockfall, flooding, heat and seasonal conditions.
