5 Breathtaking Trails in Zion National Park You Must Hike (Discover the Trails)

Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is a haven for adventurers and nature lovers. Known for its towering sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and stunning desert landscapes, Zion is home to some of the most iconic hikes in the world. Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding thrills or peaceful solitude, this park has something for everyone. In this post, we’ll explore five must-hike trails that showcase Zion’s diverse beauty. Each of these trails offers unique experiences, from wading through river canyons to ascending dramatic peaks. So, lace up your boots and let’s discover the best trails Zion has to offer!

Angels Landing

The Angels Landing hike is arguably the most famous—and thrilling—trail in Zion National Park. Known for its steep switchbacks and narrow ridgeline, this hike offers a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience for those with a head for heights. Starting at the Grotto Trailhead, the first part of the hike follows the well-maintained West Rim Trail, leading through the lower canyon along the Virgin River. As you ascend, the trail takes you up the notorious Walter’s Wiggles, a series of 21 tight switchbacks carved into the cliffside.

The final half-mile to the summit is where things get truly exciting—and nerve-wracking. A narrow, rocky spine with sheer drop-offs on either side, this section requires hikers to use chains bolted into the rock for stability. While the climb can be harrowing, the payoff at the top is worth every moment. From the summit of Angels Landing, you’ll enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Zion Canyon, making it one of the most memorable hikes in the park.

Distance: 5.4 miles round trip

Elevation gain: 1,488 feet

Difficulty: Strenuous

Pet friendly: No

Highlights

The Angels Landing trail is famous for its dramatic final ascent along a narrow ridgeline with chains to assist hikers. At the summit, the views of Zion Canyon are nothing short of spectacular, with towering sandstone cliffs and the winding Virgin River below. It’s a bucket-list hike for thrill-seekers and offers an unforgettable adventure, but be prepared for steep drop-offs and tight spaces along the final section.

The Narrows

For a completely different experience, The Narrows offers a unique and immersive hike through the Virgin River. This slot canyon hike is one of Zion’s most iconic and scenic adventures, where the trail is actually the river itself. You’ll be wading, walking, and sometimes swimming through the river, flanked by towering canyon walls that rise hundreds of feet above you. The hike begins at the Temple of Sinawava, where you’ll follow the paved Riverside Walk for the first mile before entering the water.

The Narrows is an out-and-back hike, so you can choose how far you want to go. For those seeking a full-day adventure, hiking to Big Springs is a popular option, offering about 10 miles of river exploration. The experience of hiking through water with the canyon walls so close around you is unlike any other in Zion. Make sure to wear proper footwear and check the weather conditions, as flash floods can make this hike dangerous.

Distance: Up to 10 miles round trip (depending on how far you go)

Elevation gain: Minimal

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous (due to walking in water)

Pet friendly: No

Highlights

The highlight of The Narrows is the incredible feeling of walking through a river surrounded by towering canyon walls. As you make your way deeper into the canyon, the walls become narrower, and the scenery becomes even more dramatic. The ever-changing depth of the water adds an adventurous twist, and the hike offers a peaceful, surreal experience of Zion’s beauty. This trail is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature—literally.

Observation Point

For panoramic views of Zion Canyon without the crowds of Angels Landing, the Observation Point hike is a perfect alternative. This strenuous trail rewards hikers with one of the best vantage points in the park, towering even higher than Angels Landing. The trail begins at the Weeping Rock Trailhead and quickly gains elevation through a series of switchbacks. Along the way, you’ll pass through narrow slot canyons and lush hanging gardens, offering a diverse range of landscapes.

As you continue upward, the views expand, showcasing the beauty of Zion’s towering cliffs and expansive canyon below. The final viewpoint, perched at 6,507 feet, offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Zion Canyon, including Angels Landing far below. It’s a challenging hike, but the sweeping views from Observation Point make every step worth it.

Distance: 8 miles round trip

Elevation gain: 2,148 feet

Difficulty: Strenuous

Pet friendly: No

Highlights

The highlight of the Observation Point trail is the stunning view at the summit, which rivals and even surpasses the view from Angels Landing. From this high vantage point, you can see across the entirety of Zion Canyon, including famous landmarks like Angels Landing and the Virgin River. The trail itself also offers diverse scenery, from narrow slot canyons to lush hanging gardens, making it one of the most rewarding hikes in Zion.

Emerald Pools Trail

For a more family-friendly hike, the Emerald Pools Trail offers an easier option while still showcasing Zion’s natural beauty. This trail system consists of three pools: Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools, and you can choose how far to go based on your preference and skill level. The hike begins at the Zion Lodge and is an excellent choice for those seeking a shorter, scenic adventure.

The trail to the Lower Emerald Pool is paved and relatively flat, making it accessible to most hikers. From there, you can continue to the Middle and Upper Pools, which offer more challenging terrain but provide beautiful views of cascading waterfalls and lush greenery. The pools themselves are peaceful and serene, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs that make for a stunning backdrop.

Distance: 1.2 to 3 miles round trip (depending on how far you go)

Elevation gain: Up to 450 feet

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Pet friendly: No

Highlights

The Emerald Pools are a series of picturesque pools fed by small waterfalls, surrounded by vibrant greenery and towering canyon walls. The lower section is accessible and perfect for families, while the upper pools offer a more adventurous hike. The contrast between the lush vegetation around the pools and the desert surroundings of Zion makes this trail a beautiful and peaceful escape.

Canyon Overlook Trail

For a short but scenic hike that packs a lot of beauty into a small distance, the Canyon Overlook Trail is a must-do. This one-mile round-trip trail begins near the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel and offers some of the best views of Zion Canyon without the strenuous effort required by some of the park’s longer hikes.

The trail is relatively easy, though there are some steep drop-offs along the way, making it more exciting than a simple stroll. The highlight of the hike comes at the end, where you’ll reach a stunning viewpoint overlooking Zion Canyon, with views of the towering sandstone cliffs and the winding road below. This hike is perfect for those who want a big reward with minimal effort.

Distance: 1 mile round trip

Elevation gain: 163 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Pet friendly: No

Highlights

The highlight of the Canyon Overlook Trail is the spectacular view at the end, where you can gaze out over the vast expanse of Zion Canyon. The relatively short hike makes this viewpoint accessible to most visitors, and the sheer beauty of the panoramic vista makes it one of Zion’s top photo spots. It’s the perfect trail for those who want a quick but unforgettable taste of Zion’s scenery.