Zion National Park: Top 10 Hikes from Easy to Expert

Zion National Park isn't just a place you visit; it's a place you feel. Carved by the Virgin River over millions of years, its colossal sandstone cliffs glow with hues of red, pink, and cream. For those of us who live for the outdoors, Zion is a bucket-list destination that promises adventure at every turn. Whether you're looking for a peaceful riverside stroll or a heart-pounding climb to a panoramic viewpoint, Zion delivers. This guide will walk you through the top 10 hikes, from gentle paths to expert-level treks, ensuring you find the perfect trail for your adventure.

What Do I Need to Know Before I Go?

Planning is key to making the most of your trip to Zion. The park's popularity means you'll want to have your logistics dialed in before you arrive.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

While Zion is open year-round, the best times to visit are typically in the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). The weather is more pleasant, and the park is less crowded than during the peak summer months. Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F, while winter can bring snow and ice, closing some trails.

Pro Tip: To avoid the biggest crowds, plan your visit for a weekday and get to the park early. The first shuttle of the day is your best friend! By hitting the trails before 9 a.m., you can enjoy the most popular spots with a little more solitude.

How Much Does It Cost to Enter?

All visitors must have a park pass. The standard entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, which is valid for seven consecutive days. If you're arriving on foot or by bicycle, the fee is $20 per person. For frequent national park visitors, the America the Beautiful Pass ($80) is a great value, offering a full year of access to all national parks.

Do I Need Reservations or Permits?

For general park entry and to ride the mandatory park shuttle (from March to November), you do not need a reservation. However, if you have your heart set on conquering the world-famous Angels Landing, you will need a permit. These are issued via a seasonal lottery and a day-before lottery. You can find more information and apply at the official NPS website. Permits are also required for any canyoneering or overnight backpacking trips.

Ready to hit the road? Every purchase at GoRoam Supply Co. earns you entries into our current adventure vehicle giveaway. Gear up and get entered—it's that simple.

What Are the Top Hikes in Zion?

Now for the main event! Here are the top 10 hikes that showcase the best of Zion's incredible landscape, organized from easy to expert.

Easy Hikes: Accessible Beauty

1. Pa'rus Trail

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 50 ft (15 m)

This is the most accessible trail in Zion. Paved and mostly flat, it follows the Virgin River from the Visitor Center to Canyon Junction. It's the only trail in the park that allows both pets (on a leash) and bicycles, making it perfect for a leisurely family outing.

2. Riverside Walk

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 2.2 miles (3.5 km) round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 57 ft (17 m)

Located at the very end of Zion Canyon (Shuttle Stop #9), this paved trail is the gateway to The Narrows. It's a beautiful, easy walk along the river, with lush hanging gardens and weeping walls. It’s a great option for those who want a taste of The Narrows without getting their feet wet.

3. Canyon Overlook Trail

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Distance: 1.0 mile (1.6 km) round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 163 ft (50 m)

This is one of the best "bang-for-your-buck" hikes in the park. Located on the east side of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, this short but rocky trail leads to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the main canyon. It's a fantastic spot for sunrise or sunset.

Moderate Hikes: A Step Up

4. Watchman Trail

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 3.3 miles (5.3 km) round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 368 ft (112 m)

Starting near the Visitor Center, this trail offers incredible views of the iconic Watchman peak and the entire Zion Canyon. It's a good workout that ends at a viewpoint overlooking the valley. It's a great alternative if you want a good view without the exposure of more strenuous hikes.

5. Emerald Pools Trail

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km) round-trip (for the full loop)
• Elevation Gain: 620 ft (189 m)

A Zion classic! This trail leads to a series of oases. The path to the Lower Emerald Pool is paved and easy, leading you behind a waterfall. The trail gets steeper and more rugged as you continue to the Middle and Upper Pools, but the reward is a beautiful, larger pool surrounded by sheer cliffs.

6. Kayenta Trail

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 2.0 miles (3.2 km) round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 150 ft (46 m)

This unpaved trail connects The Grotto (Shuttle Stop #6) to the Emerald Pools. It offers fantastic views of the Virgin River below and is a great way to create a loop with the Emerald Pools Trail. It's less crowded than the main trail to the pools.

Expert Hikes: For the Thrill-Seekers

7. The Narrows (Bottom-Up)

• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Distance: Up to 9.4 miles (15.1 km) round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 334 ft (102 m)

There's nothing quite like hiking The Narrows. You'll spend most of your time wading, walking, and sometimes swimming in the Virgin River, surrounded by thousand-foot canyon walls. You can go as far as you like before turning back. Proper gear (like closed-toe water shoes and neoprene socks) is essential.

Pro Tip: Check the flash flood potential before hiking The Narrows. The Visitor Center has daily ratings. If there is any chance of a flash flood, do not enter the canyon. Water flow rates are also important; anything over 150 CFS is challenging.

8. Angels Landing

• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Distance: 5.4 miles (8.7 km) round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,488 ft (453 m)

The hike that needs no introduction. After a series of grueling switchbacks, you reach the final, heart-pounding half-mile: a narrow spine with sheer drop-offs on both sides. Chains are bolted into the rock to help you pull yourself up to the 360-degree panoramic view at the top. This is not for the faint of heart or anyone with a fear of heights. A permit is required.

9. Observation Point via East Mesa Trail

• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Distance: 7.0 miles (11.3 km) round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 700 ft (213 m)

While the traditional trail from the canyon floor is closed indefinitely due to a rockslide, you can still reach one of the best views in the park from the East Mesa Trailhead. This hike is much less strenuous than the original route and leads to a viewpoint that looks down on the entire canyon, including Angels Landing. It provides an unparalleled perspective of Zion's grandeur.

10. West Rim Trail (from The Grotto)

• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Distance: Varies (up to 15 miles one-way)
• Elevation Gain: Varies

For a true backcountry experience, the West Rim Trail is a must. Most day hikers will tackle the section from The Grotto up to Scout Lookout (the same path as Angels Landing). But continuing on the West Rim Trail offers even more solitude and spectacular views. You can hike as far as you like before turning back for a challenging and rewarding day on the trail.

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Zion is a park that will test your limits and reward you with some of the most incredible scenery on the planet. It's a place to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and make memories that will last a lifetime. So gear up, choose your trail, and get ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

— Spencer and the team at GoRoam

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