Trails in Zion NP
May 24th, 2007, 10:06 AM
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Trails in Zion NP
We are going to Zion in late June. We are more walkers than hikers so are looking for rather easy trails. I would like to know if the East Rim Trail and the Canyon Overlook trail are the same. The East Rim Trail appers to leave from the East entrance on hwy 9 and appears not to have hard climbs. Is this a possibility for us. We will be in Zion for two days. Would you rank the best easy or moderate trails in order of the must see list. We will deffinately do some of the narrows. Thanks for your help. rb
May 24th, 2007, 10:55 AM
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I can't help with ranking, but we visited Zion NP a couple of weeks ago and did the Riverside Walk and the Weeping Rock one (at least I think those are the names). We are older and the altitude was affecting us, so those would be doable for most people, I think.
It is a beautiful park.
It is a beautiful park.
May 24th, 2007, 11:33 AM
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Check out this site:
http://www.zion.national-park.com/hike.htm
It has great descriptions of the trails. Weeping Rock is very easy. I think the Narrows is toward the more difficult end because you are walking in water on slippery rocks. Water is from knees to thighs or more depending on time of year.
I have done Canyon Overlook and would classify it as easy to moderate. Those classifications are very subjective and individual.
I think that most would classify emerald pools as easy. If any trail gets too tough, you can always come back down. Take your time, wear proper footwear and carry plenty of liquids, you should be fine.
http://www.zion.national-park.com/hike.htm
It has great descriptions of the trails. Weeping Rock is very easy. I think the Narrows is toward the more difficult end because you are walking in water on slippery rocks. Water is from knees to thighs or more depending on time of year.
I have done Canyon Overlook and would classify it as easy to moderate. Those classifications are very subjective and individual.
I think that most would classify emerald pools as easy. If any trail gets too tough, you can always come back down. Take your time, wear proper footwear and carry plenty of liquids, you should be fine.
May 24th, 2007, 11:44 AM
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The Canyon Overlook Trail really isn't all that difficult - the first hundred yards or so is the hardest part! It goes uphill pretty steeply at the very beginning, but is fairly level after that. You just have to watch your footing on the slickrock, as there's a little bit of loose scree in places (I stepped on a small rock and twisted my ankle because I wasn't looking where I was going, which could have been easily avoided if I'd been paying attention). It's a great hike, with a big payoff at the other end of the trail - a magnificent view!
May 24th, 2007, 11:58 AM
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When you arrive at Zion NP, ask for their circular which lists the park trails and their level of difficulty. That circular will also advise how much water and/or food to bring on the hike. I did the river walk and the hike to the Emerald Pools. The river walk and lower Emerald Pools are classified as easy. Middle and Upper Emerald Pools are considered moderate. I thenceforth avoided moderate trails.
I, like you, am more of a walker and not a hiker. I handled the easy trails, but had a tough time with the moderate trails.
I, like you, am more of a walker and not a hiker. I handled the easy trails, but had a tough time with the moderate trails.
May 24th, 2007, 01:17 PM
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Hi J,
The Canyon Overlook trail is quite short and not hard. It does have a couple of spots where you are close to a long drop off.
Angel's Landing, as far as Scout's Lookout, is not scary at all, but much longer and more strenuous. The last part (with the chains) is intense, but you can still enjoy the same views without doing this part.
The East Rim and West Rim trails are long and have huge elevation gains/losses. People usually do these as one-way hikes with a car shuttle involved. They are long hikes. Going down a steep trail is actually harder than going up. Takes a bigger toll on your knees and muscles, just not on the lungs.
There are plenty of enjoyable, easy walks in Zion for you.
Have fun, wear a hat and sunscreen, take a snack and many gallons of water.
The Canyon Overlook trail is quite short and not hard. It does have a couple of spots where you are close to a long drop off.
Angel's Landing, as far as Scout's Lookout, is not scary at all, but much longer and more strenuous. The last part (with the chains) is intense, but you can still enjoy the same views without doing this part.
The East Rim and West Rim trails are long and have huge elevation gains/losses. People usually do these as one-way hikes with a car shuttle involved. They are long hikes. Going down a steep trail is actually harder than going up. Takes a bigger toll on your knees and muscles, just not on the lungs.
There are plenty of enjoyable, easy walks in Zion for you.
Have fun, wear a hat and sunscreen, take a snack and many gallons of water.
May 24th, 2007, 02:37 PM
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Thanks for the information, but I still do not know where the Canyon Overlook Trail begins. I can not find it on the posted maps. I assume that the East Rim trail is not for us, but what about just a bit of it?
May 24th, 2007, 03:53 PM
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Canyon Overlook Trail is just east of the tunnelon the highway.It has some tricky spots but it is very short.
The easiest is Pa'rus Trail which starts near the visitor center. It is flast and follows the river. Walk early morning or in the late evening to avoid the heat (not much shade).
Otherwise take the shuttle to Temple of Sinewava and walk the Riverside Walk. Weeping Rock has some steep areas but it is a short trail also. Many of the trails are paved, making them pretty easy for walking.
The easiest is Pa'rus Trail which starts near the visitor center. It is flast and follows the river. Walk early morning or in the late evening to avoid the heat (not much shade).
Otherwise take the shuttle to Temple of Sinewava and walk the Riverside Walk. Weeping Rock has some steep areas but it is a short trail also. Many of the trails are paved, making them pretty easy for walking.
May 24th, 2007, 04:34 PM
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Hi again J,
I can't say what the beginning of the East Rim Trail is like - if you are beginning from the east side. You have to drive up out of the canyon and out the tunnel. The trail starts at the high elevation part of Zion out the east entrance. I would expect that the trail would be relatively easy for the first little bit, but you will be hiking through the upper meadow and forest areas, no views down into the canyon. By the time you will have views into the canyon, you will be going seriously downhill.
If you start in the canyon, it's very steep. A real puffer, it would be up to you how far you go!
The rangers at the Visitor's Center can give you exact elevation gain/loss vs. distance.
I can't say what the beginning of the East Rim Trail is like - if you are beginning from the east side. You have to drive up out of the canyon and out the tunnel. The trail starts at the high elevation part of Zion out the east entrance. I would expect that the trail would be relatively easy for the first little bit, but you will be hiking through the upper meadow and forest areas, no views down into the canyon. By the time you will have views into the canyon, you will be going seriously downhill.
If you start in the canyon, it's very steep. A real puffer, it would be up to you how far you go!
The rangers at the Visitor's Center can give you exact elevation gain/loss vs. distance.
May 24th, 2007, 07:56 PM
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The Canyon Overlook trailhead is right next to the entrance to the tunnel on the east side. There's a parkimg lot with toilet facilities, and the trail starts directly across the road from the parking lot. Yes, there are a couple of spots with steep drop-offs, but the trail is wide enough that you don't have to get too near the edge - the steepest spots have railings. My acrophobic husband had no trouble doing this hike.
