Hiking in Zion National Park

The best way to experience Zion Canyon is to walk beneath, between and, if you can bear it (and have good balance!), along its towering cliffs. There is something for everyone, from paved and flat river strolls to precarious cliff-side scrambles. You can buy a detailed guide to the trails of Zion at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center bookstore. Whether you're heading out for a day of rock-hopping or an hour of strolling, you should carry—and drink—plenty of water to counteract the effects of southern Utah's arid climate. Wear a hat, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes or boots; make sure to bring a map, and be honest with yourself about your capabilities. Getting in over your head can have serious health consequences.

Easy

Emerald Pools Trail. Two small waterfalls cascade (or drip, in dry weather) into pools at the top of this relatively easy trail. The way is paved up to the lower pool and is suitable for baby strollers and wheelchairs with assistance. Beyond the lower pool, the trail becomes rocky and steep as you progress toward the middle and upper pools. A less crowded and exceptionally enjoyable return route follows the Kayenta Trail connecting on to the Grotto Trail. Allow 50 minutes round-trip to the lower pool and 2½ hours round-trip to the middle and upper pools. Zion Canyon Scenic Dr., about 3 mi north of Canyon Junction.

Grotto Trail. This flat and very easy trail takes you from Zion Lodge to the Grotto picnic area, traveling for the most part along the park road. Allow 20 minutes or less for the walk. If you are up for a longer hike, and have two to three hours, connect with the Kayenta Trail after you cross the footbridge, and head for the Emerald Pools. You will begin gaining elevation, and it's a steady, steep climb to the pools. Zion Canyon Scenic Dr., about 3 mi north of Canyon Junction.

Pa'rus Trail. This 2-mi walking and biking path parallels and occasionally crosses the Virgin River, starting at South Campground and proceeding north along the river to the beginning of Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. It's paved and gives you great views of the Watchman, the Sentinel, the East and West Temples, and Towers of the Virgin. Dogs are allowed on this trail as long as they are leashed. Cyclists must follow traffic rules on this heavily used trail. Canyon Junction, ½ mi north of south entrance.

Riverside Walk. Beginning at the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop at the end of Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, this easily enjoyed 1-mi round-trip stroll shadows the Virgin River. The river gurgles by on one side of the trail; on the other, wildflowers bloom out of the canyon wall in fascinating hanging gardens. This is the park's most trekked trail; it is paved and suitable for baby strollers and for wheelchairs with assistance. A round-trip walk takes between one and two hours. The end of the trail marks the beginning of the Narrows Trail. Zion Canyon Scenic Dr., 5 mi north of Canyon Junction.

Moderate

Canyon Overlook Trail. It's a little tough to locate this trailhead, but you'll find it if you watch for the parking area just east of Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel. The trail is moderately steep but only 1 mi round-trip; allow an hour to hike it. The overlook at trail's end gives you views of the West and East Temples, Towers of the Virgin, the Streaked Wall, and other Zion Canyon cliffs and peaks. Rte. 9, east of Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.

Taylor Creek Trail. In the Kolob Canyons area of the park, this trail immediately descends parallel to Taylor Creek, sometimes crossing it, sometimes shortcutting benches beside it. The historic Larsen Cabin precedes the entrance to the canyon of the Middle Fork, where the trail becomes rougher. After the old Fife Cabin, the canyon bends to the right and delivers you into Double Arch Alcove, a large, colorful grotto with a high arch towering above. The distance one way to Double Arch is 2¾ mi. Allow about four hours round-trip for this hike. Kolob Canyons Rd., about 1½ mi east of Kolob Canyons Visitor Center.

Watchman Trail. For a view of the town of Springdale and a look at lower Zion Creek Canyon and the Towers of the Virgin, take the moderately strenuous hike that begins on a service road east of Watchman Campground. Some springs seep out of the sandstone to nourish hanging gardens and attract wildlife here. There are a few sheer cliff edges on this route, so children should be supervised carefully. Allow two hours for this 3-mi hike. East of Rte. 9 (main park road), on access road inside south entrance.

Difficult

Angels Landing Trail. Truly one of the most spectacular hikes in the park, this trail is an adventure for those not afraid of heights. On your ascent you must negotiate Walter's Wiggles, a series of 21 switchbacks built out of sandstone blocks, and traverse sheer cliffs with chains bolted into the rock face to serve as handrails. In spite of its hair-raising nature, this trail attracts many people. Small children should skip it, however, and older children should be carefully supervised. Allow 2½ hours round-trip if you stop at Scout's Lookout, and four hours if you keep going to where the angels (and birds of prey) play. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, about 4½ mi north of Canyon Junction.

Narrows Trail. On a hot, clear day there are few things more enjoyable than a walk in the river. This route does not follow a trail or path; rather, you are walking on the riverbed, no matter how much water is in it. The gateway of the Narrows admits adventurous souls deeper into Zion Canyon than most visitors go. As beautiful as it is, this hike is not for everyone. To see the Narrows you must wade upstream through chilly water and over uneven, slippery rocks. Just to cross the river, you must walk deliberately and slowly using a walking stick. Be prepared to swim, as chest-deep holes may occur even when water levels are low. Like any narrow desert canyon, this one is famous for sudden flash flooding even when skies are clear. Before attempting to hike into the Narrows, check with park rangers about the likelihood of flash floods. A day trip up the lower section of the Narrows is 6 mi one way to the turnaround point. Allow at least five hours round-trip. At the end of Riverside Walk.