Hikes in Zion NP
 

My wife and I will be in Zion (staying in Springdale at Desert Pearl) for two nights in late June, arriving probably early afternoon on Saturday, and leaving early Sunday morning. I'm thinking we'll have time for one longish hike and maybe two short ones, and I'd like recommendations.

I think that the long hike will be Angel's Landing, but - assuming that we don't go past Scout's Lookout, is there another moderate to strenuous hike that would provide views as good, e.g. Observation Point?

For the shorter hikes I'm thinking River Walk, plus maybe a short push up the Narrows, but not too far, as my wife has foot problems, and has had surgery. Are the lower reaches of the Narrows easier to traverse than the farther?

What would you suggest for another shorter hike?

The start of the narrows is a leisurely 1mile walk on a paved path from the bus stop. From there, you can walk as little as 50 yards or several miles up the narrows - your call. About 100 yards or so will get you past the splash-in-the water crowds. I recommend you go at least past a few bends in the river so you get the full slot canyon perspective up/downstream. You don't need to go far at all.

Late June it will be hot, very hot in Zion. I recommend you do the narrows on Saturday, and a dry hike early sunday to avoid the mid-day/afternoon heat.

Emerald Pools. We went to the 2nd pool. Short but a climb - nothing scary.

There's a difference between strenuous and difficult, dangerous and/or walking in water up to your waist.

You've got to decide first which you are prepared to do.

Also, while Zion doesn't have the elevation of Bryce it's still about 4,000 feet up. This is enough to feel it but not know why. If you're not used to it or acclimatised (a day or two) you'll run out of steam easily.

Thanks J62 & bigtyke, helpful info.

Myer, I'd say moderate is best for us, moderate to difficult is ok, but probably not strenuous and definitely not dangerous.

We are both in pretty good shape and can walk many miles without fatigue, and we normally plan on a lot of walking and hiking during vacations. We are also preparing for the hikes on this trip with some hilly hiking though we don't live near any mountains) and gym work here at home. That said, my wife had chemotherapy a few years ago, and she has also had foot reconstruction surgery due to bunions. Plus I'm not exactly afraid of heights, but I don't particularly like them either.

I don't want to do anything stupid, so I think going past Scout's Lookout is probably out for us, as is making any long trek up the Narrows that would involve deep water where the footing is uncertain. For that matter, if the beginning of the Narrows would involve any deeper water with uncertain footing, that is maybe out too.

We don't want to ruin our vacation, and if I came back without her, I'd have some 'splainin to do!

I don't consider Angels Landing as dangerous. It is more likely to die driving in the park than hiking the trail. Yes, it does need respect for the last part of it. But, it along with The Narrows are two of my very favorite hikes. The Narrows is really fairly easy, but somewhat slippery. Do rent shoes from Zion Adventure Co. as it really helps. Do have two walking sticks to stabel yourself. Canyon Overlook Trail is nice trail as well. Even to Scouts Lookout, the trail to AL is pretty darn tough. The last part isn't super tough, but is more likely to get you mentally. It's hard to estimate your wife's ability. I think the main thing would be to know how far she can go before you come. One thing about The Narrows is that it is cool in the summer and you can take as much time as you like. We went all the way to Orderville Canyon Junction. I think the hike took us about 4-5 hours. We did get up to our waist a few times, but never any swimming.

I think you may also want to factor in the fact that there will be major road construction this summer at the east entrance. Somewhere near the switchbacks.

Depending upon that, Canyon Overlook may not be a good choice. Too bad.

There will be partial closures and deelays. I don't know your route in. But if it's from the east you may want to think of adding an hour and looping around.

I think that even with the rented special boots, the Narrows may not be ideal for someone who has undergone foot reconstruction surgery. It is rocky, slippery and uneven in many spots, even at the beginning.

Riverwalk and Emerald Pools would be fine.

Myer - I'm coming in from the west, but leaving toward the east to go to Page on Monday. I have read about the road construction on the Zion website. It looks like the alternative would be to go back west on 9, then take 59/389 back toward the east to pick up 89. It looks like this would add about an hour. I have gotten other advice, though, that even with the delay going east out of the park, it may be worth it since the scenery is so good. What say you?

lvk - you hit the nail on the head, and thanks for the advice. Of course, I'm thinking of all these precautions for her, but it would probably be me who would break my leg in the Narrows or fall off Angel's Landing...

You can always just turn around in the Narrows if it proved to be a problem (unless you know that rocky footing will be a problem), but like another poster recommended, I'd at least try to do the little bit past the splash in the water crowd. It's really magical and so few people try to venture far past the paved path. That is in sharp contrast to some of the easier walks in the canyon, like Emerald Pools or the Riverwalk, which will be very crowded.

I think you can call the visitors center the day you leave and they'll tell you the status. It's possible that early or late the traffic won't be bad.

It's also possible that many people will make other arrangements this summer.

"Scenic" is enjoyable when you're moving at a reasonable pace. It's not very enjoyable jumper to bumper. Regardless what's around you.

I'll be there in mid-September with my duaghter. I've been there before. I would have liked to hike Canyon Overlook.

We'll be coming in from the east and leaving thru the west. We'll decide at the last minute what to do.

The last part of Angels Landing was not for me. Physically I could have done it, but not mentally. Neither could my DH nor 20 something son. Our DD and SIL did make it all the way. For me it wouldn't have been the least bit enjoyable--sheer drops freak me out badly.

Another nice hike is Hidden Canyon. As I recall, that has a short section of chains, but not that bad. At least you have a wall against one side, not drop-offs on both, and the canyon at the end is so pretty!

Actually...I don't think I've had a "bad" hike at Zion although I didn't particularly enjoy the paved portion of the Narrows. Too many people. Enjoy yourselves. You are in for a treat!

I think the Angel's Landing Trail to Scout's Lookout will be just about perfect. It's sort of a paved trail but is strenuous because of elevation climb. Just take it slow and easy using your wife's pace.

I would not recommend Hidden Canyon in your case. We've hiked this many times without issue, but I took a nasty fall here just a week ago. There is a lot of loose sand on rock and it's very slippery. I've also seen grown men crying and hanging onto the chains - so it really depends on what your level of comfort is. With your wife's foot issues, she may find some of the rock scrambling too uneven for her feet.

The Narrows is fabulous but will be a bit of an issue for your wife's feet. We usually wear our hiking boots (it's so hot in the summer your shoes will dry overnight)for support. There is a trick to walking this safely. Use your hiking poles to test water depth and where to place your feet. Watch the river closely to determine the best crossing. There's no big committment. Just go slowly and carefully and then turn back after you've had a comfortable taste of it.

Observation Point Trail is my favorite. Again, you don't have to go all the way to the top to enjoy it. Even walking up the switchbacks on the first leg will provide a stupendous view, and the first forest (in Echo Canyon, I think?) is a delightful surprise. The entire trail is 8 miles round-trip.
Have a great time!

Thought of another short hike for you:

There is an unmarked trail along the river just behind the horse corral (across from the lodge). It is level dirt, so it shouldn't be troublesome for your wife's feet, and it is somewhat shady. It follows the river and goes to Court of the Patriarchs. Lovely views and lots of wildlife. Return the same way or take the shuttle back.

Another one:
Take the shuttle to the picnic grounds ("The Grotto"), cross the river on the bridge and turn left onto the Kayenta Trail (instead of right to Angel's Landing). Follow this trail to the lower Emerald Pool. Then take the Emerald Pool trail to the lodge.

At dusk (or late in the day, so it's cooler and you are in the shadows), walk the Pa'rus Trail from the Visitor Center to the mouth of Zion Canyon and back (or catch the shuttle if you are tired). This trail is paved and often used by bicyclists. Follows the river.

elnap & OO, great suggestions, thanks.

The canyon overlook trailhead has a small parking lot right before the tunnel entrance. The parking lot appears to be for employees for the entrance. I think most people never realize it is there.

Smetz,
Canyon Overlook is a really scenic short hike - trailhead is located just past the east entrance to the tunnel (as you're leaving thru east entrance) as spirobulldog mentioned. I don't think your wife would have any problems with this trail.

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/85429039

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/85429050

Angel's Landing is just too crowded for us to be enjoyable. I've been to the top on past trips but my husband and I couldn't imagine having to push our way up the chains thru the crowd of people hiking down. We just turned around at that point and found the West Rim Trail and walked that for a few miles. It was really great and there wasn't a soul on it! Great views and solitude. Just what we like. And no one ever mentions it.

booking

So it sounds like a hike up to Scout's Landing, then out on the West Rim trail a ways before returning could be a good way to go for a long hike, or Observation Point.

For shorter hikes, Canyon Overlook depending on traffic, River Walk & maybe a little part of the Narrows, and Emerald Pools.

Lots of good info here, thanks.

Think twice about Angel's Landing. There have been several fatal falls in the last year on the trail. Fatal, people went over the edge and fell 1800 feet to their death.