Best trails in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a unique landscape with high cliffs, narrow gorges and a beautiful view. The park has many famous walks. Angels Landing is an intense switchback trail with truly spectacular views from the top of the canyon. Another famous hike is the unique Narrows Trail, a very long hike through a river that lies between a steep gorge. Other notable trails include the East Rim Trail to the park's highest point, the Slot Canyon Subway Trail, and the family-friendly but equally beautiful Kayenta Trail. There's also the paved Emerald Pools Trail and the more challenging West Rim Trail for backpackers.
Top trails
Visitor info
Admits one, non-commercial motorcycle to Zion National Park. Valid for 1-7 days.
$20 per person. Non-commercial vehicles with a capacity of 16 or greater. Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per person rate. Pass and photo ID must be present upon entry.
Admits one individual with no car to Zion National Park. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free. Valid for 1-7 days.
Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants to Zion National Park. Valid for 1-7 days.
Admits one individual with no car to Zion National Park. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free. Valid for 1-7 days.
The Zion Annual Pass is valid only at Zion and may be purchased in person. This pass is valid for 12 months from purchase month. This pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. You can buy this entrance pass at all entrance stations.
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
All visitor centers and the Human History Museum are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. Orientation films include closed captioning.
Loaner wheelchairs, assistive listening devices, audio descriptions, tactile exhibits, and Braille and text materials are available.
Many ranger-led programs are wheelchair accessible and assistive listening devices and ASL interpreters are available by reservation. Please call 435-772-3256 or email zion_park_information@nps.gov in advance to make a reservation for equipment or interpretation services.
Additional information about accessibility at Zion National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
All shuttle buses in the park are wheelchair accessible and can fit chairs under 45 inches long and 25 inches wide.
For driving personal vehicles in the gorge, there is a special parking permit available at the information desks of the museum.
All visitor centers and the Human History Museum are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. Orientation films include closed captioning.
The Zion Lodge has 4 wheelchair accessible rooms and loaner wheelchairs available. It also has a wheelchair accessible snack bar, auditorium, gift shop, restrooms, and dining room.
The Grotto Picnic Area is wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces and accessible restrooms.
The Watchman Campground has 7 individual camping sites, 2 group sites, and restrooms that are all wheelchair accessible. The South Campground has packed level surfaces, but no designated accessible campsites and no accessible restrooms.
The amphitheater at the South Campground has wheelchair accessible seating in the top row and access to the beach near campsite B56.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
Guides
Trail reviews for Zion National Park
Hiking The Narrows in Zion National Park up to the 200-foot waterfall is an unforgettable experience through one of the most breathtaking slot canyons in the park. To reach the start of the river hike, you first walk about a mile from the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop along the Riverside Walk, a scenic paved path lined with greenery and steep canyon walls. After that, the real hike begins in the Virgin River itself, where you wade upstream through cool, flowing water. I chose not to take any pictures with my phone during the hike—I just wanted to be fully present and enjoy the surroundings without worrying about keeping my gear dry. The canyon becomes more dramatic the farther you go, with towering rock walls narrowing in around you and sunlight occasionally cutting through the shade. The riverbed is rocky and uneven, and it can definitely be slippery in some spots, so having good footing is important. While many people rent special wet gear for this hike, I personally didn’t find it necessary in July. The air and water were both warm enough that I was comfortable in just regular clothes and sturdy shoes. Reaching the 200-foot waterfall at the end feels like finding a hidden gem, surrounded by smooth canyon walls and the sound of rushing water echoing through the gorge.
The Watchman trail is one of the best hikes in Zion. It is close to the Springdale entrance, and does not require a tram ride which makes it super accessible. The trail brings you through diverse desert terrain with an abundance of interesting plants and small wildlife along the way. The views at the top are unforgettable. The trail offers very little shade, so I would recommend hiking either early morning, or in the evening to avoid the heat.
It is very strenuous, be prepared. We rented gear from Zion outfitters and couldn’t imagine doing it without it. Great views take your time and enjoy it.
Finally visited the Narrows. Incredible experience! The view is unreal. 10/10, would go back. To say it’s busy season, and we went on a Saturday, we arrived at the park at 0700, plenty of parking left, hopped on the shuttle with zero wait, and the hike was not crowded going up. On the way back, different story! I highly recommend aiming to get there 0600-0700 to avoid the crowds. We rented gear from Zion Guru, which I highly recommend. We saw a lot of hikers turn back much sooner due to improper footwear/not having a support stick. I don’t recommend this hike with young children, but plenty of folks were there with little ones. On the way back, around 1100, the heat was getting miserable and quite a few little ones were in tears before making it to the river.
Go! We saw maybe a total of 10 ppl on foot and 10 horses on the whole trail. One side of the loop has wall to wall views that will have you singing the Sound of Music. We had the entire valley to ourselves. The thick sand is challenging at the lower altitudes but it’s so worth it. Keep going! Watch out for horse poop! You’ll a totally underrated hike that will make you feel like you have Zion completely to yourself. So glad we did this!
Excellent trail. Well maintained & marked. Lots of shade & at this 5300’’+ elevation it’s about 8-10 degrees cooler than in big Zion. Worth the full walk to the end to see the big arch & shade.
Headed to a park?
Take AllTrails with you
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Zion National Park?
What is the longest trail in Zion National Park?
How many trails are in Zion National Park?
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Zion National Park?
Are there camping trails available in Zion National Park?
Are there running trails available in Zion National Park?
Are there biking trails available in Zion National Park?
What are the best summer hikes in Zion National Park?
What are the best fall hikes in Zion National Park?
What are the best winter hikes in Zion National Park?
What are the best spring hikes in Zion National Park?
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Zion National Park?
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Zion National Park?
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Zion National Park?
Are there any trails with springs in Zion National Park?
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Zion National Park?
Are there any trails with rivers in Zion National Park?
Are there any trails with gorges in Zion National Park?
Points of interest
- Angels Landing
- Virgin River
- The Narrows
- Mountain of the Sun
- Cable Mountain
- Pine Valley Peak
- Lady Mountain
- Mountain of Mystery
- South Guardian Angel
- Bridge Mountain
- Big Springs
- Lava Point Overlook Picnic Area
- Scout Lookout
- Potato Hollow Springs
- Campsite 6 - Coalpits Wash Camp
- Canyon Overlook
- The Subway
- Upper Emerald Pool
- Dinosaur Tracks
- Cabin Spring