Best Hikes in Zion National Park: A Complete Trail Guide
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Zion National Park draws more than 4.5 million visitors a year to its narrow red-rock canyons and thousand-foot sandstone walls in southwestern Utah. It's one of the most dramatic landscapes in America — and one of the most complex to navigate. The park spans two very different sections, and many visitors never realize the remote Kolob Canyons area even exists.
This guide covers the best hikes in both sections — Zion Canyon in the south and Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace in the north — organized to help you plan your trip before you arrive.
Zion Canyon — The Main Section
Zion Canyon is the heart of the park — a narrow, 15-mile canyon carved by the Virgin River, accessed by a shuttle bus that runs from the visitor center to the Temple of Sinawava. Private vehicles aren't permitted on the main canyon road in peak season (March–November).
Angels Landing
The most iconic hike in Zion. The trail climbs 1,500 feet to a narrow fin of rock with sheer 1,200-foot drops on both sides, aided by chains bolted into the final section. The views from the top are among the best in any national park. Important: Angels Landing requires a permit through a seasonal lottery on recreation.gov — apply well in advance. Distance: 5.4 miles round trip. Difficulty: Strenuous.
The Narrows (Bottom-Up)
One of the most unique hikes in the American West — you're walking in the Virgin River itself, wading through water up to waist-deep in places, surrounded by canyon walls up to 2,000 feet tall. The walk begins at the Temple of Sinawava with an easy riverside trail before entering the water. Water shoes or canyoneering boots are strongly recommended. Check flow conditions before going. Distance: Up to 16 miles one-way; most hikers do 4–6 miles. Difficulty: Moderate.
Emerald Pools
Three pools at different elevations connected by trails of varying length. Lower Emerald Pool is paved and accessible; Upper Emerald Pool is a rewarding half-day hike. A great option for families or anyone wanting a shorter outing. Distance: 1.2 miles (Lower) to 3 miles (Upper) round trip. Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Observation Point
The best panoramic view in Zion — you look straight down at Angels Landing from above. The East Mesa approach from outside the park provides reliable access and a less crowded experience than the classic Weeping Rock route. Distance: 7.8 miles round trip via East Mesa. Difficulty: Moderate.
Canyon Overlook Trail
The best short hike in Zion for views-per-effort. The trailhead sits just east of the Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel, and the trail climbs to a wide viewpoint over lower Zion Canyon in about a mile. Go at golden hour. Distance: 1 mile round trip. Difficulty: Easy.
Watchman Trail
A loop from the visitor center area up to a viewpoint above the Watchman formation and the Virgin River confluence. Less crowded than canyon trails and excellent at sunrise or sunset. Distance: 3.3 miles round trip. Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
West Rim Trail
The best multi-day route in Zion Canyon, climbing from the canyon floor up to the high plateau through remote backcountry above the canyon walls. Often done as a two-day point-to-point with a shuttle. Passes the Angels Landing junction at Scout Lookout. Distance: 14.5 miles one-way. Difficulty: Strenuous.
Kolob Canyons & Kolob Terrace — The Other Zion
Most visitors never make it here. Kolob Canyons is accessed from a separate entrance off I-15, about 45 minutes from Zion Canyon, and offers deep red finger canyons, pine forests, and far fewer crowds. Kolob Terrace — a high plateau between the two sections — is accessible via the Kolob Terrace Road from Virgin, Utah.
La Verkin Creek Trail & Kolob Arch
Kolob Arch is one of the world's largest natural arches, with a span of around 290 feet. The La Verkin Creek Trail is the only way to reach it — a long out-and-back through beautiful canyon terrain. Plan for a full day or overnight. Distance: 14 miles round trip. Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous.
Timber Creek Overlook
A short, rewarding trail from the end of the Kolob Canyons Road to a wide viewpoint over the finger canyons and Pine Valley Mountains. One of the easiest big-payoff hikes in the park. Distance: 1 mile round trip. Difficulty: Easy.
Taylor Creek Trail
A moderate creek-canyon hike through Kolob Canyons, passing two historic homestead cabins before ending at a double arch alcove. Far less crowded than any Zion Canyon trail. Distance: 5.4 miles round trip. Difficulty: Moderate.
The Subway (Left Fork)
One of the most photographed spots in Zion — a tunnel-shaped slot canyon with curved sandstone walls and clear pools. Both routes require a permit (recreation.gov). The bottom-up hike from the Left Fork trailhead is more accessible; the top-down technical route starts in the Kolob Terrace area and requires rappelling. Permits required for both routes. Distance: 9.5 miles round trip (bottom-up). Difficulty: Strenuous.
Hop Valley Trail
A long backcountry route through open valleys and red sandstone formations on Kolob Terrace — one of the best overnight options in the park. The first stretch crosses private land (permitted) before entering the park boundary. Distance: 13.8 miles one-way. Difficulty: Strenuous.
Planning Tips
- Angels Landing and The Subway require permits. Both use a lottery system through recreation.gov. The Angels Landing lottery opens seasonally — check the NPS website for current dates.
- Cell service is unreliable throughout the park, especially in the canyon. Download your maps offline before you arrive.
- Shuttle buses are mandatory for Zion Canyon in peak season (March–November). The shuttle doesn't serve Kolob Canyons — you drive that section separately.
- Check Narrows flow conditions before entering the river. Flash floods can occur with no warning even on sunny days.
- Summer heat is serious. Zion Canyon can reach 105°F in July. Start hikes before 8am, carry more water than you think you need, and avoid midday sun on exposed trails.
Which Map Do You Need?
The True North Zion cloth map series covers the full park in three options — an Overview and North and South regional maps. If you're hiking Zion Canyon (Angels Landing, The Narrows, Emerald Pools, Observation Point), the South map has everything you need. Planning to explore Kolob Canyons or do The Subway top-down? Get the North map. Doing both sections? The Overview covers the full park on one sheet. All printed on waterproof cloth — no worrying about canyon water or afternoon rain showers.
Shop Zion National Park Maps →
Related Reading: Angels Landing Permit Guide: How the Lottery Works · National Parks – Which Map Do I Need?
