5 Must-See Trails at Zion National Park
From short, family-friendly walks to longer, more challenging day hikes, Zion National Park offers a broad variety of hiking options. Try to fit in as many of the hikes below if you’re a first-time visitor and want to experience the finest of Zion in a short amount of time. There are numerous options for undisturbed exploration, even if Angels Landing and Zion Narrows are frequently overrun by enormous groups. Here are 5 must-see trails at Zion that I’ve explored and can provide information about.
CANYON OVERLOOK TRAIL
If you’re in your car, head east on Route 9 to pass through the well-known Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel and take in the Upper East Canyon’s magnificent slickrock scenery. One of the few designated routes in the upper East Canyon is the Canyon Overlook Trail. It begins just east of the tunnel and leads to a fantastic viewpoint with views of the main canyon. This hike is a must-do if this is your first time visiting Zion. Although this hike isn’t particularly challenging, there are a few exposed areas where a fall could be hazardous.
It takes around an hour to do this relatively quick hike, which is less than half a mile long. You’ll need a car to travel up Route 9 to the location closest to the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel’s upper east entrance. In the peak summer months, the tiny parking lot on the south side of the road gets very crowded. If you’re prepared to traverse the road back to the trailhead, there are a few smaller overflow parking places further east. Given the overwhelming appeal of Zion National Park in recent years, locating parking along Route 9 can frequently turn into a difficult feat in itself.
AFTER YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY PARKED...
On the north side of the road, behind the ranger traffic booth, is where you’ll find the trailhead. The constructed route leads hikers around the stunning sandstone cliffs above the Pine Creek slot canyon that can be observed below after a few steps that lead you up the slickrock above the road. Despite the fact that railings are present on much of the trail, children and those who are unsteady on their feet should use caution because there are a few exposed areas where a fall could be severe. The walk enters a magnificent tiny alcove with a seep and thick ferns blooming out of the sandstone walls halfway to the viewpoint; this spot offers welcome relief during the harsher summer season.
When you arrive at the overlook, a plaque highlights numerous notable landmarks. The Route 9 bends below, Bridge Mountain—the tallest mountain on the left side of the canyon—the East Temple—the beautiful rock formation above the lookout to the right—and the Pine Creek stream much below are a few remarkable things to look for. Additionally, pay special attention to the mountain sides to spot a few “windows” into the Zion-Mount-Carmel Tunnel. Hikers can wander the area surrounding the viewpoint, but exercise extreme caution because there are cliff edges all around. It would be a catastrophic 1000-foot fall from the viewpoint. Take as much time as you need for photos, then hike back the way you arrived.
Video courtesy of Sharing the Road
5 Must-See Trails at Zion National Park
In Summary: This short and pleasant climb provides fantastic views at the trail end, and picture-worthy photos throughout. Do this hike if this is your first time visiting Zion; you will appreciate it! I wish you luck finding parking. That may be the hardest part of the hike! The rest is pure delight.
Emerald Pools Trail
In the center of Zion Canyon, there is a well-known short hike called the Emerald Pools Trail. This series of paths departs from the Zion Lodge, the shuttle’s fifth stop, and crosses the Virgin River before returning to a sizable sandstone amphitheater, taking hikers to a green sanctuary. Some of the park’s renowned waterfalls pour over the spectacular cliffs from the middle to lower pools. There are three established areas: the lower, middle, and upper emerald pools. This is an exceptionally engaging place to visit, especially in the Spring.
The Zion Lodge is the most logical starting location. Travel the path north along the Virgin River after crossing the bridge. The trail meanders along the base of a steep cove beneath two tall waterfalls with pools underneath in less than a half-mile as the foliage grows more luscious. Lower Emerald Pools is the name of this site. Even for seniors and parents using strollers, getting to this stage is doable. Keep in mind that these waterfalls are generally seasonal. During springtime runoff, or after heavy downpours, they typically have significant flow, whereas during the dry season, they may only be trickling.
The trail becomes more challenging after the grotto as it ascends the slopes and skirts a number of intriguing formations to bring you to the top of the cliff. The two streams that flow gently to create the waterfalls are called Middle Emerald Pools. Hikers find this area to be awe-inspiring.
UPPER EMERALD POOL & KAYENTA TRAIL
The hardest portion of this hike is the ascent to Upper Emerald Pool. Even though the last quarter mile is hot, especially under the intense summer sun, it is certainly worth the journey to reach the third pool at the base of the 300 foot bluffs overhead. This is an excellent place to rest and eat lunch. The mouth of Heaps Canyon, which is located far above, frequently has a light waterfall flowing from it. You have two options for getting back to the Lodge: you can either follow your original route back or use the optional western loop.
You can also begin your journey to Emerald Pools on a lengthier alternative path by beginning at the Grotto, the shuttle’s sixth stop, then hiking the Kayenta Trail. The spectacular vistas of Zion Canyon to the south can be seen on this slightly longer trek. You will arrive at the main Emerald Pools Trails intersection just after half a mile or so.
Video courtesy of That Adventure Life
In Summary: The Emerald Pools Trail is a wonderful option for a quick and simple hike through some iconic Zion landscapes. Put this on your list , particularly if this is your first time visiting Zion. Be prepared to share the path with plenty of other hikers. It truly is a surreal place if you are fortunate enough to see the waterfalls at their full intensity.
RIVERSIDE WALK & THE NARROWS
The Riverside Walk is a lovely short stroll on a reasonably level paved trail. It provides excellent views of the Virgin River and beautifully green dangling plants and trees surrounded by gigantic cliffs. It begins at the Temple of Sinawava, the final shuttle stop deep inside Zion Canyon. This walk is perfect for families because it is wheelchair accessible and can be enjoyed as a leisurely stroll by both children and the elderly. It may take one to two hours to accomplish this fairly easy 2-mile round-trip hike.
With stunning landscape and the soothing sound of the water running, this is a delightful hike. Particularly in the late afternoon or early evening when this area of the canyon is out of direct sunlight, this path is very serene. You might see an animal or two up close on this trail. To keep the path in good condition for the upcoming visitors, however, we must all act responsibly and adhere to the posted signs.
ONWARD TO THE NARROWS
You can hike the Riverside Walk route and then continue going directly up the river to experience some of the better narrow stretches of the Virgin River. Turn around and walk back to where you started if trekking through water doesn’t appeal to you.
You’ll be walking through knee-to-waist-deep water for a duration of the day as the river fluctuates from areas of sand to large numbers of loose stones and sizeable rocks. A good pair of water shoes is key. There are few pockets of neck deep water, although the water is typically no deeper than waist level. Even though water current is usually gentle, there are many narrow crossings where it can be powerful enough to make it difficult to maintain your footing.
Video courtesy of America’s Parks
GO WITH THE FLOW
Flowrate has a significant impact on the Zion Narrows’ level of difficulty. Hiking is often easy while the flow is below 50cfs, but it can be challenging and unsafe when the flow is above 100cfs. If flow of water is greater than 120cfs, the Wilderness Desk will not grant a permit for the Zion Narrows. Also keep in mind that few days following flash floods, when the water is cloudy, hiking becomes much more problematic. You’ll move much slower when you can’t see the rocks below the water’s surface.
In Summary: One of the best hikes in Zion—and possibly the best hike in any National Park in America. Breathtaking surroundings and the experience of travelling through the water sets it apart from other hikes. Although this trek is challenging, you have the option to turn back at any time. If you want to feel a sense of solitude, begin your journey very early in the day. By afternoon, the Narrows hike has a large number of people congregating along the riverbed.
ANGEL'S LANDING
The lower portion of Zion’s West Rim Trail, which leads to the famous Angels Landing hike, is familiar to most visitors. Those who are able to climb the path further up will be rewarded with even more breathtaking views as the trail winds through the absolutely incredible sandstone. Stunning viewpoints of the Great West Canyon are also offered to those who have the patience and stamina to reach the upper plateau.
The Grotto Trailhead is where the West Rim Trail begins. Take the paved path north as it parallels the bank of the Virgin River upon crossing the hiker’s bridge. The route then begins an intense climb by snaking up Zion Canyon’s west wall before entering the constricted side canyon called Refrigerator Canyon. The highest part of the trail is where it meets Refrigerator Canyon. Hikers are rewarded with cool temps and shade views as they enter this zone.
Not too far ahead the path leads to Scout’s Lookout, a lovely little viewpoint where you get an excellent view of Angels Landing and the main canyon below.. The most frequented and exhilarating trail at this location is Angels Landing.
ARRIVING AT ANGEL'S LANDING
This hike’s final section is nothing short of thrilling if you have a permit and are up for the task. The ingenious Angels Landing Trail ascends about 500 additional feet by following the mountain’s exposed spine. There are many open areas where you can gaze at the canyon below.
For mental comfort, there are numerous chains, guardrails, and carved steps. In addition, there are a number of places where you can take a break and allow others to pass. This hike might be scary if you haven’t done much mountain climbing before. Avoid going any further if you begin to feel uneasy by the first set of chains.
When you are less than a half-mile from Scout Lookout, you will begin to see the difficult last ascent of Angels Landing in front of you. Despite appearing to be unachievable, the pathway ascends the mountain’s shelves and contours to the viewpoint. You will reach the summit after some challenging climbing, and everything will have been worthwhile. There you are awarded a breathtaking 360-degree panorama that surpasses any other lookout you will come across.
Video courtesy of America’s Parks
In Summary: This is one of the world’s most remarkable journeys and sights if you aren’t fearful of heights and are in reasonable shape. But because of its increasing acclaim in recent years, it has grown excessively congested, particularly on the weekends. Please be considerate and cautious on the trail as there is not much room for mistakes.
