Hiking Trails in Zion National Park: Best Hikes for Every Skill Level
Introduction
If you’re planning a hiking trip and searching for the best hiking trails in Zion National Park, you’re in one of the most rewarding parks in the American Southwest. Zion is home to some of the most famous hikes in the United States, from the chain-assisted climb to Angels Landing to the unforgettable river trek through The Narrows.
But Zion isn’t just for thrill-seekers. The park also offers family-friendly trails, scenic canyon walks, short overlook hikes, and moderate routes that still deliver incredible views without the exposure or intensity of Zion’s most famous adventures. Whether you want a quick scenic walk or a bucket-list challenge, the hiking trails in Zion National Park offer something for every type of visitor.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best hikes in Zion National Park, including trail difficulty, what makes each route special, practical hiking tips, and how to choose the right trail for your visit.
Why Hiking in Zion National Park Is So Special
Zion isn’t a park where you simply drive from viewpoint to viewpoint. The real magic happens once you step onto the trail. Hiking is the best way to experience Zion’s towering sandstone walls, emerald pools, river canyons, narrow slot passages, and panoramic overlooks.
Your Zion hiking trip can include:
- Iconic bucket-list trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows
- Scenic family-friendly walks such as the Pa’rus Trail and Riverside Walk
- Moderate hikes with waterfalls, pools, and elevated canyon views
- Short trails with huge payoff, like Canyon Overlook
- Strenuous day hikes for experienced hikers looking for bigger adventure
The key is knowing which Zion trails match your time, comfort level, and hiking experience.
1. Hike Angels Landing
If there’s one hike that defines Zion, it’s Angels Landing. This world-famous trail is known for its steep switchbacks, dramatic drop-offs, and one of the most unforgettable summit views in the national park system.
Why It’s One of the Best Hiking Trails in Zion National Park
- One of the most iconic hikes in the United States
- Incredible panoramic views over Zion Canyon
- A bucket-list trail for adventurous hikers
What to Know Before You Go
- The hike begins at The Grotto shuttle stop
- The trail climbs through Walter’s Wiggles to Scout Lookout
- A permit is required for the final chained section to Angels Landing
- The trail is strenuous and not suitable for hikers uncomfortable with heights
Best For
Experienced hikers looking for a challenge, dramatic exposure, and unforgettable canyon views.
👉 Tip: If you don’t get a permit or prefer to avoid the exposed chain section, hiking to Scout Lookout is still well worth it and offers excellent views.
2. Walk Through The Narrows
The Narrows is one of the most unique hiking trails in Zion National Park—and in the entire U.S. Instead of following a traditional dirt trail, you hike directly through the Virgin River while towering canyon walls rise around you.
Why It’s So Popular
- It’s one of Zion’s most memorable and immersive hiking experiences
- The canyon becomes more dramatic the farther you go
- You can turn around whenever you want, making it flexible for different fitness levels
Important Tips
- Start from the Temple of Sinawava via the Riverside Walk
- Wear proper water shoes or hiking shoes with grip
- Use a walking stick for stability in the river
- Always check flash flood conditions before starting
Best For
Travelers who want a true Zion adventure without technical climbing.
3. Explore the Emerald Pools Trails
The Emerald Pools trail system is one of the most popular hiking areas in Zion and a great choice if you want something scenic without the intensity of Angels Landing.
Trail Options
- Lower Emerald Pool – easiest and best for casual walkers
- Middle Emerald Pools – more elevation and broader canyon views
- Upper Emerald Pool – the most challenging section with a quieter feel
Why It’s Worth Adding to Your Itinerary
- Beautiful mix of cliffs, pools, shade, and seasonal waterfalls
- Great for families or mixed-ability groups
- Flexible route options depending on time and energy
Best For
Visitors looking for a classic Zion trail with water features, canyon scenery, and moderate effort.
4. Walk the Pa’rus Trail
If you want an easy and scenic walk, the Pa’rus Trail is one of the best hiking trails in Zion National Park for beginners and casual visitors. It’s paved, relatively flat, and follows the Virgin River with beautiful views of the surrounding cliffs.
Why It’s a Great Choice
- One of the most accessible trails in Zion
- Perfect for sunrise or sunset walks
- Great for families, beginner hikers, and photographers
- One of the few trails in Zion where bikes are allowed
Best For
Anyone who wants a relaxed, scenic trail without a strenuous climb.
5. Hike Canyon Overlook Trail
For one of the best short hikes in the park, head to Canyon Overlook Trail. This trail is much shorter than Zion’s signature hikes, but the view at the end is one of the best effort-to-reward experiences in the park.
Why It’s One of the Best Zion Hiking Trails
- Short hike with a huge panoramic payoff
- Great option if you don’t have time for a long trail
- Perfect for sunrise, sunset, or a quick scenic stop
Things to Know
- Located near the east side of the park beyond the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel
- Parking is limited, so go early if possible
Best For
Travelers with limited time or anyone looking for a shorter scenic hike with big views.
6. Walk the Riverside Walk
The Riverside Walk is one of the easiest and most scenic trails in Zion National Park. It follows the Virgin River through a lush canyon setting and leads to the entrance of The Narrows.
Why It’s Worth Doing
- Easy, scenic, and family-friendly
- A great way to experience Zion Canyon without a strenuous hike
- Leads directly to one of Zion’s most famous adventures, The Narrows
What to Expect
- Paved path with gentle elevation
- Riverside scenery and shaded sections
- Great for early morning or late afternoon walks
Best For
Families, casual visitors, and anyone who wants a beautiful short hike.
7. Hike the Watchman Trail
The Watchman Trail is one of Zion’s best moderate hikes and a great option if you want elevated views without the crowds of Angels Landing.
Why It’s Worth Hiking
- Excellent canyon and valley views
- Less crowded than Zion’s most famous trails
- A solid moderate hike for sunrise or early morning
Things to Know
- Trailhead is near the visitor center and campground area
- The trail climbs steadily with some exposed sections
- Bring water, especially in warmer months
Best For
Hikers who want a moderate challenge and a quieter viewpoint experience.
8. Hike to Observation Point
Observation Point offers one of the most dramatic views in Zion National Park. From here, you look down over Zion Canyon from a much higher elevation than Angels Landing, which gives the perspective an entirely different feel.
Why It’s One of Zion’s Best Hikes
- One of the most spectacular panoramic viewpoints in the park
- Less exposed than Angels Landing
- A rewarding option for hikers who want a bigger challenge
Important Note
Access routes to Observation Point can change depending on trail conditions and closures, so always check the current route before your trip.
Best For
Experienced hikers who want a major viewpoint without the chain-assisted exposure of Angels Landing.
9. Hike Hidden Canyon (If Open / Accessible)
Hidden Canyon has long been one of Zion’s most exciting side hikes, combining switchbacks, narrow ledges, and a tucked-away canyon experience. Access can change due to rockfall or closures, so it’s important to check conditions before planning for it.
Why It’s Memorable
- More adventurous feel than many standard day hikes
- Narrow canyon setting with a quieter atmosphere
- Great for hikers who enjoy trails with a bit of exposure and exploration
What to Know
- Trail access and status may vary
- Some sections can feel exposed
- Not ideal for anyone uncomfortable with heights
Best For
Adventurous hikers looking for a less mainstream Zion trail, if conditions allow.
10. Visit Kolob Canyons for Quieter Trails
If you want to escape the busiest parts of Zion, Kolob Canyons offers a quieter hiking experience with dramatic red rock scenery and fewer crowds.
Why It’s Worth Exploring
- A different side of Zion away from the main canyon
- Scenic short trails and viewpoints
- Great for travelers who want a less crowded experience
Best For
Return visitors, road trippers, or anyone who wants a quieter hiking area within Zion National Park.
Best Zion Hiking Trails by Skill Level
Best Easy Hiking Trails in Zion National Park
- Pa’rus Trail
- Riverside Walk
- Lower Emerald Pool
- Canyon Overlook Trail (short, but some uneven footing)
Best Moderate Hikes in Zion
- Watchman Trail
- Middle / Upper Emerald Pools
- Longer sections of The Narrows, depending on conditions
Best Strenuous Zion Hikes
- Angels Landing
- Observation Point
- Longer Narrows hikes
- Hidden Canyon (if accessible)
Zion National Park Hiking Tips
Start Early
Popular Zion trails fill up fast, and early starts help you avoid both crowds and midday heat.
Bring More Water Than You Think You Need
Zion’s dry climate and exposed trails can dehydrate you quickly, especially on longer hikes.
Check Trail Conditions Before You Go
This matters most for The Narrows, Observation Point, and any trail that may be affected by closures, rockfall, or flash flood conditions.
Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Many Zion trails include uneven terrain, steep sections, slick rock, or river hiking conditions.
Use the Shuttle System
The Zion Canyon Shuttle makes it much easier to reach major trailheads like The Grotto, Temple of Sinawava, and Zion Lodge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hike in Zion National Park?
That depends on what you want. Angels Landing is Zion’s most iconic hike, while The Narrows is the most unique. For an easier scenic option, Canyon Overlook Trail is one of the best short hikes in the park.
Which Zion hike is best for beginners?
The Pa’rus Trail, Riverside Walk, and Lower Emerald Pool are excellent beginner-friendly trails in Zion National Park.
Do you need a permit for Angels Landing?
Yes. A permit is required for the final chain section beyond Scout Lookout on Angels Landing.
What is the easiest scenic hike in Zion?
The Pa’rus Trail and Riverside Walk are two of the easiest scenic hikes in Zion, while Canyon Overlook Trail offers one of the best views for relatively little effort.
Can you hike The Narrows year-round?
Access to The Narrows depends on water levels, weather, and flash flood conditions. Always check current park updates before hiking.
Conclusion
The hiking trails in Zion National Park offer something for every kind of visitor, from easy riverside walks to adrenaline-filled adventures high above the canyon. If you’re after Zion’s most iconic hikes, Angels Landing and The Narrows should be at the top of your list. If you’d rather balance big scenery with a more relaxed pace, trails like Pa’rus Trail, Riverside Walk, Emerald Pools, and Canyon Overlook are perfect for first-time visitors and families.
The best way to experience Zion is to choose hikes that match your comfort level, start early, and leave time to enjoy the canyon beyond the trail itself. Whether you’re tackling a bucket-list summit or strolling beside the Virgin River, Zion is one of those parks where every trail feels like part of a bigger adventure.
No matter which route you choose, hiking in Zion National Park is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the beauty, scale, and wild energy of this incredible desert landscape.
