Zion Canyon is the heart of Zion National Park. Often referred to as the "Main Canyon", it is home to the Virgin River, the humble force responsible for carving the stunningly deep Zion Narrows and sculpting Zion's towering sandstone cliffs. Due to these incredible features, Zion Canyon sees the majority of visitation along its seven mile long scenic drive. The hiking routes described here offer some of the most iconic scenery sought after when visiting Zion National Park.
The maintained trails of the main canyon offer a great place to begin a Zion exploration. Most of these trails were built in the 1920's and 30's, when the Park Service emphasized big, bold, beautiful pathways leading to outstanding views. Many sections of trail were blasted out of bare rock, delve into side canyons, and traverse along exposed cliff sides. Families will enjoy admiring the hanging gardens and dripping water of Emerald Pools and Weeping Rock, while more bold travelers will appreciate the expansive view from the West Rim Trail and Angel's Landing. The Zion Narrows offers the chance to be immersed in one of the deepest slot canyons in the southwest and can offer something for all abilities.
The maintained trails of the main canyon offer a great place to begin a Zion exploration. Most of these trails were built in the 1920's and 30's, when the Park Service emphasized big, bold, beautiful pathways leading to outstanding views. Many sections of trail were blasted out of bare rock, delve into side canyons, and traverse along exposed cliff sides. Families will enjoy admiring the hanging gardens and dripping water of Emerald Pools and Weeping Rock, while more bold travelers will appreciate the expansive view from the West Rim Trail and Angel's Landing. The Zion Narrows offers the chance to be immersed in one of the deepest slot canyons in the southwest and can offer something for all abilities.
Angels Landing
OVERVIEW
Update: You must apply HERE for a permit to hike Angel's Landing via the Zion National Park website beginning Jan. 3rd, 2022.
This epic trail is one of the top two attractions in Zion National Park. Accessed through the West Rim Trail, the route winds its way up steep switchbacks, including the iconic “Walter’s Wiggles”. Once the West Rim Trail gains the ridge-line you'll begin the true Angel's Landing trail as it ascends 1500-feet above the valley floor below. Many sections of this half mile long trail offer chains to help with balance as you climb the ridge. The trail ends at an incredible perch with 360-degree views of Zion National Park. This trail may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights or sensitivity to exposure in high spaces.
LOGISTICS
Trailhead: Exit the shuttle at stop 6, the Grotto, and follow the West Rim Trail.
Mileage: 5 miles (8 km), round-trip
Elevation Gain: 1520 feet (463 meters)
Approximate Hike Time: 4 hours, round-trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Crowds: Common, this is a popular route.
WHEN TO GO
Best Times of Day: In the summer, early morning (6 - 8 a.m.) or late afternoon (6 - 8 p.m.) avoids the crowds and heat of mid-day. Be mindful of shuttle hours.
Best Times of Year: The comfortable temperatures, reliable weather, and dazzling foliage of autumn make it the best time to hike Angel’s Landing. The upper reaches of the hike can become quite icy January through March.
Update: You must apply HERE for a permit to hike Angel's Landing via the Zion National Park website beginning Jan. 3rd, 2022.
This epic trail is one of the top two attractions in Zion National Park. Accessed through the West Rim Trail, the route winds its way up steep switchbacks, including the iconic “Walter’s Wiggles”. Once the West Rim Trail gains the ridge-line you'll begin the true Angel's Landing trail as it ascends 1500-feet above the valley floor below. Many sections of this half mile long trail offer chains to help with balance as you climb the ridge. The trail ends at an incredible perch with 360-degree views of Zion National Park. This trail may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights or sensitivity to exposure in high spaces.
LOGISTICS
Trailhead: Exit the shuttle at stop 6, the Grotto, and follow the West Rim Trail.
Mileage: 5 miles (8 km), round-trip
Elevation Gain: 1520 feet (463 meters)
Approximate Hike Time: 4 hours, round-trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Crowds: Common, this is a popular route.
WHEN TO GO
Best Times of Day: In the summer, early morning (6 - 8 a.m.) or late afternoon (6 - 8 p.m.) avoids the crowds and heat of mid-day. Be mindful of shuttle hours.
Best Times of Year: The comfortable temperatures, reliable weather, and dazzling foliage of autumn make it the best time to hike Angel’s Landing. The upper reaches of the hike can become quite icy January through March.
Emerald Pools
OVERVIEW
Located directly across from Zion Lodge, Emerald Pools might be the most-hiked trail in all of Zion National Park. Featuring mild hiking, several loop variations, and yearlong waterfalls, the Emerald Pools trail sees many visitors each day. On this walk, you can skirt behind thin veils of water, rock-hop across quiet streams, and gaze from a wide balcony onto perfect views of Mountain of the Sun.
LOGISTICS
Trailhead: Exit the shuttle at stop 5, The Lodge. Follow trails for Lower or Middle Emerald Pools.
Alternately, exit the shuttle at stop 6, The Grotto, and follow the Kyenta Trail to Emerald Pools.
Mileage & Elevation:
• Lower Pool – 1.2 miles (1.9 km)/ 69 feet (21 meters), round-trip
• Middle Pool – 2 miles (3.2 km)/ 150 feet (46 meters), round-trip
• Upper Pool – 3 miles (4.8 km)/ 400 feet (119 meters), round-trip
Approximate Hike Time:
• Lower Pool – 1 hour, round-trip
• Middle Pool – 1.5 hours, round-trip
• Upper Pool – 2 hours, round-trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on route selection
Crowds: Heavy traffic is common, as Emerald Pools is one of the most popular hikes in the park
WHEN TO GO
Best Times of Day: In the summer, early morning (6 - 10 a.m.) or late afternoon (4 - 8 p.m.) avoids the crowds and heat of mid-day. Be mindful of shuttle hours.
Located directly across from Zion Lodge, Emerald Pools might be the most-hiked trail in all of Zion National Park. Featuring mild hiking, several loop variations, and yearlong waterfalls, the Emerald Pools trail sees many visitors each day. On this walk, you can skirt behind thin veils of water, rock-hop across quiet streams, and gaze from a wide balcony onto perfect views of Mountain of the Sun.
LOGISTICS
Trailhead: Exit the shuttle at stop 5, The Lodge. Follow trails for Lower or Middle Emerald Pools.
Alternately, exit the shuttle at stop 6, The Grotto, and follow the Kyenta Trail to Emerald Pools.
Mileage & Elevation:
• Lower Pool – 1.2 miles (1.9 km)/ 69 feet (21 meters), round-trip
• Middle Pool – 2 miles (3.2 km)/ 150 feet (46 meters), round-trip
• Upper Pool – 3 miles (4.8 km)/ 400 feet (119 meters), round-trip
Approximate Hike Time:
• Lower Pool – 1 hour, round-trip
• Middle Pool – 1.5 hours, round-trip
• Upper Pool – 2 hours, round-trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on route selection
Crowds: Heavy traffic is common, as Emerald Pools is one of the most popular hikes in the park
WHEN TO GO
Best Times of Day: In the summer, early morning (6 - 10 a.m.) or late afternoon (4 - 8 p.m.) avoids the crowds and heat of mid-day. Be mindful of shuttle hours.
Hidden Canyon Currently Closed for the Foreseeable Future
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OVERVIEW
Hidden Canyon shares the Weeping Rock trailhead with the Weeping Rock and Observation Point trails, but is unique from them both. Hidden Canyon begins with the long, steep switchbacks of Observation Point, but after one half-mile, the Hidden Canyon trail leaves the pavement and turns into dirt. From this point, the trail intrigues hikers along cliff edges with chains and ledges, similar to Angels Landing. The last 1/8 mile (.2 km) is not difficult, ending at the mouth of Hidden Canyon. Exploring up-canyon reveals some hidden gems; one is a beautiful arch at the floor of the canyon. You can hike about 1.75 miles (2.8 km) up through the drainage, solving boulder obstacles along the way to reach each progressing level. Please make sure as you ascent the canyon that you will feel comfortable descending the sometimes imposing drops on the way back! |
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LOGISTICS
Trailhead: Exit the free Scenic Drive shuttle at Weeping Rock trailhead and follow the trail to Observation Point, the East Rim, and Hidden Canyon.
Mileage: 2 miles (3.2 km), round-trip, or longer, depending on your perseverance
Elevation Gain: 850 feet (259 meters)
Approximate Hike Time: 3 hours, round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate, with strenuous sections
Crowds: Traffic thins out significantly when the trail splits off from the Observation Point/East Rim trail. The further into Hidden Canyon you delve, the fewer hikers you encounter.
WHEN TO GO
Anytime!
Trailhead: Exit the free Scenic Drive shuttle at Weeping Rock trailhead and follow the trail to Observation Point, the East Rim, and Hidden Canyon.
Mileage: 2 miles (3.2 km), round-trip, or longer, depending on your perseverance
Elevation Gain: 850 feet (259 meters)
Approximate Hike Time: 3 hours, round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate, with strenuous sections
Crowds: Traffic thins out significantly when the trail splits off from the Observation Point/East Rim trail. The further into Hidden Canyon you delve, the fewer hikers you encounter.
WHEN TO GO
Anytime!
Observation Point - Accessible via the East Mesa Trailhead only
OVERVIEW
Avid hikers appreciate the diversity of this amazing trail. From the steep switchbacks taunting you along the first mile, to the serene beauty of Echo Canyon, to the breathtaking overlook at the summit, this trail pays dividends equal to the effort it requires. As you climb to Observation Point, you can imagine the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the group of workers who constructed this trail in the 1930s. Using dynamite, wheelbarrows, and mules, these young men blasted this pathway up the walls of Zion Canyon, connecting Zion’s East Side with the main valley floor. Echo Canyon, a serpentine water-carved slot is revealed within the first hour of hiking. After passing the East Mesa trail junction, the trail winds along a red stained pathway, where the soft Temple Cap rock has eroded to meet the harder Navajo Sandstone layer. The juniper and pinyon pine forested summit peers into Zion National Park from 6507 feet (1983 meters).
LOGISTICS
Trailhead: Exit free Scenic Drive shuttle at Weeping Rock trailhead and follow the trail to Observation Point, the East Rim, and Hidden Canyon.
Mileage: 8 miles (12.9km), round-trip
Elevation Gain: 2150feet (655 meters)
Approximate Hike Time: 6 hours, round-trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Crowds: Crowds steadily dwindle the farther you ascend. Only a handful of parties push to the summit each day.
WHEN TO GO
The upper reaches of the hike can become icy and/or snow-packed December through March; inquire about conditions at the Visitor’s Center before making a winter ascent.
Avid hikers appreciate the diversity of this amazing trail. From the steep switchbacks taunting you along the first mile, to the serene beauty of Echo Canyon, to the breathtaking overlook at the summit, this trail pays dividends equal to the effort it requires. As you climb to Observation Point, you can imagine the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the group of workers who constructed this trail in the 1930s. Using dynamite, wheelbarrows, and mules, these young men blasted this pathway up the walls of Zion Canyon, connecting Zion’s East Side with the main valley floor. Echo Canyon, a serpentine water-carved slot is revealed within the first hour of hiking. After passing the East Mesa trail junction, the trail winds along a red stained pathway, where the soft Temple Cap rock has eroded to meet the harder Navajo Sandstone layer. The juniper and pinyon pine forested summit peers into Zion National Park from 6507 feet (1983 meters).
LOGISTICS
Trailhead: Exit free Scenic Drive shuttle at Weeping Rock trailhead and follow the trail to Observation Point, the East Rim, and Hidden Canyon.
Mileage: 8 miles (12.9km), round-trip
Elevation Gain: 2150feet (655 meters)
Approximate Hike Time: 6 hours, round-trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Crowds: Crowds steadily dwindle the farther you ascend. Only a handful of parties push to the summit each day.
WHEN TO GO
The upper reaches of the hike can become icy and/or snow-packed December through March; inquire about conditions at the Visitor’s Center before making a winter ascent.
Pa 'Rus Trail
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OVERVIEW This is the easiest trail in the Park, and the only one which allows leashed dogs and/or bikes. The Pa’ Rus meanders north from South Campground, following the Virgin River up the wide valley of southern Zion Canyon. This is a perfect trail for after-dinner strolls, surrounding you with grand towers cast in brilliant oranges, browns, and reds by the evening alpenglow. Wildlife is also common along this trail, as deer, coyotes, and foxes, visit the river for water early and late in the day. |
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LOGISTICS
Trailhead: No shuttle necessary. Park just before Zion's south Entrance Station OR at the Visitor’s Center and walk to the South Campground, where the trail begins.
Mileage: 3.5 miles (5.6 km), round-trip, out-and-back
Alternatively, you can explore this trail in just one direction by utilizing the shuttle at stop 3, Canyon Junction (down canyon traffic only)
Elevation Gain: Very little change
Approximate Hike Time: 1. 5 hours, round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: Minimal to moderate. Be mindful of bikers.
WHEN TO GO
Spring brings mild temperatures and wildflowers to the Pa’ Rus trail while late autumn highlights the golden crowns of cottonwood trees.
Trailhead: No shuttle necessary. Park just before Zion's south Entrance Station OR at the Visitor’s Center and walk to the South Campground, where the trail begins.
Mileage: 3.5 miles (5.6 km), round-trip, out-and-back
Alternatively, you can explore this trail in just one direction by utilizing the shuttle at stop 3, Canyon Junction (down canyon traffic only)
Elevation Gain: Very little change
Approximate Hike Time: 1. 5 hours, round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: Minimal to moderate. Be mindful of bikers.
WHEN TO GO
Spring brings mild temperatures and wildflowers to the Pa’ Rus trail while late autumn highlights the golden crowns of cottonwood trees.
Riverside Walk
OVERVIEW
The Riverside Walk is the gateway to the Zion Narrows. From the moment you leave the parking lot, you are quietly drawn into the mystery of the narrowing, looming walls. Ultimately, you must choose whether to enter the water at pavement’s end, or turn back wondering. There is something intriguing about following the walkway to its end and witnessing the river disappear from your view.
LOGISTICS
Trailhead: Exit the shuttle at stop 9, the Temple of Sinawava, the final stop along the Scenic Drive.
Mileage: 2 miles (3.2 km), round-trip
Elevation Gain: 57 feet (17 meters)
Approximate Hike Time: 1 hour, round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: Common, this is the most popular destination in the park.
WHEN TO GO
Anytime. Ice on trail may cause closures during winter months.
The Riverside Walk is the gateway to the Zion Narrows. From the moment you leave the parking lot, you are quietly drawn into the mystery of the narrowing, looming walls. Ultimately, you must choose whether to enter the water at pavement’s end, or turn back wondering. There is something intriguing about following the walkway to its end and witnessing the river disappear from your view.
LOGISTICS
Trailhead: Exit the shuttle at stop 9, the Temple of Sinawava, the final stop along the Scenic Drive.
Mileage: 2 miles (3.2 km), round-trip
Elevation Gain: 57 feet (17 meters)
Approximate Hike Time: 1 hour, round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: Common, this is the most popular destination in the park.
WHEN TO GO
Anytime. Ice on trail may cause closures during winter months.
Sand Bench Trail
OVERVIEW
The least visited trail in Zion Canyon, the Sand Bench explores one of the most prominent eco-zones in Zion National Park, the Juniper and Pinion Pine woodland. This is the most rugged trail within the main canyon and frequently requires users to navigate deep sand, loose rocks, and even a creek crossing. Visitors ascend the remnants of a large landslide that dammed the Virgin River for several hundred years. This trail system is used for horseback riding from March through October and therefore can show signs of heavy equestrian use. Two loop variations of the trail exist, one which remains relatively level along the river side between Court of the Patriarchs to The Lodge, and a more strenuous version which begins and ends at Court of the Patriarchs extending south along the remains of the ancient landslide.
LOGISTICS
Trailhead: Exit free Scenic Drive shuttle at the Zion Lodge or Court of the Patriarchs trailhead. If you start at the Court of Patriarchs, walk across the Canyon Drive to a service road, then across the bridge to the connecting trail system.
Mileage: 5.7 miles (5.8 km), round-trip both loops
Elevation Gain: 500 feet (152 meters), round-trip both loops
Approximate Hike Time: 4 hours, round-trip both loops
Difficulty: Moderately to Strenuous depending on route choice
Crowds: Minimal with the exception of horse tours.
WHEN TO GO
Best Times of Year: Hike the Sand Bench November thru February for a horse-free trail. Avoid summer months where full sun exposure is unavoidable.
The least visited trail in Zion Canyon, the Sand Bench explores one of the most prominent eco-zones in Zion National Park, the Juniper and Pinion Pine woodland. This is the most rugged trail within the main canyon and frequently requires users to navigate deep sand, loose rocks, and even a creek crossing. Visitors ascend the remnants of a large landslide that dammed the Virgin River for several hundred years. This trail system is used for horseback riding from March through October and therefore can show signs of heavy equestrian use. Two loop variations of the trail exist, one which remains relatively level along the river side between Court of the Patriarchs to The Lodge, and a more strenuous version which begins and ends at Court of the Patriarchs extending south along the remains of the ancient landslide.
LOGISTICS
Trailhead: Exit free Scenic Drive shuttle at the Zion Lodge or Court of the Patriarchs trailhead. If you start at the Court of Patriarchs, walk across the Canyon Drive to a service road, then across the bridge to the connecting trail system.
Mileage: 5.7 miles (5.8 km), round-trip both loops
Elevation Gain: 500 feet (152 meters), round-trip both loops
Approximate Hike Time: 4 hours, round-trip both loops
Difficulty: Moderately to Strenuous depending on route choice
Crowds: Minimal with the exception of horse tours.
WHEN TO GO
Best Times of Year: Hike the Sand Bench November thru February for a horse-free trail. Avoid summer months where full sun exposure is unavoidable.
Watchman Trail
OVERVIEW
The Watchman Trail takes you out of the grassy main valley and ascends to a prominence above the canyon floor for incredible views of the West Temple and the Towers of the Virgin. More rugged than other trails in the main canyon, the Watchman provides moderate elevation gain and expansive scenery. A short loop at the terminus of the trail reveals several beautiful viewpoints and photo opportunities.
LOGISTICS
Trailhead: No shuttle necessary. The trail begins across the road just north of the shuttle station.
Mileage: 3.5 miles (5.6 km), round-trip
Elevation Gain: 368 feet (112 m)
Approximate Hike Time: 2.5 hours, round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Crowds: This trail sees moderate traffic.
WHEN TO GO
Best Times of Year: Autumn, winter, and spring offer the most mild temperatures and best conditions for hiking the Watchman. However, this trail is best avoided after rain or snow due to the slick mud which forms in the lower rock layers.
The Watchman Trail takes you out of the grassy main valley and ascends to a prominence above the canyon floor for incredible views of the West Temple and the Towers of the Virgin. More rugged than other trails in the main canyon, the Watchman provides moderate elevation gain and expansive scenery. A short loop at the terminus of the trail reveals several beautiful viewpoints and photo opportunities.
LOGISTICS
Trailhead: No shuttle necessary. The trail begins across the road just north of the shuttle station.
Mileage: 3.5 miles (5.6 km), round-trip
Elevation Gain: 368 feet (112 m)
Approximate Hike Time: 2.5 hours, round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Crowds: This trail sees moderate traffic.
WHEN TO GO
Best Times of Year: Autumn, winter, and spring offer the most mild temperatures and best conditions for hiking the Watchman. However, this trail is best avoided after rain or snow due to the slick mud which forms in the lower rock layers.
Weeping Rock
OVERVIEW
Weeping Rock is an overhanging blind arch which “rains” every day of the year. The spring water seeping out of the rock 100 feet overhead takes nearly 1000 years to travel through the porous Navajo sandstone above. The percolation slows at the underlying dense, less porous Kayenta sandstone layer, then follows a downhill course, raining on the observers below.
LOGISTICS
Trailhead: Exit the shuttle at stop 7, Weeping Rock.
Mileage: .5 miles (.8 km) Round trip
Elevation Gain: 98 feet (30 meters)
Approximate Hike Time: 30 minutes, round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: Easy access, short distance, and dramatic views make this one of the most crowded hikes in the Park.
WHEN TO GO
Best Times of Day: Hike Weeping Rock trail early in the morning for a chance to sit and listen to the falling water in solitude.
Best Times of Year: When the spring wildflowers bloom, the moist environment along this trail is abundant with color. Summer storms produce dazzling waterfalls all around Weeping Rock.
Weeping Rock is an overhanging blind arch which “rains” every day of the year. The spring water seeping out of the rock 100 feet overhead takes nearly 1000 years to travel through the porous Navajo sandstone above. The percolation slows at the underlying dense, less porous Kayenta sandstone layer, then follows a downhill course, raining on the observers below.
LOGISTICS
Trailhead: Exit the shuttle at stop 7, Weeping Rock.
Mileage: .5 miles (.8 km) Round trip
Elevation Gain: 98 feet (30 meters)
Approximate Hike Time: 30 minutes, round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: Easy access, short distance, and dramatic views make this one of the most crowded hikes in the Park.
WHEN TO GO
Best Times of Day: Hike Weeping Rock trail early in the morning for a chance to sit and listen to the falling water in solitude.
Best Times of Year: When the spring wildflowers bloom, the moist environment along this trail is abundant with color. Summer storms produce dazzling waterfalls all around Weeping Rock.
