26 Best Hikes in Zion National Park
Twenty-six Zion hikes across the main canyon, east side, Kolob Canyons, Kolob Terrace, and southwest desert, with reviewed maps, permit notes, and live alerts.
Zion does not have one kind of hiking day. A paved river path can start near the visitor center, a permit route can enter a creek-cut slot, and a fourteen-mile canyon hike begins forty miles away at Kolob Canyons. These 26 outings are grouped by geography and trip use rather than an app's popularity score.
The expanded set reaches beyond the familiar canyon stops to Kolob Terrace, Coalpits Wash, the Chinle desert, remote east-rim viewpoints, and short roadside walks. One representative carries the Emerald Pools family, one river route represents the bottom-up Narrows family, and Angels Landing represents the chain-assisted West Rim family so repeated approaches do not pad the count.
Distances and elevation figures come from the reviewed route files shown on the page. The park's shuttle schedule, flash-flood forecast, river flow, heat, rockfall, mud, and permit rules can change the sensible choice on the day. Read the live NPS alerts before committing to any canyon or rim route.
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What changes a hiking day here
The shuttle is part of the trail plan
For most of the year, private vehicles cannot use Zion Canyon Scenic Drive beyond Canyon Junction. Match the trail to its shuttle stop, allow roughly 45 minutes to reach the Temple of Sinawava, and note the last bus out before starting a late hike. Pa'rus and Watchman begin near the visitor center; east-side and Kolob routes require a separate drive.
Heat and exposure change the mileage
Summer canyon temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, while high rims can be windy or icy. Start open routes early, carry more water than the mileage suggests, and turn around before heat illness, thunder, or poor footing makes the decision for the group. There is little dependable drinking water away from developed stops.
One permit does not cover every route
A permit is required only for the chain section from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing, not for the hike to Scout Lookout itself. Top-down Narrows trips and overnight wilderness travel use separate permits. Shuttle access, park entry, and most ordinary day hikes do not require a trail reservation.
A dry sky is not a flood forecast
Rain far upstream can send water through a narrow canyon within minutes. Check the official flash-flood potential and current Virgin River flow before the Narrows or any wash. The Narrows closes above 150 CFS and during a Flash Flood Warning; toxic cyanobacteria also means no drinking river water or submerging your head.
| Trail | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timber Creek Overlook Trail | 1.2 mi | 37 min | Moderate | A short ridge walk with broad Kolob views |
| Taylor Creek to Double Arch Alcove | 5.1 mi | 2 hr 8 min | Moderate | A shaded Kolob box canyon with history and repeated creek crossings |
| Kolob Arch via La Verkin Creek Trail | 14.2 mi | 5 hr 51 min | Hard | A demanding wilderness day to one of the world's largest freestanding arches |
| Grapevine Trail | 0.6 mi | 1 hr | Moderate | A brief, quiet Kolob Terrace side trip |
| The Subway from Left Fork Trailhead | 7.4 mi | 4 hr 33 min | Moderate | A strenuous permit hike through the lower Left Fork |
| Coalpits Wash | 7.4 mi | 4 hr 9 min | Moderate | A long, quiet wash hike in Zion's southwest desert |
| Northgate Peaks via Kolob Terrace | 5.9 mi | 4 hr 2 min | Hard | Quiet high-country forest and a remote sandstone viewpoint |
| Lava Point Overlook | 0.1 mi | 1 hr | Easy | A very short high-country viewpoint walk |
| Chinle Trail | 16.6 mi | 7 hr 30 min | Hard | A long southwest-desert hike past petrified wood and open cliff views |
| Pa'rus Trail | 3.3 mi | 1 hr 5 min | Easy | A paved river walk, adaptive outing, bike ride, or leashed-dog hike |
| Watchman Trail | 3.3 mi | 1 hr 37 min | Moderate | A substantial canyon hike without boarding the shuttle |
| Lower Pine Creek Waterfall | 0.7 mi | 24 min | Moderate | A short unsigned creek scramble to a seasonal waterfall |
| West Bank of the Virgin River | 6 mi | 3 hr | Moderate | A quiet river corridor between busier canyon stops |
| Sand Bench Trail | 3.9 mi | 2 hr 30 min | Moderate | A quieter canyon-floor loop with broad views |
| Emerald Pools Trail | 3 mi | 1 hr 28 min | Moderate | Waterfalls, hanging gardens, and a flexible canyon hike |
| Angels Landing | 4.8 mi | 3 hr 46 min | Hard | Experienced hikers comfortable with extreme exposure |
| Riverside Walk | 2.1 mi | 1 hr 3 min | Moderate | A deep-canyon walk without entering the river |
| The Narrows to Big Spring | 9.3 mi | 5 hr 51 min | Hard | A full-day river hike between towering canyon walls |
| Canyon Overlook Trail | 1 mi | 30 min | Moderate | A short east-side hike with a large canyon view |
| Progeny Peak | 2.4 mi | 2 hr 2 min | Hard | Experienced off-trail hikers seeking an east-side slickrock summit |
| Cascade Falls Route | 2.3 mi | 1 hr 27 min | Moderate | Experienced route-finders seeking a quieter east-side drainage |
| Many Pools Route | 2.1 mi | 1 hr 25 min | Moderate | East-side slickrock, desert potholes, and light route-finding |
| Petroglyph Pools to Slot Canyon | 1.4 mi | 50 min | Moderate | A short east-side route combining rock art and a small slot |
| Observation Point via East Mesa Trail | 7 mi | 3 hr | Moderate | A high view down Zion Canyon without climbing from the canyon floor |
| Deertrap Mountain from Stave Spring | 10.4 mi | 5 hr | Hard | A long, quiet east-rim hike above Zion Canyon |
| East Rim Trail to Overlook | 4.5 mi | 2 hr 30 min | Moderate | An east-entrance climb to slickrock and high ponderosa views |
Timber Creek Overlook Trail
- Distance
- 1.2 mi
- Elevation gain
- 220 feet
- Time
- 37 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Drive Kolob Canyons Road to the signed overlook lot, subject to seasonal road closures.
- Best time
- Late afternoon in spring or fall, or a clear winter day when the road is open and tread is not icy.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
From the end of Kolob Canyons Road, this trail follows a ridge to views over Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley Mountains. It delivers the district's scale in about a mile without the commitment of Taylor or La Verkin Creek.
The ridge is exposed to wind, sun, and winter ice, with limited shade. The small elevation change can still feel rough because of stones and uneven bedrock. Road status matters as much as trail status in cold weather.
What helps on this route
- Check Kolob Canyons Road before leaving Interstate 15.
- Stay on the ridge tread to protect thin desert soils and vegetation.
Terrain and access: Rocky ridge path, minor ledges, open sun and wind, gentle rolling grades, and an exposed final viewpoint.
Taylor Creek to Double Arch Alcove
- Distance
- 5.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 620 feet
- Time
- 2 hr 8 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Taylor Creek Trailhead on Kolob Canyons Road; confirm the road is open before driving up.
- Best time
- Spring or fall, after ice has melted and before afternoon storms raise the creek.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Taylor Creek enters a red-walled box canyon, passing the Larson and Fife homestead cabins before ending at Double Arch Alcove. Frequent creek crossings make the route feel exploratory without requiring technical scrambling.
Water depth changes with snowmelt and storms, while shaded rock can hold ice in winter. Wilderness group size is limited to twelve. The alcove is fragile; enjoy the scale from durable ground rather than climbing the walls or carving the sandstone.
What helps on this route
- Wear footwear that can handle repeated wet crossings instead of trying to balance on every stone.
- Keep the historic cabins intact and leave artifacts where they are found.
Terrain and access: Firm trail, many shallow creek crossings, sand, winter ice, historic cabin sites, and a narrowing sandstone canyon.
Kolob Arch via La Verkin Creek Trail
- Distance
- 14.2 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,970 feet
- Time
- 5 hr 51 min
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Start at Lee Pass Trailhead on Kolob Canyons Road; confirm road access and begin early enough for a fourteen-mile day.
- Best time
- A long spring or fall day with moderate temperatures and stable creek crossings.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
La Verkin Creek Trail drops from Lee Pass past open Kolob Canyons, follows Timber and La Verkin creeks, then uses a side trail to the Kolob Arch viewpoint. The arch sits high on the wall rather than over the trail, so binoculars improve the final view.
Fourteen miles, sand, creek crossings, and the return climb make this a full-day hike. Wilderness groups are limited to twelve. Treat every natural water source, carry a light for delays, and remember that overnight camping requires a designated-site permit even though a day hike does not.
What helps on this route
- Set a firm turnaround time before the arch spur, not after fatigue begins.
- Carry a filter or purifier plus enough reserve for a dry or contaminated creek.
Terrain and access: Long canyon descent, sand, hard-packed trail, creek crossings, cottonwood shade, remote arch spur, and more than one thousand feet of return climbing.
Grapevine Trail
- Distance
- 0.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 400 feet
- Time
- 1 hr
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the small legal pullout near the signed route start on Kolob Terrace Road; do not widen the shoulder or block local traffic.
- Best time
- A cool, dry morning when the short side canyon is free of runoff.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Grapevine is a short out-and-back into a small drainage west of Zion Canyon. It offers close sandstone and desert vegetation without turning a Kolob Terrace drive into a half-day hike.
The route is lightly developed and easy to overestimate from its mileage. Loose rock, brush, and a drainage that can carry sudden water all argue for a conservative turnaround. If the start or parking is unclear, choose a signed park trail instead of creating a new track.
What helps on this route
- Download the route before leaving Springdale service.
- Keep every wheel on durable roadside surface and avoid biological soil crust.
Terrain and access: Lightly developed drainage path, loose gravel, brush, short rock steps, little shade, and limited roadside parking.
The Subway from Left Fork Trailhead
- Distance
- 7.4 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,400 feet
- Time
- 4 hr 33 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use Left Fork Trailhead on Kolob Terrace Road and carry the permit assigned to this route and date.
- Best time
- A stable late-spring through fall day with a valid permit, low flood potential, and enough daylight for slow route-finding.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
The nontechnical Subway route descends steeply into the Left Fork, follows the creek through slickrock bowls and cascades, and reaches the rounded tunnel that gives the route its name. There is no maintained trail along much of the canyon floor.
Every visitor needs a wilderness permit. Route-finding, creek travel, slippery rock, cold water, and the steep exit make this far more serious than a seven-mile path. Turn around before any obstacle that the whole group cannot reverse, and never enter when rain threatens the drainage.
What helps on this route
- Carry the official permit, route description, offline map, and dry layers.
- Mark the exit drainage on the way down; missing it can turn the return into an emergency.
Terrain and access: Steep loose approach, unmaintained creek corridor, wet slickrock, shallow pools, short scrambles, and flash-flood exposure.
Coalpits Wash
- Distance
- 7.4 mi
- Elevation gain
- 520 feet
- Time
- 4 hr 9 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the dirt pullout on the north side of Highway 9 west of Rockville, keeping the access and no-camping area clear.
- Best time
- Fall through spring, after the wash has dried and before low-desert heat builds.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
A defined path follows lower Coalpits Wash toward the Scoggins junction before the route becomes wash travel between dark volcanic rock, pale cliffs, boulders, and small seasonal falls. The open southwest desert feels far removed from the shuttle corridor.
There is little shade and no maintained tread above the junction. Stay in the durable wash or on the established path to protect biological soil crust. Coalpits Spring is seasonal and must be treated; carry the water needed for the full outing regardless of reported flow.
What helps on this route
- Avoid the route during or after heavy rain because mud and flash flooding can persist.
- Use a map at the Scoggins junction and turn around before the drainage choice becomes uncertain.
Terrain and access: Defined lower path, sandy and rocky wash, large boulders, small seasonal falls, biological soil crust, and complete sun exposure.
Northgate Peaks via Kolob Terrace
- Distance
- 5.9 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,310 feet
- Time
- 4 hr 2 min
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use Wildcat Canyon Trailhead on Kolob Terrace Road; the road and trailhead are seasonal and can remain muddy after snowmelt.
- Best time
- Late spring through fall after the terrace road opens and the plateau dries.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
The route leaves Wildcat Trailhead through ponderosa and meadow before turning toward Northgate Peaks. Its viewpoint looks across the Guardian Angels and a less-visited section of Zion Wilderness.
Snowmelt can keep the plateau muddy into summer, and seasonal springs should not be treated as reliable drinking water. The final approach is not a license to scramble onto either peak; stop at the established viewpoint unless the group is equipped for a separate technical objective.
What helps on this route
- Carry all water and a downloaded route from the trailhead.
- Turn around if mud would force travel off the established tread.
Terrain and access: Ponderosa forest, meadow, seasonal mud, rolling plateau trail, sandy viewpoint approach, and remote road access.
Lava Point Overlook
- Distance
- 0.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 0 feet
- Time
- 1 hr
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Follow Kolob Terrace Road to the signed Lava Point area only when the seasonal road is open; use designated parking.
- Best time
- A clear summer or early-fall day after the high road opens and before winter weather returns.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
This brief walk reaches a high overlook above Zion's western backcountry. The elevation changes the scene from desert canyon to ponderosa country and can make the air noticeably cooler than Springdale.
The tiny recorded distance does not remove the access questions. Kolob Terrace and Lava Point roads can close for snow, mud, fire, or maintenance, and the exposed viewpoint is a poor place during lightning or high wind.
What helps on this route
- Check the current Kolob Terrace road status before the long drive.
- Bring a warm layer even when the main canyon is hot.
Terrain and access: Short high-elevation path, uneven rock, open rim exposure, seasonal road access, wind, and possible snow or mud.
Chinle Trail
- Distance
- 16.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 2,160 feet
- Time
- 7 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Turn from Highway 9 onto Anasazi Way between Rockville and Springdale and use the signed trailhead parking without entering private property.
- Best time
- A cool fall, winter, or spring day when the clay is dry.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Chinle crosses low desert around the base of Mount Kinesava, with broad views toward West Temple and patches of petrified wood. The route can be shortened at any point; the full saved out-and-back is a long exposed day rather than a casual nature walk.
Biological soil crust and petrified wood are protected resources. Stay on tread, leave every fragment in place, and avoid the route when wet clay would force detours. Summer heat makes this low-elevation trail an unsafe choice for most hikers.
What helps on this route
- Set a turnaround by time and water rather than chasing the end of the recorded line.
- Photograph petrified wood where it lies and never step onto dark, knobby soil crust.
Terrain and access: Open desert tread, clay and sand, scattered pinyon-juniper, biological soil crust, little shade, and long gentle grades.
Pa'rus Trail
- Distance
- 3.3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 240 feet
- Time
- 1 hr 5 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Begin at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center or use a signed South Campground connector; no canyon shuttle ride is required.
- Best time
- Sunrise, late afternoon, or any cool shoulder-season day.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on Pa'rus Trail. Trained service animals are allowed.
Pa'rus follows the Virgin River from the visitor-center area toward Canyon Junction. Bridges switch banks several times, and the open corridor frames the Watchman without committing hikers to a climb.
This is Zion's only trail open to pets and bicycles. It is paved and among the park's most accessible choices, though short slopes, heat, sand, and busy mixed use still matter. Cyclists should yield and slow well before blind bends or crowded bridge approaches.
What helps on this route
- Use the trail as a car-free sunset walk when the canyon shuttle queue is no longer appealing.
- Keep dogs leashed and off riverbanks; cyanobacteria guidance applies to pets too.
Terrain and access: Paved multi-use path, several bridges, gentle grades, exposed sun, and occasional sand or debris after storms.
Watchman Trail
- Distance
- 3.3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 590 feet
- Time
- 1 hr 37 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Walk from the visitor center; the trailhead lies near the Watchman Campground entrance.
- Best time
- Early morning in warm months or late afternoon when the switchbacks have shade.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Watchman Trail climbs a bench above the visitor center to a loop with views over Springdale, lower Zion Canyon, and the Towers of the Virgin. The route does not summit the Watchman; its payoff is the open perch below it.
Most of the gain arrives on exposed switchbacks. The tread narrows around rock outcrops, and shade is sparse after morning. Because the start is easy to reach, this hike also works on arrival or departure day when a canyon itinerary would be too cumbersome.
What helps on this route
- Carry water from the visitor center; there is none on the overlook loop.
- Save energy for the sunny return rather than treating the upper loop as the finish.
Terrain and access: Firm dirt and rock, steady switchbacks, short narrow sections, open desert slope, and a rolling viewpoint loop.
Lower Pine Creek Waterfall
- Distance
- 0.7 mi
- Elevation gain
- 55 feet
- Time
- 24 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use a legal pullout near the lower Pine Creek route start and never walk through or stop inside the Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel.
- Best time
- A cool dry morning when Pine Creek is low and no storm is forecast.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
A social route follows lower Pine Creek toward a small waterfall tucked below sandstone walls. It is not one of Zion's maintained, signed front-country trails, so the line can become indistinct among boulders and flood debris.
Water volume changes, rock can be slick, and higher scrambling is unnecessary for the waterfall view. Do not enter if rain threatens Pine Creek, and turn back rather than widening a bypass through vegetation or loose slopes.
What helps on this route
- Treat the route as a creek scramble, not a paved waterfall stop.
- Skip the outing when legal parking is unavailable or the creek is rising.
Terrain and access: Unsigned creekside route, sand, boulders, slick rock, short scrambles, seasonal water, and flash-flood exposure.
West Bank of the Virgin River
- Distance
- 6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 830 feet
- Time
- 3 hr
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the canyon shuttle stops and signed river access near Zion Lodge; do not walk along the scenic-drive pavement to reach the route.
- Best time
- A cool morning or late afternoon when the canyon floor is comfortable.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
This west-bank route follows the Virgin River corridor between developed canyon areas, using established tread where cottonwoods, benches, and open views alternate. It provides a lower, quieter counterpoint to the rim and slickrock routes in the guide.
River edges shift after floods, and some social tracks end at eroded banks or vegetation. Follow the saved established line and current signs rather than forcing a continuous shoreline walk. Cyanobacteria guidance applies here as everywhere along the Virgin River.
What helps on this route
- Use the shuttle to avoid turning the walk into roadside travel.
- Stay out of closed restoration areas and do not drink or submerge your head in river water.
Terrain and access: Mostly level riverside dirt, sand, cottonwood shade, occasional flood debris, eroded banks, and shuttle-linked access.
Sand Bench Trail
- Distance
- 3.9 mi
- Elevation gain
- 820 feet
- Time
- 2 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use Court of the Patriarchs or the Zion Lodge connection according to current shuttle access and trail signs.
- Best time
- Cool weather from late fall through spring; avoid the exposed bench in summer heat.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Sand Bench climbs onto the remains of an ancient landslide beneath the Sentinel. Its open position creates a different view of Zion Canyon than the shaded river paths, with the Patriarchs and canyon walls visible across much of the loop.
The name is literal: deep sand covers long sections and makes the elevation feel harder. Commercial horse groups use the trail seasonally. Step aside early, follow wrangler instructions, and expect dust, manure, and very little shade.
What helps on this route
- Carry extra water and treat the sandy climb as harder than a firm four-mile path.
- Move to the downhill side when horses approach unless the wrangler directs otherwise.
Terrain and access: Deep sand, firm dirt, horse traffic, occasional shallow water, open sun, and roughly one thousand feet of cumulative gain.
Emerald Pools Trail
- Distance
- 3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 510 feet
- Time
- 1 hr 28 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Ride the canyon shuttle to Zion Lodge, stop 5; use only the connectors posted open at the trailhead.
- Best time
- Morning before the pool system becomes busy, or after rain once rockfall and flood hazards have cleared.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
The Emerald Pools system links lower, middle, and upper basins beneath streaked sandstone walls. The lower path passes behind seasonal water; higher connectors trade pavement for sand, stone, and a steeper final approach.
Water volume varies dramatically, and the pools are never swimming holes. Wet ledges become slick, ice forms in winter, and rockfall can close individual connectors even when the rest of the system stays open. Follow the current signed route rather than bypassing a closure.
What helps on this route
- Choose the lower pool alone when time, heat, or footing argues against the upper climb.
- Do not linger directly beneath falling ice or recent rockfall scars.
Terrain and access: Paved lower approach, wet alcove, sandy ledges, stone steps, moderate drop-offs, and a steeper rocky finish to the upper pool.
Angels Landing
- Distance
- 4.8 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,970 feet
- Time
- 3 hr 46 min
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Ride the shuttle to the Grotto, stop 6, and carry the permit associated with the named permit holder.
- Best time
- The permitted time window on a dry, calm day without ice or thunderstorms.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Angels Landing shares the West Rim approach to Scout Lookout, then follows a narrow fin using chains and carved steps. A permit is required for everyone entering that final section; seasonal and day-before lotteries operate through Recreation.gov.
The chains do not make the ridge safe for every person or every day. Two-way traffic, polished rock, high wind, ice, and a severe fear of heights are valid reasons to stop at Scout Lookout. A permit grants access, not a promise that conditions are suitable.
What helps on this route
- Keep both hands free and stow phones before entering chain sections.
- Let faster or opposing hikers pass only at a stable, wider point.
Terrain and access: Sustained paved climb, tight switchbacks, narrow sandstone fin, chains, carved steps, and unprotected thousand-foot exposure.
Riverside Walk
- Distance
- 2.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 130 feet
- Time
- 1 hr 3 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Ride the Zion Canyon shuttle to Temple of Sinawava, stop 9, and note the final return departure.
- Best time
- A cool morning or shoulder-season afternoon when the paved path is not icy.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Riverside Walk follows the Virgin River beneath narrowing walls to the point where ordinary trail ends and Narrows travel begins. The first part is accessible with assistance, though sand, grades, and crowding can affect passage.
This outing stays on dry land. Water conditions still matter because flood warnings can affect the corridor, and cyanobacteria guidance applies along the river. Rock squirrels approach people here; feeding them harms wildlife and can lead to bites.
What helps on this route
- Turn around at the river entry if the group lacks proper footwear, layers, or a safe flood forecast.
- Leave enough time for the shuttle ride out of the canyon.
Terrain and access: Mostly paved riverside path, intermittent sand, short grades, overhanging walls, and a narrow canyon terminus.
The Narrows to Big Spring
- Distance
- 9.3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 290 feet
- Time
- 5 hr 51 min
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Take the shuttle to Temple of Sinawava, stop 9; Riverside Walk adds about two dry miles to the river portion.
- Best time
- Stable summer or early-fall weather with low flow, warm enough water, and no flash-flood concern.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Bottom-up Narrows travel begins where Riverside Walk ends and continues in the Virgin River. Big Spring is the farthest legal turnaround for this permit-free day hike; upstream travel beyond it is prohibited.
Most of the outing involves wading, walking, and sometimes swimming. Closed-toe footwear, a sturdy stick, quick-drying layers, protected electronics, and honest current assessment matter more than pace. The route closes above 150 cubic feet per second and during a Flash Flood Warning.
What helps on this route
- Treat Big Spring as a maximum, not a required destination; turn around while the return still looks manageable.
- Never drink river water or submerge your head because toxic cyanobacteria may be present.
Terrain and access: Paved approach followed by cold moving water, submerged uneven boulders, deep pools, narrow canyon walls, and no conventional tread.
Canyon Overlook Trail
- Distance
- 1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 250 feet
- Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use only legal spaces near the east portal of the Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel; parking is extremely limited and turning around may be necessary.
- Best time
- Morning before tunnel traffic and heat build, or a clear winter day without ice.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Built by Civilian Conservation Corps crews, Canyon Overlook crosses ledges and a sheltered alcove to a viewpoint above Pine Creek Canyon. Railings protect many of the sharpest edges, but they do not remove every drop-off.
The one-mile round trip is easier than the parking problem. Never stop in the tunnel or occupy an unsigned shoulder. If no space is available, continue east and return later rather than adding a dangerous roadside walk.
What helps on this route
- Keep children beside an adult on ledges and at the final viewpoint.
- Microspikes may help in winter, but turn around if ice covers exposed steps.
Terrain and access: Rock steps, sandy ledges, a short bridge, fenced and unfenced drop-offs, shade in the alcove, and an exposed overlook.
Progeny Peak
- Distance
- 2.4 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,150 feet
- Time
- 2 hr 2 min
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use only a legal pullout east of the Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel and keep completely off the highway travel lane.
- Best time
- A cool, dry morning with good visibility and no lightning risk.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Progeny Peak is an unmaintained slickrock route that climbs from the east-side highway toward a small summit above Pine Creek. Washes and sandstone ribs create several plausible lines, so the saved geometry is guidance rather than a signed trail.
Loose slabs, route-finding, exposed scrambling, and fragile soil make this unsuitable for a casual summit attempt. Turn around before any move the group cannot descend. Do not park illegally, build cairns, or cut across biological soil crust to recover the line.
What helps on this route
- Carry an offline map and keep the highway return bearing clear.
- Choose Canyon Overlook instead when parking, weather, or scrambling confidence is uncertain.
Terrain and access: Unmaintained wash and slickrock, steep slabs, loose gravel, route-finding, exposed scrambling, and scarce shade.
Cascade Falls Route
- Distance
- 2.3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 470 feet
- Time
- 1 hr 27 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use a legal east-side pullout near the route start without blocking Highway 9 or widening an informal parking area.
- Best time
- A cool, dry day with no rain forecast over the east-side slickrock drainages.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Cascade Falls is an unmaintained east-side route that follows slickrock and a shallow drainage toward a seasonal fall. The line is not signed, and the water feature may be dry; the open sandstone setting and route-finding are the experience.
This is not a maintained family trail. Wet slickrock, flash-flood potential, steep slabs, fragile biological soil crust, and uncertain wayfinding require conservative choices. Keep to durable rock and retrace the known line before terrain becomes exposed or unclear.
What helps on this route
- Carry the preserved route offline and record the return bearing from the pullout.
- Avoid the drainage during rain, lightning, or any upstream flash-flood concern.
Terrain and access: Unsigned slickrock and drainage, sand, moderate slabs, seasonal water, biological soil crust, and sustained route-finding.
Many Pools Route
- Distance
- 2.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 610 feet
- Time
- 1 hr 25 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use a legal pullout east of the Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel; do not block the highway or walk through the tunnel.
- Best time
- A dry spring morning when potholes hold water but no storm is in the drainage.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Many Pools climbs a sandstone drainage past water-filled potholes and cross-bedded rock. There is no formal signed trail in the canyon-guide sense; hikers follow the wash and choose sensible slickrock lines.
That informality is the point and the risk. Avoid cryptobiotic soil, never enter when flash flooding is possible, and turn around before scrambling becomes uncomfortable. Pools can be empty in dry periods, while wet sandstone becomes unexpectedly slick.
What helps on this route
- Download the route before losing service, but let terrain and park closures overrule the line.
- Step on durable rock rather than cutting across living soil crust.
Terrain and access: Unmarked slickrock drainage, potholes, short scrambles, little shade, and route-finding on durable surfaces.
Petroglyph Pools to Slot Canyon
- Distance
- 1.4 mi
- Elevation gain
- 260 feet
- Time
- 50 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use a legal east-side pullout without crossing private land or widening an informal parking area.
- Best time
- A dry cool morning when low-angle light helps reveal the petroglyphs.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
A lightly developed route crosses sandstone to shallow pools, a petroglyph panel, and a short slot-like drainage. The cultural site is the reason for restraint: touch, chalk, water, rubbing, and close-range crowding all damage the panel.
The approach is not a formal paved trail, and the drainage can flood. Stay on durable rock, avoid soil crust, and do not publish or create new shortcuts around other visitors. Turn around if the slot is wet or storms threaten upstream.
What helps on this route
- View and photograph rock art without touching it or tracing the figures.
- Keep the exact cultural-site location offline and leave every artifact in place.
Terrain and access: Lightly developed slickrock route, sand, shallow pools, short drainage narrows, biological soil crust, and cultural-resource sensitivity.
Observation Point via East Mesa Trail
- Distance
- 7 mi
- Elevation gain
- 730 feet
- Time
- 3 hr
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Reach East Mesa Trailhead from North Fork Road; NPS advises high-clearance four-wheel drive, and parking is allowed only in designated spaces.
- Best time
- A dry spring or fall day when the access road is firm and the rim is free of ice.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
East Mesa crosses ponderosa forest and open rim country to Observation Point above Zion Canyon. The walking is gentler than the old canyon-floor approach, but reaching the trailhead can be the day's hardest logistics.
The former route from Weeping Rock remains closed long term after a major rockfall and does not connect to this approach. North Fork roads become muddy and impassable after rain or snow. Use designated parking, respect private property, and arrange a local shuttle when vehicle clearance is doubtful.
What helps on this route
- Check road conditions before leaving pavement; do not assume four-wheel drive can repair a wet road decision.
- Carry a downloaded map because junctions on the mesa are quieter than Zion Canyon.
Terrain and access: Rolling forest road and trail, sand, mud after storms, minor rim grades, exposed final viewpoint, and remote trailhead access.
Deertrap Mountain from Stave Spring
- Distance
- 10.4 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,280 feet
- Time
- 5 hr
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Reach Stave Spring Trailhead only by the rough North Fork access roads; use designated spaces and respect private property.
- Best time
- A dry spring or fall day when the access road is firm and the rim is clear of snow.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
From Stave Spring, the route joins the East Rim network and follows rolling mesa country to the edge of Deertrap Mountain. The payoff is a broad view into Zion Canyon without the chain exposure of Angels Landing.
The trailhead road can be the hardest part of the day and may require high clearance and four-wheel drive. Stave Spring is seasonal and must be treated. Carry all needed water, navigate each mesa junction, and keep away from unprotected rim edges.
What helps on this route
- Arrange a local shuttle when road clearance or designated parking is uncertain.
- Download the East Rim map and mark the Stave Spring junction for the return.
Terrain and access: Forest and mesa tread, rolling grades, sandy junctions, remote rim travel, unprotected viewpoints, and rough-road access.
East Rim Trail to Overlook
- Distance
- 4.5 mi
- Elevation gain
- 620 feet
- Time
- 2 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed East Entrance trailhead and legal parking; this route does not connect to Zion Canyon because of the long-term rockfall closure.
- Best time
- Spring or fall after mud and snow have cleared, with a cool return forecast.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
East Rim Trail climbs from the east entrance through open slickrock views toward ponderosa forest. This shorter out-and-back turns at an overlook before the full Stave Spring distance, making the east-side climb visible without committing to an all-day traverse.
The trail no longer descends into Zion Canyon: the Echo Canyon-to-Weeping Rock segment is closed indefinitely after major rockfall. Stay on the open east-side portion, turn around at the mapped overlook, and expect mud or snow outside the dry shoulder seasons.
What helps on this route
- Do not plan a one-way descent to the shuttle canyon; no through connection exists.
- Carry water from the east entrance because seasonal sources are unreliable.
Terrain and access: Rocky climb, exposed slickrock, sand, high ponderosa forest, seasonal mud or snow, and a firm out-and-back turnaround.
Official planning sources
Trail access and safety details were checked against these National Park Service pages. The maps and profiles follow the corresponding route geometry.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Trail geometry and planning details include National Park Service public information.