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If you are a hiker and haven’t been to Zion National Park yet, you are missing out! Located in Utah, Zion is known as one of the state’s Big 5 national parks alongside Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. Zion is Utah’s oldest and most visited park for a reason! The picturesque scenery is quite different from the other parks. The best way to take in all the views is by hiking at Zion.

This post includes the top hikes in Zion National Park with everything you need to know about each of these day hikes. Whether you are looking for easy hikes in Zion or want to be challenged, there is a Zion hike for you!

If you are wondering how to get to Zion, about the shuttle bus system, where to stay nearby, what to pack, and more, check out my complete guide to Zion and Bryce Canyon. You’ll also want to take a look at the best hikes in Bryce Canyon if you are planning to visit the other national park nearby.

Now onto the top hikes in Zion, which will surely be the best part of your trip! Hike prepared with best hiking attire and everything you need in your day pack.

Top Hikes in Zion National Park

Zion Canyon Hiking Trails

The hikes below include the best hikes in Zion that are on the shuttle route in the main canyon and open as of this writing. They are listed from the hikes closest to the Zion Visitor Center to the ones at the last shuttle stop in the canyon. The trail stats are taken from the NPS website. The distance is round-trip unless otherwise noted.

Watchman Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 3.3 miles

Elevation Change: 368ft

Shuttle Stop: #1

Trailhead: Visitor Center

Restrooms: Visitor Center

I noticed that some guides don’t include the Watchman Trail in their list of top hikes in Zion. As I really enjoyed the trail I have no idea why! It is a steady climb up, but not quite as challenging as other hikes in Zion so there is more opportunity to look around and enjoy the view.

The top has a large, fairly flat area with lots of spots to rest and take in the views. There’s also a small loop trail at the top. There isn’t a whole lot of shade so it’s a good hike for a cloudy day or earlier/later in the day.

Pa’rus Trail

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 3.5 miles

Elevation Change: 50ft

Shuttle Stop: #1 & #3

Trailhead: Visitor Center and Canyon Junction Bridge

Restrooms: Visitor Center

The trail starts near the visitor center at the same spot as the Watchman Trail. It is a paved trail that allows leashed pets and bicycles. It is also stroller and wheelchair friendly.

I didn’t get a chance to do this trail, but I heard that it is a beautiful walk along the river with views of the canyon from below. It seems like a nice hike to do at the end of the day or if you are looking to hike in Zion, but don’t want anything too strenuous.

Emerald Pools

Difficulty: Lower – easy / Middle – moderate / Upper – moderate

Distance: Lower – 1.2 miles/ Middle – 2.2 miles / Upper – 1 mile

Elevation Change: Lower – 69ft/ Middle – 150ft/ Upper – 100ft

Shuttle Stop: #5

Trailhead: Zion Lodge

Restrooms: Zion Lodge

The Emerald Pool hikes are three separate trails, but they all connect. You can hike a loop by taking the Lower Emerald Pools one way and the Middle Emerald Pools the other way. You’ll need to hike one of the two trails to reach the Upper Emerald Pools, which is located about halfway between the two. It is an out and back trail that is quite rocky and sandy in parts.

On one day I hiked the Lower Emerald Pools, to the Upper Emerald Pools, and back on the Middle Emerald Pools. On another day I hiked the Kayenta Trail, which is also connected, to the Lower Emerald Pools.

The trails are worth doing, but I found that on both days (at separate times of day) they seemed to be the most crowded of anywhere in the park. Also the pools were interesting, but I wasn’t overly impressed.

Kayenta Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 2 miles

Elevation Change: 150ft

Shuttle Stop: #6

Trailhead: The Grotto

Restrooms: The Grotto

The Kayenta trail is a short connecting trail between the Grotto picnic area and the Emerald Pools trails. Unlike the Grotto trail mentioned below, this trail is along the cliff and offers views of the canyon and river below. You can hike it by itself as an out and back trail or combine it with the Emerald Pools trails for a full loop back to The Grotto or to The Lodge (almost a full loop).

The three Emerald Pools trails are considered some of the best hikes at Zion, but I actually enjoyed the Kayenta Trail more. I liked the views of the canyon and there were significantly less people on this section.

The Grotto

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 1 mile

Elevation Change: 35ft

Shuttle Stop: #5 and #6

Trailhead: Zion Lodge & the Grotto

Restrooms: Zion Lodge & the Grotto

I wouldn’t go out of your way to hike the Grotto as there isn’t anything particularly special about it, especially compared to all the other hikes. I included it as it a good connecting trail between shuttle stops #5 and #6. It’s a fairly flat, shaded trail that can be hiked quickly instead of taking the shuttle.

West Rim Trail

Difficulty: Strenuous

Distance: 4.8 miles

Elevation Change: 1066ft

Shuttle Stop: #6

Trailhead: The Grotto

Restrooms: The Grotto, Scout’s Lookout

The West Rim trail leads to Scout’s Lookout which is the start of Angel’s Landing. A permit is not needed to hike the West Rim Trail from the Grotto.

The hike is very steep with switchbacks up the side of the canyon. The trails aren’t super narrow, but if you are afraid of heights the drop off may make your heart race. There’s a beautiful section going into the canyon before once again going up some switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles! These ones are even steeper and tighter together. Don’t give up here though as you are almost to the top, or at least to the start of Angel’s Landing!

As an alternative to Angel’s Landing you can continue on the West Rim trail. The entire trail is 16.2 miles one way. Note that the stats above are only for the section from the Grotto to Scout’s Lookout. You can obtain a permit and hike the entire length the opposite way.

Angel’s Landing

Difficulty: Strenuous

Distance: 1 mile

Elevation Change: 557ft

Shuttle Stop: #6

Trailhead: The Grotto

Restrooms: The Grotto, Scout’s Lookout

Angel’s Landing is one of the most popular hikes at Zion. To cut down on the congestion, permits are now required. There are two types. The first opens about two months before your hiking date. The second is a day before lottery system. There is a non-refundable $6 fee to enter the lottery and a $3 per person fee if you receive a permit.

There are three different time slots to choose between for a permit. As the permits are broken up into 3 time periods with the last one being after 11am, you may want to wait until later in the afternoon to do this hike. Many people recommend choosing an earlier time slot as afternoons are busy. I noticed late in the afternoon and early evening there weren’t that many people around. Just make sure you allow enough time to get back to the shuttle. Don’t wait for the very last shuttle as it may be full.

I didn’t get a permit so stopped at Scout’s lookout, took in the view’s of Angel’s Landing, and then headed back down the West Rim trail. The trail definitely isn’t for anyone afraid of heights, but I am sure the experience of 360 degree views at the top are worth it! There are chains along the way to help pull yourself up.

Riverside Walk

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 2.2 miles

Elevation Change: 57ft

Shuttle Stop: #9

Trailhead: Temple of Sinawava

Restrooms: Temple of Sinawava

The Riverside Walk leads to the start of the Narrows Hike. You’ll need to walk it to hike the Narrows, but even if you aren’t planning to do the water hike it is a nice walk on its own.

It is a paved trail at the bottom of the canyon along the river. A good portion of the trail can be walked in the sand right alongside the river.

The Narrows (Bottom Up)

Difficulty: Strenuous

Distance: 9.4 miles (including Riverside Walk)

Elevation Change: 334ft

Shuttle Stop: #9

Trailhead: Temple of Sinawava

Restrooms: Temple of Sinawava

The Narrows is another one of the top hikes in Zion. It begins at the end of the Riverside Trail. You’ll start by wading in the Virgin River. The entire hike is in the river. Depending on the water level and how far you decide to walk into the canyon, the water can go as high as your chest. In some parts the canyon is only 20 – 30ft wide.

A hiking stick and water boots are recommended. Most people who did the hike said that the stick and the waterproof boots and socks are truly needed as the water is quite cold and the rocky bottom requires sturdy footing. I missed out on this one as I didn’t have the appropriate gear, but it looks like a unique trail. If you are hiking solo and hesitant about tackling this one on your own go with an expert guide.

Without a permit you can do this bottom up hike to Big Spring which is 9.4 miles roundtrip. You can turn around at any point though. There’s also a top down hike that requires a permit and allows you to hike the full 16 miles one way.

The Canyon Overlook Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 1 mile

Elevation Change: 163ft

Shuttle Stop: None

Trailhead: East Entrance of Zion Mt-Carmel Trail

Restrooms: Pit Toilets

The Canyon Overlook Trail is located near the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. The shuttle does not run here. You’ll need to drive and test your luck parking at a very small parking lot. There’s another small parking lot a little past the trailhead. The tunnel can also have delays so although it isn’t that far away from the visitor center, it can take awhile to reach. The most direct route from Zion to Bryce Canyon passes the trailhead. This would be a good time to try the hike here.

The hike itself is short, but includes some steep drop offs. Some parts have railings for safety, but not everywhere. You’ll be rewarded with a great view at the top.

Kolob Canyons Hiking Trails

This section of Zion is about 50 minutes away from the main canyon. Kolob Canyons not only has some of the top hikes in Zion due to the spectacular scenery, but also because of the lack of crowds. Many visitors stick to the main canyon so you won’t have any issue parking at the trailheads in Kolob Canyons.

Taylor Creek

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 5 miles

Elevation Change: 450ft

Trailhead: Taylor Creek

Restrooms: Pit toilets

The national park ranger highly recommended this trail so this was the only one I did at Kolob Canyons. I loved the trail. It was beautiful and there were not many people hiking on it. It involved multiple creek crossings and gained elevation slowly. There are a couple of old cabins to check out on the way.

The top hikes in Zion National Park are enough of a reason to visit, but if you are looking for more things to do in Zion check out the experiences below. From horseback rides, to UTV rides, to canyoneering trips, there are so many adventures to be had at Zion!

Top Hikes in Zion Not to Miss

Top Hikes in Zion National Park