Best Hikes In Zion National Park

Of course, some of the most famous and popular hiking trails in Zion National Park are the famous Utah trails such as Angels Landing, The Narrows, and Observation Trail, but there are also some easy Zion hikes mainly with stunning Zion view without a crowd.

This youthful park opened in 1919 as Utah’s first National Park and is now one of the country’s most frequented National Parks. There is a good reason for it and the beauty in Zion National Park is just astounding. I think this is something one should definitely look forward to do on the bucket list!

In addition, Zion National Park provides one of the amazing slots canyons (Narrows), the longest natural arch of Kolob Arch, and probably one of the most exciting one-day hikes in the world – Angels Landing.

This fantastic location is among the most visited park throughout the year, and I’ve always developed this list of the most enjoyable hiking in Zion National park. The following are perhaps not a comprehensive catalog of all the great hiking trails out there in the park but are, in my opinion, some of the absolutely best ones!

Best Hikes In Zion National Park

1. Angels Landing Hike

• I had to start with Angels Landing, because it is true that this really is the king of the Zion treks. If you decide to take one walk in Utah and the national parks, it should be this one.

• It’s an adventurous and terrifying track which takes you right up the side of a high sandstone mountain where chains are provided to hold on to, and stunning views of Zion National Park on all sides. These permits are needed since 2022.

• The Angels Landing chain part is notably famous for being hair-raising and perilous, and there have been a lot of falling deaths on this trek over the years, although it’s fairly safe if you keep to the route.

• At points, the route will only be a few feet wide, and you’ll have to hug the edge of the mountain. Not all of this portion has chains, but the more sketchy areas have for your safety.

2. Observation Point Trail

• The Observation Point path is a touch underestimated, but it’s certainly one of the greatest walks in Zion National Park. This one leads you to a vista above Zion Canyon and the entire park.

• Spread out in front of you are several of Zion’s famous vistas including the Great White Throne, Cathedral Mountain, and Angels Landing. We could even see the little people ascending to the top of Angels Landing, and the roads and shuttle buses appeared like toys in the distance.

• The height here at Observation Point is more than 700 feet above Angels Landing, so you truly do get a bird’s-eye perspective of Zion National Park.

3. The Narrows

• Of course I had to highlight the mother of all slot canyons, the Zion Narrows!

• This is a gigantic chasm with cliffs a thousand feet tall, and the Virgin River flows through it. Hiking the Narrows includes walking in water, and if you travel the complete length it’s 16 miles overall.

• The good news is that the Narrows is available to all fitness levels because you don’t have to go to the end of the gorge. You can stop and turn around whenever you choose.

• It’s possible to trek the entire Narrows in one full day if you secure a permit in advance, but most people only go partway and then turn around (no permission necessary for that).

• The bad news is that the Narrows is become quite popular. The throng kind of spoiled it for us. If you’re truly focused on viewing the Narrows without crowds, I’d recommend acquiring a permit and hiking it from the top down. Otherwise, you may want to go to one of the other treks in Zion National Park instead.

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4. Zion Canyon Overlook Trail

• The Canyon Overlook route is one of the shortest walks in Zion National Park, but the vistas at the finish are excellent.

• This trek may be done by families with tiny kids, as well as senior persons. There are several portions with high drop-offs, but the most hazardous areas are sheltered by a robust metal fence, so it’s never too terrifying.

• The start of this trek is actually the roughest portion, because you have to climb several steps. Even though it’s a pretty short trip, you’ll want to pack water. There are a few shade areas along the walk, including a tiny cave or alcove, but majority of the trail is in the sun.

• At the conclusion, you get spectacular vistas of Zion Canyon. It’s virtually comparable to the final vista at the top of Angels Landing, but with less labor!

5. Pa’rus Trail

• For quick flat and easy day Zion hikes if you are looking to dip your toes in the Zion waters, Pa’rus trail is the best shot. This one is quite easy to obtain because it is very close to the campsite, the Zion visitor center as well as the main lot.

• It is the only hiking path in Zion National Park that allows bicycles and dogs and only one of the two trails that is completely accessible for wheelchairs.

• This is a paved hiking trail parallel to the Virgin River and you will likely come across with wildflower and wildlife. It won’t be a movie with great spectacles or anything like that, but it is very quite and beautiful with stunning vistas of Zion Canyon and the Watchman.

• The trail during the walk is marked by exhibits that give a brief history and the geology ofzion national park. The problem is that there are almost no trees so have a hat and sunscreen with you if you choose to do this hike in summer, morning or evening would be the best time to do this climb.

6. Riverside Walk

• The Riverside Walk is more preferable if compared with the Zion Narrows, if you are willing to have the views for doing a little more effort. This is a work of easy family pat, hence all maneuverable by wheelchair and very appropriate for children.

• The path is paved for the entire length of the hike and you actually do not have to hike through any of the water like you do in the Narrows. During this, one will see many chipmunks, squirrels and dears together with spectacular views of the gigantic walls of the canyon. For a glimpse of the Zion Narrows this place has to be considered. And, for that matter, it opens directly to the Narrows – or so we have been led to believe.

• This is one the most famous treks which means that during the day many people will pass you, if you wish to avoid this start earlier in the morning. It gets insanely hot, but there is plenty of shade at that point as well.