The Best Hikes in Zion: 9 Epic Zion Hikes You NEED to Do

Looking for the best Zion hikes with the most stunning views and the most thrilling adventures? Keep on reading for all of the best Zion National Park hikes to add to your bucket list!

With its tall red cliffs, awe-inspiring hikes, and stunning vistas, Zion National Park has become one of the most popular national parks in the country, attracting over 5 million visitors a year. While the park offers a range of hiking opportunities, suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities, some of the best hikes also provide some of the most unique experiences. This includes hiking through the Virgin River (The Narrows) and scaling a razor-thin margin on the side of a cliff (Angels Landing).

When my friends Christina and Nancy asked if I wanted to take a trip to Zion to  run the Zion Half Marathon with them, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. I had been hearing about Zion and its beautiful red cliffs, thrilling adventures, and jaw-dropping views from various friends and all over social media, and I absolutely wanted to see it for myself.

While Zion is a relatively small park (only about 15 miles long), there are no shortage of adventures, and my favorite are also some of my all-time favorites that I’ve done. They are the kind of thrilling experiences that end up on people’s hiking bucket lists – for good reason!

And let’s talk about the views. I was blown away by the sheer beauty of it all – Zion is definitely a magical place. While, yes, the harder hikes will provide some of the most jaw-dropping views, you don’t need to work that hard for some amazing scenery if you don’t want to – just driving through the valley, you will ooooh and ahhhhh at what you see in front of you.

It is also a perfect stop on a road trip of the American Southwest – in relatively close proximity to the Grand Canyon North Rim, Bryce Canyon, and Utah’s other National Parks.

Utah’s oldest national park (it just celebrated its centennial last year in 2019) has a whole lot going for it. Ready to tackle some of the best hikes in Zion? Read on for which Zion National Park hikes you should also add to your bucket list!

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Things to Know Before Visiting Zion National Park

• Entrance Fees: The park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, and is valid for up to seven days. If you’re planning to visit multiple parks (perhaps as part of a Utah road trip or American Southwest road trip), then I highly recommend purchasing the America the Beautiful annual pass. For $80, the pass allows unlimited access to National Parks and Recreation Areas (with a few exceptions). It is an excellent deal!
  
• Do you need a reservation to visit Zion National Park? No reservations are needed to enter the park in 2024.
  
• Zion shuttle: For most of the year (March 3-December 1 in 2024), the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to most personal vehicles. The only way to get around during these months is via park shuttle. No reservations are needed to access the shuttle. There is a line that makes runs within the park, and another that also makes stops in Springdale. Shuttles run every 5-15 minutes. It takes around 45 minutes to go from the Zion Visitor Center (stop 1) to the Temple of Sinawava (stop 9), so plan accordingly when planning your hikes. You can check the Zion park website for schedules and more information.
  
• Permits: Do note that some hikes require a permit, most notably Angels Landing. Those looking to hike on the chains beyond Scout’s Lookout will need to acquire a permit. There is an advance seasonal lottery, as well as a day before lottery. You can read more about the permit process on the NPS website. Do also note that permits are required for the upstream hike on the Narrows as well as the Subway.
  
• Weather and Flash Floods: Zion is prone to flash floods and thunderstorms, especially in the summer. Be sure to check current conditions before you embark on a hike! Do not attempt to hike if there is a storm. Conditions can change rapidly and things can become dangerous very quickly. This is especially true for trails that are near the river. Also note that the Narrows can sometimes close when water levels are too high.
  
• Take plenty of water: More than you *think* you need! It’s always good to be prepared, especially in the summer, when temperatures get HOT in Zion. Bring extra water. You can bring a reusable water bottle, but I suggest a hydration bladder instead for easy access.

Best Zion National Park Hikes

Zion has hiking opportunities for hikers of every age and ability, from short family-friendly walks to thrilling bucket-list hikes. It even has opportunities for backpackers looking for multi-day hikes, but I’ve concentrated on the best day hiking opportunities here. 

I’ve organized this list of the best hikes at Zion by ability, going from easy to strenuous. You’ll find that there is something for everyone here on this list!

Best Easy Hikes in Zion

Emerald Pools

Distance: 3 miles, round trip (1-2 hours)
Elevation Gain: 350 feet
Shuttle Stop: Zion Lodge (#5); or the Grotto (#6) for access directly to Upper Emerald Pools

The Emerald Pools trail is quick and easy, making it one of the most popular hikes in the aprk. It is actually comprised of two short trails – Lower Emerald Pools and Upper Emerald Pools – that run along a stream, covered in lush vegetation. Water falls from the cliffs above to create several “pools.” This is one of the classic Zion hikes, so expect a crowd. This is one of the best options for families with small children as it is easy and short.

Most hikers start from the trailhead across from the Zion Lodge, but you can also access it from the Grotto by way of the Kayenta Trail.

If you do hike Emerald Pools, do yourself a favor and do not stop at the Lower Emerald Pools. Yes, the hike there is only about a half mile long and super easy. However, you won’t see much. It could possibly be the fact that we did the hike during the warmer months, which meant that the water was starting to dry out, but I was not impressed at all. 

There was just a trickle of water falling from the cliffs overhead, and a few puddles of water on the ground. We went along a bit further expecting to see something more impressive, but then encountered a sign showing the way to Upper Emerald Pools.

Emerald Pools is best done during the spring and fall months, when rainfall and snowmelt create much more water in the pools. I’ve heard that during these months, you get to walk under legit waterfalls from the cliffs above! The water gets a bit dried out in the summer, but you can still see actual emerald pools if you continue on. Be aware that the trail sometimes gets shut down in the winter due to ice and/or landslides.

You will encounter a bit more incline by continuing onto Upper Emerald Pools, but the trail starts to become more scenic. After a steep and sandy quarter mile at the final stretch, you will get to the upper pools.

You can actually see the green color in the water – such a pretty sight! The pools are surrounded by towering 300-foot cliffs on three sides, with a stream of water falling into the pools from the center. The pools are much larger in the spring and fall, and the emerald color gets more intense – and the overhead stream turns into a roaring waterfall!

Oh, also – you’ll really get a sense of how giant the boulders are when you try to get a photo of it. Neither my dSLR lens or phone were wide enough to capture the whole scene (you can see my feeble attempts above). Luckily, Christina had a clip-on wide angle lens for her phone, and it came in super handy here!

The cliffs and boulders provide some nice shade here, so this is also a great spot to stop for a snack or lunch break. 

Riverside Walk

Distance: 2.2 miles (1-1.5 hours)
Elevation Change: 57 feet
Shuttle Stop: Temple of Sinawava (#9)

The Riverside Walk follows the Virgin River, leading you to where the Narrows begin. If you plan on hiking the Narrows, you will walk along the Riverside Walk to get there before you go into the river.

Because it is short, flat, and paved, it is one of the best options for families. It is ideal for people of all ages and abilities, which makes it one of the best easy hikes in Zion.

It is a bit more of a walk than a hike (the name “Riverside Walk” is pretty fitting), but it is one of the prettiest hikes in the park. There are great views of the Virgin River, with lots of lush vegetation and hanging gardens all along the canyon walls.

There’s also a chance of wildlife sightings – mule deer, wild turkeys, and even blue herons have been known to make appearances along the trail. There are also little side trails that give you river access.

At the end, you’ll come to a point where the canyon is so narrow that there are no land banks on either side of the river. This is where the Narrows start. You’ll find lots of people playing in the water here – it’s a great spot to cool off from the heat (if you’re visiting in the summer), and stop to take a snack or lunch break.

Afterwards, you can continue back to the shuttle stop the same way you came from, or continue onto the Narrows hike (more on that later!).

Canyon Overlook

Distance: 1 mile, roundtrip (1 hour)
Elevation Gain: 163 feet
Shuttle Stop: None, drive on Mt. Carmel Highway

If you want a hike that has all the epic views without much effort, then lucky you – Canyon Overlook is the hike for you!

We loved this one so much that we ended up doing it twice (and then came back on a second visit to Zion). I like to call this one the “poor man’s Angels Landing” because it’s got a similarly dramatic view of the Zion Canyon, but with a whole lot less effort. It’s one of the best easy Zion hikes with a stunning view!

Canyon Overlook is one of the few hikes that start in the East Canyon, so it is not accessible via the Zion shuttle and you will need to drive. From the visitor’s center, take Highway 9 towards the east entrance of the park. 

The drive itself is super scenic and another reason why you need to add Canyon Overlook to yourZion itinerary. You will drive up a series of switchbacks on the mountain. On the left is the Great Arch and if you look closely, you will see people on top of it – this is where the Canyon Overlook viewpoint is. 

You will then drive through the Mount Carmel Tunnel. Be aware that the tunnel is completely dark, save for the lights from other cars’ headlights, and from the few windows that are carved out into the tunnel. We had no idea it was going to be completely dark and were kind of creeped out the first time we drove through it, haha!

Because of this, they control traffic so that it is only going one way at a time inside the tunnel. As soon as you exit, there is a small parking lot on the right. The lot fills up quickly, but you can find overflow parking further down the road.

From the trailhead, you will climb up some steps carved into the rock. The rest of the trail is relatively flat here on out, passing through shaded alcoves and over bare slickrock. You will see giant sandstone stonewalls on one side (much of the trail is carved into the rock itself), with sweeping views of the Pine Creek Narrows on the other.

Watch your step as there are giant exposed tree roots and rocks on much of the trail. Also be sure to wear sturdy shoes as the rock tends to get slippery – I didn’t on my first attempt, and  immediately regretted it.

At the end of the trail, you will come to a viewpoint that offers sweeping views of the canyon. From here, you can see the switchbacks of Highway 9, West Temple, the Towers of the Virgins, the Streaked Wall, and the Beehives. It is one of the most photogenic spots in the park!

I highly recommend watching the sunset from here – seeing those canyons become bathed in golden light is an absolutely magical sight. The trail is also short enough that you can get back before it gets too dark and sketchy (just be sure to bring a flashlight or lantern – we brought along a collapsible one).

Best Moderate Hikes

The Watchman

Distance: 3.3 miles (2 hours)
Elevation Gain: 368 feet
Shuttle Stop: Zion Visitor Center (#1)

Ok, so technically you won’t actually hike to the top of the Watchman, one of Zion’s most iconic peaks. Rather, the hike gives you some pretty sweet views of it. It is also a shorter trail and can be done relatively quickly, making it one of the best hikes if you are short on time.

The Watchman is often overlooked by visitors, and well, it does kind of pale in comparison to some of the marquee Zion National Park hikes, such as the Narrows and Angels Landing. However, it is such a short hike and it does offer some majestic views!

The Watchman trail starts over by the Visitors Center, meaning you don’t have to take a shuttle to get started. The first part of the hike isn’t very scenic, but as you start climbing up, it starts to get prettier!

Be aware that most of the trail is in full sun and it gets HOT! We did this hike on a day where it was almost 100 degrees, and boy, I underestimated this one. While the inclines initially didn’t seem so gnarly to me, combined with the heat, I was definitely huffing and puffing throughout the hike. Be sure to carry plenty of water with you!

At the end, you will reach a viewpoint that leads you above the first layer of cliffs, about 300 feet above the canyon floor. In addition to stunning views of its namesake rock, you will also see beautiful views of the Towers of Virgin, Bridge Mountain, and the entire town of Springdale. There is also a small loop trail here that will give you even more views to the south.

The Narrows

Distance: 4-9 miles (~5-8 hours, depending on how far you go)
Elevation Gain: 334 feet
Shuttle Stop: Temple of Sinawava (#9)

If you are looking for a unique hiking experience, then you can’t do much better than the Narrows. The Narrows is one of the most iconic hikes in the park. It gives you an unforgettable experience of hiking in the North Fork of the Virgin River through the narrowest section of the Zion Canyon. This is a quintessential slot canyon hike – you should definitely add the Narrows to your bucket list!

More experienced hikers can opt to do the entire 16 mile span of the Narrows as a top down hike, in either a day or overnight hike. The top-down option requires hikers to secure a wilderness permit, as well as transportation to Chamberlain’s Ranch, the starting point for the hike. 

Instead, most people (like us) choose to do the Narrows as a bottoms up hike. This is one of the most popular Zion day hikes, and the easiest way to experience the Narrows.

You can choose to make the hike as long or strenuous as you like, depending on your abilities. For a strenuous all-day adventure, you can go as far upstream to Big Stream, the end point for the bottoms up hike. Otherwise, you can choose to hike only a portion of the bottoms up hike.

From the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop, you will first start hiking on the Riverside Walk to get to the beginning of the Narrows. Once you get to the river, you will get into the water to continue onto the Narrows hike. 

This is definitely one of the most unique and magical hikes that I’ve ever done, and was definitely one of my favorites in the park (tied with Angels Landing). The scenery is absolutely breathtaking throughout, and it was cool to see how it changes as you get deeper into the canyon. We definitely made many stops along the way to oooh and aaah and snap lots of photos!

The water level is about ankle deep when you start the hike, and progressively gets higher as you continue deeper into the canyon. The water levels can change based on the time of year, and the amount of rainfall that occurred. At the highest point, the water was about waist-high. Most of the hike is done in knee-deep water.

Most hikers aim to reach Wall Street, which is the beginning of the narrowest part of the canyon, about two miles into the hike. It takes about 2.5-3 hours to get to this point. I highly recommend hiking up to this part, as the scenery here is absolutely mesmerizing!

Seeing the light streaming through the narrow canyon is pure magic, especially if you reach this point between 10am-3pm. The spectacular scenery that you see throughout the Narrows is what makes it one of the absolute best hikes in Zion National Park!

Some choose to continue on and explore Orderville Canyon, a tributary canyon on the east side of the river that is known to be taller, darker, and even more enchanting than the main part of the Narrows.

If you make it this far, you will find that the hike gets much more challenging, and that a lot more scrambling is involved. After this point, it is about a half mile to reach Big Springs. This is the furthest you can go when doing the bottoms up Narrows day hike.

We hiked up to Wall Street and continued for a bit until we came across a side trail. However, because there is a fair amount of rock scrambling involved after this point, we ended up turning back shortly after the fork. In all, the hike took us about six hours.

Some Tips for Hiking the Narrows

• You will need a pair of sturdy water shoes (my friend Christina also did this in a pair of hiking sandals and that worked out) and a walking stick (or hiking poles) to hike the Narrows. The rocks can get VERY slippery and I definitely slipped a few times, even with the proper gear! We saw people attempting the hike barefoot or even in flip-flops and they were struggling HARD. A wet bag is also recommended for this Zion hike because the water can get up to waist deep. 
• I rented all my gear at Zion Outfitters, which is located just outside the park’s entrance. A one-day rental for water shoes, a walking stick, and a wet bag came out to about $50. 
• The Narrows are best hiked during the late spring and summer months, when the water temperature is the warmest and the water levels are at the lowest. However, the Narrows can be more susceptible to flash floods during this time. The fall months bring more stable weather, however, the days are shorter and the water gets colder. Yes. you can hike the Narrows in the winter, but be prepared for cold water temps, and for trail closures due to snowmelt.
• The water levels at the Narrows fluctuate greatly year to year and day to day. The hike gets more challenging when the water levels get above 70 CFS (cubic feet per second), when and the water can frequently be thigh-deep, and even get as high as chest-deep! When the water levels reach 150 CFS, the Narrows are closed. Please check current conditions before planning for hiking the Narrows.
• The Narrows is also susceptible to toxic cyanobacteria, which can also shut down the hike. While the park monitors the bacteria level and shuts down the Narrows when necessarily, they also cannot always check every area of the park. There is always a risk that you’ll be exposed to the cyanobacteria so you will need to evaluate your risk tolerance. At the very least, do NOT drink or filter water from here, and do not submerge your head. As always, check the park website for updates on current conditions.

**note: The Narrows is currently closed due to a flow rate above 150 CFS. You can check current conditions to see when it will reopen.

Want to learn more about hiking the Narrows? Here’s my complete Narrows Hiking Guide!

Best Strenuous Hikes

Hidden Canyon

Distance: 2.5 miles, roundtrip (2.5 hours)
Elevation Gain: 850 feet
Shuttle Stop: Weeping Rock (#7)

The Hidden Canyon trail is one of the park’s most unique hikes because it literally takes you to the mouth of a hidden canyon, tucked away above the main canyon east of the Great White Throne.  

If you are looking for to escape the crowds that are common on some of the most popular hikes in the park, then Hidden Canyon is an awesome choice. For most of the hike, we were the only ones on the trail and it was nice to have that peace and quiet, especially because every other hike seemed so busy. You do get the feel that you are exploring, well, a hidden canyon.

Hidden Canyon is a short but steep hike, with almost a 1000 foot elevation gain in one mile. Much of the first part of the trail is also in full sun. I definitely found this part to be challenging and had to stop for tons of breaks – that’s okay, because the views are absolutely stunning so this gives you an excuse to soak them up and snap tons of photos! 

The hike starts at the Weeping Rock trailhead and shares the same trail to Observation Point for the first ¾ mile, after which you will come to a junction. Take a right to continue onto Hidden Canyon. While many people hike both Hidden Canyon and Observation Point on the same day, we were running the Zion Half Marathon the next morning and didn’t want to tire out our legs too much. Next time!

A series of short, steep switchbacks follow, after which you will continue along a narrow trail that essentially scales the side of a cliff, descending into a shaded valley that leads to the mouth of Hidden Canyon. 

There are chains attached to the canyon walls here to help you with this portion of the hike, although there are also some exposed parts. Wear sturdy shoes with a solid grip, watch your step, take your time, and use caution. This part of the hike was my favorite because not only was it a thrilling experience, the views were absolutely stunning!

If you are planning to hike Angels Landing, this is a great warmup hike! We ended up doing Angels Landing the next day, and I felt that using the chains on this part of the Hidden Canyon trail definitely prepared me and was a good training run. Because I had used the chains at Hidden Canyon, I felt much more comfortable on the final ascent of Angels Landing. It felt less scary and sketchy to me because I had a solid feel for how to use the chains to my advantage.

After this, you will come upon a sign telling you that this is where the maintained portion of the trail ends, and that you’re on your own from here on out. The next part of the hike takes you into Hidden Canyon itself, and continues for about a mile.

Hiking through the canyon is sort of like hiking through an obstacle course. There was a fair amount of scrambling over giant boulders and fallen trees. When you see a small free-standing arch, you will have come to the end of the trail and a sign warns you  not to venture any further.

To be honest, I found the end of the hike to be a bit anticlimactic. I’m not sure what exactly I was expecting, but I was rather unimpressed by the arch that awaited me at the end, especially after all that effort scrambling up those rocks. 

Still though, the unique experience of scaling the side of the cliff on the way into the canyon, and the epic views along much of the trail makes Hidden Canyon worthwhile.

Note: The Hidden Canyon trail is currently closed due to rockfall damage at Weeping Rock. Keep checking current trail conditions for the latest updates. 

Angels Landing

Distance: 5.4 miles, roundtrip (4-5 hours)
Elevation Gain: 1488 feet
Shuttle Stop: The Grotto (#6)

Angel’s Landing is perhaps the most iconic of all the hikes in Zion National Park. This one ends up on a lot of hikers’ bucket lists, and for good reason! This classic Zion hike is famous for being the most thrilling, dangerous hike in the park, if not one of the most dangerous in the world.

It is definitely one of the most famous Zion National Park hikes, and therefore always attracted a huge crowd. Chances are that if you know anything about Zion, then you’ve probably at least heard of Angels Landing. Many people say that this perhaps *the* best in Zion!

Because of the crowding, the park now requires a permit for hikers continuing to go beyond Scout’s Lookout. Personally, I think this is wise as I found that it got super crowded on the chains and this can make things a bit sketchy.

Getting a Permit for Angels Landing

There are two options for applying for an Angels Landing permit:

Seasonal Lottery: For these permits, you must apply for the lottery ahead of time. The deadline for the lottery depends on when you plan to do your hike. Here is a table from the NPS website:

There is a non-refundable fee of $6 to apply for the lottery. This fee covers up to 6 people. You can choose up to 7 ranked dates and times when applying.

If you are successful in landing a permit, there is also a $3 per person charge. If you have to cancel your permit, this fee is refunded back to you.

Day Before Lottery: This is the best option if you are unsuccessful at getting a permit through the seasonal lottery, or it’s too late to apply.

You can apply for the lottery the day before you plan to hike Angels Landing. The application will be open from 12:01 am to 3pm MST. Results of the lottery will be announced at 4pm.

As with the seasonal lottery, there is a non-refundable application fee of $6, which covers up to 6 people. If you are successful, there is another fee of $3 per person.

After getting a permit: Be sure to screen shot or print a copy of your permit and bring it with you to your hike. You will need to be ready to show it to a ranger at any time if asked. The start time on your permit is at the Grotto.

Hiking to Angels Landing

Regardless of whether or not you get a permit, I suggest hiking Angels Landing anyway. If you don’t get a permit, you can still hike to Scout’s Landing, which still has awesome views!

The funny thing is, I hadn’t even originally planned to hike Angels Landing. I was a bit apprehensive about it, and I wasn’t even sure it would be worth the hype. 

We originally planned to hike Observation Point, but by the time we arrived in the park after running the Zion Half Marathon in the morning (yup you read that right, I’m the crazy person who ran a half marathon AND hiked Angels Landing on the same day), we were concerned that we would miss the last shuttle. Since Angels Landing is shorter in both distance and duration, we made a last-minute decision to do that instead of Observation Point. 

Is it scary? Yup. Is it hard? Double yes. Is it worth the hype? 1000000000% YES. It is hands-down the most thrilling and memorable of all the Zion hikes!

The first half of Angels Landing takes you on a merciless 1000 foot ascent, a leg-burning, unforgiving stretch during which you will mostly likely be cursing yourself and wondering why the hell you even decided to do this hike in the first place (or maybe that was just me).

At the end of this stretch are 21 sharp, steep switchbacks named Walter’s Wiggles which, to me, were by far the worst part of the hike. I was definitely out of breath and my legs definitely were jello after this part, and it made me almost want to quit (and yell out a bunch of expletives).

After you survive Walter’s Wiggles you will arrive at Scout’s Lookout, which is the perfect spot to take a break and catch your breath. This is the turnaround point for those who do not wish to make the final 500 foot vertical climb to the summit. If you have a fear of heights, it is a good idea to turn back at this point.

You can REALLY see just how narrow the path is – gulp. My two friends who I was with took one look at what lay ahead and said no thanks. Me, on the other hand…well I’d made it this far, so #challengeaccepted.

And so I set off to the top with some new friends that I made on the hike. Funny backstory here: while we were waiting for the shuttle earlier that day, this girl tapped me on the shoulder and pointed out that we were wearing the same outfit (that I had purchased at Walmart the night before because I didn’t pack enough shorts). We ran into each other again at Scouts Lookout and they let me tag along with them to do this final ascent of the hike. Such a coincidence, eh?

Anyways. This last 0.5 mile stretch is steep, narrow, and crowded. The ridge is so narrow that it is essentially a single file. Add to that the fact that Angels Landing is by far one of the most popular hikes, and you are going to encounter some traffic. The key here is to be patient. People are generally nice in this stretch, letting you pass through, and vice versa. 

There are some barricades and chains for you to hold onto, but for some parts it’s just you and the 1000 foot drop-offs on either side. At some points, the trail is only about 4-5 feet wide. And yes – eight people have died here since 2004.

So yes, it’s kinda scary – but I honestly was concentrating so hard on figuring out where to step that I didn’t have time to look down, just at what was in front of me!

It goes without saying that good, sturdy shoes are absolutely essential for this last part of Angels Landing – you do not want to slip and fall here because your shoes did not have enough grip! You will also do a fair amount of scrambling here, so also want to make sure that you have solid footing and a solid grip before making your next move. Just remember – one step at a time! 

It is an absolutely exhilarating experience, and I highly recommend it if you’re up for the challenge! This thrill is definitely what makes Angels Landing one of the best hikes in the park

After the climb, you will finally come up to the summit, and all that effort will be absolutely worth it! The elevation from the top is 5790 feet and the views are absolutely spectacular. You will be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Zion’s towering canyons and the valley floor. I know I compared the view from Canyon Overlook to Angels Landing, but the view from here is much, much more expansive and is much more epic.

We spent a bit of time at the top to take a break, soak in the view, and snap a bunch of photos.  We ended up summiting at around 5pm (or 3 hours before sunset), and the lighting was a bit harsh and there were a ton of shadows, so it was hard to take a great photo. 

A better time to photograph Angels Landing would be early in the morning (this will also allow you to avoid the crowds), or around sunset (but be aware that you may miss the last shuttle and have to walk the three or so miles back to the Visitors Center – also I would NOT want to do the climb back down in the dark).

There is a bit of a debate on whether it’s worse going up or coming down from Angels Landing. I personally found it worse going up, but my new friend found it worse coming down. Either way, expect a lot of traffic trying to get down from the summit, and be patient.

If you’re up for the challenge, I highly recommend you do Angels Landing – it has a reputation for being one of the best hikes in Zion for a very good reason! 

Other Hikes in Zion National Park

These two hikes were on my list, but we just didn’t have enough time for them. I am telling you a little about them anyway, because I’ve heard great things about both of them!

Observation Point

Distance: 8 miles, roundtrip (6-7 hours)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 2148 feet
Shuttle Stop: Weeping Rock (#7)

Can’t get enough of those jaw-dropping views…or want to avoid the crowds at Angels Landing? If either (or both) of these things are true, then Observation Point may be the Zion hike for you!

I originally had planned to hike Observation Point over Angels Landing, because the elevation gain is more gradual, the drop-offs are far less scary, and much less crowded. It also puts you about 700 feet higher in elevation than Angels Landing at the end, so you can feel like you’ve really conquered Zion.

However, Observation Point is one of the longest day hikes in Zion, so you will have to allow about 6-7 hours to complete the trail. Unfortunately, we planned to do this on the day of the Zion Half (don’t ask me why, we be cray), and by the time we had finished the race, eaten lunch, and entered the park, it was already 2pm. The last Zion shuttle departed the Weeping Rock stop around 8pm. That was cutting it reeeeeal close – so we decided to pass and do Angels Landing instead.

The Observation Point trail follows the same trail as Hidden Canyon in the beginning, so if you are planning to do that one, it makes sense to do it all in one day. Along the way, you get a look into the mysterious Echo Canyon and the stunning White Cliffs.

While there are a few sheer drop-offs along the way, there are not nearly as scary as the ones at Angels Landing. They are also much wider and there are far less people on the trail, so you also get to avoid the massive traffic jam.

The views from the top are supposed to be even better than from Angels Landing, which makes sense because…did I mention that you are 700 feet higher up? 

Someday, someday…Observation Point is hands-down #1 on my list of Zion bucket list on a future visit!

Note: The trail to Observation Point is currently closed due to a rockfall damage at Weeping Rock. Keep updated on the most current trail information. You may still access Observation Point from the East Mesa trail.

The Subway

Distance: 9 miles (6-10 hours)
Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 1300 feet
Trailhead location: Left Fork Trailhead, about 1 hour from Zion Canyon

If you are looking for a hike that is similar to the Narrows but want a much bigger challenge, then the Subway is the hike for you. The Subway is located in the Left Fork of North Creek. It gets its name because a section of it resembles an underground subway tunnel.

If you do this one – be prepared to swim/wade/climb/scramble. Also be prepared for some COLD water temperatures! You can either hike the Subway in either direction. Hiking top down requires more technical ability, but you get to access some of the most beautiful parts of the canyon. Hiking from the bottom will help you avoid rappelling and some of the cold water, though.

You must also secure a wilderness permit in order to hike the Subway. The permit is valid for day use only – most hikers complete the Subway in 5-9 hours. There are 80 permits issued every day – there are lotteries for both advance permits and last-minute permits.

It is also imperative that you keep an eye on current trail conditions as things can change FAST and this one can get sketchy AF real quick!

If you do attempt this one, be sure you do it with someone who has some canyoneering experience. If you are lucky enough to conquer it, you will have the thrilling experience of hiking through one of the most remote and challenging parts in all of Zion!

Zion Hiking Packing List

It is important to be prepared when hiking in Zion National Park. You want to be prepared for whatever can happen, whether that’s heat, inclement weather, or accidents.

Here are some things that you should include on your Zion packing list:

• A jacket: A packable wind/rain proof jacket is ideal for the warmer months, and a packable puffer is great for cooler weather.
• Good hiking shoes: Sturdy hiking shoes with grip are absolutely essential, especially on trails the more treacherous such as Angels Landing! I’ve linked to my favorite pair from Columbia which are sturdy, comfortable, and affordable.
• Day Pack: A backpack to hold all your gear, snacks, camera equipment, and more is a must. I’d also get something with a slot to hold your water bladder. I recently purchased this REI Trail Backpack and it’s perfect!
• Water: And speaking of water…carry plenty of it! A water bladder is ideal for easy access while hiking.
• Flashlight or Lantern: Especially if you plan to hike around sunset – you don’t want to be caught in complete darkness! My friend Christina brought along this handy collapsible lantern and I loved it so much that I had to get one for myself.
• Trekking Poles: They will definitely help you on the harder Zion hikes, and are a necessity on the Narrows. Get a collapsible pair so they fold up easily into your luggage.
• Water Shoes and Wet Bag: For the Narrows. Get something with good grip because the rocks can get super slippery! These shoes and this bag get great reviews (and come in a lot of sizes and colors).
• Battery Pack: I never travel or hike without this battery pack. It can charge up to five times on one full charge!
• First Aid Kit: Be prepared, just in case!
• Snacks: I always have some protein bars on hand to fuel me up on a hike. Think bars are my favorite!
• Sunglasses: It can get BRIGHT! I love my polarized pairs from Goodr, which are cute and affordable.
• Sunscreen: On that note, be sure to bring some SPF – here’s my favorite. This one is also my favorite face sunscreen (and this one is great as a top off).

Have you been to Zion National Park? What are some of your favorite Zion hikes?

You might also like:
Hiking the Narrows: Everything You Need to Know
Incredible Things to Do in Bryce Canyon
Things to Do in Grand Canyon North Rim
The Perfect One Day in Joshua Tree Itinerary
50+ Gift Ideas for National Parks Lovers

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