5 Most Iconic and Popular Hiking Trails at Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a natural wonder famous for the majestic Zion Canyon which is carved over millions of years by the Virgin River. The canyon walls are composed of Navajo Sandstone, which display a magnificent array of colors, ranging from cream to pink to red. You will find a variety of hikes here. Among the most famous, Angels Landing is known for its breathtaking vistas and sheer drop-off. The Narrows, where hikers wade through the Virgin River within a narrow slot canyon, provides a unique experience. Here are 5 of the most iconic and popular hikes in the park.

Getting around in Zion National Park

Zion National Park, specifically Zion Canyon Scenic Drive that connects all popular trailheads, does not allow private vehicles from March to December. You have to ride park shuttles to get around. The shuttles run very frequently. During peak season, they come about every 5 minutes. However, you may still need to wait for several shuttles before being able to get on given the amount of people visiting Zion. Even in Springdale, the park’s gateway town, parking is very difficult, especially near the park’s entrance. The good news is that you can also take shuttles to and from the park in the town.

Angels Landing

Hiking Zion National Park’s Angels Landing Trail is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. This strenuous 4.3-mile roundtrip trail ascends over 1,800 feet and offers some of the most breathtaking views in the park. It presents a unique blend of natural beauty and physical challenge. 

It starts at the shuttle stop, The Grotto, and first goes along the Virgin River where you can get river access. The next section, known as Walter’s Wiggles, is a series of 21 tight switchbacks that quickly gain elevation, offering sweeping views of Zion Canyon. The trail then leads to Scout Lookout, a great place for a rest and scenic view before the final and most daring segment.

The last half-mile is where Angels Landing truly earns its reputation. Here, the path narrows significantly, with sheer drops on either side. You climb the ridge using chain handrails bolted into the rock that provide essential support. This section requires a good head for heights and careful footing. The reward for this nerve-wracking climb is a panoramic vista at the summit. The view from the top is unparalleled, with 360-degree views of Zion Canyon’s sculpted red rock formations and the Virgin River far below.

Tips

Hiking Angels Landing requires a permit. The permit application process is lottery based. You can either reserve your spot in advance before the season starts or apply for a permit the day before your planned hike. Look up permit release dates on the park’s official website. 

In addition, the trail doesn’t have much shade. So be prepared for the scorching sun and heat even in winter. I highly recommend wearing in layers. When I hiked the trail in late November, I wore short sleeves during the climb but needed a jacket after descending to the canyon.

The Narrows

While Angels Landing provides a stunning overlook of Zion Canyon, The Narrows trail is an extraordinary journey within the canyon. This trail is unique primarily because the Virgin River itself is your path. You literally walk on the riverbed in the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. Every step through the cool river brings a new perspective of Zion’s breathtaking landscapes.

As you wade and sometimes swim through the river, towering walls of red and tan Navajo Sandstone envelop you. The feeling is both humbling and exhilarating, as you’re immersed in a natural wonder that has been shaped over millions of years. As the sunlight filters down from above, it casts an ever-changing palette of colors on the canyon walls, creating a surreal, almost otherworldly ambiance. Although the river is not clear due to runoff and sediment, it flows fast and sometimes over big rocks, making mini waterfalls and a smoothing sound echoing between canyon walls.

The Narrows is about 16 miles long. But you don’t have to finish it all. Most people hike about 8-9 miles roundtrip between the Temple of Sinawava, the last shuttle stop, and Big Springs. It usually takes about 5-6 hours. If you choose to start at the Temple of Sinawava, you are hiking The Narrows bottom-up. And there’s a 1 mile hike from the shuttle stop to the point where you get into the river.

Tips

Unlike Angels Landing, there’s no permit or reservation required for The Narrows. But you do need to be well-prepared. Water levels and flow rates can vary. So checking current conditions and making sure there’s no flood risk is crucial. I highly recommend renting a walking stick, waterproof bags, and water shoes and socks before you enter the park. They are more sturdy than your normal hiking gears and will make your journey more comfortable. There are many rental places in Springdale. In peak season, you probably will even have to book the rentals in advance. In addition, as you will be hiking in the water, avoid cotton clothes.

Summer and early fall are the best times to hike The Narrows. You can still do it in winter, but the water will be freezing. I went in mid September and the water was already cold because there’s no direct sunlight in the canyon. In terms of water depth, to give you some reference, it was mostly knee-high, sometimes thigh-high, and once chest-high in a section at the beginning of the hike.

Also, The Narrows is a challenging hike, not only because of the length but also because you have to navigate the muddy river with your feet over uneven, rocky riverbed. Your feet may become sore easily. And the navigation will slow you down. The actual elevation, however, is only about 700 feet, not that bad.

Pa’rus Trail

Like all US national parks, Zion National Park is not that dog friendly. However, the Pa’rus Trail allows dogs and is also a great introduction hike in Zion National Park. It’s mostly flat, paved, and accessible for all ages and abilities. It stretches for about 3.2 miles roundtrip, connecting the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, South Campground, and Canyon Junction. It also follows the North Fork of the Virgin River, offering spectacular views of the lower canyon’s peaks and temples. 

Tips

The Pa’rus Trail also allows bikes. So you need to watch out for them and stay on the side when walking your dog. The trail can be busy in the section between the visitor center and South Campground. It gets quieter afterwards where you can enjoy a peaceful and picturesque stroll in the park.

Zion Canyon Overlook Trail

The Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is just 1 mile roundtrip and is known for its stunning views of Zion Canyon. Starting with a series of sandstone steps and a metal handrail, the trail leads over rocky terrain above a dark slot canyon. You will get to a breathtaking viewpoint of the main Zion Canyon at the end and even have opportunities to spot bighorn sheep along the way. This trail is particularly popular due to its combination of relative ease and spectacular payoff. The trailhead is located just east of the Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel in the eastern part of Zion National Park.

Tips

Parking can be a challenge due to the trail’s popularity, with two small lots near the trailhead and some additional roadside parking. You will have better chance of finding a spot if you arrive early such as at or before sunrise. Moreover, even though the trail is short, I recommend still wearing proper hiking shoes as the trail is a mix of uneven and rocky paths which can be slippery.

Emerald Pools Trail

The Emerald Pools Trail in Zion National Park is known for its three distinct sections, leading to the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools, each offering its own unique beauty and ambiance. You will be impressed by the lush vegetation, picturesque waterfalls, and striking rock formations along the way. The trail can be accessed from across the Zion Lodge shuttle stop and covers about 3 miles roundtrip with 620 feet in elevation. 

The path to Lower Emerald Pool is the easiest part of the hike. It leads to a misty amphitheater where delicate waterfalls trickle down from above. As you continue to the Middle Pool, the trail adds a bit more challenge and offers dramatic canyon views. The most strenuous section of the hike, the trail to the Upper Pool, is sandy and requires more effort. This section concludes with the largest pool, fed by a 400-foot waterfall and surrounded by sheer cliffs.