Zion National Park Hikes: Unveiling the Best Trails

Zion National Park is home to some of the best hikes, with two standout favorites being The Narrows and Angels Landing. The Narrows offers a unique and immersive experience as hikers traverse the Virgin River through towering slot canyons, creating an unforgettable journey through water and rock. On the other hand, Angels Landing is renowned for its challenging ascent to a stunning summit with panoramic views of the red rock landscape.

While the park features numerous hikes, these two consistently rank among the best hikes at Zion. The park offers a diverse range of trails, from easy strolls suitable for all ages to strenuous, adrenaline-pumping climbs like Angels Landing. With its captivating scenery and varying difficulty levels, Zion caters to both seasoned hikers seeking a challenge and those looking for more leisurely walks. Whether you’re in search of the best hikes at Zion, easy strolls, or the best spots to catch a mesmerizing sunset, Zion National Park has something to offer for every adventurer.

What are the best hikes at Zion National Park?

1. What are considered the best hikes in Zion National Park? Two standout hikes often regarded as the best in Zion National Park are The Narrows, offering an immersive experience through slot canyons, and Angels Landing, known for its thrilling ascent to a panoramic summit.
2. How many hikes are there in Zion National Park? Zion National Park boasts numerous hikes, ranging from easy strolls suitable for all ages to challenging ascents for experienced hikers.
3. What are generally considered the best hikes in Zion? The Narrows and Angels Landing are consistently highlighted among the best hikes in Zion, thanks to their iconic features and stunning landscapes.
4. How challenging are the hikes in Zion National Park? The difficulty of hikes in Zion varies. While easy trails like the Riverside Walk are accessible to all, more challenging ones like Angels Landing demand a higher level of fitness and a head for heights.
5. Are there easy hikes available in Zion National Park? Yes, Zion National Park offers a variety of easy hikes, such as the Riverside Walk, suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
6. What are the top hikes in Zion National Park? The Narrows and Angels Landing often top the list of the park’s top hikes due to their popularity and breathtaking scenery.
7. Are there easy hikes at Zion National Park suitable for all ages? Absolutely, options like the Riverside Walk, Emerald Pools, and Canyon Overlook provide enjoyable and less strenuous trails for visitors of all ages.
8. Which hikes are considered the best short hikes in Zion? For shorter yet captivating hikes, the Canyon Overlook Trail and Lower Emerald Pool Trail are among the best options in Zion.
9. What are the best sunset hikes in Zion National Park? The Canyon Overlook Trail and Watchman Trail are renowned for providing spectacular views during the golden hour, making them ideal choices for sunset hikes in Zion National Park.

Best Easy Hike at Zion National Park: The Narrows

Why hike The Narrows? It is one of the easier hikes in the park – while still offering a sense of adventure as you hike up a river.

The Narrows Hike Overview

• Location: Zion National Park
• Overall Rating: Easy
• Total Trail Distance: 8.6 if you complete the entire the Narrows. There is also the Riverwalk route which is only 1.8 miles.
• Incline: Just about none – you are walking a river.
• Time: 1 hour to 5 hours depending on how far you want to go
• Cost: Park Entrance Fee

The Narrows Hike in Zion National Park is a remarkable adventure that stands out among the best hikes in the park. This iconic trail takes hikers through the stunning slot canyons carved by the Virgin River. As you embark on this journey, be prepared to witness breathtaking rock formations and towering canyon walls that create a truly immersive experience. The conditions in The Narrows vary, as hikers may find themselves wading through the river at certain points, making waterproof gear and sturdy footwear essential.

The hike’s duration can vary, but a typical trek through The Narrows takes around 4 to 8 hours, depending on the chosen route and the hiker’s pace. The best time to undertake this hike is during the late spring to early fall when the weather is more favorable, and water levels are lower. It’s crucial to check weather conditions and the park’s website for any alerts or closures before embarking on The Narrows Hike.

When gearing up for The Narrows, it’s advisable to wear appropriate clothing such as water shoes, a dry suit, or neoprene socks to navigate through the water comfortably. Additionally, carrying a walking stick for stability can be beneficial. As one of the best hikes in Zion National Park, The Narrows attracts a considerable number of visitors, especially during peak seasons. To avoid crowds, consider starting the hike early in the morning or exploring it during the less busy weekdays. The unique blend of challenging terrain, stunning scenery, and the thrill of hiking through a flowing river make The Narrows a must-do adventure and one of the top hikes in Zion National Park.

Hiking Attire for The Narrows

The recommended for the Narrows is rental equipment that you can find at a couple of stores outside of Zion National Park which includes:

• Hiking Boots
• Neoprene Socks
• Walking Sticks
• Waterproof Pants

Best Hike at Zion National Park: Angels Landing

A growing internet sensation is Angels Landing. Deemed as a “Dangerous” hike, this hike appeals to those who want to experience some adventure and adrenalin rush.

Angels Landing Hike Overview

• Location: Zion National Park
• Overall Rating: Difficult
• Total Trail Distance: 4 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 1,600 ft
• Time: 4 hours
• Cost: Park Entrance Fee

Angels Landing stands as a pinnacle among the best hikes in Zion National Park, offering a thrilling and awe-inspiring adventure. This iconic trail takes hikers to a breathtaking summit with panoramic views of the red rock landscape. The ascent involves navigating a series of switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles and traversing a narrow ridge with sheer drop-offs on both sides. The trail provides stunning vistas of Zion Canyon and the Virgin River below, making it a favorite among hikers seeking a challenging yet rewarding experience.

The conditions on Angels Landing can be demanding, with steep ascents and exposed sections. Hikers should expect a strenuous journey that requires a good level of fitness and a head for heights. The round trip typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, but the time can vary depending on individual pacing and trail conditions.

The best time to tackle Angels Landing is during the cooler months, from late spring to early fall, as the trail can be scorching in the summer. Hikers are advised to start early in the morning to avoid both the heat and crowds, as this is one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park.

When gearing up for Angels Landing, wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction and bring plenty of water. A walking stick can provide added stability during the steep sections. Due to the challenging nature of the hike and its popularity, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and be considerate of other hikers on the trail. Angels Landing’s combination of thrilling adventure, stunning vistas, and a sense of accomplishment makes it a standout among the best hikes in Zion National Park.

Best time to Hike at Zion National Park

The best time to hike at Zion National Park is early in the morning. That means getting on the first departing buses if you don’t have to worry about the permit reservation time. This will give you the opportunity to explore the trails without the crowds.

Angels Landing and The Narrows are the two most popular hikes in Zion National Park, if you wait until too late in the day you will run into the crowds at the trails. In the late afternoon/evening at the Narrows, for example, you can expect to have a 30-minute line to wait in to take the shuttle bus back to the Visitor Center.

Facilities at Zion National Park

There are facilities available at the trailhead of all the Narrows and Angels Landing. There are men and women’s bathrooms. There are also water spouts in order to refill water before hitting the trail. These locations are right next to the shuttle bus that runs through the park.

Celebrate with a Drink at Zion Canyon Brewing Co.

After a long day, or two, of hiking, there is no better way to celebrate than with some beers at the Zion Canyon Brewing Company. This brewing company is located just outside the park entrance making it easy access for those who spent a day in the park.

I personally did Angels Landing, went there for lunch, then returned to do The Narrows hike – and went back for Dinner! After a long day of hiking a beer and a burger was definitely on the menu.

Getting Around Zion National Park

Visitors are not able to visit the park by personal car.

Zion National Park has a shuttle bus in operation and the only way to reach any of the hiking destinations at the park is by this shuttle bus.

You will have to park your car either at the Visitor Center (if you get there early enough to get a spot) or in the town and then take a bus from the town into Zion National Park.

Shuttle Bus Wait Times

During certain parts of the day, there are very long lines for the shuttle bus. Starting between 9 am to 12 am at the Visitor Center the lines for the shuttle bus out to the various trails can be upwards of 30 minutes to 45 minutes.

At the end of the day at the Narrows, the lines to return back to the visitor center can take up to 30 minutes as well.