Here Are The 9 Best Hikes In Utah’s Zion National Park
When searching for a national park to visit in Utah, Zion National Park is a can’t-miss! Easily one of the best parks in Utah, especially for hikers, it’s brimming with tons of trails. The park boasts hikes appropriate for people of all ages and abilities. From ADA-accessible hikes to strenuous hikes that require technical skills, such as rappelling and bouldering, the park offers one of the most diverse collections of hiking trails in Utah, making it THE national park to visit in Utah.
Angel's Landing might be the most iconic trail in the entire park, and it should definitely be on most Uahns' bucket lists. The hike is 5 miles long and is considered strenuous. While the final approach to the summit gets all the attention (it's both steep, with sharp drop-offs on both sides, and incredibly scenic), most of the hike involves switchbacks called Walter's Wiggles that take you up the mountain. You'll gain elevation quickly, and will also have full sun exposure for much of the way, so bring plenty of water. This one isn't for folks who are afraid of heights, or have heart conditions. Learn more about this hike here.
Riverside Walk is likely the most popular hike in Zion National Park. The park's shuttle takes you right to the trail head, and the trail itself is flat, paved, and accessible to most. This trail is typically crowded with tourists during the summer months, and it's never going to be a place where you'll find peace and quiet, but it does give you a great introduction to the kind of natural beauty that you'll find throughout the park. The trail comes to an end at the Virgin River, and if you turn back there, you'll hike a total of 2 miles, roundtrip.
Learn more about this hike here, or continue on to our next hike.
From the end of the Riverside Walk Trail, many hikers will want to at least explore The Narrows. The trail...is right in the middle of the Virgin River! Make sure to wear shoes with good tread that can get wet. Most people hike for just awhile, mostly to cool off in the river. You can go as far as Big Spring without a permit - it's another 5 miles down the river. Hiking The Narrows with a permit, you'll have two options - bottom up (starting at Riverside Walk), or top down (starting at Chamberlain's Ranch).
Learn more about this hike here.
If you're familiar at all with Zion National Park, you immediately recognize The Watchman, which majestically towers over the canyon. The Watchman Trail makes a 3.2-mile loop and is considered easy. You'll only gain about 300 feet in elevation, but make sure to bring plenty of water. The trail doesn't actually take you to The Watchman, but rather to a viewpoint that offers a spectacular overlook of the valley, with The Watchman in the distance. Learn more about this hike here.
There are two ways to hike The Subway in Zion National Park - from the top down and from the bottom up. Both trails require a permit from the park - the top down hike involves rappelling and swimming, but even the bottom-up hike can be quite difficult. The hike will take you five to nine hours to complete, but you will have witnessed some of Zion National Park's most beautiful scenery. Learn more about this hike here.
The Emerald Pools Trail is popular with families. You can start right at Zion Lodge, making your way over the bridge. You can choose how far you'd like to go. It's just a short 1/2-mile hike to the Lower Pool, and that portion is easy enough for everyone. Some steep steps take you up the the Middle Pool, and another 1/4 mile of strenuous hiking brings you to the Upper Pool. Make sure to stay well behind the signs - the Upper Pool can be slippery.
Learn more about this hike here.
If you're feeling like a hard-core hike that will allow you some incredible views, consider the West Rim Trail. The hike is 18 miles long, and most people camp along the way, making it a one-night backpacking adventure. You'll follow along the rim, finally descending into Zion Canyon. You'll descend a total of 3,600 feet. Learn more about this hike here.
For an incredibly short hike, take the Weeping Rock Trail, which is just 1/2 mile. While it's short, it's not one of Zion's easier trails - it's steep, with uneven terrain. Still, the Weeping Rock, with its moss-covered walls and trickling water, is charming and well worth your effort. Learn more about this hike here.
The La Verkin Creek Trail starts at Lee's Pass, and it takes you along the creek bed, allowing some incredible cliff views. You'll reach Kolob Arch - one of the world's largest free-standing arches, then decide if you want to continue on to explore Beartrap or Willis Canyons. This trail can be an all day venture, or a backpacking trip.
Learn more about this hike here.
Though Zion National Park might be crowded in some areas, it’s important to remember that you’re in the wilderness when hiking. The park is vast, and it’s important to be adequately prepared before taking off down the trail, as it is with all hiking trails in Utah. Make sure you have plenty of water, a light jacket, and sunscreen. Hike with a friend or group; if you’re planning a solitary hike, tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. Most importantly, don’t take on any hiking trails in Utah that are beyond your fitness level. Most deaths at Zion National Park occur from heart attack or heat stroke.
So, what do you think? Is this the #1 national park to visit in Utah? Ever spent some time exploring Zion National Park? If so, what’d you think? Tell us!
Remember, though, this isn’t the only national park to visit in Utah. When seeking things to do outside in Utah, there are plenty others that are perfect destinations. Click here for a route that leads to the state’s best national parks.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Zion National Park, UT, Springdale, UT, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park To Visit In Utah
February 09, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
Is this the only national park to visit in Utah?
Zion National Park isn’t the only national park to visit in Utah. The state is actually home to a total of five national parks. In addition to Zion National Park in Springdale, there’s Arches National Park in Moab, Bryce Canyon National Park in Bryce, Canyonlands National Park in Moab, and Capitol Reef National Park in Torrey. National parks aren’t the only outdoor treasures in Utah, though. There are also national monuments and state parks. To learn more about national parks to visit in Utah, as well as the amazing things to do outside in Utah, click here.
What are the best parks in Utah?
Of all the parks in the state, Antelope Island State Park definitely stands out as one of the best parks in Utah. The park boasts some of the most incredible views of one of Utah’s most famous natural features, the Great Salt Lake. The perks don’t end there, though. The park also features backcountry trails, which can be explored on foot, mountain bike, or horseback, a campground, sandy beach, and more.
What are some other things to do outside in Utah?
A nature lover’s oasis, there are tons of things to do outside in Utah, including rafting. Rafting a river in Utah can lead to some incredible sights, including petroglyphs, pictographs, and other relics from the past. Some of the state’s most popular whitewater runs include Cataract Canyons on the Colorado River, the Gates of Lodore and Desolation Canyon on the Green River, and the Upper and Lower stretches of the San Juan River. In addition to whitewater rafting opportunities, there are lots of flat water stretches, which offer access to secluded canyons, like Labyrinth Canyon, Ruby and Horse Thief Canyon, the lower Provo River, the Little Grand Canyon, and lots more.
Utah In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
