Zion National Park Hikes
Zion National Park is one of the most iconic hiking destinations in the USA. Sure, you’ve got Angels Landing and the Narrows, but there’s a lot more to explore, epic views, fewer crowds, and no permit stress. This guide has the best hikes in Zion National Park, with videos, downloadable GPS maps, safety tips, and real-world trail info to help you hike smarter and avoid the chaos.
Best Hikes in Zion National Park
No permit needed for these!
Hike Scout Lookout (Zion)
Scout Lookout is the closest you can hike to Angel's Landing without a permit, and it offers much of the...
Observation Point Zion (East Mesa Trail)
Observation Point offers marquee views of Zion Canyon, similar to what you might see from the rim of the Grand...
Hike the Narrows (Zion) to Wall Street
The Narrows hike is world-famous for a good reason. The dramatic scenery of thousand-foot sandstone cliffs, sometimes only twenty feet...
Best Beginner Hikes
Canyon Overlook Trail (Zion)
Although only one-mile roundtrip, the Canyon Overlook Trail shouldn't be overlooked (pun!). The trail is one of the most popular...
Watchman Trail (Zion) Hike Guide
If you're looking for a great leg-stretcher of a hike from the Zion NP Visitor's Center, the Watchman Trail is...
Hike Scout Lookout (Zion)
Scout Lookout is the closest you can hike to Angel's Landing without a permit, and it offers much of the...
Zion Hike Map
| Hike | Dist. | Climb | Effort | Dogs | Place |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon Overlook Trail (Zion) | 1 miles | 180 ft | Easy | N | Springdale |
| Watchman Trail (Zion) Hike Guide | 3.2 miles | 600 ft | Moderate | N | Hurricane |
| Hike Scout Lookout (Zion) | 3.6 miles | 1100 ft | Hard | N | Springdale |
| East Rim Trail to Jolley Gulch Viewpoint (Zion) | 6 miles | 610 ft | Moderate | N | Orderville |
| Observation Point Zion (East Mesa Trail) | 7 miles | 700 ft | Moderate | N | Springdale |
| Hike the Narrows (Zion) to Wall Street | 7.5 miles | 150 ft | Moderate | N | Springdale |
Zion Hiking Tips
- Start your hike early. Zion gets really crowded and a hike done in the peace of the morning is much different than one done among noisy tourists.
- Beat the shuttle. The Zion Canyon Shuttle is the only way to access most of the popular trailheads during most of the year. If you want to leave earlier than the shuttle or get back later, rent a bike (standard or electric) and get to the trailhead before the crowds. Most trailheads have bike racks where you can lock your bikes.
- Take the weather seriously. Always check the weather, and if there's a flash flood risk, avoid the afternoons (or whenever the highest risk time is). And if you're doing the Narrows, check the flow level at the visitor center and heed the advice of the rangers there. Visit in the Spring or Fall to avoid the worst flash flood risks.
- GPS doesn't always work well, especially in the canyons like you'll find in The Narrows. Bring a paper map and keep track of where you are.
- Avoid the crowds at the East Rim. The main drag is Zion Canyon, but you can drive to the eastern section of the park and do hikes like Jolley Gulch that will be quiet and peaceful.
All Guides
Hike the Narrows (Zion) to Wall Street
The Narrows hike is world-famous for a good reason. The dramatic scenery of thousand-foot sandstone cliffs, sometimes only twenty feet...
Canyon Overlook Trail (Zion)
Although only one-mile roundtrip, the Canyon Overlook Trail shouldn't be overlooked (pun!). The trail is one of the most popular...
Observation Point Zion (East Mesa Trail)
Observation Point offers marquee views of Zion Canyon, similar to what you might see from the rim of the Grand...
Hike Scout Lookout (Zion)
Scout Lookout is the closest you can hike to Angel's Landing without a permit, and it offers much of the...
East Rim Trail to Jolley Gulch Viewpoint (Zion)
Just minutes from the park entrance but eons away from the crowds, hiking the East Rim Trail to the Jolley...
Watchman Trail (Zion) Hike Guide
If you're looking for a great leg-stretcher of a hike from the Zion NP Visitor's Center, the Watchman Trail is...