Among the best hikes in Zion National Park are famous Utah trails like Angels Landing, The Narrows, and Observation Point. But there are also some short and easy hikes with stunning views and few other visitors.
Established in 1919, Zion National Park was Utah’s first national park and is now one of the most popular national parks in the USA. And for good reason: The scenery in Zion National Park is simply breathtaking. An absolute must for every bucket list!
Zion National Park is home to, among other things, one of the largest slot canyons in the world (The Narrows), one of the longest natural rock arches (Kolob Arch), and one of the most exciting day hikes worldwide (Angels Landing).
We have visited this special park many times over the years, and I have finally compiled this list of the best hikes in Zion National Park. This is not a complete list of all the beautiful trails in the park, but in my opinion, these are some of the best!
The Best Hikes in Zion National Park
- Angels Landing Hike
I have to start with Angels Landing because it’s the ultimate Zion hike. If you only do one hike in Utah and its national parks, make it this one.
It’s an epic and somewhat daunting trail that takes you up a steep sandstone mountain. Chains provide safety, and you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Zion National Park surrounding you on all sides. Permits have been required since 2022.
The section with chains at Angels Landing is particularly notorious for its thrills and dangers. Over the years, there have been several fatal falls on this hike, although it’s generally safe as long as you stay on the marked trail.
At times, the path is only a few meters wide, and you have to cling tightly to the mountainside. Not the entire section is secured with chains, but the most exposed parts are equipped with them for your safety.
Angels Landing – one of the most beautiful hikes in Zion National Park!
The Angels Landing Trail might not be for everyone, but if you love adventure, photography, and an adrenaline rush, you should definitely add it to your bucket list!
The view from Angels Landing offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Zion Canyon, with the narrow roads and shuttle buses below. You can even look down at the gigantic peak you just climbed.
It’s certainly one of the most beautiful hikes in Zion National Park and offers one of the most stunning views I’ve ever experienced on our travels around the world.
- Distance:2 km (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 460 m
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Observation Point Trail
The Observation Point Trail is somewhat underrated, but it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hikes in Zion National Park. It leads to a viewpoint overlooking Zion Canyon and the entire park.
Ahead of you stretch many of Zion’s most beautiful sights, such as the Great White Throne, Cathedral Mountain, and Angels Landing. We could even see the little hikers on Angels Landing, and the roads and shuttle buses looked like toys in the distance.
Observation Point is over 700 feet (210 meters) above Angels Landing, so you can enjoy a truly breathtaking view of Zion National Park.
Observation Point – one of the most beautiful hikes in Zion National Park
The scenery is fantastic, and since this hike is less popular than other spots in Zion National Park, you don’t have to worry about sharing it with crowds like in The Narrows.
If you set off early on a weekday, you might even have the place all to yourself, except for a few chipmunks scampering around in search of treats.
The main access point for this hike was closed due to a large rockfall in 2019 that destroyed part of the trail and switchbacks.
However, you can still reach Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail, which is an easier hike anyway. From this route, it’s a relatively short and easy hike with breathtaking views at the end—definitely add it to your Zion bucket list!
- Distance: 11 km (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 215 m (700 ft)
- Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
- The Narrows
Of course, I have to mention the mother of all slot canyons: the Zion Narrows!
It’s a gigantic canyon with walls over 300 meters high, through which the Virgin River flows. A hike through the Narrows takes you through the water, and the entire route is 26 kilometers long.
The good news: The Narrows are suitable for all fitness levels, as you don’t have to hike all the way to the end of the canyon. You can turn back at any point.
With a permit obtained in advance, it’s possible to hike the entire Narrows in one day. However, most hikers only go a little way and then turn back (no permit is required for this).
The bad news: The Narrows are becoming increasingly popular. The crowds somewhat spoiled our experience. If you absolutely want to experience the Narrows without the crowds, I recommend getting a permit and hiking the canyon from top to bottom. Alternatively, one of the other hikes in Zion National Park is a good option.
- Distance: 14–25 km (round trip)
- Elevation gain: Minimal
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
The Narrows are among the most popular hikes in Zion National Park.
The imposing canyon walls of the Zion Narrows
- Zion Canyon Overlook Trail
The Canyon Overlook Trail is one of the shortest hikes in Zion National Park, but it offers fantastic views at the end.
This hike is suitable for families with young children as well as older adults. There are some sections with steep drops, but the most dangerous parts are secured by sturdy metal railings, so the hike is never truly frightening.
The beginning of this hike is the most strenuous part, as you have to climb some stairs. Even though it’s a very short hike, you should bring water. There are some shady spots along the trail, including a shallow cave or alcove, but most of the trail is in the sun.
At the end, a breathtaking view of Zion Canyon awaits you. It’s almost as beautiful as the view from the summit of Angels Landing, only much easier!
- Distance:6 km (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 60 m
- Difficulty: Easy
The Canyon Overlook Trail is a relatively easy hike in Zion National Park.
The view from the Canyon Overlook Trail
- Pa’rus Trail
If you’re looking for short, flat, and easy hikes in Zion National Park, the Pa’rus Trail is an ideal starting point. It’s very easy to access, as it’s located right next to the campground, visitor center, and main parking lot.
The Pa’rus Trail is the only trail in Zion National Park open to bicycles and pets, and it’s also one of the few that is completely wheelchair accessible.
This paved trail follows the Virgin River, and you can often spot wildflowers and deer. Don’t expect spectacular experiences, but the hike is peaceful and pleasant, offering great views of Zion Canyon and Watchman.
Along the trail, information panels explain the history and geology of Zion National Park. Since there is little shade, it’s best to hike in the morning or evening during the summer to avoid the heat.
- Distance:1 km (round trip)
- Elevation gain: Minimal
- Difficulty: Easy
Pa’rus Trail – one of our favorite easy hikes in Zion National Park!
Enjoy the views without the crowds on the Pa’rus Trail.
- Riverside Walk
The Riverside Walk is a great alternative if you want similar views to the Zion Narrows but prefer a less strenuous hike. This easy family walk is accessible and ideal for children.
The entire trail is paved, and unlike the Narrows, there’s no water to wade through. Along the way, you can spot chipmunks, squirrels, and deer, and enjoy breathtaking views of the towering canyon walls. It’s like a preview of the Zion Narrows. After all, the Riverside Walk is the gateway to the Narrows!
Since this is a popular hike, it’s recommended to start early in the day to avoid the crowds. There’s also plenty of shade at that time.
- Distance:2 km (round trip)
- Elevation gain: Minimal
- Difficulty: Easy
The Riverside Walk is one of the easiest hikes in Zion National Park—ideal for all ages!
- The Subway Canyon
The Subway Canyon is a challenging and technically demanding day hike that leads into a unique canyon resembling a subway tunnel. Permits are required; information can be found on the National Park Service (NPS) website.
This hike is similar to a more intense version of The Narrows Canyon and involves swimming, wading, climbing, and scrambling. You’ll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful views in Zion National Park. Thanks to the access control permits, you’ll enjoy the hike almost entirely to yourself!
The Subway Canyon – a challenging day hike in Zion National Park
- Distance: 15 km (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 400 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
- The Watchman Trail
The Watchman Trail is another beautiful hike that can be easily accessed (without a shuttle) from the Zion National Park Visitor Center or campgrounds. From here, you’ll have fantastic views of Zion National Park and the distinctive mountain peak of Watchman.
As with many hikes in Zion National Park, the difficulty of the Watchman Trail varies greatly depending on the time of day. On a hot summer day, the heat can be unbearable. Otherwise, the hike is well-suited for children.
The trail starts off flat but then climbs quite steeply. Therefore, the hike is much more pleasant in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
- Distance: 5 km (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 180 m
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Watchman Trail – one of the most beautiful hikes in Zion National Park
View back towards Zion Canyon
- Court of the Patriarchs
This is a short, easy 5-minute walk with a magnificent view of three mountains in Zion National Park, named after the biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They were named in 1916 by a Methodist minister who was captivated by the scenery of Zion Canyon.
Some might find this hike a little disappointing, as it’s almost too short to really call it a hike. But why not do it anyway? The viewpoint is breathtaking!
The Court of the Patriarchs is the fourth stop on the Zion Shuttle, making it ideal for a morning visit on your way into the park or an afternoon visit on your way out.
The three patriarchs of Zion: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- Hidden Canyon Trail
The Hidden Canyon is another underrated hike in Zion National Park, offering fantastic views and significantly fewer visitors than well-known routes like The Narrows. There’s even a natural rock arch at the end of the trail.
This hike can be a bit daunting for those with a fear of heights, as it includes a section with steep drops similar to Angels Landing, but not quite as long or challenging.
Note: The Hidden Canyon Trail is currently closed due to a major rockfall. We hope it will reopen in the future. Please check the National Park Service (NPS) website for current trail conditions before your hike.
The Hidden Canyon Trail – a hidden gem with stunning views
- Distance:8 km (round trip)
- Elevation gain: 300 m
- Difficulty: Strenuous