Zion National Park, a landscape sculpted by the Virgin River over millennia, offers a hiking experience that spans from gentle, paved strolls to heart-pounding climbs with sheer drop-offs. Whether you are lacing up your boots for the first time or you have decades of trail experience, the park rewards every visitor with vistas of towering sandstone cliffs, emerald pools, and narrow slot canyons. This guide provides an in-depth look at the best hiking routes in Zion, organized by skill level, along with essential details on permits, gear, and safety so you can plan a memorable and safe adventure.

Beginner-Friendly Trails: Effortless Access to Unforgettable Scenery

Zion’s beginner trails are thoughtfully designed to showcase the park’s iconic beauty with minimal physical demand. These routes are mostly flat, well-paved, or groomed, making them accessible for families with young children, individuals with mobility challenges, or those looking for a relaxed walk in nature. Elevation gain is typically less than 150 feet overall, and distances remain under 3 miles round trip. Despite their ease, these trails do not shortchange you on scenery.

Riverside Walk

The Riverside Walk is a gentle, 2.2-mile round-trip paved path that meanders alongside the Virgin River. It begins at the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop (the last stop on the park shuttle) and ends at the entrance of the famed Zion Narrows. The walk is nearly flat, with only about 50 feet of elevation change, making it ideal for all ages. Along the way, you will pass hanging gardens, canyon willow, and towering sandstone walls that rise 1,000 feet overhead. The trail’s end at the river provides a perfect spot to dip your feet or simply admire the canyon walls. Because it is fully paved, it is also wheelchair accessible with some assistance on slight grades. The best time to hike the Riverside Walk is in the morning to avoid crowds, as it is one of the most popular trails in the park. No permit is required, and the walk can be completed in under 90 minutes.

Lower Emerald Pools Trail

The Lower Emerald Pools Trail offers a short but rewarding hike to a waterfall-fed pool. The trailhead is located near the Zion Lodge shuttle stop, and the hike is 1.2 miles round trip with a modest 100-foot elevation gain. The path is paved part of the way and transitions to well-packed dirt, winding through a forest of boxelder and bigtooth maple. The highlight is the Lower Emerald Pool itself, a serene basin where water trickles off a sandstone overhang, creating a delicate curtain of precipitation. In the spring, wildflowers like columbine dot the trailside. This hike is safe for children but note that the final section near the pool can be slippery from mist. No permit is needed. For a slightly longer outing, you can continue to the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools (which are considered intermediate), but the lower pool alone is sufficient for a beginner experience. Visit early in the day to catch the light filtering through the canyon.

Pa’rus Trail

The Pa’rus Trail is a 3.5-mile round-trip paved path that connects the South Campground (near the visitor center) to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive shuttle stop. It is the only trail in the park where bicycles and leashed pets are permitted, making it a great option for families traveling with dogs. The trail is completely flat, following the Virgin River with views of the Watchman peak and the canyon cliffs. Benches along the way encourage you to stop and soak in the landscape. The Pa’rus Trail is an excellent early morning or sunset walk, as it offers open sky for golden hour photography. Because it is paved and level, it is fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. No permit is required, and you can walk as much or as little as you like since it is an out-and-back route. Total time for the full trail is about 1–1.5 hours at a leisurely pace.

Intermediate Routes: Elevation, Exposure, and Expanding Horizons

Intermediate trails in Zion introduce elevation gain, uneven terrain, and sections with steep drop-offs. These hikes require a moderate level of fitness and movement on uneven stone steps or slickrock. Distances range from 3 to 8 miles round trip, with elevation gains typically between 500 and 1,500 feet. Hikers should carry at least 1 liter of water per hour, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and be comfortable with heights in exposed sections. Several popular intermediate routes require a permit, so planning ahead is essential.

Angel’s Landing (via Scout Lookout)

Angel’s Landing is one of the most famous hikes in the United States, known for its final 0.5-mile traverse along a narrow sandstone ridge with 1,500-foot drops on both sides. The full trail to the summit is 5.4 miles round trip with 1,488 feet of elevation gain. The intermediate section includes the hike to Scout Lookout, where you turn back before the chains section. This portion climbs through Walter’s Wiggles—a series of 21 steep switchbacks—and Refrigerator Canyon, a cool, shaded bench with a slight incline. From Scout Lookout, hikers get panoramic views of the canyon without the exposure of the final ridge. Important: From April through October, a permit is required for the entire Angels Landing trail, including the section to Scout Lookout if you plan to go beyond the permit checkpoint. Permits are obtained through a seasonal lottery on Recreation.gov. The best time to hike is early spring or fall to avoid summer heat. Carry at least 2 liters of water and start before 7:00 AM to avoid crowds and heat.

Observation Point

Observation Point offers a less crowded alternative to Angel’s Landing with equally stunning views—some argue better, as you look down into the entire canyon including Angel’s Landing itself. The trail is 8 miles round trip with 2,148 feet of elevation gain, making it the most strenuous of the intermediate options. It begins at the Weeping Rock shuttle stop and ascends through Echo Canyon, a slot canyon with multicolored walls, then climbs via a series of switchbacks to a flat plateau at 6,507 feet. The final viewpoint provides a 270-degree panorama of Zion Canyon, the West Temple, and the Towers of the Virgin. No permit is required, but the trail is physically demanding—allow 5–6 hours round trip. The trail is closed during winter due to ice and rockfall, so spring through fall is the best window. Bring plenty of water; there is no shade for the last mile.

Hidden Canyon

Hidden Canyon is a 3-mile round trip hike that involves a steep .7-mile ascent on a paved trail followed by a trail that clings to a cliff face, ending in a narrow, shaded slot canyon. The elevation gain is about 850 feet. The highlight is the "hidden" canyon itself—a secluded corridor where you can explore patches of ferns and moss. The final section includes sections where installed chain handrails help you navigate a ledge with exposure. This trail is a great option for those who want a taste of scrambling and canyon exploration without the full technical demands of The Subway or The Narrows. No permit is required. The best time is late morning when the canyon receives light. Watch for rockfall on the cliff face; wear a helmet if you have one, especially after rain.

Expert-Level Trails: Physical Grit and Technical Skill Required

Expert trails in Zion demand advanced hiking or canyoneering skills, significant elevation gains, and sometimes the ability to navigate off-trail or through water. These routes require permits, proper equipment (including helmets, canyoneering gear, or wetsuits), and experience with exposure and route-finding. They are not suitable for beginners or those with a fear of heights. Always check current conditions at the Zion National Park conditions page before attempting these routes.

The Subway (Left Fork of North Creek)

The Subway is a technical canyoneering route that requires rappelling, swimming, and downclimbing through a narrow, sculpted slot canyon. The hike to the bottom from the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead is 9 miles round trip with nearly 2,000 feet of elevation change. The highlight is the "subway" section—a tunnel-like corridor where the canyon walls form a rounded, organically-curved passage reminiscent of a subway tunnel. To complete the Subway, you need a permit (obtained via lottery on Recreation.gov), a wetsuit, rappelling gear, and a helmet. Many hikers opt for the "bottom-up" version, which is less technical but still requires swimming through cold pools. The best season is late spring through early fall. This is a full-day commitment (8–12 hours), and you must be comfortable in cold water (50–60°F). The National Park Service provides a detailed route description on their The Subway page.

Angels Landing (Full Chains Section)

The full Angels Landing experience—including the chains section from Scout Lookout to the summit—is considered expert-level due to extreme exposure and narrow ridgeline walking. The final 0.5-mile spine of rock is only a few feet wide in places, with thousands of feet of air on either side. Hikers must grip the bolted chains to maintain balance, and passing other hikers in the opposite direction requires careful coordination. This segment is not recommended for those with a fear of heights or limited upper body strength. The permit is mandatory year-round, and the lottery system makes spontaneous hikes difficult. Spring and fall offer the best weather conditions. Always check for ice patches in winter—icy chains are extremely dangerous. Do not attempt in wet or windy conditions.

Zion Narrows (Top-Down)

The Zion Narrows is a point-to-point canyon hike that takes you through the river gorge itself, with walls towering 1,000 feet above. The top-down route from Chamberlain’s Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava is 16 miles and typically requires 10–14 hours. This is a full-day canyoneering adventure that involves constant wading in the Virgin River, often in cold (50–65°F) water that can be chest-deep. You need a permit, a dry-bag system, sturdy water shoes (canyoneering boots recommended), and neoprene socks or waders. The hike has no maintained trail—you follow the riverbed, navigating around boulders and through deep pools. The National Park Service requires a permit and recommends that hikers have previous backpacking or river hiking experience. The best season is late spring through early autumn. Check the weather forecast carefully; flash floods are a real risk, and you must turn back immediately if rain is in the forecast. The park’s Zion Narrows page provides essential safety information.

Planning Your Zion Hiking Adventure: Essentials for Every Skill Level

Permits and Reservations

Many of Zion’s most iconic trails—Angels Landing, The Subway, and the top-down Narrows—require permits obtained through a lottery system. The lottery opens three months in advance for each season. You can also try for a last-minute draw two days before your hike. For the Narrows (top-down), a separate wilderness permit is required. The park’s shuttle system (March through November) also requires a seat, which is included with your park entry. Plan to arrive at the visitor center before 7:00 AM to secure a shuttle spot, or book a private shuttle if available. For access to the Kolob Canyons section of the park (no shuttle needed), consider trails like Kolob Arch, which offers a challenging hike for experts.

Gear Checklist

For beginner and intermediate trails: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, at least 1 liter of water per person per hour, salty snacks, ankle-high hiking shoes with good traction, and a printed map (cell service is unreliable). A small first-aid kit is wise. For expert trails: In addition to the above, carry a helmet (mandatory for canyons and the chains section), wetsuit or neoprene for water hikes, rappelling gear for The Subway, a dry bag for electronics, and a headlamp with extra batteries. Always carry a paper map and know how to read it; GPS tracks are helpful but not primary.

Safety and Seasonal Considerations

Zion is a desert environment with extreme temperature swings. Summers (June–August) see temperatures above 100°F in the canyon, making mid-day hiking dangerous. Start all hikes before sunrise. Flash floods are a serious hazard in slot canyons like The Narrows and The Subway—never enter if rain is forecast upstream. The National Weather Service issues flood warnings; check before you go. Winters (December–February) bring ice and snow to exposed sections like Angels Landing and Observation Point. Microspikes are recommended for the first few hours of the day. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant conditions, but trails can be crowded—aim for weekday visits or off-peak months like October after the summer rush.

Final Thoughts on Hiking Zion

Zion National Park demands respect for its rugged terrain and rapidly changing weather. Whether you choose the easy, paved Pa’rus Trail or the challenging technical descent through The Subway, preparation is the key to a safe and fulfilling experience. By matching your hike to your skill level, obtaining the necessary permits, and carrying appropriate gear, you can fully appreciate the park’s dramatic geology and serene beauty. Always leave no trace—pack out everything you bring in, stay on designated trails, and preserve the delicate desert ecosystem for future hikers. With thoughtful planning, a Zion hike becomes not just a walk, but a deep connection to one of America’s most spectacular national treasures.