Hiking in Zion National Park
Hiking and Walking Suggestions
- The Riverside Walk (Gateway to the Narrows). This is a paved trail that starts at the Temple of Sinawava and along the river to the mouth of the canyon that leads to the Narrows. This is a mostly level hike roughly 2-miles long (round trip) and take 1-2 hours round trip. From the end of the pavement, you may get our feet wet if you like, and continue upstream. This is not to be confused with a top-down tour of the Narrows, for which you need a permit. No permit is required to walk up stream a long way.
- Angles Landing. This is a moderately strenuous, paved trail and takes about 3-4 hours. You need a permit (or a guide who has a permit) to use the chains to get to the actual summit. You may, without a permit, hike the West Rim Trail from the Grotto to Scout Lookout, and continue on the West Rim Trail, to the top of the West Rim. I love this trail. As soon as you hike past Scout's Lookout it becomes quiet (less people) and more of an adventure. There's a spring at the top. Check with the backcountry desk for conditions and flow. Bring a filter. That way you don't need to carry full water - just enough for the trip up. Take a lunch and hand out at the top and enjoy the view.
- Canyon Overlook Trail. This starts at the east entrance to the big tunnel. Parking can be difficult and part of the walk. It's paved, a gentle slope, not too strenous, and an excellnt place to watch the sunset or sunrise.
- Pa'rus Trail, including signed river access points. This trail is paved, flat, starts at the Visitor Center, and may be one of the few trail in the park that allows dogs. It provides great views, doesn't require waiting in line to get on the shuttle and lots of spots to get in the river. Downside is there's a lot of bike traffic on it and it can get tiring having to let bikes past.
- Court of the Patriarchs Overlook Trail - a short and paved trail. Can add the Sandbench Trail (November through February), a short trail that provides a closer view of the Court of the Patriarchs.
- Weeping Rock Trail (This short hike is paved and goes up to the weeps, not Observation Point).
- Grotto Trail. This is an easy, 1 mike round trip hike that connects the Zion Lodge to The Grotto Picnic Area. This is relatively flat and shaded, a good choice for a leisure walk. It may be combined with the Emerald Pools and Kayenta Trails to create a loop.
- Lower, Middle, and/or Upper Emerald Pools. Middle Emerald Pools is 2.2 miles roundtrip. The Emerald Pools Trailhead is across from the Zion Lodge. The Lodge is a great place to stop and relax under the big tree on the lawn, grab a burger or ice cream, and check out the history of the Lodge itself. You can buy snacks or lunch downstairs. If you have time go upstairs and order on the deck. The view across to Lady Mountain is spectacular.
- Watchman Trail. 3.3 miles (5.3 km) roundtrip and takes about 2 hours to complete, starting from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. This is a dirt trail and somewhat strenuous. The view is worth it.
Recommended Gear
• Small day pack
• Trekking poles if you think you might need them
• Lightweight hiking shoes or hiking boots
• Windbreaker or light-weight shell (It's nice to have when it's windy in the morning or in case it rains)
• Waterproof rain jacket or poncho (There's always a chance of an afternoon rain)
• Warm wool or fleece top (Spring, Fall, Winter)
• Warm hat and gloves (Spring, Fall, Winter)
• Water bottles or bladder (3 liters capacity)
• Sunhat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Crampons (in winter)
• Trail snacks and/or a picnic lunch of food you like.
*** Ask your guide or a park ranger inside the Visitor Center for up-to-date information and suggestions on gear and an itinary.
Planing Your Day
Dan's philosophy is to have a personalized experience that connects your soul with nature. Keep your group size small and leave your ear buds or music players at home for the perfect social environment for an exceptional experience.
The Guide you choose Makes a Difference
Daniel (myself) does not guide in the park. If you're hiring a guide, I recommend Mike Dunn: (651) 895-4150.
Mike is the safest guide I know, and a world-class climber and canyoneer on his days off. He ownsa permitted guiding company in Zion National Park and can take you on a hike up Angels Landing, into the Narrows, or wherever you may want to go that's allowed and permitted. Below are my personal sugggestion. Ask Mike what he recommends.
Safety and Health
For Safety and Health Practices, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/partnerships/publichealthforpartners.htm
Half-Day (4 Hrs)
Recommended start time between 7am and 10am for morning, or between 1pm and 4pm for an afternoon trip.
There's a lot to see in Zion. Here's a suggested 1/2 day itinerary. It can be adjusted to your time, motivation and preferences for trails.
Start the day by boarding the shuttle and traveling to The Temple of Sinawava (the Narrows), stopping at the Court of the Patriarchs Overlook Trail. (If it's hot, you may want to do this in the afternoon and do something else in the morning first).
Hike along the majestic Virgin River, walking the paved trail along the river for about one miles to where it terminates at the “Narrows.” There, you can dip your toes in the water before turning around and walking back to the shuttle stop. Optional: you don't have to go all the way to the end. You can stop anywhere along the trail, go down to the water, and take a break under the shade of the lush tress and vegitation that line the river.
When you done at the Narrows, venture back down-canyon where you can traverse the Kayenta Trail, which connects to the Emerald Pools. You might hike the Kayenta trail beneath the waterfalls or seeps spewing from the mouth of Behunin Canyon. On the way back stop at the Zion Lodge for refreshments and a rest on the lawn under the great tree.
You could culminate the day with an invigorating hike of the Watchman Trail, where the vantage point offers stunning views of the West Temple under the colors on the sun set. Take a headlamp.
Full Day (8 Hrs)
Recommended start time is 6:30am to 10am. An early start is recommended in the summer. A later start might be preferable other times of the year.
From the Grotto, hike up to Scott Landing (to the start of the chains to the top of Angels Landing). You can't go further without a guide of permit. Hang out and take a break before turning around and heading down.
In the afternooon, when it's warmer, continue up canyon to The Temple of Sinawava (the Narrows). Hike along the Virgin River, walking the paved trail along the river for about one miles to where it terminates at the "Narrows". There you may dip your toes in the water before you turn around and walk back to the shuttle stop.
On the way back stop at the Zion Lodge for refreshments and a rest on the lawn under the great tree.
If you're not tired, do a short walk to the Emerald Pools, perhaps up to lower pool, or if you're feeling up to it the upper pool.
If you head into town and find yourself with energy still in the evening, hike the Watchman Trail to watch the sunset.
Alternatively, drive to a parking spot just beyond the east entrance to the big tunnel and hike the Overlook trail to watch the sunset.
