New 2026 Edition Now Available

Includes New Routes Completed in 2023 - Spring 2026  

Daniel Stih's Rock Climbing in Zion National Park

An invaluable resource for climbers, as well as non-climbers who have a desire to experience adventure on the big and remote mountains in Zion National Park.

This one of a kind guidebook provides information on rock climbs in Zion National Park not found in any other guidebook or on the internet. These climbs are unique to those the author established during his thirty years of exploring the park. Some of these mountains have not seen second ascents.

In more than 550 photographs and 40 maps and drawings, Daniel shares details on how he discovered and climbed these mountains. Each chapter contains a history, how to get to it, where water might be found, equipment, cautions and special difficulties, the best time of year to attempt it, how to get down, and alternate routes back to civilization.

Daniel begins by sharing stories of how he progressed from doing standard routes, to finding difficult routes on mountains that had not been climbed. He generously provides suggestions for future climbers as to where new routes can be found.

516 pages

ISBN 978-1-7365856-0-3 (Paperback)
ISBN 978-1-7365856-1-0 (Hardcover)

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Hiking in Zion National Park

Daniel Stih is one of  Zion's most experienced hikers and rock climbers. Stih has been hiking and climbing in Zion National Park for over 30 years. It’s a passion that propelled him to do the first ascents of 30 peaks in the park. Read about his story in Daniel Stih's Rock Climbing in Zion National Park.

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 Makes the Difference 

Dan does not guide in the park. If you will be hiring a guide, Dan's recommendation is the Sun Dial Guiding company. Ask for Mike Dunn.

Safety and Health

For Safety and Health Practices, please visit:  https://www.nps.gov/subjects/partnerships/publichealthforpartners.htm

Complete List of Hiking and Walking Options    

  • Pa'rus Trail, including signed river access points. 
  • The 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). 
  • 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 to complete. From the end of the pavement, you may get our feet wet if you like, but we will not continue more than a half-mile upstream and not into Orderville Canyon. This is not a tour of the Narrows canyon, rather a round-trip walk along the river to the mouth of the Narrows were you may, if you like, play in the water, get your feet wet, and take lots of pictures.
  • Grotto Trail. This is an easy, 1.0 mi (1.6 km) 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 in the park. 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 (3.5 km) roundtrip. It may be combined with other Emerald Pools trails and the Kayenta for a longer hike. The Emerald Pools Trailhead is across from the Zion Lodge. 
  • Kayenta Trail. A moderate, 2.0 mi (3.2 km) trail that follows the Virgin River before ascending to the Lower and Upper Emerald Pool Trails.  
  • 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. 
  • Canyon Overlook. Transportation to this trailhead is not provided with this tour. If you are interested in being guided on this trail we will meet at the trailhead. 

** The West Rim Trail from the Grotto to Scout Lookout. (You may not continue past Scout Lookout without a permur). This is a somewhat strenuous, paved trail and takes about 4 hours to complete.

**Excludes the Angels Landing chain section and Narrows hike (You may hike Riverside Walk Trail along the Virgin River up to where the trail terminates at the water, but not upstream into the Narrows).