Quick picks
Easy and paved
The river
The Narrows, bottom-up, no permit to Big Spring.
The big climbs
Angels Landing (permit) or Observation Point via East Mesa.
All hike pages
Angels Landing
Zion Canyon
A steep climb up the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout, then a narrow fin with chains for the final half mile. Drop-offs reach about 1,000 feet.
The Narrows (bottom-up)
Zion Canyon
You walk in the Virgin River itself, between canyon walls. Most of the hike is wading, so this is a river day, not a trail day.
Emerald Pools
Zion Canyon
Three pools and seasonal waterfalls stacked up the hillside across from Zion Lodge. Go as far as you like.
Observation Point (via East Mesa)
East Zion
The classic view straight down Zion Canyon, reached from the east on a mostly level mesa-top trail.
Riverside Walk
Zion Canyon
An easy paved path along the Virgin River to where The Narrows begins. Good for families and anyone who wants the canyon without a climb.
Kolob Canyons: Timber Creek Overlook and Taylor Creek
Kolob Canyons
The quieter northwest corner of the park, with red finger canyons off Kolob Canyons Road.
With a dog or a bike
The Pa’rus Trail is the only trail in Zion open to pets (6-foot leash maximum) and bicycles, including Class 1 e-bikes. See dogs and e-bikes.
Rules that apply to every hike
- Check NPS current conditions for closures before you go.
- In season, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is reached by park shuttle.
- Angels Landing past Scout Lookout and any trip beyond Big Spring in The Narrows need permits. See permits and reservations.
Plan the days: 1-, 2-, and 3-day itineraries. Maps: official park maps.