Want to find the best hikes in Zion National Park? Check out these 12 amazing hikes ranked and our top recommendations to avoid crowds!
Let me start by saying, Zion is worth the hype! Hiking in Zion National Park is something everyone can enjoy due to the easy access and a variety of trails.
Want an epic adventure? Don’t miss The Subway! Want something amazing but easy? The Canyon Overlook has your name all over it!
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We’ve done nearly all the hikes in Zion’s Main Canyon plus Kolob Canyon, and Kolob Terrace Road. Here’s a complete guide to the best Zion hikes to help you make the most of your National Park adventure!
Visiting Zion? Don’t forget to check out these 12 awesome hikes nearby in St George.
Easily The Subway [Top-Down]! You do need a permit for this hike from May-Septmerber though so if you can’t get a permit, Angel’s Landing is the next best thing!
The Canyon Overlook Trail is the greatest 1 mile hike you’ll ever do! Make sure you go early to avoid crowds. For a slightly longer easy hike is the Middle Fork of Kolob Canyon.
If you want to escape crowds, check out hikes on the outskirts of the national park like. Our top picks would be Middle Fork of Kolob Canyon (5 miles) or Observation Point via East Mesa (7 miles)!
In our personal opinion…no…UNLESS it’s off season (October – April). Summertime is just way too crowded for the work/reward ratio. That being said, we do encourage advanced hiker to take on the Top-Down rote which is about 15 miles and requires a shuttle.
Best Time to Hike in Zion
Hiking in Zion National Park is a year-round adventure! Almost all of the trails in the park are hikable even in the wintertime, you just have to keep an eye on the weather to make sure there’s no bad weather rolling through.
The best time of year to visit Zion N.P. depends on the hiker.
If you want to hit the Subway and/or the Narrows, late September/early October is the time to go due to warmer water temps but fewer crowds. But again, you can find ways to do both of those hikes anytime of year.
For hiking anything but the river-deep canyons, I recommend visiting between mid-March and mid-April. The weather is nice and the crowds are yet to arrive.
To avoid crowds as much as possible and for freedom to drive your own car in the Main Canyon (see below), visit in late February.
For tips on visiting Zion, a 1 day itinerary, and info on where to eat, stay, and camp, click here and read our Ultimate Guide to Zion.
Getting To Trailheads in Zion
Zion has unique access logistics because the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (the main canyon) is closed to private vehicles when the shuttle is running. The shuttle runs from March through November, weekends in February, and the last week of December.
Basically for most of the year you can’t drive your car to many (but not all) of the trailheads. This is one reason why visiting in winter can be great!
Click here for current info on using the Zion shuttle system & to see if tickets are required.
Best Hikes In Zion National Park
12 | Riverside Walk
Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
Elevation Change: 0 feet
Access Trailhead: Shuttle Stop #10 Temple of Sinawava
Difficulty: Easy
The Riverside Walk is just the first mile of the Narrows that’s paved. I frankly don’t think this walk is worthwhile in the summertime because it gets soooo crowded it just feels like a zoo, not a hike. In the spring and winter, this hike can be really spectacular with blossoming flowers or snow on the ground.
11 | Emerald Pools
Distance: 3 miles roundtrip
Elevation Change: 600 feet
Access Trailhead: Shuttle Stop #5 Zion Lodge
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Emerald Pools trail is easy to moderate loop hike to some small vivid pools among the trees. For a shorter hike you can just go to the Lower Pools or you can add another mile and a little more elevation gain to if you want to go the Upper Pools and make it a loop, though the upper pools are not very rewarding. Due to the ease of the hike, it can be super crowded and not very rewarding.
10 | Weeping Rock + Hidden Canyon
Distance: 2.5 miles roundtrip (or .8 for just Weeping Rock)
Elevation Change: 850 feet (100 feet for just Weeping Rock)
Access Trailhead: Shuttle Stop #7 Weeping Rock
Difficulty: Moderate (Easy for just Weeping Rock)
Unfortunately this hike is closed due to rock fall.
Weeping Rock is a short, steep trail that brings you to—you guessed it, a weeping rock that has a constant mini waterfall seeping down the cliff. While it’s still a lovely trail, we highly recommended that you continue past the rock to add on Hidden Canyon.
Hidden Canyon, which shares a start with Observation Point, brings you up steep switchbacks and past a few sheer sections along the cliff with chains to hold on to.
In a very reasonable distance, you reach very unique views of Big Bend before containing into a condensed anyon.
This canyon is filled with fun scrambling over boulders and trees that makes it a really fun hike for families.
9 | Watchman Trail
Distance: 3 miles roundtrip
Elevation Change: 600 feet
Access Trailhead: Shuttle Stop #1 [START] Zion Visitor Center
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Though this trail is definitely not the best of Zion, I think the Watchman trail is a bit underrated given the panoramic views of Zion. Watchman is a 3.3 mile hike to some really gorgeous views and is rarely crowded!
Related: 10 Best Campgrounds in Utah
8 | Northgate Peaks via Kolob Terrace
Distance: 4-6 miles roundtrip
Elevation Change: 1100 feet
Access Trailhead: Wildcat Canyon Trailhead
Difficulty: Moderate or Strenuous
Off of Kolob Terrace Road, there’s more than just The Subway to hike. From the same trailhead as The Subway, you’ll find an alternative route that goes up, not down. This hike is a flat, easy 2 mile trail that takes you to a rocky outcrop that gives you great panoramic views of Northgate Peaks.
From here you can turn back or you can tack on one or both Northgate Summit trails, each 1 more mile respectively. Though the distance may sound easy, the trail grade suddenly gets strenuous. These ascents primarily involves scrambling up rock scree slopes with cairns to guide the way.
We tried to hike the East peak in winter of 2021 and despite our rock climbing experience, we really struggled to find a doable route to the summit and ended up turning back.
Needless to say, only take on the peaks if you’re ready for an adventure. If you decide not to, the viewpoint is beautiful as well.
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7 | Lamb’s Knoll
Distance: 1-2 miles roundtrip (plus rappelling time)
Elevation Change: 200 feet
Access Trailhead: Lambs Knoll Climbing Area
Difficulty: Easy
The Riverside Walk is just the first mile of the narrows that’s paved. I frankly don’t think this walk is worthwhile in the summertime because it gets soooo crowded it just feels like a zoo, not a hike. In the spring and winter, this hike can be really spectacular with blossoming flowers or snow on the ground.
There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of this under-the-radar Zion hike. Lamb’s Knoll is actually not much of a hike, rather, it’s more well known for it’s great rock climbing in the St George area.
Here’s the real draw of hiking at Lambs Knoll, there’s an incredible beginner rappelling route. You can hire one of the many climbing guides in the area to take you on the adventure or you can guide yourself. Important: Only take on this rappelling adventure by yourself if you have rock climbing experience.
Even if you don’t want to rappel, Lambs Knoll is still worth the drive to explore the 1 mile of narrow canyon walls and lush trees.
6 | The Narrows
Distance: 9 miles roundtrip
Elevation Change: 700 feet
Access Trailhead: Shuttle Stop #10 Temple of Sinawava
Difficulty: Strenuous
The Narrows is, like it sounds, a narrow slot canyon which involves hiking in the stream bed of the Virgin River.
We did The Narrows this past Christmas Day and loved it! You definitely want to get all the gear to stay warm from Zion Outfitters! Even with the dry suit and wetsuit socks it was a bit chilly.
If you’re going to hike The Narrows, make sure you do it in the off-season because summer is crazy crowded.
The Narrows can be hiked year-round with proper gear. In the summer and fall, you can get by with just water shoes/sandals.
We learned the hard way that you need to have special gear in the winter, after attempting to rock sandals on a sunny day in March. Turns out the water is still icy cold.
In the winter and spring, you’ll want neoprene socks, booties, and a drysuit, all of which can be rented from Zion Outfitters in town.
No permit is required to hike this out-and-back to Big Springs but if you want to mix things up a bit and add some adventure, you can also thru-hike the Narrows Top-Down from the Zion Narrows Upper Trailhead.
To sum up, Top-Down requires paying for a shuttle service, wading/swimming through pools, and it’s a 18 mile hike.
This is an adventure that is on our bucket list and we’ll definitely write more eventually. Until then, you can learn more about this hike here.
Related: Ultimate Guide to Bryce Canyon [+ Best Hikes]
5 | Middle Fork of Kolob Canyon
Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
Elevation Change: 700 feet
Access Trailhead: Middle Fork Trailhead (accessed via Interstate 15)
Difficulty: Moderate
Kolob Canyon is a little known western region of Zion National Park, accessed right off of Interstate 15. While the main canyon of Zion is often packed with people year round, this side is secluded and almost equally as beautiful.
There are many trails on this side of the park, but Middle Fork trail is definitely the most bang for your buck Zion hike and it’s one of the best St George hikes too.
The hike brings you through tall red cliffs and after 2.5 miles, you reach a vast, open cave. We did this hike in the middle of winter and the icy tones make for beautiful contrast on the warm tones just like Zion in the winter.
This is one of the better Zion winter hikes due to the flat trail but come prepared with layers and it might be a good idea to wear micro spikes to prevent slips.
Bonus: Timber Creek Overlook
Distance + elevation gain: 1 mile roundtrip
Elevation Change: 250 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Timber Creek Overlook Trailhead
If you’re out in Kolob Canyon, you might as well check out the quick 1 mile roundtrip hike to Timber Creek Overlook, just a 5 minute drive further past Middle Fork Trailhead.
Though the hike is short, the secluded view of Zion’s western cliffs is stunning!
4 | Canyon Overlook Trail
Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
Elevation Change: 400 feet
Access Trailhead: Canyon Overlook Trailhead (accessed by car only, no shuttle)
Difficulty: Easy
The Canyon Overlook is by far one of the most stunning views I’ve ever seen and it’s hard to believe you only have to hike 1 mile to see it.
This hike is a can’t-miss for any visitor of Zion national park! Winter is a great time to avoid the crazy crowds at this scenic spot. If you’re visiting in the high season, this is a hike you definitely want to hit at sunrise.
Related: Ultimate Utah Road Trip Itinerary
3 | Angel’s Landing
Distance: 5.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation Change: 1,488 feet
Access Trailhead: Shuttle Stop #6 The Grotto
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
If you only have time for one hike in Zion, you can’t miss Angel’s Landing. The only exception is if you are terrified of heights but even still, you can just hike to the first viewpoint and turn around there.
Important! Just updated for 2023. You are now required to obtain a permit through Recreation.gov in order to hike Angel’s Landing.
This hike has made it into so many “best hikes in the world” lists that you really should see for yourself how fabulous it is. It’s a steep climb and yes, you do have to hold chains for the final mile of the hike, but it’s really only scary if you have a fear of heights.
We’ve hiked Angel’s Landing in the winter and in the summer and my conclusion is to push yourself and go for it.
It’s not as bad as it seems and it’s only scary when you look down. Truly, it would be VERY VERY difficult to fall off the cliff edge.
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2 | Observation Point
Distance: 8.0 miles roundtrip
Elevation Change: 2,148 ft feet
Access Trailhead: Shuttle Stop #7 Weeping Rock
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
Unfortunately this hike is also temporarily closed due to rock fall. Read on to find out an alternative way to hike this.
Observation Point is our family’s second favorite hike in the valley. I think this hike has even better views of Zion than Angel’s Landing.
Aside from the views, this hike has also less crowds, exposure, and sheer drops than Angel’s Landing too.
The stunning panoramic views at the top, makes the steep climb up worthwhile.
Via East Mesa (This Trail Is Open)
If you’re looking for even less crowds, there is an alternative way to hike to Observation Point. The East Mesa route is accessed from N Fork County Road on the east side of the National Park near Ponderosa Ranch Resort. This route is 7 miles roundtrip but flatter (700’ elevation change) than the usual route and it brings you to the stunning Observation Point (even while the trail is closed).
Do note that it’s a dirt road to access this trailhead. At times, it can become impassable even to AWD vehicles. You can usually find current updates on AllTrails reviews here.
Related: 5 Best Hikes in Arches National Park, Moab
1 | The Subway
Distance: 9.5 miles for top-down (6.5 miles for bottom-up)
Elevation Change: 1,000 feet rappelled, 400 feet on foot
Access Trailhead: Wildcat Canyon Trailhead and/or Left Fork Trailhead
Difficulty: Strenuous to Very Strenuous
The Subway Top-Down is without a doubt one of the most epic hikes in the world!
What does Top-Down mean? There are actually two different ways to hike The Subway: Top-Down and Bottom-Up. Bottom-Up is the version where you start at Left Fork trailhead and simply hike out-and-back to the cave-like section of the canyon.
While Bottom-Up hiking is certainly not bad, the real epic factor comes in when you hike this Top-Down. The Top-Down adventure entails strenuous hiking, route finding, rappelling, and swimming through cold pools of water.
It’s an all around unforgettable adventure button’t worry, it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. I only recommend this hike to experienced hikers or climbers, but that being said, for the experienced hiker of climber it’s nothing to worry about. We even brought our then-11-year-old brother on this hike.
The real challenge with the Top-Down is that you need to snag a permit to hike this.
Click here to learn more about How to Hike the Subway Top-Down.
Hope this blog helped you pick which best hike in Zion is best for you! If you have any questions, comment below!
Planning a trip to Zion? Don’t forget to read our related Zion & Utah blogs below!
- Ultimate Travel Guide to Zion N.P.
- How To Visit Zion in the Winter
- How to Hike the Subway Top-Down
- 12 Best Hikes in St George
- Rock Climbing in St George Guide
- 10 Best Campgrounds in Utah
- Ultimate Utah Road Trip Itinerary
- Travel Guide to Bryce Canyon N.P.
- Best Hikes in Arches National Park, Moab
- Best Hikes Grand Tetons
- Get Our Free Hiker’s Fitness Guide
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