Zion National Park is mostly the realm of the dayhiker. There are a few overnight routes for backpackers, the most famous of which is the full Zion Narrows hike. This hike requires planning, fitness, and a permit. The only way the Narrows can be seen as a dayhike is detailed below. Regardless of the length or difficulty, plenty of water should be taken, especially in the summer, which can be very hot in the canyon. Hiking distances given below are total, roundtrip distances unless otherwise stated. Difficulties are only a general guideline, for an adult in good condition, and do not take into account trail length.
(click map to open very large locator map of the hikes below)
Canyon Overlook
Length
1.0 miles
Difficulty
Moderate
Trailhead
Parking area just east of tunnel
This hike begins just east of the tunnel along the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway. It is a short but somewhat steep hike to a great overlook of eastern Zion Canyon. The trail ends at a rocky area offering a sweeping vista, and steep dropoffs. The main overlook area is fenced, but the rest of the area is not, so use extreme caution. This hike is the easiest route to a canyon overlook in Zion, and should be considered a must do for those able.
Court of the Patriarchs
Length
0.2 miles
Difficulty
Easy
Trailhead
Shuttle Stop #4
This "hike" begins from the Court of the Patriarchs shuttle stop (#4) along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. This quick walk stretches the definition of the word hike. Although it is very short, it is also very steep. The paved trail climbs sharply to a good view looking out over the Court of the Patriarchs, a group of three peaks named Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Emerald Pools
Length
Up to 2.5 miles
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Trailhead
Shuttle Stop #5
This hike begins from the Zion Lodge shuttle stop (#5) along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. This is a nice hike with options to visit one or more water pools against the canyon wall. The trail, across the street from Zion Lodge, crosses a bridge over the Virgin River and forks. The paved route to the right leads to the Lower Pool. The left route leads first to the Middle Pool, and there is a rough trail from there to the Upper Pool. The two routes meet to form a complete loop of the area, for a 2.5 mile hike.
Narrows to Orderville Canyon
Length
6.0 miles
Difficulty
Difficult
Trailhead
Shuttle Stop #9
This hike begins from the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop (#9) at the end of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The first mile of this hike is over the Riverside Walk, described below. At the end of this easy, paved route along the Virgin River, the trail ends and the river begins. The next two miles to Orderville Canyon will be spent mostly in the river, with frequent crossings to reach bits of sandy or rocky shoreline. The river is mostly knee deep or less, but there are many small areas that are waist deep or more. The rocky bottom is very slippery, and a walking stick of some kind is almost essential. One can wander through the narrowing canyon for any length of time up to the junction with Orderville Canyon and then turn back. Hiking beyond Orderville Canyon is not allowed without a permit, and is normally done from the top, outside of the park at Chamberlin Ranch. Check with rangers at the visitor center for permits for this overnight hike, and for flash flood potential, especially in the summer months. For those with the ability, the hike up the river to Orderville Canyon is one of the premier day hikes anywhere.
Pa'rus Trail
Length
1.7 miles one-way
Difficulty
Easy
Trailhead
Visitor Center or Shuttle Stop #3
This hike begins from either the Zion Canyon Visitor Center or the Canyon Junction shuttle stop (#3) at the beginning of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. This trail is an easy walk along the Virgin River between Canyon Junction and the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, passing by the Zion Human History Museum (stop #2) along the way. It is most often taken one way, using the shuttle for the return trip. It is the only trail in the park the bicycles are allowed on.
Riverside Walk
Length
2.0 miles
Difficulty
Easy
Trailhead
Shuttle Stop #9
This hike begins from the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop (#9) at the end of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. It is the most popular hike in the park, for good reason. The easy, paved trail follows along the Virgin River as the canyon gets more narrow. The effects of the river can be seen all along this walk. The trail ends after a mile and enters the Virgin River. Those wanting to go farther should be well prepared for river wading, and read the description for the Narrows to Orderville Canyon above.
Scout Lookout & Angel's Landing
Length
Up to 4.4 miles
Difficulty
Difficult
Trailhead
Shuttle Stop #6
This hike begins from the Grotto shuttle stop (#6) along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. It is popular, but very difficult. It briefly follows the Virgin River, then begins climbing steeply up the side of the canyon wall. The climb levels off after about a mile and enters shady Refrigerator Canyon. If the climb has seemed overly steep at this point, you may wish to reconsider going on. Further on, a series of 21 switchbacks, named "Walter's Wiggles", very steeply ascends an otherwise impassable stone face. After these, the trail ascends more gradually and reaches a viewpoint named Scout Lookout. This point is 1.8 miles from the start. The last nearly half mile is the climb to Angel's Landing, and should not be attempted by anyone with any sort of fear of heights. The "trail" gets as narrow as 3 feet across, with drops of 500 feet or more on both sides. Those who are able to make the final ascent are rewarded with an incredible 360 degree view.
Weeping Rock
Length
0.5 miles
Difficulty
Moderately Easy
Trailhead
Shuttle Stop #7
This hike begins from the Weeping Rock shuttle stop (#7) along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. This popular, paved walk is short, but relatively steep. It quickly ascends to a recess in the canyon wall, where you can stand behind the flow of a large seep. This water fell as rain and was absorbed into the sandstone, hundreds of years ago, to work its way through the rock to emerge at Weeping Rock.
