Best Hikes in Zion National Park: Trail Lengths, Hiking Times & Must-See Views
Here’s a guide to some of the best hikes in Zion National Park, with distances, approximate times, and highlights so you can plan your adventure with confidence. Zion’s dramatic sandstone cliffs, lush canyon bottoms, and iconic trails make it a hiker’s paradise — whether you’re here for a short day-hike or a challenging all-day trek.
These are the Best Hikes in Zion National Park: Trail Lengths, Hiking Times & Must-See Views
Key Takeaways
- Explore the best hikes in Zion National Park, including Angels Landing and The Narrows, with detailed distances and times.
- Angels Landing is Zion’s most iconic and strenuous hike, offering breathtaking views for those who dare the heights.
- The Narrows offers a unique experience of hiking through the Virgin River, with options to customize distance.
- Emerald Pools Trail is family-friendly and features three levels of scenic pools and waterfalls.
- Plan your hikes wisely: start early, stay hydrated, and consider permits for certain trails like Angels Landing.
🌄 1. Angels Landing
- Distance: ~5.0–5.4 miles (8.1–8.7 km) round-trip
- Time: ~4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Trail Overview: This is Zion’s most iconic and adrenaline-pumping hike. You’ll climb steep switchbacks up Scout Lookout and, if you have a permit, tackle the final narrow ridge with chains bolted into the rock. The summit rewards you with breathtaking views of Zion Canyon below. This hike is not recommended for anyone uneasy with heights.
🏞️ 2. The Narrows (Bottom-Up)
- Distance: Up to ~9.4 miles (15 km) round-trip (turn-around wherever you choose)
- Time: ~4–8+ hours (depends how far you go)
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Trail Overview: Instead of a traditional dry trail, this hike takes you right into the Virgin River. You’ll wade — and sometimes hike through — the river as towering cliffs rise on both sides. Many hikers turn around at Big Spring (about 9.4 miles), but you can make it shorter if you prefer. It’s a unique and unforgettable way to explore Zion’s narrowest canyon.
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💧 3. Emerald Pools Trail Network
Zion’s most family-friendly classic hike includes three levels of pools and waterfalls. You can tailor the distance based on how far you want to go.
- Lower Emerald Pools
- Distance: ~1.2 miles (1.9 km) round-trip
- Time: ~1 hour
- Description: Easy paved path to a shaded pool and seasonal waterfalls — perfect for an afternoon stroll.
- Middle Emerald Pools
- Distance: ~2.0 miles (3.2 km) round-trip
- Time: ~1.5–2 hours
- Description: Includes a steeper climb with excellent views of the canyon as you approach another pool and cascade.
- Upper Emerald Pools
- Distance: ~3.0 miles (4.8 km) round-trip (combined with Lower & Middle)
- Time: ~2 hours
- Description: A slightly more challenging section that leads to the highest and most scenic pooloverlooking Zion Canyon.
📸 4. Canyon Overlook Trail
- Distance: ~1.0 mile (1.6 km) round-trip
- Time: ~1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Trail Overview: A short hike with big views. This trail ends at a dramatic overlook of Pine Creek Canyon and lower Zion Canyon — great for sunrise or sunset. Be cautious of drop-offs, especially with kids.
🌿 5. Riverside Walk
- Distance: ~2.0 miles (3.3 km) round-trip
- Time: ~1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail Overview: A meander along the Virgin River, this paved trail winds you to the start of The Narrows. It’s flat, shaded in parts, and perfect for a relaxed morning or afternoon hike.
🏜️ 6. Watchman Trail
- Distance: ~2.8 miles (4.6 km) round-trip
- Time: ~2–3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Overview: This is one of Zion’s best moderate hikes with panoramic views of the Watchman Peaks, Springdale, and the canyon floor. It’s a great option if you want a bit more challenge without committing to a strenuous summit hike.
🚲 7. Pa’rus Trail
- Distance: ~3.5 miles (5.6 km) round-trip
- Time: ~1.5–2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail Overview: A flat, multi-use paved trail that’s perfect for hiking, biking, or a morning jog. It follows the Virgin River and offers great views of canyon walls with minimal elevation gain. (zionpark)
🥾 Tips for Hiking Zion
- Start Early: Many trails get hot in the afternoon — and popular ones can fill up quickly.
- Water & Gear: Bring plenty of water and sturdy footwear — especially for rocky or river routes like The Narrows.
- Permits: Angels Landing now requires a permit for the final chains section, so plan ahead.
Whether you’re chasing heartbeat-racing ridges, cool river canyons, or peaceful pool-side paths, Zion offers hikes that match every pace and preference. Lace up your boots — adventure awaits! 🌵🥾
We haven’t done Angel’s Landing yet. The views in your photos look simply stunning, and perhaps even worth doing this despite not liking heights too much.
It’s totally worth it – easily one of our favorite hikes we’ve ever been on.
Your photos bring back so many memories from my visits to Zion. Every park in Utah is so amazing. I’m having knee surgery next month…hopefully to be back out there hiking by the end of the year.
Zion is one of our favorite national parks! We wish you well on your surgery and recovery!
I love zion! This brought back so many memories for me. I was lucky to be visiting in February so was able to enter by car instead if being shuttle in. I walked all the Emerald pool sections bc narrows and Angel Falls was closed during my visit. Im not a great hiker so that was perfect for me anyway
We visited in February, too! It was nice not having to use the shuttle. That’s a bummer you couldn’t do Angel’s Landing or the Narrows, you’ll have to go back one day because they are pretty epic.
I’d like to hike several of these … someday …
My first date with my now husband was in Zion. I have such fond memories of that trip and hiking The Narrows and Angels Landing! I would love to return to do a few more of these beautiful walking and biking trails in Zion National Park