Zion Canyon Hikes & Trails
Pa'rus Trail
Round trip: 3.5 mi/5.6 km. Average time: 1.5 hours. Ascent: 50 ft/15 m. Easy hike: Paved trail follows the Virgin River from the South Campground to the Zion Canyon junction. Access:South Campground. Handicap access.
Weeping Rock Trail
Round trip: 0.5 mi/0.8 km. Average time: 0.5 hour. Ascent: 98 ft/30 m. Easy hike: Minor drop-offs. Paved trail ends at a rock alcove with dripping springs. Hanging gardens of wildflowers decorate the walls in spring and summer. Trailside exhibits. Closures possible. Access: Weeping Rock parking lot.
Riverside Walk
Round trip: 2.0 mi/3.3 km. Average time: 1.5 hours. Ascent: 57 ft/17 m. Easy hike: Minor drop-offs. Paved trail follows the Virgin River along the bottom of narrow Zion Canyon. Hanging gardens of wildflowers in spring and summer. Trailside exhibits. Closures possible. Access: Temple of Sinawava parking lot. Handicap access.
Lower Emerald Pools Trail
Round trip: 1.2 mi/1.9 km. Average time: 1 hour. Ascent: 69 ft/21 m. Easy hike: Minor drop-offs. Paved trail takes you to lower pool and 3 waterfalls. Winter closures possible. Access: opposite side of street from Zion Lodge parking lot.
Middle Emerald Pools Trail
Round trip: 2.0 mi/3.3 km. Average time: 2 hours. Ascent: 150 ft/46 m. Moderate hike: Long drop-offs. Loop trail to lower and middle pools. Winter closures possible. Access: opposite side of street from Zion Lodge parking lot. Watchman Trail Round trip: 2.0 mi/3.3 km. Average time: 2 hours. Ascent: 368 ft/112 m. Moderate hike: Minor drop-offs. Recommended for early and late in the day due to heat. Ends at viewpoint of lower Zion Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon and town of Springdale.
Canyon Overlook Trail
Round trip: 1.0 mi/1.6 km. Average time: 1 hour. Ascent: 163 ft/50 m. Moderate hike: Long drop-offs, mostly fenced. Rocky, uneven trail ends at spectacular viewpoint of lower Zion Canyon and Pine Creek Canyon. Guidebooks available at Visitor Center and trailhead. Access: Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway -- east end of long tunnel.
Zion Narrows Trail
There are 2 ways to hike the Zion Narrows:1) Short Day-hike: Continue upstream beyond the end of the Riverside Walk. 1 to 5 hours, round trip. No permit required.2) Through Day-hike: Hike downstream from Chamberlain's Ranch. This long, all-day hike requires a shuttle to the trailhead, and a $5.00 permit per person. Stop at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center for permits starting at 8:30 a.m. the day before your hike.
Angels Landing Trail
Round trip: 5.0 mi/8.1 km. Average time: 4 hour. Ascent: 1488 ft/453 m. Strenuous hike: Long drop-offs and narrow trail. Not for anyone fearful of heights. Ends at summit high above Zion Canyon floor. Last 0.5 mi/0.8 km follows a steep, narrow ridge; chains have been added. Access: Grotto picnic area.
Observation Point Trail
Round trip: 8.0 mi/13 km. Average time: 5 hour. Ascent: 2148 ft/655 m. Strenuous hike: Climbs through Echo Canyon to Observation Point. Excellent views of Zion Canyon. Trail gives access to other East Rim plateau trails: Cable Mountain and Deertrap Mountain. Access: Weeping Rock picnic area.