Zion Canyon Trail Descriptions

The Pa'rus Trail is the only multi-use trail in the park, open to wheelchairs, bikes, and pets on leash.

NPS Photo / Brian Whitehead

 

 

Zion Canyon is the most visited part of Zion National Park and offers easy, moderate, and strenuous hikes. Most Zion Canyon hikes are accessible only by the park shuttle from March through November and require stopping at the appropriate shuttle stop. Be sure to check the shuttle schedule prior to starting your trip and arrive early to find parking. All available parking fills quickly during the peak summer season. Trail closures may be in effect so check for current conditions.

Hiking the trails of Zion National Park can provide lasting memories, but this environment can be harsh and unforgiving. Park Rangers respond to numerous rescues each year, many of which are preventable. Your safety is your responsibility and that begins with proper planning and preparation prior to your visit.

You can make a difference for the future of Zion! Please follow Leave No Trace principles while you are visiting the park.

 

Easy Hikes

These trails range from 0.4 miles to 3.5 miles and gain no more than 100 feet in elevation. A few are wheelchair accessible with assistance and all offer a glimpse of the natural history of Zion National Park. Being shorter in duration, these trails are also great options for those with a limited amount of time.

 

Download our hiking guide in the park newspaper.

Pa'rus Trail

Shuttle Stop to Start from: #1 Visitor Center or #3 Canyon Junction
Pets: Yes
Trailhead Location: Up canyon from the Visitor Center and across the bridge adjacent to the South Campground. This trail can also be accessed from the Canyon Junction shuttle stop.
Distance (roundtrip): 3.5 mi / 5.6 km
Elevation Change: 50 ft / 15 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 2 hours
Description: A paved trail that follows the Virgin River from the South Campground to Canyon Junction. This trail is handicap accessible, but wheelchairs may need assistance. Trailside exhibits. This is the only trail in Zion National Park that allows both pets (on a leash up to 6 feet) and bicycles. You can access this trail from the Museum (Shuttle Stop #2) by using a short connector trail that is not designed for wheelchairs and not approved for bikes or pets. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Visitor Center.

Grotto Trail

Shuttle Stop to Start from: #5 Zion Lodge or #6 Grotto
Pets: No
Trailhead Location: Behind the shuttle stop at the Zion Lodge. This trail can also be accessed from the Grotto if you walk down canyon and behind the historic stone building.
Distance (roundtrip): 1 mi / 1.6 km
Elevation Change: 35 ft / 11 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 30 minutes
Description: The trail connects the Zion Lodge to the Grotto and is near the road most of the way. This trail is a great place to view wildlife. Restrooms and water are available at both the Lodge and the Grotto. When the shuttle is not in operation and the parking is full at the Grotto, this trail is a lovely alternate way to reach the Grotto.

Weeping Rock Trail (Closed until further notice due to major rockfall)

Riverside Walk

Shuttle Stop to Start from: #9 Temple of Sinawava
Pets: No
Trailhead Location: Adjacent to restrooms and water refill station.
Distance (roundtrip): 2.2 mi / 3.5 km
Elevation Change: 57 ft / 17 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
Description: Minor drop-offs. Paved trail follows the Virgin River along the bottom of a narrow canyon. Trailside exhibits. The first 0.4 miles of the trail is accessible but past that point there are several steep slopes. Deep sand may be present on pavement after heavy rain. Some wheelchair users may need assistance.This trail accesses the bottom-up Narrows route (see below). Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Temple of Sinawava.

 

Moderate Hikes

These trails range from 1 mile to 7.6 miles and have larger elevation gains. They offer magnificent views of Zion Canyon but require additional planning as proper footwear, supply of water, and physical abilities become increasingly important.

 

Watchman Trail

Shuttle Stop to Start from: #1 Visitor Center
Pets: No
Trailhead Location: Up canyon and across the road. Stay along the river to begin the trail.
Distance (roundtrip): 3.3 mi / 5.3 km
Elevation Change: 368 ft / 112 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 2 hours
Description: Moderate drop-offs. Ends at viewpoint of the Temples and Towers, lower Zion Canyon, Watchman Peak, and Springdale. Trail can be muddy when wet. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Visitor Center.

Sandbench Trail

Shuttle Stop to Start from: #4 Court of the Patriarchs
Pets: No
Trailhead Location: Court of the Patriarchs.
Distance (roundtrip): 4 mi / 6.4 km
Elevation Change: 466 ft / 142 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 3 hours
Description: Commercial horse trail from March to October. Hike atop a massive landslide under The Sentinel. Deep sand and little shade. No water or restrooms available at Court of the Patriarchs. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Zion Lodge.

Lower Emerald Pool Trail

Shuttle Stop to Start from: #6 The Grotto
Pets: No
Trailhead Location: Across the road from the Grotto via the Kayenta Trail.
Distance (roundtrip): 2.2 mi / 3.5 km
Elevation Change: 150 ft / 46 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 1.5 hour
Description: Leads to the pools below Middle Emerald Pools and the Upper Emerald Pools Trails. Minor drop-offs. Swimming is prohibited in the Emerald Pools. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Grotto.

Middle Emerald Pools Trail

Shuttle Stop to Start from: #6 Kayenta Trail
Pets: No
Trailhead Location: Across the street from the Grotto via the Kayenta Trail.
Distance (roundtrip): 2.2 mi / 3.5 km
Elevation Change: 150 ft / 46 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
Description: An unpaved climb to a sandstone ledge that parallels the lower trail, but at at a higher level. Moderate drop-offs. Connects to the other Emerald Pools trails. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Grotto.

Kayenta Trail

Shuttle Stop to Start from: #6 The Grotto
Pets: No
Trailhead Location: Across the street from the shuttle stop and then across the footbridge.
Distance (roundtrip): 2.0 mi / 3.2 km
Elevation Change: 150 ft / 46 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
Description: Moderate drop-offs. An unpaved climb to the Emerald Pools. Connects the Grotto to the Emerald Pools Trails. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Grotto.

Upper Emerald Pool Trail

Shuttle Stop to Start from: #6 The Grotto
Pets: No
Trailhead Location: Across the street from the Grotto via the Kayenta Trail.
Distance (roundtrip): 3.0 mi / 4.8 km
Elevation Change: 200 ft / 61 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 2 hours
Description: Minor drop-offs. A sandy and rocky trail that climbs to the Upper Emerald Pool at the base of a cliff. No swimming is allowed in the Emerald Pools.

Canyon Overlook Trail

Shuttle Location: No shuttle, requires personal transportation.
Pets: No
Trailhead Location: Located near the east entrance of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.
Distance (roundtrip): 1.0 mi / 1.6 km
Elevation Change: 163 ft / 50 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 1 hour
Description: Long drop-offs, mostly fenced. Rocky and uneven trail ends at a viewpoint for Pine Creek Canyon and lower Zion Canyon. To enter or exit the parking area just east of the tunnel, you must turn right. Parking is extremely limited, be prepared to try multiple times. There are pit toilets in a parking lot about 400 yards (a quarter mile) east of the trailhead.

 

Strenuous Hikes

These trails range from 2.5 miles to 9.4 miles and have elevation gains of up to 2,148 ft. Strenuous trails are physically challenging, but some can be mentally challenging as well. Several of these trails include walking along steep cliffs and holding onto chains for safety. These trails require preparation and planning. While summer months are popular times to travel, they also bring extreme heat, thunderstorms, and rain which can increase your risk if you are unprepared. Always check the current weather conditions and plan accordingly. Your safety is your responsibility.

 

Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail

Learn more about applying for a required permit to hike to Angels Landing...
Shuttle Stop to Start from: #6 The Grotto
Pets: No
Trailhead Location: Across the road from the shuttle stop and then across the footbridge.
Distance (roundtrip): 4.2 mi / 6.2 km
Elevation Change: ~1,000 ft / 305 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 3 hours
Description: Long drop-offs. Not for young children or anyone fearful of heights.

Angels Landing via West Rim Trail

Learn more about applying for a required permit to hike to Angels Landing...
Shuttle Stop to Start from: #6 The Grotto
Pets: No
Trailhead Location: Across the road from the shuttle stop and then across the footbridge.
Distance (roundtrip): 5.4 mi / 8.7 km
Elevation Change: 1,488 ft / 453 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 4 hours
Description: Long drop-offs. Not for young children or anyone fearful of heights. Last section is a route along a steep, narrow ridge to the summit.

Hidden Canyon Trail via the East Rim Trail (Closed until further notice due to major rockfall)

Observation Point via East Rim Trail (Closed until further notice due to major rockfall)

The Narrows via Riverside Walk

Cyanobacteria: Be mindful of health advisories related to toxic cyanobacteria. Do not submerge your head in the water.

Shuttle Stop to Start from: #9 Temple of Sinawava
Pets: No
Trailhead Location: Adjacent to shuttle stop and restrooms.
Distance (roundtrip): up to 9.4 mi / 15.1 km
Elevation Change: 334 ft / 102 m
Estimated Hiking Time: up to 8 hours
Description: This route is known as the bottom-up Narrows and does not require a permit. Hike in as far as you like, then hike back the way you came. Upstream travel beyond Big Spring or in Orderville Canyon is prohibited. At least 60% of the hike is spent wading, walking, and sometimes swimming in the river. Travel is rough and slippery in cold, fast flowing water. High water levels can prevent access. Obtain additional information prior to starting this hike. Use appropriate equipment and clothing to help protect you. Before your hike, always check the weather and flash flood potential (links available on our website or information updated at the Visitor Center). Flash floods are deadly.