From easy riverside walks to thrilling canyon adventures, explore the best hikes in Zion National Park for every skill level.
Key Takeaways
- At Zion, you can find paved accessible trails, a dog-friendly hike, and even steep climbs with big drop-offs.
- Many Zion trails follow the Virgin River, showcasing wildlife and stunning canyon views.
- Some of the best hikes in Zion require extra planning, including permits or checking weather and flash flood risks.
If you’re searching for the best hikes in Zion National Park, you have plenty of options to choose from. Zion’s towering cliffs, winding river, and desert landscapes make it one of the most unforgettable parks in the country. No matter which trail you pick, you’ll be surrounded by massive sandstone walls, hardy desert plants, and wide-open skies that seem to stretch forever.
What Are the Best Hikes in Zion National Park?
When it comes to must-do hikes in Zion, it really depends on what kind of adventure you’re looking for. Add these six standout hikes to your Zion itinerary so you can experience the area in new ways.
1. Pa’rus Trail
2 hours round trip | 3.5 miles | Easy | Dog friendly
The best Zion hike for beginners is Pa’rus Trail. This easy, 3.5-mile round-trip trail takes about 2 hours and follows the Virgin River from the Visitor Center to Canyon Junction.
You’ll stroll along a paved path with open views of Zion’s red and cream-colored cliffs rising high above you. Cottonwood trees and wild grasses line the riverbanks, and if you look closely, you might spot mule deer grazing nearby or birds swooping over the water.
Because it’s a dog-friendly hike, Pa’rus Trail is one of the few places in the park where your pup can join you. The trail is mostly flat, making it perfect for families or anyone who wants to take in the scenery without a tough climb. Sunset is especially beautiful here, when the cliffs glow in soft shades of gold and pink.
2. Riverside Walk
1.5 hours round trip | 2.2 miles | Easy | Wheelchair accessible
Riverside Walk feels like stepping into a peaceful canyon world. This 2.2-mile round-trip hike takes about 1.5 hours and follows a paved path along the Virgin River. Towering sandstone walls rise on both sides, creating shade and a cool breeze even on warm days. Ferns and moss cling to the canyon walls, and hanging gardens add a splash of green against the rock.
The first half mile of Riverside Walk is wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for visitors with mobility needs, though sandy patches may make parts a bit tricky. As you walk deeper into the canyon, the cliffs grow taller, and the river gets closer. You might see squirrels darting across the path or hear the sound of water echoing off the rock walls. This trail ends where The Narrows begins, making it one of the best warm-up hikes in Zion with unforgettable views.
3. Sand Bench Trail
3 hours round trip | 4 miles | Moderate
The Sand Bench Trail gives you a different view of Zion. This 4-mile round-trip hike takes about 3 hours and climbs atop a massive landslide beneath The Sentinel. The trail is sandy in places, which can make the hike feel more challenging. As you gain elevation, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Zion Canyon and the Virgin River below.
You’ll pass desert shrubs, prickly pear cactus and patches of hardy grasses that thrive in the dry soil. Keep an eye out for lizards sunning on rocks and hawks soaring overhead. There are minor drop-offs along the way, so you’ll want to watch your footing.
From March to October, Sand Bench is also a commercial horse trail, so be prepared to share the path. The higher vantage points give you wide-open views that feel peaceful and less crowded than some of Zion’s more popular hikes.
4. Upper Emerald Pool Trail
1 hour round trip | 1 mile | Moderate | No swimming
Upper Emerald Pool Trail may be short, but it packs in some stunning scenery. This 1-mile round-trip hike takes about 1 hour and climbs a sandy, rocky path to the Upper Emerald Pool at the base of a tall cliff. Along the way, you’ll pass smaller waterfalls and lush patches of greenery fed by dripping water from above.
There are minor drop-offs on parts of the trail, so you’ll want to move carefully, especially with kids. As you reach the pool, you’ll see water collected beneath a towering rock wall that feels cool and shaded. The contrast between the bright red cliffs and the green plants around the pool is striking.
Swimming is not allowed at the Upper Emerald Pool Trail, but you can enjoy the peaceful setting and the sound of water trickling down the rock face. It’s a great option if you want a rewarding hike without spending all day on the trail.
5. Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail
3 hours round trip | 4.2 miles | Strenuous
Scout Lookout is one of the best hikes in Zion National Park because of its dramatic views. This 4.2-mile round-trip hike takes about 3 hours and follows the West Rim Trail up a series of steep switchbacks. You’ll climb high above Zion Canyon, with long drop-offs and narrow sections that are not suited for young children or anyone afraid of heights.
As you ascend, you’ll see the canyon spread out below you, with layers of red rock cliffs and green trees lining the river. The famous Walter’s Wiggles switchbacks are a highlight, winding sharply up the rock face.
At Scout Lookout, you’re rewarded with wide, sweeping views that make the climb worth it. If you plan to continue to Angels Landing, you’ll need a permit. Even without going further, Scout Lookout offers a breathtaking vantage point you won’t forget.
6. The Narrows
Up to 8 hours round trip | Up to 9.4 miles | Strenuous
The Narrows is one of Zion’s most unique hikes. Starting at the Temple of Sinawava, you follow Riverside Walk before stepping directly into the Virgin River. This out-and-back hike can be up to 9.4 miles round trip and may take up to 8 hours, depending on how far you go.
You’ll be walking in the river itself, surrounded by towering canyon walls that seem to close in around you. In some spots, the canyon is only 20 to 30 feet wide, with cliffs rising over 1,000 feet above.
Wear sturdy footwear because the rocks can be slippery. You may spot small fish darting through the clear water or hear the echo of your footsteps bouncing off the canyon walls. Before you go, you’re responsible for checking the weather, water levels, and flash flood potential. Conditions can change quickly, and the water can be really cold, so always keep your safety in mind, especially if you’re visiting in the wintertime.
Stay at Settler’s Junction After Exploring the Best Hikes in Zion National Park
After a day of experiencing the best hikes in Zion National Park, you’ll want a place where you can kick back, clean up, and recharge for tomorrow’s adventure. At Settler’s Junction RV Resort, you get to experience spacious RV sites with modern hookups and room to stretch out. Wide roads make it easy to park, and the open desert views remind you that Southern Utah’s rugged beauty still surrounds you.
Settler’s Junction also places you close to more than just Zion. Sand Hollow State Park, Snow Canyon State Park, and other scenic spots are all within an easy drive. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or planning a longer road trip, this location makes it simple to explore more without constantly packing up and moving.
When you’re mapping out your Zion adventure, choose a stay that matches the experience. Book your site at Settler’s Junction and enjoy the comfort of a premier RV resort near Zion.