Zion National Park has many trails which range from an easy 10-minute walk to strenuous multiple day backpacking trips. The best time to hike while you are in Zions is in the early morning and late afternoon because of the intense heat during the summer. Hiking during the middle of the day is recommended during the colder months. Free backcountry permits are required to camp on a hiking trip. These permits are issued at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center as well as the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center.

The Narrows is one of the favorite hikes at Zions, and probably the best known and most popular hike in the park. The Narrows, which requires at least one full day of hiking is a strenuous hike which requires you to walk, or rather wade, much of the time through the Virgin River. It is 16 miles in length and may be closed at times because of the threat of flash floods.

Zion Canyon Trails

• Weeping Rock - Beginning at the Weeping Rock parking lot, this easy trail is 1/2 mile long and will take around 1/2 hour to complete.
• Canyon Overlook - Beginning at the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway just east of the long tunnel, this easy trail is 1 mile long and will take around 1 hour to complete.
• Emerald Pools - Beginning at the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive opposite Zion Lodge, this easy to moderately strenuous trail is 1.2 miles long and will take around 1 hour to complete.
• Riverside Walk - Beginning at the Temple of Sinawava, this easy trail is 2 miles long and will take around 1.5 hours to complete.
• Watchman - Beginning at the service road east of Watchman Campground, this moderately strenuous trail is 2 miles long and will take around 2 hours to complete.
• Hidden Canyon - Beginning at the Weeping Rock Parking Lot, this moderately strenuous trail is 2 miles long and will take around 3 hours to complete.
• Angels Landing - Beginning at the Grotto Picnic Area, this strenuous trail is 5 miles long and will take around 4 hours to complete.

Kolob Trails

• Taylor Creek - Beginning 2 miles from the Kolob Visitor Center, this moderately strenuous hike is 5.4 miles long and will take around 4 hours to complete.
• Kolob Arch - Beginning at Lee Pass on the Kolob Canyons Road, this strenuous trail is 14.4 miles long and will take around 9 hours to complete.

Extended Backcountry Trails

• Easy Rim - Beginning at the Weeping Rock Parking Lot, this strenuous trail is 11.6 miles long and will take around 7 hours to complete.
• West Rim - Beginning at the Grotto Picnic Area, this strenuous trail is 14 miles long and will take around 12 hours to complete.

Canyoneering. Permits are required for all through hikes of the Narrows and its tributaries, the Left Fork of North Creek (the Subway), Kolob Creek, and all canyons requiring the use of aid. The Subway is limited to 50 people per day. Other hiking permits are available at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center beginning at 8:00 a.m. up to one calendar month prior to the date of the hike. Cost is $5.00 per person for Subway and Narrows. There is no fee for other canyons. The maximum group size is 12, including all leaders.

Climbing. Climbing on Zion's sandstone requires appropriate hardware and techniques. Information on climbing is available at visitor centers. Climbing and rappelling is prohibited on the cliffs above Middle and Lower Emerald Pools and Weeping Rock. Some routes may be closed to climbing when Peregrine Falcons are nesting. A permit is required for overnight climbs. There is no fee for overnight climbs. Visit the Backcountry Permit Desk for additional climbing routes and information.

While you are hiking, take time to see the wildlife up-close.
Go on an Animal Safari.