Among the majestic red cliffs, winding rivers, and lush ravines of Zion National Park lie many incredible trails that are perfect for those who love the great outdoors to come and explore. This park, located in southwestern Utah, has received well-deserved recognition for its breathtaking landscapes, which have made it a bucket-list item for many experienced and beginner hikers alike.
Zion National Park offers an array of trails that cater to all levels of hikers, ranging from difficult backcountry scrambles to easy and well-marked walks through the desert. This blog showcases some of the top hiking spots that mix stunning views and an adrenaline rush, including the Angel’s Landing trail – which requires a reservation – and the Kolob Arch trek, which spans over 14 miles. Join us as we explore the best hikes Zion has to offer.
The Narrows
The Narrows trail in Zion National Park offers an exhilarating hiking experience. This trek involves walking through vibrant sandstone walls and traversing a rocky riverbed with water ranging from ankle-high to waist-deep, depending on the season. To ensure your safety and comfort during this adventure, appropriate gear is imperative. Closed-toe hiking shoes with ankle support, quick-dry clothing for possible water exposure, and a sturdy hiking stick for navigating unpredictable terrain as you follow the shimmering water along the lower section of Zion Canyon are essential.
Pa’rus Trail
Undoubtedly, the Pa’rus trail stands out as the most convenient and accessible trail in Zion. It boasts a level and well-paved terrain and, unlike any other trail in the park, it allows both bikes and pets. As you walk, the towering and awe-inspiring rusty-red canyons will amaze you, displaying an outstanding majesty during sunrise. Pa’rus trail provides an excellent route for stargazing, enabling you to marvel at the overhead constellations within the designated dark sky reserve, thanks to its easily navigable path.
Angel’s Landing
While it may not always be worth visiting the most popular trail in every national park, Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park is one exception that is absolutely spectacular, albeit very challenging. As you climb 1,500 feet in just over two miles, you’ll get a serious calf workout. This hike is definitely not for the faint of heart, as the last half-mile involves following a tedious path along a ridge with steep drops while using chains to help. But fear not, once you reach the summit, your worries will disappear as you take in the breathtaking 360-degree views of the stunning canyons and gorge below.
Emerald Pools Hike
The Emerald Pools Hike is one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park and for good reason. This moderate hike takes you through lush forests and past three beautiful sets of pools, culminating at Lower Emerald Pool – a stunning oasis surrounded by towering cliffs. Along the way, you’ll pass Upper Emerald Pool—a smaller pool that cascades down to join with Middle Emerald Pool before reaching its final destination. For those looking for more adventure, there are also several additional trails branching off from this main route.
Kolob Arch
To reach Kolob Arch, you must traverse the La Verkin trail for a distance of 14 miles. While this hike can be completed in a single day, it is recommended that you take your time to fully appreciate the desert, forest, and mountain landscapes you’ll see along the way. Numerous campsites can be found throughout the trail, with some available on a first-come, first-served basis, and others that can be reserved in advance. The highlight of this journey is undoubtedly the namesake natural archway, a stunning spectacle set amidst the blazing rocks.
Canyon Overlook Trail
This hiking adventure offers a multitude of exhilarating experiences and breathtaking panoramic views within a brief distance. Traverse upward through stairways meticulously chiseled out of sandstone and trek in the shade of these archaic rocky formations. Rest assured, after successfully conquering the initial ascent, the terrain levels out rapidly, and, at the summit, you can stand on the majestic Great Arch and gaze downwards into the expansive, breathtaking canyons below.
If you’d like to learn more about these incredible trails or have questions about what other hiking trails are worth exploring in Zion National Park, contact the team at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort today, and we’ll help answer any questions you may have.
