Hiking in Zion

4.8 mi · 1,745 ft gain · 3–5 hr

The chain-clutch ridge walk to a 1,488-ft fin above Zion Canyon. Permit required since 2022 — apply via the seasonal or day-before lottery on Recreation.gov. Budget extra time for the technical sections and avoid when wet or icy.

3.8 mi · 1,141 ft gain · 2.5–3 hr

Same trailhead and switchbacks as Angels Landing but stops at Scout Lookout — no chains, no permit, and the same canyon overlook the chain section leads to. The smart play if the Angels Landing lottery didn't go your way.

9.3 mi · 872 ft gain · 5–8 hr

Wade straight up the Virgin River where the canyon pinches to 20 feet wide. The bottom-up day hike from Temple of Sinawava needs no permit — turn around at Big Springs. Rent neoprene socks and a walking stick in Springdale.

16.8 mi · 2,076 ft gain · 8–10 hr

The full through-hike from Chamberlain's Ranch. Permit required — caps at 80 hikers per day. Arrange a shuttle from Springdale. Can be done as an overnight with reserved campsites. The deepest water and tallest walls are in the final 4.5 miles.

6.4 mi · 1,581 ft gain · 3.5–4 hr

A taste of the Narrows without the full commitment. Starts on the paved Riverside Walk, then continues into the river to Floating Rock. The water gets knee- to waist-deep — proper shoes are non-negotiable.

7.0 mi · 705 ft gain · 2.5–3 hr

The big view down onto Angels Landing — taller, quieter, and now best approached from East Mesa Trailhead (4WD required) while the original Weeping Rock route remains closed. Sunrise is the move.

1.0 mi · 216 ft gain · 30 min

The highest payoff-per-step trail in the park. Just east of the Mt. Carmel tunnel, 30 minutes to a railing perch over Pine Creek Canyon. No shuttle needed — drive to it. Sunrise and sunset are the moves.

3.0 mi · 583 ft gain · 1.5–2 hr

A tiered set of seep-fed pools and waterfalls below the Court of the Patriarchs. Lower pool is stroller-friendly on a paved path; upper pool is a steeper scramble but worth it after spring runoff. Watch your footing — more injuries here than any trail in the park.

3.3 mi · 636 ft gain · 1.5–2 hr

Overlooked because it's right at the south entrance while everyone rushes to the shuttle. Steady switchbacks to a plateau overlooking Springdale, the Watchman tower, and Bridge Mountain. Best at sunset when the crowds have cleared.

3.3 mi · 144 ft gain · 1–1.5 hr

The only trail in Zion that allows dogs (leashed) and is fully paved, wheelchair-accessible, and stroller-friendly. A flat riverside walk with cottonwood shade and canyon vistas. The wind-down hike after a big day. Note: toxic algae in the river — keep dogs out of the water.