Hiking Zion National Park gives access to a variety of scenic trails at different levels for some of the most rewarding hiking experiences.
Most of the popular trails in Zion National Park start in the region of the canyon scenic drive. Other more remote trailheads include The Subway, West Rim Trail, and Zion Narrows.
Hiking Zion National Park
Here are six of the park’s most popular hiking trails:
The Subway
The Subway is a point-to-point trail at 9 miles in length with a 250-ft elevation gain and situated in Virgin, Utah. Great features of this hike include the waterfall, views, and rivers.
The foot traffic on The Subway trail is light and has been given a moderate rating for difficulty. For the more adventurous hiker it is possible to complete the trail top-down, which involves rappelling.
Plus, it can make the hiker easier with a trekking pole. It can take some time to complete The Subway – Zion National Park, so make sure to pack enough fluid and high fuel foods to keep the energy up.
West Rim Trail – Lava Point
The West Rim Trail – Lava Point trail stretches about 14.5 miles with a 1400-ft elevation gain and situated in Springdale, UT.
It is rated with a moderate difficulty level and provides spectacular views (flowers, trees, seeps, springs, and canyons) along the course of the hiking path.
This multi-day trail has medium foot traffic and is primarily used for hiking and camping. The Lava Point trail is open to the public from April to October.
The Zion Narrows Trail
The Zion Narrows Trail at 32 miles in length (there and back) has a 1285 elevation gain with heavy foot traffic and situated in Springdale, UT.
It has a difficult rating so favored by the more skilled hikers and is open to the public year-round.
Certain areas of the canyon can have pretty strong currents, so it benefits to hike with a trekking pole. Great features of this hike include the scenic views and rivers. This trail is used for both hiking and camping.
Northgate Peaks Trail
The Northgate Peaks trail at 2.4 miles in length (there and back) is rated for ALL skill levels and situated in Hurricane, UT. Great features of this hike include the scenic views.
It has a 100-ft elevation gain with medium traffic and opens to the public from June to November. This is a dog-friendly trail.
Angel’s Landing
The Angle’s Landing trail at 5.2 miles (there and back) has a 1511-ft elevation gain with heavy foot traffic and open to the public year-round.
Great features of Angle’s Landing include the scenic views and native wildlife. This hiking trail is rated difficult, so a practical option for the more skilled outdoorsmen.
Even though this trail is primarily used for hiking it is also a favorite spot for bird watching, nature walks, and trail running.
Observation Point
The Observation Point Trail is 8.1 miles in length (there and back) with a 1588-ft elevation, medium foot traffic, and situated in Springdale, UT.
This trail is rated difficult, so a strenuous hike leads to the tallest point in the park. Great features of Observation Point are the stunning views, wildlife, wildflowers, and river.
Matt Green, is an avid hiker and lover of the great outdoors. He is always planning his next big trip or hitting the trails for a solo hike.
He’s traveled extensively to many remote regions and has plenty of experience exploring various terrains, and stories to tell.