By Dave Webb

These are non-technical hikes that can be done by most people. Technical canyoneering adventures are also great fun but are beyond my scope here.

Most of the time, shuttle tickets are needed to enter Zion Canyon. Learn about them.

See all of our Zion articles/photos/videos. See our map of free Zion area campsites.

Zion Narrows

The Zion Narrows and Angels Landing are word-class hikes, totally unique and extremely fun.

Most people do well hiking into The Narrows from the bottom. Hike as far as you want and then simple return the way you came. Ride the shuttle to its final stop and then start hiking. The river is the trail. You will be in the water about half the time. Everyone gets wet. In most areas the water level will be below your knees but it will come up to your waste in a few spots. There are deeper holes. The rocks are slick and it is easy to tumble in, so take care to keep cameras and phones dry.

During summer, the water temperature is delightful cool. People hike year-round and special gear is needed during cold months. Flash floods are a major danger. Check the weather forecast before entering the canyon and never hike if these is any significant chance of rain. Thunderstorms are most common in August. In April and May, water levels may be high from snowmelt and the hike may be closed.

(Hiking from the top down is an amazing adventure that is best done as an overnight backpack. Permits are needed.)

Angels Landing

The Angels Landing hike climbs up the canyon wall to a majestic vista overlooking Zion Canyon. The trail is easy to follow. It is steep in many spots. It uses switchbacks to ascend the cliffs. In some areas there are sheer drops just feet from the trail's edge. In some areas chains have been bolted to the rock to provide a secure hold.

The hike is strenuous. Some people find it extremely difficult. It is actually not that bad physically but it is emotionally hard for some people. If you have a serious fear of heights you may not want to do the final portion of the hike.

This is an out-and-back hike so just go as far as you want and then simple turn around and go back. Virtually anyone can ascend the first cliff and complete the Walter's Wiggles switchbacks to Scout Lookout. That part of the hike is rewarding with great views. From the lookout, you can see where the trail crosses a saddle and then climbs a hogs back. There you can decide if you are brave enough to challenge the chains section.

There is no problem turning around. Do what you need to do to stay safe. But we encourage you to stretch slightly beyond your comfort zone. Many people have completed this hike saying I'm just going a few more feet, then turning back. They keep saying that until they are on top. Cautious people seldom get into trouble. Cocksure people sometimes put themselves in great danger.

Observation Point

If you are up for a long, strenuous hike to an amazing viewpoint, this hike is for you. Many people have begun this hike at Weeping Rock, in Zion Canyon, but that route is closed right now. The other option is to start on the park's east side, taking a rough route to the trailhead. High clearance vehicles are recommended.

This hike is a great option any time, and in particular if you have not been able to get tickets to ride the shuttle into Zion Canyon.

Canyon Overlook

This is a great, short, easy hike to a marvelous vista overlooking the Canyon Junction area. It is provides a wonderful introduction to Zion.

Weeping Rock

At this writing the Weeping Rock hike is closed. When it is open it is a fun, easy hike up a paved trail to an alcove behind a veil of falling water drops.

Emerald Pools

Emerald Pools offers a moderately strenuous hike and features a beautiful pool and waterfall on the bottom end and then an amazing pool and high waterfall at the top. During spring, water thunders down the cliff into the higher pool. During summer, the stream waterfall may only be a trickle. Either way, the pool is beautiful and the views are wonderful.

Court of the Patriarchs

Iconic photos of the Virgin River with Zion Canyon formations in the background are taken here. You can explore the area via a short hike.

The Subway

In the Kolob Terrace section of the park, The Subway can be hiked from the bottom down or you can enter from the bottom and go. From the top down it is a world-class semi-technical slot canyon adventure that requires good gear and knowledge. From the bottom, it is a strenuous hike with magnificent scenery. Don't miss the dinosaur tracks on a large boulder along the stream. Permits are required.

Taylor Creek and Kolob Arch

In the Kolob Canyons section of the park, Taylor Creek is a moderate hike with wonderful scenery. It is well worth doing.

 Kolob Arch can be viewed via a long-strenuous hike. The arch is amazing and the scenery is spectacular.