Zion Nation Park Hiking Travel Guide

Southern Utah has 5 national parks with Zion being one of the most famous of them. The land scape and drastic elevation changes make it some of the most beautiful too. The Virgin river carves through the canyon with walls that soar over 2000 ft above. The park covers 229 square miles and was established a national park in 1919.

Basic Information:

How to get there:

There are multiple ways to get to the park, but all of them are basically driving there. When I visited, My friend and I flew into Las Vegas and then drove there. It was a little under three hours, but there is a closer, smaller airport in Saint George. We took Interstate 15 north and then highway 9 once past Saint George. Highway 9 leads right to and through Zion National Parks main entrance.

Where to stay:

There are many hotels and places in the close by towns of Hurricane, Virgin, and Springdale, but there are also unique options like glamping. When I visited, we stayed at a newly founded campsite where we slept in a covered wagon. It was air conditioned, lockable, and spacious. The location was Zion Wildflower Resort, where they also have Canvas tents and bungalows to stay in. If you don’t want to drive a ton Springdale will be your best option. You can take the free shuttle that runs through town right into the park. There is also options to stay at campsite or the Zion Lodge within the park itself.

Cost of going:

The most costly part of your trip will probably be your accommodations. Relatively speaking, this trip can be very affordable. We did buy food from a local Walmart for the week. When we did go into a restaurant or place selling food, the prices were reasonable and similar to prices at home. We also purchased a yearly pass for the parks which was a better deal than paying the entrance fee of $35 daily. If you are going into the park three or more days, I would consider the annual pass also at $80. That is also for the whole car, not one person.

How long and when to go:

The park is located basically in the desert, so the summer is not the best option because temps can reach over 100 easily. Winter is not great but doable. The best times will be spring and fall, but spring has the mostly likely chance of rainy or stormy weather that can cause flash floods. Depending on how much hiking you want to do can change the length, but average 3 to 7 days.

What to bring:

Of course, hiking gear is the main thing you want to bring to walk through the park, but if you are wanting to stick to the easier walks, full on hiking gear is not needed. Plenty of water will be key for lots of hiking and food or snacks for longer treks. Sunblock is very important. While there, there was only one day with little clouds. Remember to bring layer-able clothing for taking on and off when needed.

My Top Hiking Gear

Other Tips:

I already mentioned buying an annual pass instead of paying the entrance fee daily. If going during warmer times, getting to the park early is essential. Not only for parking, but it takes a while for it to heat up so there is better weather. Be sure to check out the park website about trail closures and warnings before leaving.

Best Hiking Trails:

Lower emerald Pool Trail

This is an easy and enjoyable walk to a nice water area. It can also easily be connected with the upper and middle emerald pool trail or the Kayenta Trails to make it a little longer and harder. This was the last trail we took in Zion and was a great end to the trip. Easily accessed across from the shuttle stop 5 and Zion lodge where we laid in the grass lawn and ate lunch. Trail is fairly shaded, easy for kids, and paved.

Stats:

Distance: 1.2 miles / 1.9 km round trip

Time Estimate: 1 hour

Elevation: 69 ft / 21 m

Difficulty: Easy

Riverside Walk

This trail starts at the last shuttle stop 9 and is also the connecting trail for the Narrows trail. This was the first trail I took while in Zion and was a great start. Many people head to stop 9 first to go the furthest in the park they can and then work their way back. The trail is shaded, paved most of the way, and kid friendly. I loved walking next to the river and the places just off the path you could go to walk in the sand along the bank or climb rocks. We stopped at one of these locations and rested a while under a tree. I would really recommend this trail and next time I hope to continue on to the Narrows trail also.

Stats:

Distance: 2.2 miles / 3.5 km round trip

Time Estimate: 1.5 hrs

Elevation: 57 ft / 17 m

Difficulty: Easy

Upper Emerald Pool Trail

We were very close to adding this to our last hike when we did the lower emerald pool trail, but we were tired and this trail had minor elevation gains in a short amount of time. If we were not so worn out, this trail would have been very doable. We loved seeing the water falls from the bottom and I am sure they are very cool at the top where this trail takes you.

Stats:

Distance: 1 miles / 1.6 km round trip

Time Estimate: 1 hour

Elevation: 200 ft / 61 m

Difficulty: Moderate

Kayenta Trail

We did not get the chance to do this trail on our trip, but it was on our list to do before we left. It is a nice moderate trail that can be connected with many of the emerald pool trails. It is shaded and a good distance. I hope to visit and add this trail to the ones I have done.

Stats:

Distance: 2 miles / 3.2 km round trip

Time Estimate: 1.5 hrs

Elevation: 150 ft / 56 m

Difficulty: Moderate

Angles Landing

This is probably one of the most famous trails for Zion park. When we went, the last section was closed, so we took it off our list because it is said to be the best part. It is one of the harder hikes because of the elevation gains, so make sure to be rested and ready for the hike. I have heard of people doing it and loving the hike and the views from the top.

Stats:

Distance: 5.4 miles / 8.7 km round trip

Time Estimate: 4 hrs

Elevation: 1488 ft / 453 m

Difficulty: Hard

The Narrows

If we were not so worn our from the day before, we would have loved to do this trail. Also for this trail you have to walk through the river at many points and we were not really ready to wade in. Not only did we not want wet boots, but at the time we were there, there was a caution for getting in the water because of some bacteria. We saw many people go on ahead despite that, but we didn’t want to risk it. The next time I visit, I really hope to get to do this trail. It is also one of the most famous trails for the park.

Stats:

Distance: up to 9.5 miles / 15.1 km round trip

Time Estimate: up tp 8 hrs

Elevation: 334 ft / 102 m

Difficulty: Hard

Other Activities in the area:

Biking: Very popular along the Scenic drive and the Pa’rus trail

Birding: 291 species of birds are located within the park of Zion

River tours: Boating or floating on the Virgin River. Flow rate does have to be over 150 CFS to boat.

Horseback Riding: offered March through October within the park. Call ahead.

Sunset and Star Gazing: Little light pollution and the desert landscape make this incredible and beautiful.

Explore downtown Springdale: many shops, galleries, and easily walkable. Many ice cream shops too!

Drive scenic roads: include Kolob Terrace that will go up to 8000 ft above sea level.

Whatever you choose to do and hike in Zion, it will be a great time. The place is a beautiful location with so much to see. I will be returning one day to try more trails and activities. One of the five parks with in Utah and one of the most known of the national parks, Zion does not disappoint. It can be busy because of it popularity, but it is worth it.