Zion is one of the most visited National Parks in America. It is famous for its slender, watery canyons and huge cream and pink sandstone cliffs. These contrast brilliantly against the bright blue sky and are a photographer’s dream. Zion is considered one of the best places in the world for canyoneering. The park is also great for hiking and has gentle walks with beautiful vistas. The Great White Throne is one of the most iconic landmarks in Zion National Park. This white Navajo sandstone mesa rises more than 2,400 feet above the valley floor. Ready to explore the natural beauty of Utah’s oldest and most visited national park? Here are some of the best walks in Zion National Park.
Scenic Walks in Zion National Park
1. The Pa’rus Trail
Location: Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Distance: 3.5 miles/approx. 2 hours
The Pa’rus Trail is the only multi-use trail in the park. It is accessible for wheelchair users and baby strollers and can be used by cyclists and walkers. You can bring pets as long as you keep them on a leash. This trail is leisurely and non-strenuous as it is 100 per cent paved and mostly flat for its entire duration.
2. Archeology Trail
Location: Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Distance: 0.4 miles/approx. 0.5 hour
This short but sweet trail takes you to a hilltop on an archaeological site containing foundational remnants of an ancient Puebloan shelter. If you want to see the artefacts from the Puebloan shelter and around the site, pay a visit to the Zion Human History Museum.
3. Kolob Arch via La Verkin Creek Trail
Location: Kolob Canyons Road
Distance: 14 miles/approx. 8 hours
For those looking for a long but not too strenuous hike, lace up your boots and tackle this day hike. This trail takes you to the famous Kolob Arch (one of the world’s largest freestanding arches). On route, you’ll trek through the desert, forest, and mountainous terrain. On your way to Kolob Arch, you will have to do a bit of rock scrambling.
4. The Narrows via East Rim Trail
Location: Temple of Sinawava
Distance: 9.4 miles/approx. 8 hours
Prepare to be wowed by Mother Nature on this hike. The Narrows of Zion is one of the most unique locations in the USA. This “bottom-up” version of the Narrows hike takes you through the Virgin River as it flows through the slot canyon. The further upstream you go, the more incredible the sights become.
5. Observation Point via East Rim Trail
Location: Weeping Rock
Distance: 8 miles/approx. 6 hours
Observation Point rewards hikers with a spectacular view. This paved trail is one of the longer hikes in the main canyon. En route, you’ll pass through Echo Canyon and up a sandy plateau to the main viewing area. From this vantage point, you can see Angels Landing far below.
6. Angels Landing via West Rim Trail
Location: The Grotto
Distance: 5.4 miles/approx. 4 hours
One of the most iconic landmarks in Zion, Angels Landing is a 1,488-foot (454 metres) tall rock formation. This challenging hike is not for the faint-hearted due to the long drop-offs and the final section, which takes you along a steep, narrow ridge to the summit.
7. Taylor Creek Trail
Location: Kolob Canyons Road
Distance: 5 miles/approx. 4 hours
This is one of the more popular walks in the Kolob Section. As you walk this trail, you traverse through finger canyons, along riverbeds, and over and around boulders. At the end of the tail is the Double Arch Alcove.
