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A list of the best trails is only an opinion, so take this into consideration. Also note that some trails on this list may be difficult for the average hiker. The areas listed on this page are all a short distance from each other and each spectacular in their own way. If you are planning a trip to the Southern Utah area, it would be a shame to miss any of the Southwest attractions in this incredible corner of the earth! See our itinerary section for suggestions on how to see the most scenic wonders of the west in one to seven days.

Bo's Favorite - Lady Mountain - This un-maintained route cannot be beat, but there needs to be at least one rock climber in the group. The 360° view is a showstopper!

Tanya's Favorite - Parunuweap - This hike through the East Fork of the Virgin River is my personal favorite, but this trek is only for experienced hikers and those with strong route finding skills. Be warned that you will probably not see another soul during this entire hike.

Classic trails - Trails that every first-time visitor to Zion National Park should see are listed in our Southwestern vacation guide.

Zion Narrows - This well traveled route through the North Fork of the Virgin River is incredible and easy to visit. Almost anyone can do at least a portion of the Zion Narrows by hiking the Riverside Walk Trail and dropping into the river. Short exploration is permitted from there without a permit. For a full dose of the Zion Narrows, obtain a permit and head to East Zion to begin the trail. The full Narrows hike is a rushed one day trip or a relaxed two day backpack.

Angels Landing - This busy trail is one you will not want to miss. Begin the trail in Zion Canyon and hike up the West Rim Trail to find the half mile Angels Landing Trail that traverses a narrow fin above Zion Canyon. If you want more, return from the half mile fin from Angels Landing and continue up the West Rim Trail. This makes a nice two day backpack or a rushed one day hike.   

Best Easy Trails in Zion National Park

Weeping Rock - This short hike packs a lot of beauty into a short walk.  This is probably the most traveled trail in the park.

Lower Emerald Pool - Make sure to take the Lower Emerald Pools Trail and not bypass it by going up the trail to the Middle Emerald Pool. The middle pool and upper pool can be accessed once at the Lower Emerald Pool. This trail is probably traveled more than any other trail in the park other than the Weeping Rock Trail.

Riverside Walk - This nice paved trail allows you to get your feet wet in the Zion Narrows and to get a sneak peak of one of the best trails in the USA and the best trail in the National Park System.  This trail is in the top three most traveled trails in Zion.

Canyon Overlook - This fun hike begins at the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel and climbs to an impressive view of the Zion Switchbacks and lower Zion Canyon. The beauty is that it is a high altitude view (due to the higher elevation on the east side of the park) without the work of hiking to the top of something like Observation Point or Angels Landing.

Best Easy Remote Trails in Zion

Two Pines Arch - A short hike to an arch in Zion that few visitors ever get to see.

Many Pools - If it's been raining and the potholes are filled with water it makes this route all the better.

Shelf Canyon - This is a great little slot canyon located on the east side of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel.

Pine Creek Waterfall - A short hike with a bit of scrambling takes hikers to a refreshing pool and beautiful waterfall.

Hidden Gardens - A fun little slot in Clear Creek.

Clear Creek - This section of  Clear Creek is near the tunnel so you hear a lot of road noise, but it's still a beautiful and an easier part of the park to explore than most.

Gifford Canyon - This hike begins in a hectic place near the tunnel, but quickly takes you away from the crowds and after getting into the wash it's a nice stroll.

Best View Points in Zion National Park

Progeny Peak - This route lies in the center of Zion's slickrock circle. It goes past a charming arch, Two Pines Arch, and then up to Progeny Peak. The view is magnificent from the mountain. This is an un-maintained route rather than a trail is is off the beaten path.

Observation Point - This well traveled trail begins at the Weeping Rock parking lot in Zion Canyon and leads to one of the best views of Zion Canyon.

Angels Landing - The Angels Landing Trail is one of the most outstanding trails in the US and other than the Zion Narrows it is the best in the National Park System.  The trail begins at the Grotto parking lot in Zion Canyon and ends at a spectacular view of Zion Canyon.

Deertrap Mountain - This trail begins at the first turn-off from the east entrance of the park and ends high atop a mesa with a grand view of Zion Canyon below.

Cable Mountain - The trail begins at the first turn-off from the east entrance of the park and leads to a wonderful view of Zion Canyon.

Best Backpacks in Zion National Park

East Rim - This beaten path can be done as a long 10 mile day hike or it can include Echo Canyon, Deertrap Mountain, Cable Mountain or Observation Point and Hidden Canyon. The East Rim can be done as a one-way trail with no backtracking.