Zion National Park has some of the best hikes in the world, from narrow slot canyons to towering red summits only reachable by chain. There isn’t a bad view in the park, but if you’re looking for the best hikes in Zion to hit during your trip, you’ve come to the right place.
If you are only visiting Zion for a few days, here are the hikes you can’t miss:
1. Angels Landing
One of the best hikes in Zion has to be Angel’s Landing. Everyone has heard of this hike in Zion by now, as it’s known as the scariest hike in the park. The hike starts with a series of steep switchbacks, then leads to a chain section that will carry you to a narrow ledge overlooking Zion. This is hands down the best view in the park.
Stats:
Mileage: 5.4 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,448 ft.
Permit required: Yes, grab it here
Choose this one if: you want a Birds Eye view and an adrenaline rush
2. Narrows
The Narrows is just as popular as Angels Landing, but the hikes couldn’t be more different. This one isn’t only one of the best hikes in Zion, but it’s one of the best hikes in the world. It’s known for it’s narrow canyon walls that continue for 16 miles. Most of the hike is spent hiking and sometimes swimming up the river.
Stats:
Mileage: 10 Miles RT There is no end viewpoint, so most people don’t hike the full thing. It’s more about the journey.
Elevation Gain: 334 ft.
Permit required: No
Gear: You can rent shoes and walking sticks outside of the park, it will help you balance on the slippery rocks. If you go in the off season (winter), you can also rent a dry suit.
Choose this one if: you love slot canyons, and you’d like to take a dip
3. The Subway (bottom up)
It took me forever to get permits for this hike, but I can now confirm that it’s definitely one of the best hikes in Zion. If you choose the Subway hike, you’ll find yourself hiking up a river, scrambling over boulders and waterfalls and ending up in a rock tube resembling a subway station. The scenery on this hike is incredible AND it’s the least crowded hike on this list. Since the trailhead for the Subway is outside of the main valley, there are less crowds than the rest of the park (plus the permit process helps a well). I felt like we were the only people on the trail at times.
**There is also a top-down route that is a bit more complicated and involves rappelling.
Stats:
Mileage: 9 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,300 ft.
Permit required: Yes, grab them here
Choose this one if: you want to explore an oasis with less crowds
4. The Canyon Overlook
The Canyon Overlook trail is one of the best hikes in Zion if you’re looking to do a minimal amount of work. It’s under a mile long but the rewarding view at the end will have you wondering if you took a shortcut.
Stats:
Mileage: .9 Miles
Elevation Gain: 157 ft.
Permit required: no
Choose this one if: you want the view of Angels Landing without the permit OR you don’t want to put in that much work for a stunning view.
