Preparing a big trip to Zion National Park can feel overwhelming. Between the shuttle, heat, and crowds, there’s a lot that goes into planning. And because it feels like a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, you don’t want to get it wrong.

Zion National Park offers over 100 trails to choose from. Some have zero elevation gain while others have an increase of up to 8,467 feet. Whether you choose to hike in Zion Canyon, Kolob Canyon, Kolob Terrace, East Rim, or Southwest Desert, the trails can be paved, dirt, or a rock scramble. Therefore, there’s something for everyone – from experienced hikers to those who just want to stroll and enjoy the scenery.

Most of the most frequented hikes are in Zion and Kolob Canyons. So, the trails chosen below take place in both of those areas and offer different degrees of difficulty as well as views. And most importantly, they’re all memorable and worthwhile.

Author’s Note: As you’ll see, the two biggest hikes in Zion – Angels Landing and The Narrows – have been left off. As of April 2022, you need a permit to complete Angels Landing, which we did not have at the time of our visit. And while The Narrows is grand, it was omitted specifically because we went with our kids, one of whom had trouble with the trail, and didn’t find it worth the hassle and cost of all the gear while also taking up an entire day to complete it.

Taylor Creek

Taylor Creek is a five-mile hike located in Kolob Canyon on the north end of Zion. If you’re looking to ditch the crowds, this is the place to start. You can drive to the parking lot, which is located right by the trailhead, and since the trail is located within the canyon, it’s a cooler hike too. While we went in the spring where there were still some spots of snow, it'll be a reprieve from the sun in the warmer months.

At Taylor Creek, you’ll jump across the creek 10 or more times, adding a little adventure. And if you bring kids, they’ll love it. There are a couple of old abandoned cabins, which adds a little mystique and allure along the way too. The further into the hike you go, the better the views get, but keep in mind that to get to the giant double arch alcove at the end, you’ll need microspikes in the winter and early spring.

Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools

These three are grouped together because that’s how many visitors complete this three-mile hike. Each one separately, however, is about a mile, but when you do them all together though, the views keep getting better to the grand finale at the top. To get there, take the shuttle to stop five, Zion Lodge. After an easy stroll and likely seeing some wildlife, you’ll come across the lower falls. From here, the incline begins to get a little steeper and rockier. It’s important to note that several injuries take place on this portion of Emerald Pools. So, use caution and keep children nearby if they’re joining.

As you’re climbing your way up, you’ll observe tall Ponderosa pines shoot through the rock formations. And once you get to the top, you’ll find the last waterfall and pool, which is a great place to stop for lunch and just observe the beauty of the area. After the Upper Emerald Pools, you can return the way you came or walk the Kayenta Trail back if you want to take in a different view with fewer people.

Canyon Overlook

Canyon Overlook is off the scenic drive and while the trail is only one mile long, it certainly feels like more due to the rocky uphill climb. Parking is available on the side of the road and you may have to walk a bit to the trailhead depending on which season and day of the week you visit. Big horned sheep families are known to graze along this trail as well, so feel free to take your time and watch them in their natural habitat.

Climbing up and over jagged rocks, there are spots with some guard rails and even a cool cave, which is a great place to grab a little shade. Once you get to the top of the immense plateau, you're greeted with the expansive view of a canyon running beneath you. This is my favorite view in all of Zion and the scramble-up makes it a fun challenge too.

Scout's Lookout

This 3.6-mile hike gets you to the start of the chain section of Angel's Landing, and to reach the trailhead, you’ll take the sixth stop on the shuttle, The Grotto. The rigor of this steady uphill climb makes this a challenging hike – the higher up you go, the more layers you’re likely to shed. Once you make it to Walter’s Wiggles, consisting of 21 steep switchbacks, the lookout is close. While it can feel grueling, the fact that the trail is paved helps. And the payoff at the top is worth the work, even without completing Angel’s Landing.

Riverside

If you’re going to skip out on The Narrows for a variety of reasons (bacteria or water level, children are too young, physical abilities, etc.), this is the hike for you. The two-mile riverside walk takes you to the start of The Narrows where the canyon walls begin to tower over and sandwich the Virgin River. To get there, simply take the shuttle all the way to the last stop, number nine, the Temple of Sinawava. This hike is paved and smooth with many areas where you can jump off the trail and down to the river. It’s a lovely place to stop and eat lunch or just lay a blanket down and absorb the grandeur of Zion.

The Watchman

The Watchman is a three-mile hike in the heart of Zion that’s often overlooked. Therefore, it’s a solid option for those seeking a little refuge from other hikes which tend to get overcrowded. While you’re trekking on The Watchman, which begins at the Visitor Center (stop one), you’ll navigate some moderate switchbacks with desert flora until you get to the overlook on the plateau. Just know that there’s no shade on this hike; so, be sure to be prepared with water, sunscreen, and a hat. Doing this hike at sunrise allows you to avoid the intense sun and heat while also getting killer views of the entire Springdale area as well as some notable peaks.

Zion Grotto

To wrap things up, the Grotto trail is a convenient one-mile leisurely walk located at stop six. This is a paved stroll and connects you to the different shuttle stops, including the Zion Lodge where you can stop for lunch or dinner. Along the way, you’ll see deer, primrose, and various cacti species. This is a nice choice for small children and/or those who may not have the physical abilities for rigorous hikes. It’s also a good option as a short stroll after returning from Scout’s Overlook, providing a little respite while also keeping you surrounded by Zion’s incredible rock formations.