Getting there is just as beautiful as being in the park. Nine miles outside of Bryce Canyon on Scenic Byway 12 is Red Canyon. It should be added to your “must see” list, and simply driving through could be good enough. This is where you …
Pa’rus Trail
Distance: 3.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 160 feet
Rating: Very Easy
The Pa’rus trail runs along the Virgin River from Zion Park Blvd near Watchman Campground to the Canyon Junction shuttle stop. There are a few bridge crossings and opportunities to check out the river.
The views of the surrounding peaks and river are beautiful from the trail. This trail was the busiest one we were on during our Zion trip, because it is the easiest. We walked and biked it, though we found biking it to be difficult because the trail was so utilized. That being said, this is still an amazing walk!
Petroglyph Pools to Slot Canyon
Distance: 1.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 180 feet
Rating: Easy
This trail was one of the more unique trails we tried at Zion. You start by walking under the road through a pretty cool tunnel to a sandy path that will bring you to the Petroglyphs. A note: we walked right by this section when we hiked this trail, either we were chatting and didn’t notice at all or it wasn’t very clearly marked. The trail ends when you walk up a rock formation into the slot canyon. This would be the most difficult part of the trail but going into the slot canyon is worth it for the views. The petroglyphs are a part of history and we should all do our part to keep it visible to future generations-so please respect the area.
Riverside Trail and the Narrows
Riverside Trail: 2.2 Miles, Easy
The Narrows: Up to 9.4 Miles, walking in the river (difficult)
The Riverside Trail is the path that will take you to the Narrows. The trail is relatively level and paved until you reach the entrance to the Narrows. There are plenty of opportunities to walk along the river and dip your toes in if you want to. Note: Currently the river is under a Cyanobacteria alert, check on the NPS website for river conditions before entering the water. What no one told us: This is a heavily trafficked trail that you need to use to access the Narrows. The trail was packed with people in their waders on their way to walk up the river, which meant the walk was slower than normal.
The Narrows is an incredibly popular “hike” that you’ll see right up there with Angel’s Landing on the charts. You’ll have to walk the 2 miles up the Riverside Trail to get to the entrance of the Narrows. This is where your river walking will begin. You can go as far as you’d like until you turn around. The major highlights in the Narrows is Wallstreet, Orderville Canyon and Big Springs.
The equipment necessary for hiking the Narrows varies based on personal preferences. There are some staple choices we saw on the trail: dry suits, waders, neoprene socks & canyon boots, hiking poles and some choose to just enter with their own shoes and shorts. The choice is up to you, but, be sure to check the water temperatures depending on the season you go in. Another thing to check on is the flow rate of the river and flash flood warnings on the NPS website before you head out.
Canyon Overlook Trail
Distance: 1 Mile
Elevation Gain: 190 Feet
Difficulty: Easy
The Canyon Overlook trail is aptly named as you’ll be overlooking the valley below for most of the hike. The trail will take you by some cave looking formations on a wooden bridge, to the top with panoramic views. This would be an amazing spot to watch sunrise if you have the opportunity.
Emerald Pools Trail
Distance: 3 Miles
Elevation Gain: 620 Feet
Rating: Moderate
This trail starts at the Zion Lodge, crosses the Virgin River and heads up to the Lower and Middle Pools. Going in this direction around the loop you’ll save the best for last with the Upper Emerald Pool. The views walking along the Lower and Middle Emerald Pool are amazing, you’re likely to get a little wet from the water off of the cliff.
We made the mistake of going up the Kayenta Trail, accidentally passing the trail for the Upper Emerald Pool and heading straight for the Lower and Middle Pool. This wouldn’t have been so bad if not for the elevation change going down to the pools, then back up, and down again. Which is why we advise to go to Middle and Lower first when coming from the Lodge.
Watchman Trail
Distance: 3.3 Miles
Elevation Gain: 640 Feet
Rating: Moderate
This trail leaves from either the Watchman Campground or the Visitors Center (whichever you’re coming from/parked at). The trail is moderate but it has a gentle incline for an easy hike in my opinion. Once you’ve reached the peak of the trail there is a loop that will give canyon views from all angles.
We ended up spotting our campsite at Watchman Campground from the top. This would have also been a great spot for watching the sunrise.
Angels Landing
Distance: 5.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1600 Feet
Rating: Difficult
Without a doubt one of the most noteworthy hikes in our National Parks. Starting this year, there is a permit lottery system in place to be able to hike it. We were among the first groups to have to obtain a permit to hike, and it wasn’t the best system. For the permit, we submitted a time frame that we would be there, and rate which days we preferred. Then on the lottery date we got an email saying if and which date we got selected for. You can also choose from morning or afternoon sessions. We got the morning slot for our last morning in Zion.
We ended up renting bikes overnight the night before, and biking in first thing in the morning the next day. I didn’t want to wait for the shuttle to start our hike, we really like solitude and figured it would only be like-minded hikers out there at this time of day. We started our bike ride at 6:00 am and were at the trailhead hiking by 6:30. It was mid April when we went so sunrise was around 6:50. We reached the peak of Angel’s Landing around 7:45 am.
The trail starts at shuttle stop #6, the Grotto, and continues up to Scout’s Lookout. When you reach the switchbacks (called Walter’s Wiggles) the grade does start to escalate. Scout’s lookout is a great view and has bathrooms, which was a surprise to us. The hike from Scout’s Lookout to Angel’s Landing is where the chains and narrow walkways begin. The trail gets very narrow with steep drop-offs. In some spots it is like a set of built-in stairs with nothing on the sides. The peak is a wider platform that can hold a small crowd of people. I would be concerned with the lines during the peak hours at the park. We only passed a few people going down the chain section and that was slightly difficult.
The Subway
Distance: 9.1 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1300 Feet
Rating: Difficult
*A permit is required for this hike* The Subway is a beautiful trail where most of the difficulty comes from the technical spots on the trail. The trail itself is not always clearly marked the farther you get along the creek but as long as you’re paying attention to where you are you’ll be fine. You are likely to get wet from walking in the creek, good water shoes are advised.
Honorable Mentions: Hidden Canyon & Observation Point Trails. A rockfall in 2019 fell and blocked most of the trails switchbacks. Both of these trails are amazing trails and will be again once they reopen.
