Hiking near Zion National Park

Trails, viewpoints, and hikes in and around Zion National Park

Hiking Trails Near Zion National Park

Zion's trails range from the flat, paved Pa'rus Trail to the chain-assisted exposure of Angels Landing. Browse trails below, and use the Zion Hike Picker tool to match a trail to your group's fitness and time — plus a permit and safety overview further down the page.

258 listings found

Snow-dusted Abraham Peak rises above winter mist and bare trees in Zion National Park, Utah.
Viewpoint

Abraham Peak

The tallest of the Three Patriarchs, named for the biblical Abraham.

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Towering red sandstone cliffs of the Towers of the Virgin rise above Zion Canyon under a clear blue sky.
Viewpoint

Altar of Sacrifice

A blood-red sandstone peak in the Towers of the Virgin, named in 1916.

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Sweeping vista from Angels Landing trail overlooking Zion Canyon with towering red rock cliffs pine trees and winding valley below
FeaturedPopular
Day HikeZion National Park

Angels Landing

A legendary summit climb with chains, steep drop-offs, and breathtaking 360-degree views

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Day Hike

Archaeology Trail

A quick climb to a thousand-year-old Ancestral Puebloan site.

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Babylon Arch Trailhead
Day HikeHurricane

Babylon Arch Trailhead

Desert arch hike with river access and red rock scrambling for adventurous souls

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Planning Your Zion Hike

Two things decide most Zion hiking plans before you even hit the trailhead: permits and heat.

Permit-Required Hikes

Angels Landing has required a permit for every hiker since April 2022, awarded through a Recreation.gov lottery (seasonal and day-before options). The top-down route through the Narrows and other technical canyon routes require a separate wilderness permit; the standard bottom-up Narrows day hike from the Temple of Sinawava needs no permit at all.

Difficulty Spectrum

Zion's trails cover a wide range — easy, paved options like the Pa'rus Trail and the Riverside Walk suit almost anyone, while trails like Angels Landing (strenuous, exposed, chain-assisted sections) and longer backcountry routes demand real fitness and comfort with heights.

Heat and Flash Flood Safety

Summer temperatures in the canyon regularly exceed 100°F, and dehydration is a real risk even on short hikes — carry more water than feels necessary. Narrow slot canyons and the Narrows itself carry flash flood risk from storms that may be miles away and out of sight; check the current forecast and any posted flash flood potential before heading into narrow terrain.

Zion Hiking FAQ

Do I need a permit to hike in Zion?

Only for specific hikes — Angels Landing requires a permit for every hiker (Recreation.gov lottery), and technical/overnight routes need a wilderness permit. Most standard day hikes, including the bottom-up Narrows, need no permit.

What's the difference between hiking the Narrows top-down versus bottom-up?

The bottom-up route from Temple of Sinawava is a there-and-back day hike with no permit required. The top-down route is a full 16-mile through-hike requiring a wilderness permit, more technical skill, and typically an overnight or very long single day.

Are dogs allowed on Zion trails?

No, with very limited exceptions — dogs are not allowed on nearly all park trails. They are allowed in campgrounds and on a leash in some developed areas, but not on the trail system itself.

What's a good beginner-friendly trail in Zion?

The Pa'rus Trail (paved, flat, riverside) and the Riverside Walk leading to the Narrows are the most accessible options for most fitness levels and ages.