Top 5 Trails to Hike in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is easily the most beautiful and intriguing National Park in the United States. It offers breathtaking views and a variety of trails suitable for hikers of all levels. It also includes road access to Canyon Junction, and then takes you on Mount Carmel Highway, where you can access other trails and go to the east entrance of the park. If you are looking to plan a trip to a truly unique location, Zion is the place for you. This opinion-based list highlights some of the best trails for hikers of all levels in Zion National Park.
1. Lower Emerald Pools
There are three Emerald Pool trails at Zion National Park. The Lower Pools sit beneath a rocky edge, with a small, flowing waterfall that feeds the pools at the bottom. It is a 1.2-mile hike, accessible from the Kayenta Trail or the Zion Lodge. The National Park Service labels this hike as an easy hike, with paved trails and a small elevation change. I placed this trail as the number 1 trail because of its breathtaking views and easy access. It also connects to the other Emerald Pools trails, making it a more worthwhile hike with multiple things to see.
2. Kayenta Trail
If you want to go on a hike where you can’t stop saying, “Wow!” Kayenta Trail is for you. This hike is a moderate 2-mile hike on an unpaved trail that offers gorgeous views of Zion Canyon on your way. It starts at the Grotto and leads to each trail head of the Emerald Pools trails. It has a more rapid elevation change. However, if you decide to take a break, there are plenty of jaw-dropping views to enjoy before continuing on your way. The Kayenta Trail is number two because, although it is a harder trail, it is still easy to navigate and enjoy.
3. Riverside Walk
The Riverside Walk is number 3 because it is a very easy trail with gorgeous views and wildlife. If you take the free park shuttle up to the trail head, you will get to enjoy many of the views of Zion from the shuttle. The Park Service states the Riverside Walk is a brisk 2.2-mile walk. However, the whole thing is paved and follows the Virgin River all the way to the Narrows. You can continue down the Narrows with the correct equipment. The Riverside Walk offers breathtaking views, and the bubbling river gives a relaxing ambiance throughout the whole walk. If you are looking for an easy start to your day with lots to see, this trail is the one for you.
4. Sand Beach Trail
When you visit Zion National Park, there is a free shuttle service that brings you to several trailheads. If you take the shuttle to stop number 4, you will be dropped off in front of the Court of the Patriarchs. There is a trailhead that goes in two directions. If you go left, you will go down the Sand Beach loop. However, if you go right, you will be on a trail that takes you to the Emerald Pool Trails or Zion Lodge. This part of the hike is roughly 1.5 miles long; the entire trail is 4 miles, according to the National Park Service. On this trail, you walk beneath the Court of the Patriarchs. It is an unpaved trail; however, it’s still an easy hike. You have a high chance of seeing wildlife on this walk and getting a closer look at the Virgin River. I placed this as number four because it is a longer hike. Although it has a gorgeous look at the Court of the Patriarchs, it is a rockier and sandier trail in comparison to the rest on this list.
5. Pa’rus Trail
The National Park Service says this trail is a 3.5-mile hike from the Zion Visitor Center to Canyon Junction. It is a paved trail with multiple access points, it is flat, and it follows the Virgin River. It is a very beginner-friendly and disabled-friendly trail that still offers beautiful views of the park. This trail is placed as number 5 because, although it is still a nice trail, I would not say it is outstanding. The walk is peaceful and enjoyable, but it doesn’t have anything that makes it really stick out to me. I like that I was able to enjoy it with people who couldn’t physically handle some of the trails at Zion, and that is why it is on this list. Although if you are looking for more challenging trails with more to see, the previous 4 trails are better suited for you.
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The Pa’rus Trail offers a beautiful view of many of the mountains and cliffs in Zion. It also allows you a closer look at the vegetation and wildlife roaming the park. (Ali Hansen)
