If I Only Have A Day In Zion National Park?

Many people coming to Zion National Park ask this question. With so much to do and so little time, visitors want to maximize their experience while here. Below are some of the don’t-miss hikes if you only have a day to spend in the park:

Angel’s Landing – If you are afraid of heights or have small children, don’t attempt the last ½ mile of this hike. Angel’s Landing is one of two premier hikes in this park and the whole National Park System. This four-hour, five mile round-trip hike starts at the Grotto Trailhead and ends 1,500 feet above the canyon valley.

The trail starts out as soft sand, but quickly turns into a paved trail. As you start your ascent, the trail takes you up a series of switchbacks and through Refrigerator Canyon. With Angel’s Landing on the right and Cathedral Mountain on left, hikers get a reprieve from the otherwise constant upgrade as the path levels out and the temperature drops 10 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

After leaving Refrigerator Canyon, hikers start up the twenty-one short switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles exiting onto a flat sandy area called Scout’s Lookout. For those with a fear of heights or having small children with them, this is their final destination. Scout’s Lookout provides a great view of the Lower Zion Canyon. For those pressing on the additional ½ mile up to the summit of Angel’s Landing, the view is worth the effort involved getting to the top.

Take this last part seriously as it involves hiking along a trail that, in places, is as narrow as thirty-six inches and drops off 1200 feet on one side and 800 feet on the other. There are chains to hold onto along the way in places, but not all the way up to the top.

The Narrows – The Narrows is the other premier hike at Zion. Take the shuttle to The Temple of Sinewava and walk the paved one-mile Riverside Walk. At the end of the Riverside Walk is where the Narrows begin.

From here, hikers enter the Virgin River and wade in water ranging in depth from ankle to waist-deep. Hikers can hike upstream to Big Springs (about four hours one-way) without needing a backcountry permit. Keep in mind once in the water, you'll make about one mile per hour progress. Many hike upriver for a couple of hours (through Wall Street), turn around and hike back. Just before you get to the start of Wall Street, turn right and go up into Orderville Canyon for a ways. Then turn around, hike back out and continiue to Wall Street. This hike will give you a good experience of The Narrows.

At the very least, wear a good closed-toe hiking boot and carry a hiking stick. Many hikers will rent water shoes, neoprene socks (to keep their feet warm in the 57-degree water) and a pair of hiking sticks from one of the outfitters in Springdale, Utah. As the hike involves climbing over rocks, those with bad ankles or knees should not attempt this hike.

Emerald Pools Trail – Emerald Pools Trail begins across the street from the Zion Lodge. After crossing the footbridge over the Virgin River, turn right at the "T" in the trail. If you hike just the Lower Emerald Pool, the 1.2 mile roundtrip hike on a paved trail takes one hour. Once at the Lower Pool, hikers have the option of returning back the same path or continuing on.

For those continuing on, the trail becomes uneven and rocky working its way up to the Middle and finally the Upper Pool. Hikers can return via the same trail or take the trail on the right at the Middle Pool bringing them back to the other side of the "T" at the trailhead. Roundtrip to the Upper Pool and back takes about 2 ½ hours.

Hidden Canyon – The trailhead for this hike is the Weeping Rock Shuttle Stop. Hiking this two-mile, three-hour roundtrip trail gains 850 feet in elevation and ends at the end of a narrow canyon. This trail is not for those fearful of heights as some portions require hanging onto chains to negotiate narrow ledges of the trail. Once the maintained trail ends, the fun begins. You actually walk on the canyon floor with some of the walls only an arms-width apart and thirty feet apart in other areas. After about ten minutes on the unmaintained trail, you will see a free-standing arch on the right side. This is a great hike that has Angel’s Landing similarities, but is less demanding.

Canyon Overlook – Canyon Overlook is a fun one-hour, one-mile roundtrip hike with an elevation gain of 163 feet. If you are coming up from the South Entrance, the trailhead for this hike starts at the end of the 1.1 mile long Zion – Mt Carmel tunnel. Park in either the small parking lot on the right or the one on down the road on the left. Hikers using this rocky uneven trail are rewarded by spectacular views of both Zion and Pine Creek Canyons at the far end of the end of trail.

Weeping Rock – This trail has similarities to the lower Emerald Pools Trail. Water seeps out of the rock and falls into a stream created by the falling water. Various types of plants have taken hold in the moist rock and have created the ”Hanging Gardens”.

The paved walk has a few steep places, but they are short. If you want a short trail with scenery, this one is for you.

Pa’rus Trail – This is a fun trail. Running along the Virgin River with the great canyon walls on both sides of the trail; this trail is good both in the morning or evening.

This is the only trail where walking pets and biking are allowed on trails. Pick the trail up at the Canyon Junction shuttle stop. The trail ends at the Visitor’s Center.

Summary – Don’t attempt to do both The Narrows and Angel’s Landing in the same day. I recommend doing one or the other and then mixing in any of the other suggested hikes as time allows. Zion National Park is a true gem among the National Parks and these hikes will maximize your Zion National Park experience.

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