This one-mile loop visits three impressive arches in close vicinity. The North and South Window Arches form openings in the same sandstone fin, while Turret Arch stands within a more castle-like formation. The circle between the arches has three spurs leading to the base of each arch, creating an action-packed hike with just 150 feet of elevation gain.

North Window Arch

The first stop on the loop is North Window Arch. A tenth of a mile from the trailhead, turn left at the junction and continue another tenth of a mile up stone steps the base of the arch. You can stand directly beneath North Window. Beyond the arch lies a rustic landscape of sandstone hoodoos. There is a primitive trail through this area known as The Spectacles, which begins at the next stop, South Window Arch.

A view of Turret Arch from North Window Arch

As you leave North Window Arch, you will have a nice view of Turret Arch on the other side of the loop. After a short distance, the trail come to a junction with a short spur to the left to South Window Arch. This arch is elevated in the rock a bit, and the trail stops below the base.

North and South Window Arch

Continue clockwise around the loop toward Turret Arch. Be sure to look over your shoulder for a broad view of both Window Arches. Turret Arch is the smallest of the three. Step through the span and turn around for a view of the Windows within the frame of Turret Arch. When done, proceed along the loop and down to the trailhead. The well-marked one-mile trek makes it easy to visit three impressive arches in a short period of time, and the minimal 150 feet of elevation gain make the trail feasible for hikers of all abilities.

Turret Arch

To get to the trailhead: From the visitor center, drive 9.5 miles up Park Avenue (0.3 miles past Balanced Rock) and turn right toward the Windows District. Drive an additional 2.5 miles to the loop at the end of the road where the parking area for the trailhead is located.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Arches National Park in a larger map
Or view Utah Hikes in a larger map

Photos

 

     
     
     
These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Double Arch This 0.8-mile hike visits a pair of connected arches in the Windows region of Arches National Park.
	Delicate Arch This 3-mile hike visits this most iconic arch in the world, a beautiful span that should not be missed.
	Balanced Rock This quarter mile loop circles a perilous block of sandstone balancing near the center of Arches National Park.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Arches National Park and elsewhere.

Similar Trails

 

	Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park This half-mile loop visits a picturesque arch spanning across the mesa’s edge in the Island in the Sky.
	Morning Glory Bridge in Moab This 6-mile round trip hike travels through a scenic canyon to a 243-foot long natural bridge.

More Info

 

Windows Loop in HIKING CANYONLANDS AND ARCHES NATIONAL PARKS by Bill Schneider

Arches National Park on wikipedia.org

Arches National Park on Utah.com

The official website for Arches National Park

Wonders never cease in Arches National Park. For proof, hike Double Arch Trail, which visits two grand arched joined at a common pillar at a 90-degree angle. The 0.8-mile round trip hike passes a unique sandstone formation known as the Parade of Elephants while ascending 125 feet to the Siamese spans.

The start of Double Arch Trail is just a few hundred feet from the trailhead for the Window Arches and Turret Arch, making it possible to visit five arches in less than an hour.

The Parade of Elephants

Start down the level desert trail toward Double Arch. To the left are distinct rocks that bear an uncanny resemblance to elephants. Pass the elephants and continue to Double Arch, which looks like part of a gyroscope, embedded into a sandstone cliff. The trail passes directly beneath the bigger of the two arches, a monumental 112-foot tall, 144-foot wide span, which is the both the tallest in the park and the third widest.

Double Arch

Ascend the rock amphitheater behind the first arch up to the adjoining span, a smaller 67-foot wide and 86-foot tall arch. This is an impressive union, which geologists believe began as a pothole of water on the surface overhead. The collected water slowly broke down the rock, forming an alcove, which eventually created both arches. Science aside, the twin arches seem like an improbably natural wonder, created solely to amaze. The inspiring configuration went by a few other names over the years, like Double Windows, Jug Handles, and Twinbow Bridge. Whatever you name Double Arch, you will call them impressive. This short hike should not be missed.

Looking out from Double Arch

To get to the trailhead: From the visitor center, drive 9.5 miles up Park Avenue (0.3 miles past Balanced Rock) and turn right toward the Windows District. Drive 2.5 miles to the loop at the end of the road. Pass the Windows Trailhead and follow the circle to the parking area at the start of the trail to Double Arch.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Arches National Park in a larger map
Or view Utah Hikes in a larger map

Photos

 

                   

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Window Arches This one-mile loop presents three arches in close proximity, the North and South Windows and Turret Arch.
	Balanced Rock This quarter mile loop circles a perilous block of sandstone balancing near the center of Arches National Park.
	Delicate Arch This 3-mile hike visits this most iconic arch in the world, a beautiful span that should not be missed.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Arches National Park and elsewhere.

Similar Trails

 

	Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park This half-mile loop visits a picturesque arch spanning across the mesa’s edge in the Island in the Sky.
	Morning Glory Bridge in Moab This 6-mile round trip hike travels through a scenic canyon to a 243-foot long natural bridge.

More Info

 

Double Arch in HIKING CANYONLANDS AND ARCHES NATIONAL PARKS by Bill Schneider

Double Arch on protrails.com

Double Arch on wikipedia.org

Arches National Park on Utah.com

The official website for Arches National Park

This quarter-mile loop circles one of Arches’ most prominent landmarks. Balanced Rock is a defiant 55-foot tall block of Estrada Sandstone that rests on a narrow stand of Dewey Bridge Rock. As you approach Balanced Rock from the south, the impressive pillar looks like a ball resting on an old milk bottle. That shape changes as you tour around Balanced Rock, but no matter how you look at it, the rock’s ability to stay put is impressive.

Balanced Rock

The short hike around Balanced Rock only takes a few minutes, and it is equally enjoyable in both directions. Stone steps have been built in over the minimal changes in elevation, and the trail is wide and well maintained. In time, this sandstone capstone will fall from its mudstone pedestal. Until then, Balanced Rock will continue draw the attention and imagination of everyone who visits Arches National Park. There is a nice view of Balanced Rock from the parking lot, but the short trek is worth taking as the profile of the rock changed dramatically from different angles.

To get to the trailhead: From the visitor center, drive 9.2 miles up Park Avenue to the pull out for Balanced Rock. You will see Balanced Rock coming from miles away.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Arches National Park in a larger map
Or view Utah Hikes in a larger map

Photos

 

         

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Double Arch This 0.8-mile hike visits a pair of connected arches in the Windows region of Arches National Park.
	Window Arches This one-mile loop presents three arches in close proximity, the North and South Windows and Turret Arch.
	Delicate Arch This 3-mile hike visits this most iconic arch in the world, a beautiful span that should not be missed.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Arches National Park and elsewhere.

More Info

 

Balanced Rock in HIKING CANYONLANDS AND ARCHES NAT’L PARKS by Bill Schneider

Balanced Rock on Utah.com

Arches National Park on wikipedia.org

The official website for Arches National Park

No one should leave Arches National Park without seeing Delicate Arch. The emblematic arch appears on the Utah License plate, and while it is certainly not the largest in the park, it is probably the most memorable. Two overlooks provide a distant view of the arch, but the best way to see Delicate Arch is by hiking a 3-mile round trip trail right up to it. This is one hike you will not soon forget.

Begin from Delicate Arch Trailhead and head east past Wolfe Ranch, the former home of the park’s earliest Caucasian inhabitants. The homestead was built alongside Salt Marsh, which the trail crosses with a wooden bridge. Not long after, a side trail to the left visits petroglyphs carved into the rock. From here, the trail begins a gradual climb up slickrock slopes, eventually ascending 480 feet to the arch.

Looking back on the trail as it starts up the slickrock

What starts as a gravel trail is reduced to a weathered line across exposed sandstone. Follow the cairn-lined track up the bare rock slope. The route is not entirely obvious at times, but there are plentiful cairns to guide you through anything less than straightforward.

The trail levels out and wraps around the back of a sandstone fin, coming to a path cut into the ledge. By this point, you will be wondering, “how far away is this arch anyway?” The building anticipation certainly makes this mile and a half feel long, but as soon as you traverse the ledge, the trail curves to the right and Delicate Arch appears. Wow, what a sight!

Delicate Arch

Delicate arch stands on the side of a bowl shaped depression, flying solo above the surrounding rock. There is something special about this place that is hard to describe. If you arrive anywhere near sunrise or sunset, the spiritual beauty will be undeniable.

Delicate Arch is well named. It stands in an area where the surrounding stone has been removed, but improbably this stubborn span perseveres, looking both breathtaking and perilous. The arch looks frail and alone, but somehow resilient. A vast colorful landscape behind the arch sets the backdrop for one of the most striking views in any national park.

Delicate Arch

Have a seat along the sandstone amphitheater and watch the light play off Delicate Arch. When you are ready to head back, probably after the sun goes down, return the way you came. This awe-inspiring sight will stick with you. Delicate Arch is incredible!

Delicate Arch

To get to the trailhead: From the visitor center, drive 12.3 miles up Park Avenue and turn right. Drive an additional 1.2 miles and turn left into the parking area for Delicate Arch Trail.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Arches National Park in a larger map
Or view Utah Hikes in a larger map

Photos

                                       

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Landscape Arch This level 2.5-mile hike visits the longest natural arch in the world along with two other enjoyable arches.
	Skyline Arch This short 0.4-mile hike ends below a wide arch near the top of a sandstone fin.
	Balanced Rock This quarter mile loop circles a perilous block of sandstone balancing near the center of Arches National Park.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Arches National Park and elsewhere.

Similar Trails

 

	Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park This half-mile loop visits a picturesque arch spanning across the mesa’s edge in the Island in the Sky.
	Morning Glory Bridge in Moab This 6-mile round trip hike travels through a scenic canyon to a 243-foot long natural bridge.

More Info

Arches National Park on Utah.com

Delicate Arch on wikipedia.org

Delicate Arch in HIKING CANYONLANDS AND ARCHES NATIONAL PARKS by Bill Schneider

Delicate Arch on protrails.com

Delicate Arch on localhikes.com

The official website for Arches National Park

Skyline Arch Trail is short enough to be overlooked when you are planning your itinerary for Arches National Park, but the impressive rock span at the end of the effortless trail is worth checking out. Located near the Devils Garden Trailhead (start of the hike to Landscape Arch), this 0.4-mile round trip hike ascends a mere 50 feet to the base of a sandstone fin that houses a large elevated natural arch.

A panel at the trailhead depicts how a large block of sandstone fell from Skyline Arch in 1940, doubling the size of the arch overnight. Currently, the arch measures 71 feet across and 33.5 feet tall. Boulders from the collapse remain, and can be seen below the arch today.

Looking up at Skyline Arch

The hike is so short that Skyline Arch is visible from the start. Take the well maintained single-track around the north end of a sandstone fin running parallel with the arch. On the other side, you will come across the boulders that settled on the desert floor. Either stand back and enjoy the view of the arch, or scramble up the rocks onto the neighboring fin to gain a better perspective of Skyline Arch.

There is a sheer drop on the sandstone wall below the arch, making it impossible to reach from this side. There is however, a trail up the backside of Skyline Arch, which begins at Devils Canyon Campground. If you happen to see adventurous campers standing below the arch, you will know how they got there.

Children standing beneath Skyline Arch

To get to the trailhead: From the visitor center, drive 17.5 miles north on Park Avenue. The trail to Skyline Arch begins from a pullout half a mile from the end of the road at Devils Garden.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Arches National Park in a larger map
Or view Utah Hikes in a larger map

Photos

                   

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Landscape Arch This level 2.5-mile hike visits the longest natural arch in the world along with two other enjoyable arches.
	Delicate Arch This 3-mile hike visits this most iconic arch in the world, a beautiful span that should not be missed.
	Balanced Rock This quarter mile loop circles a perilous block of sandstone balancing near the center of Arches National Park.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Arches National Park and elsewhere.

Similar Trails

 

	Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park This half-mile loop visits a picturesque arch spanning across the mesa’s edge in the Island in the Sky.
	Morning Glory Bridge in Moab This 6-mile round trip hike travels through a scenic canyon to a 243-foot long natural bridge.

More Info

Skyline Arch in HIKING CANYONLANDS AND ARCHES NATIONAL PARKS by Bill Schneider

Skyline Arch on Utah.com

Skyline Arch on localhikes.com

Arches National Park on wikipedia.org

The official website for Arches National Park

The 290-feel long Landscape Arch is believed to be the longest natural rock span in the world. The impressive sandstone arch can be reached via a level two-mile out and back hike in the Devils Garden region of Arches Nation Park. The trek can be expanded to 2.5-miles round trip by visiting two arches along the way. The trek can also be extended beyond Landscape Arch to visit several more arches deeper in the Devils Garden.

Tunnel Arch

To reach Landscape Arch, begin at Devils Garden Trailhead at the very north end of Park Avenue. The trail leaves the parking lot and passes between tall sandstone fins to enter an arch-filled wonderland or rocks. The wide gravel trail is quite level, ascending just 50 feet over the first 0.3 miles, where it comes to a junction with the spur trail to Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch. To explore these fine arches, make a right and take the equally wide trail down to another split. A short track to the right heads closer to Tunnel Arch, perched on the sandstone wall ahead. The left fork continues for 0.2 mile to the ground-level Pine Tree Arch. You can actually stand directly beneath Pine Tree Arch, making it a fun destination. Visiting these two arches adds half a mile to the total distance of the hike.

The trail through Devils Garden

When you are finished with the two appetizer arches, continue up the main trail through a landscape of impressive sandstone formations. The longest arch in the world is ¾ of a mile past the junction. The trail turns from gravel to sand 0.2 miles before the arch. Follow the track to the left toward the long thin ribbon of rock running along the side of a sandstone wall.

Landscape Arch

The mirage-like Landscape Arch looks entirely under-supported. The arch is so long and so thin, it’s hard to believe it can stand. The arch’s existence would throw the entire notion of gravity into question, were it not for three pieces of the arch that have broken off in the last two decades. A trail that once ran below the arch was closed after a 180-ton block fell from Landscape Arch in 1991. A wooden fence keeps visitors a safe distance from the fragile arch, while still offering an impressive view. Boulders from the fallen sections can be seen covering the old trail below the arch.

Landscape Arch

Once your eyes come to accept that this improbable arch is actually standing, you are free to hike back the way you came. If you are eager for more, there are six other arches further up the trails beyond Landscape Arch. Partition Arch, Navajo Arch, Wall Arch, Private Arch, Dar Angel Arch, and Double O Arch can be reached via a combination of primitive and maintained trails. Seeing them all will add about five miles to this hike.

To get to the trailhead: From the visitor center, drive 18 miles north up Park Avenue. The road ends at Devils Garden. The trailhead is at the far end of the circle at the end of the road, just past the campground.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Arches National Park in a larger map
Or view Utah Hikes in a larger map

Photos

                             

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Skyline Arch This short 0.4-mile hike ends below a wide arch near the top of a sandstone fin.
	Delicate Arch This 3-mile hike visits this most iconic arch in the world, a beautiful span that should not be missed.
	Balanced Rock This quarter mile loop circles a perilous block of sandstone balancing near the center of Arches National Park.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Arches National Park and elsewhere.

Similar Trails

 

	Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park This half-mile loop visits a picturesque arch spanning across the mesa’s edge in the Island in the Sky.
	Morning Glory Bridge in Moab This 6-mile round trip hike travels through a scenic canyon to a 243-foot long natural bridge.

More Info

Landscape Arch on wikipedia.org

Landscape Arch on Utah.com

Devils Garden in HIKING CANYONLANDS AND ARCHES NAT’L PARKS by Bill Schneider

Devils Garden Trail on protrails.com

Devils Garden Trail on localhikes.com

The official website for Arches National Park

There are three developed campground in Zion National Park. The six-site Lava Point Campground is located on the north side of the park near the entrance of Kolob Canyon. Watchman campground and South Campground are located at the southern end of Zion Canyon near the park visitor center, and are significantly larger. The 164 sites at Watchman Campground may be reserved from March through October by calling 877-444-6777 or surfing over to recreation.gov. Zion Canyon is a popular summer travel destination so make a reservation if you plan to camp in the park. Riverside campsites cost a couple dollars more than other sites, and group sites are available. Backcountry camping is also permitted. For more information, visit Zion National Park Campgrounds.

Campgrounds in Zion National Park

Lava Point Campground | 6 sites | open year round | first-come first-serve | no fee | restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings | elevation 7,980 feet

South Campground | 126 sites | open year round | first-come first-serve | $16 per night | restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, and dump stations | elevation 4,000 feet

Watchman Campground | 164 sites | open year round | reservations accepted | $16 per night | restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, and dump stations | elevation 4,000 feet

View Zion National Park in a larger map
Or view Utah Hikes in a larger map

Hiking in Zion National Park

Trail	Description	Distance	Latitude, Longitude
	Weeping Rock This out and back hike visits an alcove in the sandstone wall of Zion Canyon where water seeps out of the rock, nourishing hanging gardens and plentiful vegetation.	0.4 miles 100 feet	37.272419, -112.937762
	Hidden Canyon This out and back hike ascends the east rim of Zion Canyon above Weeping Rock, and then crosses dramatic cliffs to reach a hanging canyon housing a small natural arch.	4.5 miles 850 feet	37.26527, -112.938371
	Angel's Landing This out and back hike takes an incredible route up the east rim of Zion Canyon ascending to a towering slab of sandstone jutting into the center of the canyon. The expansive views and thousand foot drop-offs have made this trail world famous.	5.2 miles 1,500 feet	37.269358, -112.94808
	Emerald Pools This loop visits three tiers of enchanting pools by incorporating the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools Trails.	2.6 miles 350 feet	37.257225, -112.962635
	Court of the Patriarchs This brief walk heads up a short rise in the center of Zion Canyon to offer a nice view of the surrounding sandstone peaks.	0.1 miles 40 feet	37.236763, -112.960333

The Court of the Patriarchs is considered the shortest trail in Zion National Park, and in truth it barely qualifies as a hike. You will probably walk further to get from your car to the shuttle at the park visitor center than you will to get to the end of this trail.

From the Court of the Patriarchs shuttle stop, head east up the paved trail to the viewpoint. The “hike” takes a minute to ascend 40 feet to a short rise in the bottom of Zion Canyon. The spot is just high enough to get a view over the trees at the surrounding mountains and canyon walls.

Looking down the trail at a peak south of the Patriarchs

Looking up at the Patriarchs

The Patriarchs are three neighboring sandstone peaks on the west side of Zion Canyon. Each is named after biblical fathers. From left to right (south to north) they are Abraham Peak, Isaac Peak, and Jacob Peak. Abraham Peak is the tallest at 6,890 feet. The peaks were named by Frederick Vining Fisher, a Methodist minister who ventured into Zion in 1916, labeling numerous prominent points in Zion Canyon. He decided to name these three peaks after Old Testament daddies, and the titles stuck.

A view of the Patriarchs from the shuttle stop

To get to the trailhead: Between May and October, access to Zion Canyon is restricted to shuttle traffic only. From the Zion National Park Visitor Center, hop on the park shuttle and take it to the third stop, Court of the Patriarchs.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Zion National Park in a larger map
Or view Utah Hikes in a larger map

Nearby Trails

 

	Emerald Pools This 2.6-mile loop visits three tiers of enchanting pools by incorporating the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools Trails.
	Weeping Rock This 0.4-mile hike visits an alcove in the sandstone wall of Zion Canyon where water seeps out of the rock, nourishing hanging gardens and plentiful vegetation.
	Hidden Canyon This 4.5-mile hike ascends the east rim of Zion Canyon above Weeping Rock, and then crosses dramatic cliffs to reach a hanging canyon housing a small natural arch.
	Angel’s Landing This 5.2-mile hike takes an incredible route up the east rim of Zion Canyon ascending to a towering slab of sandstone jutting into the center of the canyon. The expansive views and thousand foot drop-offs have made this trail world famous.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Utah outside of Zion National Park.

Camping

 

Zion Campgrounds There are two large campgrounds at the south end of Zion canyon and another

More Info

 

Zion National Park on hikespeak.com

Zion National Park on wikipedia.org

A shuttle and trail map for Zion Canyon on Utah.com

The official website for Zion National Park

The Emerald Pools are located on the west side of Zion Canyon near Zion Lodge. A stream of water descends from the canyon rim down to the Virgin River, passing through three tiers of pools. The popular pools enchant visitors with their falling water and hanging gardens. Lower Emerald Pool is the easiest to reach, but it is possible to see all three levels of pools by hiking a 2.6-mile loop.

A network of trails provide access to the pools, leaving visitors with a few options. From the trailhead near Zion Lodge, the 0.6-mile Lower Emerald Pool Trail goes to the bottom pool, and ascends just seventy feet. The one-mile long Middle Emerald Pools Trail goes to the middle pools, ascending 150 feet. There is a connection trail between the two on the north side of the pools, so you can easily take a different trail there and back. Additionally, Upper Emerald Pools Trail starts at the middle pools and travels 0.4 miles and 200 feet up to the highest pool. Another trail in the mix is the 0.9-mile long Katenta Trail, which starts at the Grotto shuttle stop and heads south to the pools. How you incorporate these trails is up to you.

A photo of the map at the trailhead

The shortest route to the pools is Lower Emerald Pools Trail, and this is a good way to begin. From the Zion Lodge Shuttle Stop walk southeast past the lodge to the bridge crossing over the Virgin River to the trailhead. Turn right to take this level wheelchair-friendly paved trail to the pools. The short walk follows the bank of the river before crossing through a mixed forest to arrive at Lower Emerald Pools. The year round water supply provides for abundant vegetation, some that grows directly on the vertical rock. These hanging gardens thrive on water passing down the sandstone, and give the pools an alluring appearance.

The overhang above Lower Emerald Pool

The trail crosses an alcove below a rock overhang where water drips down from the middle pools above. Beyond the alcove, enjoy a great perspective of the pools as the trail ascends to a junction. To the right, Kayenta Trail continues for 0.8 miles to the West Rim Trailhead at the Grotto shuttle stop (the trailhead for Angel’s Landing). To the left, a connection trail heads up to Middle Emerald Pools, leading to a junction with Upper Emerald Pools Trail. This 0.8-mile round trip extension ascends a rocky slope to a recess in the canyon rim where water seeps out of the sandstone into the biggest pool of the series, located just beneath the vertical canyon wall.

Upper Emerald Pools

To return to Zion Lodge via the Middle Emerald Pools Trail, head south atop the rock overhang crossing alongside the pools. This trail takes course along the top of a ledge on the side of Zion Canyon before dropping down to the trailhead. This loop of the Lower, Upper, and Middle Emerald Pools is 2.6 miles long with 350 feet of elevation gain. The Kayenta Trail is another nice option, and thanks to the park shuttle system, you do not have to worry about starting and ending at the same point.

Looking down Zion Canyon from Middle Emerald Pools Trail

To get to the trailhead: Between May and October, access to Zion Canyon is restricted to shuttle traffic only. From the Zion National Park Visitor Center, hop on the park shuttle and take it to the forth stop, Zion Lodge.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Zion National Park in a larger map
Or view Utah Hikes in a larger map

Photos

 

                                     

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Court of the Patriarchs This 0.1-mile walk heads up a short rise in the center of Zion Canyon to offer a nice view of the surrounding sandstone peaks.
	Weeping Rock This 0.4-mile hike visits an alcove in the sandstone wall of Zion Canyon where water seeps out of the rock, nourishing hanging gardens and plentiful vegetation.
	Hidden Canyon This 4.5-mile hike ascends the east rim of Zion Canyon above Weeping Rock, and then crosses dramatic cliffs to reach a hanging canyon housing a small natural arch.
	Angel’s Landing This 5.2-mile hike takes an incredible route up the east rim of Zion Canyon ascending to a towering slab of sandstone jutting into the center of the canyon. The expansive views and thousand foot drop-offs have made this trail world famous.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Utah outside of Zion National Park.

Camping

 

Zion Campgrounds There are two large campgrounds at the south end of Zion canyon and another

More Info

 

Zion National Park on hikespeak.com

Emerald Pools on Utah.com

The NPS webpage for Emerald Pools

Emerald Pools on protrails.com

Emerald Pools on localhikes.com.com

Zion National Park on wikipedia.org

A shuttle and trail map for Zion Canyon on Utah.com

The official website for Zion National Park

Angel’s Landing is the most renowned day hike in Zion National Park, and possibly all of Utah. While only 5.2-mile round trip with 1,500 feet of elevation gain, this trek has all the magnitude of a “bucket list” caliber hike akin to Half Dome in Yosemite. Segments of the perilous trail to Angel’s Landing are just a few feet wide with thousand foot drop-offs on both sides. If that prospect doesn’t make you queasy, you will find the hike exhilarating. The views are extraordinary and the trail itself is a feat of engineering.

From the Grotto shuttle stop (where there is no actual grotto), head west to West Rim Trailhead. Take the bridge over the Virgin River to the junction on the other side and turn right, heading north. Kayenta Trail, to the left, connects to the Emerald Pools.

The paved trail to Angel’s Landing starts out quite gradual considering the climbing that lies ahead. There are views of Angel’s Landing from the very start – a towering slab of sandstone protruding into Zion Canyon. The trail progresses toward the canyon rim to the south of the landing. This steep wall looks impassable at first, but improbably a route has been established switching up the steep rock.

The trail climbs the canyon rim

After 1.3 miles, cross a small bridge and enter Refrigerator Canyon. The trail heads straight back through this level hanging canyon, searching for some way up the steep rock wall. What you find is another marvel of trail building, a famed series of twenty tight switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles. The wiggles take their name from Walter Ruesh, Zion National Park’s first superintended, who in 1926 set about constructing a trail to Angel’s Landing. Amazingly, Walter had no engineering experience.

Looking down Walter’s Wiggles

Above the dizzying switchbacks, the trail arrives at Scout Lookout, where there are pungent bathrooms and fine views of Angel’s Landing and Zion Canyon. This point is 2.1 miles and 1070 feet above the trailhead and not a bad place to turn around. It is another half mile to Angel’s Landing along a bold trail that requires the use of fixed chain railings to safely cross the dramatic fin jutting into Zion Canyon.

Angel’s Landing

Wear solid footwear, hold on to the chains, and try not to look down as you follow the now-rugged track along the tricky traverse. In addition to frightening drop offs and exposed crossings, the route is steep in spots, requiring modest scrambling. Take your time and enjoy the journey.

Chains along the trail

Angel’s Landing stands in the center of Zion Canyon inside a horseshoe bend in the Virgin River. The views from the landing are even more panoramic than Scout Lookout. Reaching the end of the monolith is a real accomplishment, and the thrilling trail itself is half the experience. Take a break, have a snack, and make sure you feel at full capacity before heading down the potentially treacherous trail. Hikers fall to their death from Angel’s Landing each year, so do be cautious. Once you get back to Scout Lookout, the paved trail provides a relatively quick descent. If you travel to Zion National Park and aren’t afraid of heights, Angel’s Landing is a hike you should not miss. It is also one you will remember forever — a truly classic trail.

Looking south from Angel’s Landing

To get to the trailhead: Between May and October, access to Zion Canyon is restricted to shuttle traffic only. From the Zion National Park Visitor Center, ride the shuttle for approximately twenty minutes and get off at the Grotto shuttle stop. Head west toward the river to reach the trailhead.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Zion National Park in a larger map
Or view Utah Hikes in a larger map

Photos

 

                                                         

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Emerald Pools This 2.6-mile loop visits three tiers of enchanting pools by incorporating the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools Trails.
	Hidden Canyon This 4.5-mile hike ascends the east rim of Zion Canyon above Weeping Rock, and then crosses dramatic cliffs to reach a hanging canyon housing a small natural arch.
	Weeping Rock This 0.4-mile hike visits an alcove in the sandstone wall of Zion Canyon where water seeps out of the rock, nourishing hanging gardens and plentiful vegetation.
	Court of the Patriarchs This 0.1-mile walk heads up a short rise in the center of Zion Canyon to offer a nice view of the surrounding sandstone peaks.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Utah outside of Zion National Park.

Camping

 

Zion Campgrounds There are two large campgrounds at the south end of Zion canyon and another

More Info

 

Zion National Park on hikespeak.com

An eHike to Angel’s Landing on nps.org

Angel’s Landing on Utah.com

The Angel’s Landing experience on NPR’s DAY TO DAY

Angel’s Landing on wikipedia.org

A shuttle and trail map of Zion Canyon on Utah.com

The official website for Zion National Park