Explore 8 write-ups tagged with Zion Canyon

The closest trail to the south entrance of Zion Nation Park, and one of the best introductions to Zion, is Watchman Trail. This 3.5-mile lollipop loop climbs 500 feet to a rocky bench on the east side of Zion Canyon. The destination serves up stunning views of a nearby tower named The Watchman and several standout rock formations on the walls of Zion Canyon. ...Read more.

Rarely is a mile-long hike as action packed and rewarding as Canyon Overlook Trail. The overlook sits on the rim of Pine Creek Canyon, which adjoins Zion Canyon to provide massive views of thousand-foot tall sandstone bluffs. There are ravines and overhangs along the short trail that will keep you entertained along the way. This excellent hike is appealing to all, especially those with limited time in Zion National Park. ...Read more.

Riverside Walk accesses the notorious narrows north of Zion Canyon, making it one of the most popular trails in Zion National Park. To the end of the trail (at the start of the narrows) and back is a 1.8-mile hike over a level walkway bordering the Virgin River. Those looking to escape the Utah summer heat can leave the trail at any of several river access points to take a refreshing swim. ...Read more.

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 farther 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. ...Read more.

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. ...Read more.

Angels 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 Angels Landing are just a few feet wide with thousand foot drop-offs on both sides. ...Read more.

Why is the rock crying? This natural wonder is the result of water that passes from the surface down through the sandstone over the course of thousands of years to this exit in the rock face. Your journey will be much shorter, as Weeping Rock can be visited via a paved 0.4 mile round trip trail. This is one of the shortest hikes in Zion and is a quick trek from the Weeping Rock shuttle stop on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. ...Read more.

Hidden Canyon is perched above the east rim of Zion Canyon, offering an exciting hike with rewarding scenery. The more famous Angels Landing Trail is not the only trek in Zion with dangerous drop-offs that require chain railings for safe passage, because this 3.3-mile trek with 850 feet of elevation change takes hikers across dramatic cliffs to reach a hanging canyon housing a small natural arch. ...Read more.