Zion National Park

ZION NATIONAL PARKSTARTER

Canyon Overlook at First Light

≈ 900 steps0.4 mi · about 1.5 hoursStarter · 2 stops · 500 credStart where you live.

On the east side, just past the long Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, a one-mile round trip on a ledge trail to a fenced cliff edge above Pine Creek, looking down the length of Zion Canyon. Go early: the trailhead lot is tiny and fills fast. An hour to ninety minutes.

ZION NATIONAL PARKSTARTER

The Pa'rus at Evening

≈ 3,500 steps1.7 mi · about 2 hoursStarter · 3 stops · 500 credStart where you live.

A flat, paved evening walk at the mouth of the canyon: from the Visitor Center up the Pa'rus Trail beside the Virgin River, over to the Human History Museum, and on to Canyon Junction Bridge for the last light on the Watchman. About two and a half miles, two hours, and the free shuttle brings you back.

ZION NATIONAL PARKSTANDARD

The Patriarchs and the Emerald Pools

≈ 4,500 steps2.2 mi · about 3 hoursStandard · 4 stops · 600 credOne trip earns it.

Ride the shuttle to the Court of the Patriarchs, then on to Zion Lodge and climb the Emerald Pools trails: the lower pool under a dripping overhang, then stone steps to the upper pool at the foot of a sheer wall. About three miles of walking, three hours. Shuttle only on the canyon road from March to November.

ZION NATIONAL PARKSTANDARD

Up the Wiggles to Angels Landing

≈ 4,500 steps2.2 mi · about 5 hours · + 1 stretch not routedStandard · 4 stops · 600 credOne trip earns it.

From the Grotto, climb the West Rim Trail and the 21 switchbacks of Walter's Wiggles to Scout Lookout, then, with a permit won by lottery, the chained fin to the top of Angels Landing. Finish at Big Bend looking up at where you stood. About five and a half miles, four to five hours. No permit, no summit: Scout Lookout is as far as you go.

ZION NATIONAL PARKADVANCED

Upstream Through the Narrows to Big Spring

≈ 9,500 steps4.6 mi · a full dayAdvanced · 6 stops · 800 credGetting there is not the hard part.

A full day walking in the Virgin River: from the Temple of Sinawava along the Riverside Walk, then upstream past Mystery Falls and Orderville Canyon into the walls of Wall Street, to Big Spring, the limit for day hikers. About 9.4 miles out and back, mostly wading. No permit, but the Narrows close when the river runs above 150 cfs or a flash flood warning is out.