Disclosure: Your use of this site constitutes agreement with our Terms of Use and Purchase, including details regarding affiliate links which may be included in this post.

For anyone looking for an adventure in the great outdoors, Zion National Park promises a captivating journey through its stunningly beautiful cliffs and deep canyons.

Packed with awe-inspiring views and hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels, this amazing park has something to offer both novice hikers and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. From short hikes with plenty of photo ops to challenging all-day treks that require endurance, check out this guide on 12 hikes on the west side of Zion National Park!

West Rim Trail

If you’re up for a challenge and want to see nature at its finest, the West Rim Trail is definitely worth taking. While most adventurers only tackle Scout Lookout on this lengthy hike, trekking further will take you away from the crowds while still immersing yourself in magnificent scenery!

After just 0.8 miles, you’ll hit the switchbacks and face some serious grades – nothing that can’t be conquered though as the trail is plenty wide. 1.2 miles into your journey, you’ll take a break through a canyon before ascending to new heights. Push yourself and see where this incredible terrain will lead – it won’t be easy but amazing views await!

Trail: Scout Lookout to West Rim Trail

Length: 3.6 miles out and back to only Scout Lookout / 14.1 miles one way or 28.2 miles out and back for the entire West Rim

Elevation Gain: 1,116 ft to only Scout Lookout

Difficulty: Hard

Refrigerator Peak

After wandering further along the West Rim Trail, I stumbled upon a magnificent peak that overlooked Angels Landing. The views were breathtaking and – even better- there was no one else around!

Make your way past Scout Lookout and Angels Landing on the West Rim Trail. As you go along, you’ll pass some yellowish rocks that resemble potatoes au gratin. Keep trekking until the trail starts to widen and smooth out.

Then get ready for a steeper climb – you’ll be hiking Refrigerator Peak! It won’t quite measure up to Angel’s Landing, but don’t let that fool you: it still packs a steep punch. So put on your sturdiest shoes with good grip and make sure fear of heights isn’t part of this journey!

When you’re ready for some chill time, head back to the smoothed-out rock at the base of Refrigerator Peak. Enjoy the view, then head back while keeping an eye out for Angels Landing along the way.

Trail not tracked and not on AllTrails

Angels Landing

Angels Landing: the gift of fear. That should be its tagline, because if you’re an intrepid hiker looking for a thrill and want to test yourself against even the toughest trails around then Angels Landing is not one that can easily be conquered!

Starting at Scout Lookout on West Rim Trail, it offers breathtaking vistas but also terrifying heights – I personally had no choice other than to turn away from this dare-devil trail!

If you’re ready to soar high and tackle Angels Landing, make sure you get a permit from recreation.gov before your adventure takes off! You can try your luck at the day ahead lottery, but I wouldn’t risk it. Enter the lottery ahead of time, during the specified entry windows, for your chance at one of seven selected days (or windows of time) to explore Angels Landing.

Trail: Angels Landing Trail

Length: 4.4 miles out and back (including starting on the West Rim)

Elevation Gain: 1,604 ft elevation gain

Difficulty: Hard

The Watchman Trail

People come up from the Watchman Campground to watch the sunset over Zion National Park – but if you ask me, it’s the sun setting on the mountains behind you that steals the show!

But tread carefully; if you decide to take in all this beauty after sundown then that beloved park shuttle will no longer be operating. Plan ahead or break out your walking shoes for the journey back to your hotel.

Before you venture up this 3 mile trail, make sure to pack enough water. Even in April at 6pm it’s sweltering! And don’t forget your headlamp – or else when sunset rolls around you’ll be stuck in darkness on the way back down. 

Trail: The Watchman Trail

Length: 3.1 miles out and back

Elevation Gain: 636 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk

Take the Riverside Walk if you want to cool off from summer’s heat – it runs along a picturesque stretch of the Virgin River before leading into The Narrows hike. But don’t expect much more than a pleasant jaunt – this trail is but an amuse bouche in comparison to the narrower and deeper hike that follows!

Trail: The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk

Length: 1.9 miles out and back

Elevation Gain: 193 ft

Difficulty: Easy

The Zion Narrows

If you’re looking for a unique way to beat the heat and get your adrenaline pumping, The Narrows is your hike!

You’ll be two and a half miles in when you’ll meet a fork in the trail! Keep going left at the fork in the river for a narrower section of the slot canyon known as ‘Wall Street’. Not many make it to this part of the trail, but those that do are extremely pleased.

Floating Rock will be about halfway through the Wall Street section. I highly recommend you keep going and at least finish out the Wall Street section! It will open back up quite a bit so you’ll know when you’re through it.

At the end of the Wall Street section you can continue to Big Spring. If you do this, I recommend you start as early as possible. I stopped because I didn’t want to be in the canyon, alone, too late in the day and it was starting to get quite a bit deeper.

What to Wear

Zion Outfitter, near the park entrance, is a must-visit for rental gear to stay dry while trekking The Narrows. I rented the Dry Bib Package for $55 which is recommended when water levels are high temperatures are cold.

The package comes with a dry bib, neoprene socks to keep your feet warm, and canyoneering boots that will help you traverse across slippery rocks. It also comes with a wooden hiking stick that I would recommend over your trekking poles. The hiking stick will provide better stability. Make sure to also bring a waterproof backpack, or you can rent one from Zion Outfitter.

Check out the description for each package offered by Zion Outfitter to see what fits best based on the water levels and the time of the year.

Safety Precautions

Additionally, before you head to this slot canyon, check the weather forecast! Rain in Zion means flash floods could be on their way – so you may need to hold off until another day.

Zion National Park is proactively helping you avoid unexpected flash flooding with its flash flood potential rating system that informs visitors of the potential danger they face on any given day. You can also check with the rangers at the visitor center.

While on the hike, watch for the following:

You can’t outrun a flash flood. If you are in a canyon and it looks like it’s going to rain, seek higher ground right away.

Trail: Zion Narrows Bottom Up to Big Spring

Length: 8.9 miles out and back

Elevation Gain: 695 ft

Difficulty: Hard

Sand Bench Trail

Looking to escape all the crowds? Look no further! This park trail may be a bit sandier than most, but it’s definitely worth that extra work for some much-needed peace and quiet.

An outdoor adventure can go one of two ways: the easy way, or harder. AllTrails suggests going counter-clockwise – but on the counter-clockwise route lays depths of sand with steeper terrain that makes it a real challenge to power through! I decided to take the path of least resistance and go with the clockwise route, but taking the counter-clockwise route will give you amazing scenery right in front of your eyes!

If you’d like to avoid any unpleasant surprises (we’re talking horse poop and bugs!), then I’d also recommend starting your journey at the Court of the Patriarchs shuttle stop instead of the Zion Lodge.

Don’t want to get your heart pumping? Take a horse instead!

Trail: Sand Bench Trail

Length: 5.6 miles out and back

Elevation Gain: 728 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Court of the Patriarchs

If you want to see the breathtaking beauty of Zion National Park’s Court of the Patriarchs, avoid fellow tourists at the traditional lookout point and take things off-the beaten path. I stumbled upon this stunning spot right off the Wrangler and Sand Bench Trails.

Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Court of the Patriarchs that not many people know about! Surrounded by peace and tranquility, you can take your time to marvel at this natural beauty – it’s practically made for photography!

Across the road from the Court of Patriarchs shuttle stop on the Wrangler Trail

Emerald Pools and Kayenta Trail

Embark on a mini-expedition through Zion National Park’s Emerald Pools. Explore the Lower Pool and further to discover its Middle and Upper companions – before trekking down onto the Kayenta Trail for your return journey.

After hiking to all of the Emerald Pools, I was met with some unexpected disappointment – seemingly more brown than emerald! Luckily though, I took the detour on the Kayenta Trail which was beautiful and much less crowded!

Don’t forget to pack a lunch! I relaxed with a yummy turkey and cheese sandwich on top of a rocky outcrop next to the Upper Emerald Pool. Be sure to also show your skin some extra love and protection on these exposed trails. Lather on sunscreen and throw a hat and sun shirt into the mix for good measure – trust me, better safe than sorry!

Trail: Emerald Pools Trail (includes the Emerald Pools, Kayenta, and Grotto Trail)

Length: 3 mile loop

Elevation Gain: 620 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Grotto Trail

Take a relaxing stroll and connect the Grotto and Zion Lodge shuttle stops on this grassy trail. This leisurely path is mostly flat, but with no mind-blowing surprises as it is alongside the main road.

Trail: Zion Grotto Trail

Length: 1.2 miles out and back

Elevation Gain: 78 ft

Difficulty: Easy

Pa’rus Trail

This park trail is the perfect pick for a refreshing stroll or bike ride. The Pa’rus Trail is considered easy, not because of the length but because it is completely paved, with minimal elevation gain. You can always cut the trail short by hopping on a shuttle back to the visitor center.

Trail: Pa’rus Trail

Length: 3.2 miles out and back

Elevation Gain: 134 ft

Difficulty: Easy; Wheelchair Accessible

Archaeology Trail

For those looking for a mini-adventure, the Archaeology Trail is perfect! Just an easy five minutes uphill from the Visitor Center will take you to foundational remains of an Ancestral Puebloan food storage shelter. The best part? You’ll get rewarded with breathtaking views at the top that make it all worth your while.

Trail: Archaeology Trail

Length: 0.3 miles out and back

Elevation Gain: 52 ft

Difficulty: Easy

With lots of great trails to explore, the west side of Zion National Park is an adventurer’s dream come true! But the winners for best trails on the west side of Zion National Park in my eyes?

The Narrows and The West Rim! Now, I’m sure plenty of people would also include Angels Landing in their list of top hikes, which sees a portion of the West Rim. Whatever you do though, there’s no way you should skip out on The Narrows! It is one of the most unique, amazing hikes I’ve ever done!

For more of my favorite hikes, check out the Best Lake Hikes in Glacier National Park.