Zion National Park

Location: Utah

Permit: No permits required to enter the park, or ride the shuttle, but you need a permit for the Subway, Angels Landing, and the Narrows from top down. Most people hike the narrows from bottom up as no permit is required. Get permits here.

Recommended time: 3 days

Zion National Park – 3 Day Hiking Itinerary

Featuring The Narrows, Zion’s best trails, and options with or without an Angels Landing permit.

Day 1: The Narrows Adventure

Morning:

  • Riverside Walk

    • Trailhead: Temple of Sinawava (Shuttle Stop #9)

    • Distance: 3.2 km (2 mi) roundtrip | Easy | Paved

    • A beautiful walk along the Virgin River through hanging gardens and towering canyon walls.

Late Morning to Afternoon:

  • The Narrows (Bottom-Up)

    • Trailhead: End of Riverside Walk

    • Distance: Flexible (up to 15.3 km / 9.5 mi roundtrip to Big Springs)

    • Hike in the river, surrounded by 1,000-foot cliffs.

    • Permit: Not required for bottom-up hiking.

    • Note: Check water levels and flash flood risk at the Visitor Center before setting out.

Day 2: Scenic Highlights & Short Trails

Morning:

  • Lower Emerald Pools Trail

    • Trailhead: Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop #5)

    • Distance: 2.4 km (1.5 mi) roundtrip | Easy–Moderate

    • Lush hanging gardens and small waterfalls.

Afternoon:

  • Canyon Overlook Trail

    • Trailhead: East side of Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel

    • Distance: 1.6 km (1 mi) roundtrip | Moderate

    • A short, high-reward trail with epic views down Zion Canyon.

Day 3: Two Options – With or Without an Angels Landing Permit

Option 1: Angels Landing (Permit Required)

  • Trailhead: The Grotto (Shuttle Stop #6)

  • Distance: 8.7 km (5.4 mi) roundtrip | Strenuous

  • Elevation Gain: ~453 m (1,488 ft)

  • Highlights: Steep switchbacks (Walter’s Wiggles), narrow ridgelines, and chain-assisted climbs to the summit.

  • Permit: Required for final stretch beyond Scout Lookout – apply through the NPS lottery.

  • Alternative if no permit: You can still hike to Scout Lookout for incredible views—no permit needed up to that point.

Option 2: Watchman Trail + East Rim Views (No Permit Needed)

  • Watchman Trail

    • Trailhead: Near Zion Visitor Center

    • Distance: 4.3 km (2.7 mi) roundtrip | Moderate

    • Great canyon views, especially beautiful in early morning light.

  • Bonus Viewpoint:

    • Drive the Kolob Terrace Road (just outside Springdale) for panoramic overlooks and fewer crowds.

🚧 Trail Closures (Long-Term Only)

The following trails are closed indefinitely due to rockfalls or unsafe conditions:

  • Kayenta Trail

  • Upper Emerald Pools Trail

  • Hidden Canyon Trail

  • Observation Point via East Rim Trail from Weeping Rock

➡️ Check updates before your visit: Zion Trail Conditions