Zion Shuttle: Your Key to Exploring Zion Canyon

ZION NARROWS

The Premiere canyon hike in southern Utah, the narrows begin at the Temple of Sinawava, and end when you decide to turn around. Featuring the Virgin river's path carved through the stone walls, this hike remains a fun option in the summer, no matter how hot it is.

Trail Info

Shuttle Stop to Start from: #9 Temple of Sinawava
Pets: No
Trailhead Location: Adjacent to shuttle stop and restrooms.
Distance (roundtrip): up to 9.4 mi / 15.1 km
Elevation Change: 334 ft / 102 m
Estimated Hiking Time: up to 8 hours
Description: This route is known as the bottom-up Narrows and does not require a permit. Hike in as far as you like, then hike back the way you came. Upstream travel beyond Big Spring or in Orderville Canyon is prohibited. At least 60% of the hike is spent wading, walking, and sometimes swimming in the river. Travel is rough and slippery in cold, fast flowing water. High water levels can prevent access. Obtain additional information prior to starting this hike. Use appropriate equipment and clothing to help protect you. Before your hike, always check the weather and flash flood potential (information updated at the Visitor Center). Flash floods are deadly. 

ANGELS LANDING

The Iconic view looking out of the canyon, Angels Landing is a 5 mile, up-and-back hike beginning at the Grotto, and ending with a panoramic view of the canyon like no other. If you don't want to go the full distance, Scout's lookout gets you within 1 mile of the top, without navigating the sandstone cliffs.

Trail Info

Shuttle Stop to Start from: #6 The Grotto
Pets: No
Trailhead Location: Across the road from the shuttle stop and then across the footbridge.
Distance (roundtrip): 5.4 mi / 8.7 km
Elevation Change: 1,488 ft / 453 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 4 hours
Description: Long drop-offs. Not for young children or anyone fearful of heights. Last section is a route along a steep, narrow ridge to the summit. 

EMERALD POOLS

Beginning at either the Grotto or the Zion Lodge, Emerald Pools is a relaxing hike to a pool, tinted by the rock around it to be green. From there, you can expand your hike to  the upper pools, angels landing, or just head back to the trailhead. 

Trail Info

Shuttle Stop to Start from: #5 Zion Lodge
Pets: No
Trailhead Location: Across the road from the Zion Lodge.
Distance (roundtrip): 1.2 mi / 1.9 km
Elevation Change: 69 ft / 21 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 1 hour
Description: Minor drop-offs. Paved trail leads to the Lower Emerald Pool and waterfalls. (Trail connects to the Kayenta, Middle and Upper Emerald Pools trails, for a longer, moderate hike.) Swimming is prohibited in the Emerald Pools. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Zion Lodge. 

Heading to Middle and Upper Emerald Pools?

Simply take the turnoff after lower emerald pools if going as part of a loop.

Middle Emerald Pools Trail

Trailhead Location: Same as Lower Emerald Pools
Distance (roundtrip): 2.2 mi / 3.5 km
Elevation Change: 150 ft / 46 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
Description: An unpaved climb to a sandstone ledge that parallels the lower trail, but at at a higher level. Moderate drop-offs. Connects to the other Emerald Pools trails and the Kayenta Trail. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Zion Lodge. 

Upper Emerald Pools:

Trailhead Location: Starts from the end of the Kayenta Trail.
Distance (roundtrip): 1.0 mi / 1.6 km
Elevation Change: 200 ft / 61 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 1 hour
Description: Minor drop-offs. A sandy and rocky trail that climbs to the Upper Emerald Pool at the base of a cliff. No swimming is allowed in the Emerald Pools. This is actually a 3 mile (5 km) hike when added to the Kayenta Trail. 

PA'RUS TRAIL

Beginning from the Visitor Center, this trail winds its way along the side of the virgin river to the Canyon Junction. Its paved surface makes it perfect for those who are seeking something slightly easier.

Trail Info

Shuttle Stop to Start from: #1 Visitor Center or #3 Canyon Junction
Pets: Yes
Trailhead Location: Up canyon from the Visitor Center and across the bridge adjacent to the South Campground. This trail can also be accessed from the Canyon Junction shuttle stop.
Distance (roundtrip): 3.5 mi / 5.6 km
Elevation Change: 50 ft / 15 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 2 hours
Description: A paved trail that follows the Virgin River from the South Campground to Canyon Junction. This trail is handicap accessible, but wheelchairs may need assistance. Trailside exhibits. This is the only trail in Zion National Park that allows both pets (on a leash up to 6 feet) and bicycles. You can access this trail from the Museum (Shuttle Stop #2) by using a short connector trail that is not designed for wheelchairs and not approved for bikes or pets. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Visitor Center. 

RIVERSIDE WALK

Wanting to go to the Narrows, but not sure if you can do it? The riverside walk is the perfect hike for you. Comprising the first mile of the Narrows trail from the Temple of Sinavawa, this paved, wheelchair-accessable hike takes you right up to where the canyon walls begin to narrow, giving you wonderful views, without the trouble.

Trail Info

Shuttle Stop to Start from: #9 Temple of Sinawava
Pets: No
Trailhead Location: Adjacent to restrooms and water refill station.
Distance (roundtrip): 2.2 mi / 3.5 km
Elevation Change: 57 ft / 17 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
Description: Minor drop-offs. Paved trail follows the Virgin River along the bottom of a narrow canyon. Trailside exhibits. The first 0.4 miles of the trail is accessible but past that point there are several steep slopes. Deep sand may be present on pavement after heavy rain. Some wheelchair users may need assistance.This trail accesses the bottom-up Narrows route (see below). Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Temple of Sinawava. 

ZION TRAVERSE

This multi-day hike starts at the Lee Pass Trailhead on the Kolob Canyon Road. The trail takes you through Hop Valley and then connects through Wildcat Canyon to the West Rim Trail. This trail ends at the Grotto on the floor of the main canyon in Zion National Park. In years previous to 2019 hikers could cross the canyon floor to Weeping Rock and continue up to Observation Point on the east side of the park. Due to a massive rock slide in September of 2019 a hiker can no longer complete the traverse this way. But there is another option. This will require you to leave a car at the East Rim trailhead, located 100 feet west of the East Entrance fee booths. Take our shuttle from the visitor center to the East Mesa trailhead, leaving a car at the East Rim Trailhead on the way, the traverse would continue from the East Mesa Trailhead to Observation Point. From there you would connect with the East Rim Trailhead and end the Zion Traverse at the east entrance of the park.

BIRCH HOLLOW TRAILHEAD

Birch Hollow, just outside the Zion National Park boundary is one of the most popular canyons in the area. The trailhead is approximately 8.5 miles north of Highway 9 on the North Fork Road. It is a technical hike requiring rappelling equipment and skill. After making your way through Birch Hollow you will continue down canyon where you’ll merge into Orderville Canyon. Follow the canyon until you enter Zion National Park through the Virgin River as it empties into the Narrows slot canyon eventually exiting at the Temple of Sinawava. This hike requires a Zion National Park canyoneering permit. It is 10.8 miles and can be completed in 10-12 hours.

ORDERVILLE GULCH

Orderville Gulch starts 11.4 miles north of Highway 9 on the North Fork Road. This is a less technical hike, not requiring rapells but be prepared for some serious bouldering. Bring rope or webbing to use as you descend into the canyon. Orderville Canyon will eventually connect with the Virgin River Narrows. The hike ends at the Temple of Sinawava in Zion Canyon. A Zion National Park Canyoneering permit is required. This hike will take between 6-10 hours.

MYSTERY CANYON

While Mystery Canyon may be short in miles, just 6 miles in length, it is not lacking in adventure! This is a difficult canyoneering experience not for the faint of heart. This hike starts at the East Mesa Trailhead accessed through the Zion Ponderosa Ranch which is on the North Fork Road 5 miles north of Highway 9 at the east entrance of Zion National Park. Mystery Canyon has it all, scrambling downhill, bouldering, rappelling, and a couple of short swims. Bring a wet bag! There are 10 rappels, the longest rappel is 120 ft. Permits are obtained via a lottery system through Zion National Park. 

This hike is 6 miles long and can take 8-11 hours to complete.

BARRACKS

The Barracks or Parunuweap is a challenging and beautiful way to experience Zion National Park. There is historical significance to this hike as this area was explored by John Wesley Powell in 1872 and there is a commemorative plaque near the exit to this hike.  Excellent navigational skills are necessary to successfully traverse this section of intersecting slot canyons. No wilderness permit is needed for this hike. You’ll have to leave a car at the Checkerboard Mesa Overlook so you’ll have transportation when your excursion is complete. The trailhead is located west of Highway 89 just south of the junction of Highway 89 and Highway 9. The total distance is approximately 20 miles and is usually accomplished in 2 days. 

You’ll start this adventure at the property line of the Barracks Ranch. Follow the road below the Barracks Ranch farmhouse. Mineral Gulch will be the first cross canyon you’ll find as it comes in from the north. It would be worth your time to go explore for a while. Later, Rock Canyon intersects from the south. This may be the best place to camp. 

French Canyon is about 2 hours below Rock Canyon. It comes in from the south as the walls narrow to form this splendid slot canyon. A half-hour past French Canyon, Poverty Gulch intersects from the north. 

Fat Man’s Misery is the next slot you’ll encounter as it comes in from the north, a slightly sulfurous warm spring marks the location. You are almost to the exit. Keep an eye out for the plaque commemorating the Powell expedition of 1872 on the downstream side of the grassy area behind some brush (lots of poison ivy here – beware!) The exit is a strenuous scramble and hike back to Highway 9 that takes most parties about 3 hours. Rest up and filter plenty of water for the hike out.  

LAVA POINT/WEST RIM

This is a beautiful way to take in the variety of scenery Zion Canyon has to offer. The West Rim trail starts on the high, forested plateau of Zion Canyon and descends into the steep, rugged, red rocks of the canyon floor. The trailhead is located 32 miles northeast from the Zion National Park visitor center. No permit is required if you plan to hike the West Rim in a single day. The trail is 16.2 miles from the Lava Point campground,15 miles if you start from the West Rim Trailhead. No permit is needed if you are planning a day hike. If you plan to camp you must acquire a wilderness permit from the wilderness desk at the visitor center in Zion Canyon. 

WILDCAT

Wildcat Canyon Connector Trail is often used to connect the Hop Valley Trail to the West Rim Trail. If you’re planning to do the West Rim Trail and want to spend a little more time enjoying Zion park you can start at Wildcat Canyon Trailhead and then connect to the West Rim Trail. Wildcat Canyon Trail is only 6 miles long so connecting with the West Rim trail which is another 15 miles gives you a great 2 day experience in Zion’s backcountry. This is a nontechnical hike but does require a permit if you choose to use one of the camping sites. 

HOP VALLEY

There are two ways to enjoy Hop Valley. You can head east from the Hop Valley Trailhead and eventually end up at the Grotto in the main canyon of Zion National Park. Starting at the Hop Valley Trailhead and connecting with Wildcat Canyon Trail you’ll hike 9 miles through sagebrush and pine trees before connecting to the 14 mile West Rim Trail. On the West Rim Trail you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the magnificent canyons of Zion National Park. The scenery as you descend from the high plateau into the Grotto will not disappoint!

The other option is to journey west! This will be a vastly different experience than the eastward route. To the east of Hop Valley is a sagebrush plateau. Along this sandy route you’ll cross La Verkin Creek several times, sometimes you’ll encounter water, other times you’ll find only a dry creek bed. Eventually you’ll hike some switchbacks heading downhill that will connect you to the La Verkin Creek Trail. Here you’ll want to cross the creek and continue on the La Verkin Creek trail to the 0.6 mile spur trail that leads to the Kolob Arch. This beautiful piece of nature’s handiwork is reported to be the 2nd largest arch in the world. After taking in the splendor of Kolob Arch hike back to the La Verkin Creek trail and continue on west then follow the trail north ending at the Lee Pass Trailhead. The hike is 7.5 miles from the Hop Valley Trailhead to Kolob Arch and 7.2 miles from the Arch to Lee Pass Trailhead. This can be done as a day hike or you can obtain a permit at the wilderness desk to use one of the campsites along the way.

IMLAY

Start at the West Rim Trailhead by Lava Point; finish by hiking out the Narrows and experience so much in the middle. This hike is full of rappels, some are just a quick drop down a rock face, the longest is an 165 ft descent! The canyon is also full of water, a wet suit is a must. To say this is a highly technical experience is an understatement. Completing this hike will take 10-14 hours. 

SUBWAY - TOP DOWN

This hike is also referred to as Left Fork simply because you follow the left fork of North Creek. To traverse the 9.5 mile trail from the top down you’ll need to leave a car at the Left Fork Trailhead and get a shuttle to Wildcat Canyon Trailhead on the Kolob Terrace Road. Subway from the top down requires a 60 ft rappel and some swimming as well. Hiking this trail requires wayfinding skill as the trail is not clearly defined. In order to hike the Subway you’ll need to obtain a wilderness permit. You should plan to take 6-10 hours for this hike.

LEE PASS

Lee Pass trailhead can be the beginning of a variety of adventures. From this trailhead you can see one of the largest sandstone arches in the world. You can begin the famous Zion traverse. Or you can stop at a number of trailheads if you’ve experienced enough of what Zion has to offer. Whatever your decision is, you can’t go wrong. If you choose to start by seeing Kolob Arch you’ll begin at Lee Pass Trailhead and follow Timber Creek as it runs along the La Verkin Creek Trail. You’ll take a left turn and head north on the 0.6 mile Kolob Arch Trail to get a view of the beautiful sandstone arch. Return the way you came. If you’d like to continue your adventure continue east on the La Verkin Creek Trail until it intersects with the Hop Valley Trail. Head south on the Hop Valley Trail until you reach the trailhead at which point you’ve hiked 13 miles and might want to pick up a prearranged shuttle for a ride back to Lee Pass or you can continue a little further as the Hop Valley Trail connects to the Wildcat Canyon trail. A shuttle can pick you up at this point as well if you have made prior arrangements. If you are still up for more, stay on the Wildcat Canyon trail where you’ll connect with the West Rim Trail and end your adventure at the Grotto in the bottom of Zion Canyon. This trail is 38 miles long from Lee Pass to the canyon floor at the Grotto. You will need a permit to camp overnight.