HIKING IN ZION NATIONAL PARK
Angels Landing
Angels Landing has been on our bucket list for years and in January, we hit the jackpot and won the permit lottery. When we found out, I wasn’t sure whether to be thrilled or completely terrified.
Known as one of the most iconic and nerve-wracking hikes in the U.S., it’s the kind of trail that tests both your courage and your footing. Clinging to chains with sheer thousand-foot drop-offs on either side, every step felt like a heart-pounding challenge. But reaching the summit was absolutely worth it. The views over Zion Canyon were unreal—like standing on the edge of the world.
This was hands down one of the most intense adventures I’ve ever done and also one of the most rewarding. It scared the hell out of me—but I’m so glad I didn’t let that stop me from doing it.
Since 2022, a permit is required to hike the chained section of Angels Landing. There is a Seasonal Lottery (you apply in advance) and a Day-Before Lottery (you apply the day before at 12 PM MT). Permits are only needed for the chained section - from Scout Lookout to the Summit.
Scout Lookout
Not ready for Angels Landing and the chains? No problem. The hike up to Scout Lookout still brings the elevation, the switchbacks, and the jaw-dropping canyon views without the sheer drops. It’s the perfect spot to catch your breath, soak it all in, and still say you conquered a piece of Zion.
The Narrows
Zion National Park has so much to offer, including the famous Narrows Hike. The trail is not maintained as you are hiking in the cold water of the Virgin River on slippery rocks. With proper equipment (sturdy hiking shoes and walking sticks available for rent) and good judgement, dangers can be minimized. Flash floods are the most serious hazard in the Zion Narrows. August is the month with the heaviest precipitation while June is the driest. The monsoon season begins in mid-July and continues through mid-September, so if you are considering hiking the Narrows during this time period, get the most updated weather information possible before you begin. If you’re hiking from the bottom up and back, no permit is required. We turned around at the 5km mark making the total hike 10km long. Truly an incredible and unique experience!
Emerald Pools
The Emerald Pools Trail is a popular and scenic hike featuring a series of waterfalls and pools nestled within a lush desert oasis. The trail comprises of three main sections: Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools, each offering unique views and experiences.
As of June 2023, the bridge from Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop 5) is under construcitons and closed to hikers. We started at the Grotto (Shuttle Stop 6) and hiked up to the Upper Pool via the Kayenta Trail. This trail is quite busy so instead of hiking it as an out and back we continued on the Middle Emerald Pools Trail towards the bridge. Here we had a choice - cross the River on foot since the bridge is not accessible and head to the Lodge OR continue on Sand Beach Trail to Shuttle Stop 4.
Since we were thirsty and didn’t have water, we chose to cross the River and head to the Lodge for a cold beverage. We did need to take our shoes off and cross the river in knee deep water, but what’s a hike without a little bit of adventure.
Checkerboard Mesa
Checkerboard Mesa is a striking and iconic sandstone formation located in the eastern section of the Park and is one of those stops that makes you do a double take. The cross-hatched lines etched into the sandstone look like something out of an artist’s sketchbook. It’s the perfect roadside view - no hike needed, just pull over, take it in, and wonder how wind, water, and time carved this masterpiece. Zion never stops surprising.
