Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [460]
This paved trail (fully accessible to wheelchairs) follows the Virgin River, providing views of the rock formations in lower Zion Canyon. Unlike other park trails, this one is open to bicycles and leashed pets. The elevation gain is only 50 feet.
Riverside Walk and the Gateway to The Narrows
2 miles RT. Easy. Access: Temple of Sinawava parking lot.
This paved trail follows the Virgin River upstream to the Zion Canyon Narrows, past trailside exhibits and, in spring and summer, hanging wildflowers. Accessible to those in wheelchairs with some assistance, the trail has an elevation change of only 57 feet. At The Narrows, the pavement ends and you have to decide whether to turn around or continue upstream into The Narrows itself (yes, you will get wet), where the canyon walls are about 24 feet apart in some areas and more than 1,000 feet high. Warning: The bottom of a very narrow slot canyon is definitely not a place you want to be in a rainstorm (common in July–Aug), when flash floods are a serious threat. Before entering The Narrows, check the weather forecast and discuss your plans with park rangers. Permits are required for longer treks in The Narrows but not for short day hikes (see "The Narrows," below).
Watchman Trail
3 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
This moderately strenuous but relatively short trail gets surprisingly light use, possibly because it can be very hot in the middle of the day. Climbing to a plateau near the base of the Watchman formation, it offers splendid views of lower Zion Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, the Towers of the Virgin, the West Temple formations, and the town of Springdale. The trail takes about 2 hours to complete and has an elevation gain of 368 feet.
Weeping Rock Trail
.5 mile RT. Easy to moderate. Access: Weeping Rock parking lot.
This is among the park's shortest and easiest rambles, although it is steep in spots. A self-guiding nature trail, the route leads to a rock alcove with a spring and hanging gardens of ferns and wildflowers. Although paved, the trail is relatively steep (gaining 98 ft.) and slippery, and not suitable for wheelchairs.
LONGER TRAILS
Angels Landing Trail
5 miles RT. Strenuous. Access: Grotto picnic area.
This strenuous 4-hour hike is most certainly not for anyone with even a mild fear of heights. The trail climbs 1,488 feet to a summit that offers spectacular views into Zion Canyon. But be prepared: The final half-mile follows a narrow, knife-edge trail along a steep ridge, where footing can be slippery even under the best of circumstances. Support chains have been set along parts of the trail.
East Rim Trail
8 miles RT. Strenuous. Access: Weeping Rock parking lot.
This strenuous hike takes all day and climbs more than 2,000 feet to Observation Point. If you can manage it, the incredible views down into the canyon make the exertion worthwhile. This trail also gives access to other east-rim trails: Cable Mountain and Deertrap Mountain.
Hop Valley Trail
13.4 miles RT. Moderate to strenuous. Access: Trailhead on Kolob Terrace Rd.
This backcountry trail loses about 1,000 feet as it meanders through sunny fields and past Gambel oak, partly following an old jeep road and then a stream, before taking you to La Verkin Creek. Some hikers connect with the La Verkin Creek/Kolob Arch Trail to see Kolob Arch. Hikers should allot a full day for this trail.
La Verkin Creek/Kolob Arch Trail
14 miles RT. Strenuous. Access: Kolob Canyons Rd. at Lee Pass.
Although there are no drop-offs, this backcountry trail is quite strenuous. Descending almost 700 feet, it follows Timber and La Verkin creeks, ending at Kolob Arch, which, at 310 feet long, may be the world's largest freestanding arch. Some people choose to camp on this hike. You can camp at La Verkin Creek if you have a permit and have been assigned a campsite