The Independent’s Five Favorite Hikes
in Zion National Park
These are The Independent’s five favorite hikes in Zion National Park ranging from strenuous and extremely difficult to easy and enjoyable. You’re sure to find something here for all levels of hikers here so take be sure to read on and then enjoy your visit to the Park as everything returns to as we slowly come out of the Covid-19 pandemic shutdown. The Independent would also like to remind you to be respectful of others, exercise social distancing, and follow CDC hygiene guidelines when interacting with the public.
1) MANY POOLS
Trekking above the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel is the Many Pools Trail. A short distance off the road, filled pools carved into the rocks started to appear, most of them frozen solid. Ponderosa Pines and Juniper trees, twisted by the wind are a good backdrop to the reds and whites ribboned through the rocks.
2) CHINLE TRAIL
The Chinle Trail, located outside of the main tourist areas of Zion Nation Park, is one of those great, backcountry winter hikes. Chinle Trail is an off-the-beaten-path trail located in the lower elevation, west desert wilderness area, offering wide-open vistas (that I particularly love), unique desert landscapes, and a reprieve from the more touristy trails in the Park.
3) LADY MOUNTAIN
Lady Mountain is a very difficult and strenuous 1.9 miles of near-vertical scrambling and climbing, with an elevation gain of 2,345 feet in that relatively short distance. The narrow trail has a couple of sketchy 5.7 climbs on sheer walls with high altitude drop-offs, as well as several steep pitches. This is a hike for the experienced backcountry hiker.
4) HIDDEN CANYON
This classic Zion Canyon Trail was developed in 1928, a year after the “hanging canyon” – dubbed Hidden Canyon – was discovered. William Evans tried to climb the Great White Throne in 1927 but fell during the attempt. While searching for the climber, who was miraculously found alive, rescuers discovered a secluded oasis. Today, a well-traveled path takes trekkers between sheer sandstone walls rising up hundreds of feet, made up by some of Zion’s most famous landmarks: Cable Mountain and the Great White Throne.
5) CANYON OVERLOOK
This delightful adventure is located immediately east of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Zion Canyon Overlook begins with charming steps carved into sandstone that rise above the long tunnel, allowing hikers to mosey along the easy half-mile path to a spectacular high elevation view of lower Zion Canyon. If your timing is right you may even see some bighorn sheep, which characteristically are fond of this Slickrock side of Zion.
