Greater Zion is a hiker’s paradise, offering hundreds of miles of trails through some of the most dramatic landscape in the American Southwest. From easy strolls across petrified sand dunes to grueling ascents up Zion’s sheer canyon walls, the region delivers world-class hiking for every fitness level and ambition. The combination of red rock deserts, volcanic lava fields, deep sandstone canyons, and pine-covered plateaus means no two trails look or feel alike.
With over 300 days of sunshine per year, hiking is a year-round activity here — though smart hikers adjust their plans with the seasons. The Greater Zion region encompasses Snow Canyon State Park, Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, Zion National Park, the Kolob Canyons section, and a vast network of BLM and municipal trails that most visitors never discover.
Hiking by Difficulty Level
Choosing the right trail starts with an honest assessment of your fitness, experience, and comfort with exposure. Greater Zion uses a three-tier difficulty system:
Easy Hikes
Flat to gentle grades, well-marked paths, typically under 3 miles round-trip. Perfect for families with young children, visitors adjusting to the desert climate, or anyone looking for a relaxed walk with stunning scenery. Top picks include Pa’rus Trail in Zion (paved, dog-friendly), Petrified Dunes in Snow Canyon, and Timber Creek Overlook in Kolob Canyons.
Moderate Hikes
Noticeable elevation gain, some uneven terrain, 3-7 miles round-trip. These trails reward effort with bigger views and fewer crowds. Favorites include Watchman Trail in Zion, Whiptail Trail in Snow Canyon, and Chuckwalla Trail near St. George.
Strenuous Hikes
Significant elevation gain, exposure, scrambling, or long distances. These trails demand fitness, preparation, and respect for the terrain. Highlights include Hidden Canyon in Zion (chains section), West Rim Trail (14.2-mile point-to-point), and Angels Landing.
Best Trails by Area
Zion National Park
Zion is the crown jewel, offering everything from the paved Pa’rus Trail to the legendary Angels Landing chain section. The main canyon’s shuttle-only trails are busiest, but early mornings and shoulder-season weekdays thin the crowds. Don’t overlook the less-visited Taylor Creek and Timber Creek Overlook in the Kolob Canyons section, which offer solitude and sweeping panoramas.
Snow Canyon State Park
Just 15 minutes from St. George, Snow Canyon delivers a full trail system through lava fields, slot canyons, and petrified dunes without the crowds of Zion. Highlights include Lava Flow Trail, Jenny’s Canyon, and Petrified Dunes.
St. George and Hurricane Area
Pioneer Park sits right in downtown St. George with red rock scrambling and sunset views. The Chuckwalla and Zen Trail systems connect miles of desert singletrack. Near Hurricane, Goulds Rim and Church Rocks offer quieter alternatives with unique formations.
Gear Essentials for Desert Hiking
Desert hiking in Greater Zion requires specific preparation that differs from mountain environments:
- Water: Carry at least 1 liter per hour of hiking. There is almost no reliable water on trails outside of Zion’s main canyon. In summer, double your water estimate.
- Sun protection: Wide-brim hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV-protective clothing. Desert sun reflects off sandstone and intensifies exposure.
- Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction on slickrock. Sandstone can be slippery when wet or dusty.
- Navigation: Many trails outside state and national parks are unmarked or minimally marked. Carry a GPS device or offline trail map on your phone.
- Emergency kit: First aid supplies, whistle, headlamp, emergency blanket. Cell service is unreliable in canyons.
Local gear shops and outfitters in St. George and Springdale rent trekking poles, packs, and other equipment if you prefer not to travel with gear.
Seasonal Hiking Guide
Spring (March – May)
The best overall hiking season. Temperatures are comfortable (60-85°F), wildflowers bloom in the desert, and waterfalls in Zion run at their peak. Some higher-elevation trails may have lingering snow through April.
Summer (June – August)
Temperatures regularly exceed 105°F in the lower desert. Hike before 8 AM or after 6 PM. Higher-elevation trails like West Rim and Kolob routes are 15-20 degrees cooler. Flash flood risk increases with monsoon thunderstorms from mid-July through September.
Fall (September – November)
Excellent hiking conditions return. October temperatures average 75-85°F, cottonwoods turn gold along the Virgin River, and summer crowds have thinned. This is prime time for canyoneering as water levels stabilize.
Winter (December – February)
Lower-elevation trails around St. George are perfect for winter hiking with daytime highs of 50-60°F. Zion canyon trails can be icy — traction devices are essential. Snow transforms the landscape and photography opportunities are exceptional.
Dog-Friendly Hiking
Dogs are not permitted on trails in Zion National Park, with the sole exception of the paved Pa’rus Trail. However, dogs are welcome on leash at Snow Canyon State Park, Red Cliffs NCA, Bear Claw Poppy, and most BLM trails. Our dog-friendly trails guide lists every option with water availability and shade notes.
Guided Hiking Options
For visitors who want local expertise, several guide services offer day hikes, backpacking trips, and photography-focused hikes. Guides know seasonal conditions, hidden routes, and interpretive natural history that transforms a walk into an education. Particularly valuable for first-time visitors tackling Zion’s permit-required routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hike in Greater Zion?
Most trails are permit-free. Exceptions include Zion’s overnight backpacking routes (wilderness permits required), The Subway and Mystery Canyon (lottery permits), and Angels Landing (seasonal lottery). Snow Canyon and Red Cliffs require a day-use fee or Utah State Parks pass.
What is the best trail for a first-time visitor?
Start with Pa’rus Trail in Zion for a gentle introduction, then try Watchman Trail for moderate effort with a rewarding viewpoint. Outside Zion, Petrified Dunes in Snow Canyon is unforgettable and requires minimal effort.
Are there rattlesnakes on the trails?
Yes, Great Basin rattlesnakes live throughout the region and are most active April through October. Stay on trail, watch where you place hands and feet, and give any snake a wide berth. Bites are rare and almost never fatal with prompt medical treatment.
Can I hike year-round?
Yes. Greater Zion’s elevation diversity means comfortable hiking conditions exist somewhere in the region every month. Lower desert trails are best October through April, while higher elevations are best May through October.
Where can I find current trail conditions?
Check our Trail Conditions & Closures page for the latest updates on closures, flood damage, and seasonal restrictions.
