Zion Canyon Trails:
 • Pa'rus Trail (3.5 mile / 5.6 kilometer round-trip). An easy paved trail starting at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and following the Virgin River from the South Campground to the Zion Canyon junction.
 • Weeping Rock (0.5 mile / 0.8 kilometer round-trip). A short but steep paved trail that ends at a rock alcove with dripping springs. Hanging gardens of wildflowers decorate the walls in spring and summer.
 • Riverside Walk (2.0 mile / 3.3 kilometer round-trip). An easy paved trail that follows the Virgin River along the bottom of a narrow canyon. Hanging gardens of wildflowers in spring and summer.
 • Lower Emerald Pools (1.2 mile / 1.9 kilometer round-trip). An easy paved trail that leads from Zion Lodge to pools and small waterfalls.
 • Middle Emerald Pools (2.0 mile / 3.3 kilometer round-trip). A moderately difficult trail from Zion Lodge to the lower and middle pools. Swimming, wading, or bathing is prohibited in all pools in order to protect the aquatic wildlife and preserve this fragile area.
 • Canyon Overlook (1.0 mile / 1.6 kilometer round-trip). Starting east of the tunnel, this moderately difficult trail over rocky, uneven terrain leads to a spectacular viewpoint of lower Zion Canyon and Pine Creek Canyon.
 • Watchman (2.0 mile / 3.3 kilometer round-trip). Starting at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, this moderate trail ends at viewpoint of lower Zion Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, and the town of Springdale. It is recommended that the trail be taken at the beginning or end of the day due to the heat.
 • Hidden Canyon (2.0 / 3.2 kilometer round-trip). A moderately difficult hike that is not for anyone fearful of heights. The trail ends at the mouth of narrow side canyon.
 • Angels Landing (5.0 mile / 8.6 kilometer round-trip). A steep, strenuous, but spectacular trail that ends at a magnificent overlook of Zion Canyon. The last 0.5 mile / 0.8 kilometer of the trail follows a steep, narrow ridge with chains added to provide handholds. For those in good physical condition and not afraid of hikes, this hike is a must.
 • Observation Point (8.0 mile / 12.0 kilometer round-trip). A strenuous climb through Echo Canyon to Observation Point offering excellent views of Zion Canyon. The trail gives access to other East Rim plateau trails: Cable Mountain and Deertrap Mountain.
 • Lower West Rim to Cabin Spring (10 mile / 17.2 kilometer round-trip). A strenuous hike that climbs to a high-country viewpoint of canyons. The trail continues to Lava Point, an alternate starting point; the trip to Lava Point should not be attempted as a one-day hike.

Kolob Canyon Trails:
 • Timber Creek Overlook (1.0 mile / 1.6 kilometer round-trip). Departing from the Kolob Canyon portion of the park, this easy trail follows the ridge top to small peak which offers views of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace and Pine Valley Mountains.
 • Taylor Creek (5.0 mile / 8.6 kilometer round-trip). Another Kolob Canyon trail, this trek follows the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek past two homestead cabins to Double Arch Alcove.
 • Kolob Arch (14 mile / 22 kilometer round-trip). A strenuous hike from the Kolob Canyon section of the park along Timber and LaVerkin Creeks to Kolob Arch, possibly the world's largest freestanding arch.

Photography

Zion offers the photographer a unique and incredible landscape with many opportunities to explore color, texture, and light. The animal life, while not as obvious as in some other parks, offers some opportunity for wildlife photography.

Horseback riding

For those wishing to explore the park on horseback, permits are not required for day trips, but are required for overnight trips. The maximum group size for horseback trips is six animals. For overnight trips the maximum stay in any single location is one night. Stock must be hobbled or tethered to reduce damage to vegetation. To reduce the spread of noxious and exotic weeds, all stock must be fed only certified weed-free hay one day prior to entering the backcountry and when using park trails. When traveling by horseback on trail areas stock must remain on trails. Free-trailing or loose herding is not allowed. Animals must be kept at a slow walk when passing hikers. When standing, stock must be kept at least 100 feet from drainages.

Stock may be used in these areas:
 • Trails: La Verkin Creek, Hop Valley Wildcat Canyon, West Rim (above Cabin Springs), East Rim (above rim, includes Cable Mountain and Deertrap trails), Sandbench (November through February only).
 • Off-trail areas: Coalpits Wash, Huber Wash, Scoggins Wash, Crater Hill.

Guided trail rides can be arranged with park concessionaires:
 • Canyon Trail Rides, Zion Lodge, Ph: (435) 772-3810 (in season), Ph: (435) 679-8665 (off season). Guided trail rides are offered from March through October. Reservations are advised and can be made by calling or in-person at the Zion Lodge.

Rock climbing

Climbing on Zion's sandstone formations requires appropriate hardware and skills. Individuals interested in climbing should check for information at the visitor center and be aware that some routes may be closed when peregrine falcons are breeding.