Hiking Archives

Canyonlands National Park contains three districts; Island in the Sky, The Needles and The Maze. The Maze district is more rugged and contains multi-day excursions. Each district has separate entrances, so for day hiking, plan your trip for either Island in the Sky or The Needles.

Island In The Sky

1. Whale Rock: 1 mile

If you like to scramble up slick rock, then this is the hike for you. Whale rock somewhat looks a whale, but what it lacks in resemblance it makes up for in unique hiking and grand views.

2. Mesa Arch: .5 miles

This is a hike for all ages. It is a short hike to a beautiful arch, framing spectacular views.

3. Upheaval Dome: 1st overlook .8 miles, second overlook 1.8 miles

A short but steep hike to view the mysterious crater lined with jagged spires.

4. Aztec Butte: 2 miles

Meander through a sandy wash until you come to a fork in the trail. The eastern fork leads to spectacular views, the western fork leads to 800 year old Puebloan granaries. Both forks contain scrambling over slickrock and ledges.

5. Grandview Point: 2 miles

Plan to start this hike an hour before sunset and enjoy the last light of the day saying goodnight to the spectacular panoramic view of the land. Make sure you have a flashlight for the hike back.

6. Murphy Point: 3.6 miles

This longer hike leads to unforgettable views of Candlestick Tower, Green River and White Rim Road.

Needles

1. Roadside Ruins: .3 miles

A short trail educating about how the Indians used the native plants. The trail ends with an ancient Puebloan granary, where their bounty was stored.

2. Cave Spring: .6 miles

This short loop includes a historic cowboy camp, prehistoric rock paintings, a rare year-round spring, and two ladders to climb.

3. Pothole Point Trail: .6 miles

Potholes along this slickrock trail, fill with rainwater and creates a perfect environment for microlife such as horsehair worms, snails, tadpoles and fairy shrimp. Who doesn’t want to see fairy shrimp?

4. Slickrock Trail: 2.4 miles

360 degree views of the park, need I say more?

Now, Go. See. Do.

~meemish

If you’ve never been to Zions National Park, don’t let the crowds keep you away. There is a reason it’s crowded. It’s AMAZING!

Peak times are: Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Easter week (date varies – usually in April), Labor Day (first Monday in September), and Utah Education Association break (October).

Weeping Rock

This is a short easy hike that is paved with stairs to a deck area to check out the rock that is weeping.

Angels Landing

This is a must do! Don’t let the chained area keep you away. Even if you get to the top and decide the chained area isn’t for you, the hike up to that point is still amazing. The best part is Walters Wiggles which is a section of switch backs that are a site to see.

Emerald Pools

Lower Emerald Pools and Upper Emerald Pools are listed as two separate hikes, but I recommend doing it as one hike. This is such a fun hike. You will see pools, a wall of water (watch your step, it can be slippery), stepping stones and winding trails. You will not be disappointed.

Canyon Overlook

This hike is found on the east side of the tunnel (you have to drive through the tunnel during your visit). Parking lot is on the right side of the road and usually crowded, so come early. Cross the street to the trail head and don’t forget your camera. The view is spectacular!

The Narrows (Bottom Up)

Take the Zions shuttle to the last stop, Temple of Sinawava. Hike in as far as you like and turn around at any time. You will be hiking through water, and over slick rocks so wear appropriate shoes. In spring the water will be colder from the snow melt. This is a great hike in the hot summer months and definitely less crowded in the fall, when water is lower.

Par’us Trail

A nice evening stroll along the Virgin River. Bike, dog, and wheelchair friendly.