Trail Access Information

 
Learn more about conditions and accessibility of some of Zion's most popular trails. For trail descriptions and locations, visit our Day Hiking page.
Please note that trail conditions may have changed since each trail was assessed. Standard ramp grade is 8.3%.
 
Two medium size dogs on leashes sit on a paved trail with the Watchman peak in the background

Pa'rus Trail

Last assessed on January 13, 2025. Obstructions less than 0.5 in tall, or outside the tread area of 120 in (304.8 cm) wide by 96 in (243.8 cm), high were not reported.

  • Length (one way): 1.6 mi (2.5 km)
  • Elevation:
    • Gain: 151.7 ft (46.3 m)
    • Loss: 62.7 ft (19.12 m)
  • Grade:
    • Typical: 2.6%
    • Maximum: 11.4%
    • 1.2% of the trail is at an 8.3% or higher grade.
  • Cross Slope:
    • Typical: 2.1%
    • Maximum: 8.8%
    • 4.6% of the trail has a cross slope of 6% or higher.
  • Tread Width:
    • Typical: 120 in (304.7 cm)
    • Minimum: 96 in (243.8 cm)
  • Surface:
    • 93.6% of the trail is paved and 6.4% is hard wood decking.
  • Obstructions:
    • Bridges (5)
      • 120 in (304.8 cm) wide
      • 416 - 1744 in (1056.6 - 4429.8 cm) long
    • Post
      • 60 in (152.4 cm) of remaining tread
    • Tripping Hazards (20+)
      • 1 - 2 in (2.5 - 5 cm) tall
      • 0 in of remaining tread
 
A view of the Towers of the Virgin, tall sandstone cliffs, from the Watchman Trail Overlook

Watchman Trail

Last assessed on January 15, 2025. Obstructions less than 4 in (10.2 cm) tall, or outside the tread area of 36 in (91.4 cm) wide by 96 in (243.8 cm) high, were not reported.

Watchman Trail to Overlook

  • Length (one way): 1.4 mi (2.3 km)
  • Elevation:
    • Gain: 479.4 ft (146.1 m)
    • Loss: 78.1 ft (23.8 m)
  • Grade:
    • Typical: 7.4%
    • Maximum: 39.4%
    • 34% of the trail is at an 8.3% or higher grade.
  • Cross Slope:
    • Typical: 4.8%
    • Maximum: 36.8%
  • Tread Width:
    • Typical: 77 in (195.6 cm)
    • Minimum: 12 in (30.5 cm)
  • Surface:
    • 2.2% of the trail is paved, 58.8% is hard rock, 37.4% is firm soil, and 1.6% is soft soil.
  • Obstructions:
    • Steps
      • Boulders up to 24 in (61 cm) tall
        • 0 in of remaining tread
      • Roots 16 in (40.6 cm) long by 9 in (22.9 cm) tall
        • 0 in of remaining tread
    • Overhanging rocks
      • 20 ft (6.1 m) long
      • Minimum vertical clearance: 7 ft (2.1 m)
      • 20 in (50.8 cm) of remaining tread

Watchman Loop Trail (Counterclockwise)

  • Length: 0.4 mi (0.7 km)
  • Elevation:
    • Gain: 80.4 ft (24.52 m)
    • Loss: 64.6 ft (19.68 m)
  • Grade:
    • Typical: 6.6%
    • Maximum: 31.5%
    • 28.8% of the trail is at an 8.3% or higher grade.
  • Cross Slope:
    • Typical: 3.6%
    • Maximum: 18%
  • Tread Width:
    • Typical: 34 in (85.9 cm)
    • Minimum: 12 in (30.5 cm)
  • Surface:
    • 73% of the trail is firm soil, and 27% is hard rock.
  • Obstructions:
    • Steps up to 12 in (30.5 cm) tall
      • 0 in remaining tread
 
A gravel trail meanders through a grotto of trees under tall, sandstone cliffs.

Grotto Trail

Last assessed on March 5, 2025. Obstructions less than 7 in (17.8 cm) tall, or outside the tread area of 45 in (114.3 cm) wide by 96 in (243.8 cm) high, were not reported.

  • Length (one way): 0.5 mi (0.8 km)
  • Elevation:
    • Gain: 49.0 ft (14.92 m)
    • Loss: 45.5 ft (13.86 m)
  • Grade:
    • Typical: 3.5%
    • Maximum: 20.1%
    • 9.7% of the trail is at an 8.3% or higher grade.
  • Cross Slope:
    • Typical: 4.1%
    • Maximum: 17.3%
  • Tread Width:
    • Typical: 116 in (293.7 cm)
    • Minimum: 15 in (38.1 cm)
  • Surface:
    • 93.6% of the trail is firm soil, and 6.4% is paved.
  • Obstructions:
    • Steps
      • Rocks up to 21 in (53.3 cm) tall
      • 0 in of remaining tread
    • Boulder in center of trail
      • 10 ft (3 m) long
      • 45 in (114.3 cm) of remaining tread
 
Steep stone steps curve along a cliffside and head towards a wall of snow-littered sandstone.

Kayenta Trail

Last assessed on March 3, 2025. Obstructions less than 12 in (30.5 cm), or outside the tread area of 12 in (30.5 cm) wide by 96 in (243.8 cm) high, were not reported.

  • Length (one way): 0.9 mi (1.4 km)
  • Elevation:
    • Gain: 204.1ft (62.2 m)
    • Loss: 101.9 ft (31.0 m)
  • Grade:
    • Typical: 6.7%
    • Maximum: 35.3%
    • 21.5% of the trail is at an 8.3% or higher grade.
  • Cross Slope:
    • Typical: 4.5%
    • Maximum: 20.2%
  • Tread Width:
    • Typical: 50 in (126.1 cm)
    • Minimum: 15 in (38.1 cm)
  • Surface:
    • 65% of the trail is firm soil, and 35% is hard concrete or rock.
  • Obstructions:
    • Overhanging rocks
      • Minimum vertical clearance: 5.3 ft (1.6 m)
      • 15 in (38.1 cm) of remaining tread
    • Staircases
      • Steps up to 21 in (53.3 cm) tall
      • 0 in of remaining tread
 
A double waterfall cascades over the edge of a sandstone cliff.

Emerald Pools Trail System

*Note: The bridge at Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop #5) is closed for construction. Access Emerald Pools via the Kayenta Trail.

Last assessed on March 20, 2025. Obstructions less than 12 in (30.5 cm) tall, or outside the tread area of 12 in (30.5 cm) wide by 96 in (243.8 cm) high, were not reported.

Lower Emerald Pools

  • Length (from Shuttle Stop #5, one way): 0.6 mi (1.0 km)
  • Elevation:
    • Gain: 131.1 ft (40.0 m)
    • Loss: 96.4 ft (29.38 m)
  • Grade:
    • Typical: 7.1%
    • Maximum: 25.3%
    • 34% of the trail is at an 8.3% or higher grade.
  • Cross slope:
    • Typical: 3.6%
    • Maximum: 17.1%
    • 19% of the trail has a cross slope of 6% or higher.
  • Tread width:
    • Typical: 62 in (157.8 cm)
    • Minimum: 30 in (76.2 cm)
      • 25 ft (7.6 m) of the trail is this width.
  • Surface:
    • 96.2% of the trail is hard concrete with 3.8% being covered in firm soil.
  • Obstructions:
    • Bridge
      • Minimum tread width: 45 in (114.3 cm)
    • Tripping hazards
      • Gaps in concrete up to 2 in (5.1 cm) long
      • 0 in remaining tread

Middle Emerald Pools

  • Length (from Shuttle Stop #5, one way): 0.9 mi (1.4 km)
  • Elevation:
    • Gain: 332.8 ft (101.4 m)
    • Loss: 152.2 ft (46.4 m)
  • Grade:
    • Typical: 10.3%
    • Maximum: 38.1%
    • 44.8% of the trail is at a 10% or higher grade.
  • Cross slope:
    • Typical: 4.4%
    • Maximum: 20.1%
  • Tread width:
    • Typical: 57 in (144.2 cm)
    • Minimum: 20 in (50.8 cm)
  • Surface:
    • 79.7% of the trail is firm soil, 18.7% is hard rock or concrete, and 1.6% is soft sand.
  • Obstructions:
    • Bridge
      • Minimum tread width: 45 in (114.3 cm)
    • Staircases
      • Steps up to 10 in (25.4 cm) tall
      • 0 in remaining tread

Upper Emerald Pools

  • Length (one way): 0.3 mi (0.4 km)
  • Elevation:
    • Gain: 75.8 ft (23.11 m)
    • Loss: 28.9 ft (8.81 m)
  • Grade:
    • Typical: 7.5%
    • Maximum: 37%
    • 25.6% of the trail is at a 10% or higher grade.
  • Cross slope:
    • Typical: 5.2%
    • Maximum: 20.6%
  • Tread width:
    • Typical: 59 in (149.0 cm)
    • Minimum: 12 in (30.5 cm)
  • Surface:
    • 45.1 % of the trail is hard rock, 35.8% is soft sand, and 19.1% is firm soil.
  • Obstructions:
    • Overhanging rock
      • 11.3 ft (3.4 m) long
      • 30 in (76.2 cm) of remaining tread outside of rock zone
    • Staircases
      • Steps up to 30 in (76.2 cm) tall
      • 0 in remaining tread
 
A trail of deep sand cuts through a hill of covered in low shrubs. In the background are reddish orange mountains of sandstone.

Sand Bench Trail

Last assessed on March 19, 2025. Obstructions less than 7 in (17.8 cm) tall, or outside the tread area of 20 in (50.8 cm) wide by 96 in (243.8 cm) high, were not reported.

From Court of the Patriarchs to Zion Lodge:
  • Length (one way): 1.5 (2.4 km)
  • Elevation:
    • Gain: 206.7 ft (63.0 m)
    • Loss: 235.2 ft (71.7 m)
  • Grade:
    • Typical: 5.5%
    • Maximum: 32.3%
    • 22.7% of the trail is at an 8.3% or higher grade.
  • Cross slope:
    • Typical: 3.8%
    • Maximum: 23.1%
  • Tread width:
    • Typical: 60 in (153.5 cm)
    • Minimum: 15 in (38.1 cm)
  • Surface:
    • 84.3% of the trail is firm soil, 10.3% is very soft sand, 3.9% is soft sand, and 1.5% is hard rock.
  • Obstructions:
    • Bridge
      • 45 in (114.3 cm) wide
    • Steps
      • Rocks and logs up to 9 in (22.9 cm) tall
    • Staircases
      • Steps up to 8 in (20.3 cm) tall

Loop Trail from Court of the Patriarchs:
  • Length (round-trip): 3.9 mi (6.3 km)
  • Elevation:
    • Gain: 1037.6 ft (316.2 m)
    • Loss: 748 ft (228.0 m)
  • Grade:
    • Typical: 8.7%
    • Maximum: 36%
    • 35.6% of the trail is at a 10% or higher grade.
  • Cross slope:
    • Typical: 3.6%
    • Maximum: 22.8%
  • Tread width:
    • Typical: 46 in (116.9 cm)
    • Minimum: 6 in (15.2 cm)
  • Surface:
    • 7.7% of the trail is hard rock, 19.3% is firm soil, 6.4% is soft soil, and 66.6% is very soft sand.
  • Obstructions:
    • Bridge
      • 45 in (114.3 cm) wide
    • Creek crossing
      • Water level changes seasonally. Crossing through shallow water may be required.
    • Steps
      • Rocks up to 21 in (53.3 cm) tall
      • 0 in remaining tread
 
Hikers walk up narrow and steep switchbacks made of stone bricks and concrete.

West Rim Trail (to Scout Lookout)

Last assessed on March 10, 2025. Obstructions less than 4 in (10.2 cm) tall, or outside the tread area of 15 in (38.1 cm) wide by 96 in (243.8 cm) high, were not reported.

  • Length (one way): 1.9 mi (3 km)
  • Elevation:
    • Gain: 1187 ft (361.8 m)
    • Loss: 63 ft (19.2 m)
  • Grade:
    • Typical: 12.9%
    • Maximum: 43%
    • 67% of the trail is at an 8.3% or higher grade.
  • Cross slope:
    • Typical: 3.7%
    • Maximum: 18.7%
  • Tread width:
    • Typical: 63 in (159.2 cm)
    • Minimum: 21 in (53.3 cm)
  • Surface:
    • 81.1% of the trail is hard concrete, 17.3% is concrete covered in firm soil, and 1.7% is soft sand.
  • Obstructions:
    • Overhanging rocks
      • Minimum vertical clearance: 7 ft (2.1 m)
      • 173.4 ft (52.9 m) long
      • 45 in (114.3 cm) of remaining tread
    • Steps
      • Rocks up to 6 in (15.2 cm) tall
      • 0 in remaining tread
 
A hiker in a teal jacket walks on a concrete path bordered by stones. They look towards the Virgin River flowing parallel to the path.

Riverside Walk Trail

Last assessed on February 24, 2025. Obstructions less than 4 in (10.2 cm) tall, or outside the tread area of 36 in (91.4 cm) wide by 96 in (243.8 cm), high were not reported.

  • Length: (one way): 1 mi (1.6 km)
  • Elevation:
    • Gain: 154.2 ft (47.0 m)
    • Loss: 48.5 ft (14.78 m)
  • Grade:
    • Typical: 4.6%
    • Maximum: 25.9%
    • 17.5% of the trail is at an 8.3% or higher grade.
  • Cross Slope:
    • Typical: 1.7%
    • Maximum: 7.6%
    • 18% of the trail has a cross slope of 3% or higher.
  • Tread Width:
    • Typical: 77 in (194.9 cm)
    • Minimum: 50 in (127 cm)
  • Surface:
    • 100% of the trail is concrete. Some sections may be slippery from sand.
  • Obstructions:
    • Overhanging rocks
      • Minimum vertical clearance: 4 ft (1.2 m)
      • 7 ft (2.1 m) long
      • 48 in (121.9 cm) of remaining tread
 
A view of reddish sandstone cliffs dropping into a vegetated canyon.

Canyon Overlook Trail

Last assessed on February 20, 2025. Obstructions less than 4 in (10.2 cm) tall, or outside the tread area of 36 in (91.4 cm) wide by 96 in (243.8 cm) high, were not reported.

  • Length (one way): 0.5 mi (0.8 km)
  • Elevation
    • Gain: 154.2 ft (47.0 m)
    • Loss: 48.5 ft (14.78 m)
  • Grade:
    • Typical: 7.6%
    • Maximum: 50.4%
    • 23.9% of the trail is at a 10% or higher grade.
  • Cross Slope
    • Typical: 4.9%
    • Maximum: 50.4%
  • Tread Width
    • Typical: 48 in (122.4 cm)
    • Minimum: 12 in (30.5 cm)
  • Surface:
    • 73.8% of the trail is hard rock, 18.0% is firm soil, and 8.2% is soft sand.
  • Obstructions
    • Overhanging rocks
      • Minimum vertical clearance: 4 ft (1.2 m)
      • 30 in (76.2 cm) remaining tread
    • Staircases
      • Steps to 18 in (45.7 cm) tall
      • 0 in of remaining tread
    • Boulder fields
      • Up to 12 in (30.5 cm) tall
      • 0 in of remaining tread
 
A hiker with a black backpack walks down a dirt trail surrounded by green bushes. Sandstone cliffs and a blue sky sit in the background.

Timber Creek Overlook Trail

Last assessed on March 31, 2025. Obstructions less than 7 in (17.8 cm) tall, or outside the tread area of 12 in (30.5 cm) wide by 96 in (243.8 cm) high, were not reported.

  • Length (one way): 0.6 mi (1 km)
  • Elevation:
    • Gain: 117.3 ft (35.8 m)
    • Loss: 103.2 ft (31.5 m)
  • Grade:
    • Typical: 6.8%
    • Maximum: 38%
    • 31% of the trail is at an 8.3% or higher grade.
  • Cross slope:
    • Typical: 4%
    • Maximum: 27.2%
  • Tread width:
    • Typical: 54 in (137.8 cm)
    • Minimum: 6 in (15.2 cm)
  • Surface:
    • 98.8% of the trail is firm soil and 1.2% is hard rock.
  • Obstructions:
    • Steps
      • Rocks and logs up to 18 in (45.7 cm) tall
      • 0 in of remaining tread
    • Boulders
      • 12-in-long (30.5 cm) area where tread is 6 in wide
      • 30 in (76.2 cm) of remaining tread
 
A sandstone cliff is framed by yellow, orange, and red forest foliage.

Taylor Creek Trail (Middle Fork)

Last assessed on April 10, 2025. Obstructions less than 7 in (17.8 cm) tall, or outside the tread area of 15 in (31.8 cm) wide by 96 in (243.8 cm) high, were not reported.

  • Length (one way): 2.6 mi (4.3 km)
  • Elevation:
    • Gain: 798.7 ft (243.4 m)
    • Loss: 372.8 ft (113.6 m)
  • Grade:
    • Typical: 8.4%
    • Maximum: 55.2%
    • 31% of the trail is at a 10% or higher grade.
  • Cross slope:
    • Typical: 3.8%
    • Maximum: 25.7%
  • Tread width:
    • Typical: 45 in (113.5 cm)
    • Minimum: 12 in (30.5 cm)
  • Surface:
    • 58.6% of the trail is firm soil, 38% is soft sand, 2.1% is very soft sand, and 1.3% is hard rock.
  • Obstructions:
    • Boulders
      • Steps up to 26 in (66 cm) tall
      • Gaps between rocks up to 7 in (17.8 cm) wide
    • Staircases
      • Steps up to 14 in (35.6 cm) tall
    • Creek crossings
      • Water level changes seasonally. Crossing through shallow water typically required.

Last updated: April 16, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Zion National Park
1 Zion Park Blvd.
Springdale, UT 84767

Phone:

435-772-3256
If you have questions, please email zion_park_information@nps.gov. Listen to recorded information by calling anytime 24 hours a day. Rangers answer phone calls from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT, but a ranger may not answer if they are already speaking with someone else.

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