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Best river trails in Zion National Park

Best river trails in Zion National Park

4.5(170,552 reviews)

·

United States
#2 of 60 national parks

Explore the most popular river trails in Zion National Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.

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Showing results 1–10 of 44
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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Open 24 hours
Passes & fees
Starting at $20
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • Open 24 hours
Phone
(435) 772-3256
Entrance pass
Motorcycle

Admits one, non-commercial motorcycle to Zion National Park. Valid for 1-7 days.

$30
Non-commercial Groups

$20 per person. Non-commercial vehicles with a capacity of 16 or greater. Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per person rate. Pass and photo ID must be present upon entry.

$20
Per Person

Admits one individual with no car to Zion National Park. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free. Valid for 1-7 days.

$20
Private Vehicle

Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants to Zion National Park. Valid for 1-7 days.

$35
Snowmobile

Admits one individual with no car to Zion National Park. Typically used for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free. Valid for 1-7 days.

$20
Annual pass
Park

The Zion Annual Pass is valid only at Zion and may be purchased in person. This pass is valid for 12 months from purchase month. This pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. You can buy this entrance pass at all entrance stations.

$70
All U.S. national parks

Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.

$80
Purchase pass
2025 Fee-free days

No entrance pass required on these days:

Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day

Overview

The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.

All visitor centers and the Human History Museum are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. Orientation films include closed captioning.

Loaner wheelchairs, assistive listening devices, audio descriptions, tactile exhibits, and Braille and text materials are available.

Many ranger-led programs are wheelchair accessible and assistive listening devices and ASL interpreters are available by reservation. Please call 435-772-3256 or email [email protected] in advance to make a reservation for equipment or interpretation services.

Additional information about accessibility at Zion National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.

Transportation

All shuttle buses in the park are wheelchair accessible and can fit chairs under 45 inches long and 25 inches wide.

For driving personal vehicles in the gorge, there is a special parking permit available at the information desks of the museum.

Facilities

All visitor centers and the Human History Museum are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. Orientation films include closed captioning.

The Zion Lodge has 4 wheelchair accessible rooms and loaner wheelchairs available. It also has a wheelchair accessible snack bar, auditorium, gift shop, restrooms, and dining room.

The Grotto Picnic Area is wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces and accessible restrooms.

Camping

The Watchman Campground has 7 individual camping sites, 2 group sites, and restrooms that are all wheelchair accessible. The South Campground has packed level surfaces, but no designated accessible campsites and no accessible restrooms.

The amphitheater at the South Campground has wheelchair accessible seating in the top row and access to the beach near campsite B56.

Service animals

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.

Trail reviews for Zion National Park

172,183 trailgoers Busiest in May
May 24, 2025

Unreal hike. Great views of the canyon bottom, virgin river , and towering mountains above. Started ascent on West Rim Trail with steady climb and amazing views. Refrigerator canyon shady and cool.( on descent - only shady spot in Afternoon.) - scout lookout is a nice look out and impressive view of canyon and even cooler perspective of the angels landing ascent. Angels landing finish( any on can hike to Scout Lookout but need a permit to complete- rangers check ID and permit at start) .5 miles of scrambling and chain work to finish. Outstanding climb, must be in shape and be ready to deal with severe drop offs with only a hand on chain. Once at the top ridiculous 360 views. True, it like where the only the angels can land. Coming down , for many a little tricky and stressful because you see the drops on both sides. Awesome Hike- - Bucket Lister.

Angels Landing Trail
Jun 3, 2025Hiking
Great conditionsGreat views

Great trail! Paved the whole way but very steep. Last chunk out of the canyon is a little rough with very steep switchbacks, but views are great. Views through the first mile of the trail are also amazing and are honestly more impressive than the peak. Bring Crocs to cool off your feet in the river at the end!

Conditions: Wildflowers
Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail
May 28, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkGreat conditionsGreat views

Hiked at sunset on Tuesday evening, 5/27. The entrance stations for Zion for were closed, but you can still drive in & park at the Visitor Center. There are signs directing hikers from the parking area to the trail, which initially runs parallel to the river. It's a nice, gradual incline with a couple switchbacks leading to a loop with several canyon overlooks. The trail is very heavily traveled & easy to follow. It wasn't too crowded & saw a wide range of ages ascending & descending.

Parking: Large lot
The Watchman Trail
Jun 11, 2025Hiking
Bathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

We were on the 6:00 am shuttle and arrived with 30 - 40 other anxious water enthusiasts. The scenery is breathtaking. A few tips: - wear water shoes - utilize hiking poles versus the one hiking stick provided by outfitters - forget about solitude. By starting early you don’t have anyone coming downstream - there is only one spot where the water is waist deep and the is 1/4 mile into the trek. It lasts 10 yards. Don’t get your camera wet! - take your time. Wet river rocks are slick. If you don’t want an involuntary bath… watch your step! - Enjoy. The hike is awesome!

Conditions: No bugs
Floating Rock via Zion Narrows Riverside Walk
Apr 13, 2025Hiking
Bathrooms availableGreat conditions

Trail was a bit crowded even though we did it in the early evening. Nice view on the river. Upper pools most impressive.

Emerald Pools via Kayenta Trail
Jun 11, 2025Hiking
Bathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Great morning hike! Started around 6:30, already pretty crowded with hikers going to the narrows. There was a nice diversion as we were going out on the left with stairs going down allow you to walk along the river for a little ways before coming back up and meeting the paved path. That was very nice and no problem here near as crowded.

The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best river trail to hike in Zion National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best river trail to hike in Zion National Park is Angels Landing Trail, which has a 4.9 star rating from 33,707 reviews. This trail is 4.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,827 ft.

What is the longest river trail in Zion National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest river trail in Zion National Park is Zion Traverse: Lee Pass to East Rim Trailhead. This trail is estimated to be 49.7 mi long.

How many river trails are in Zion National Park?

There are 44 river trails in Zion National Park. These river trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 170,552 AllTrails community reviews.

Which river trail has the most elevation gain in Zion National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Zion National Park has you covered. Zion Traverse: Lee Pass to East Rim Trailhead boasts the most elevation gain for river trails with 8,467 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is East Rim Trail to Mystery Canyon [CLOSED], which will get you 7,759 ft of elevation gain.