Zion's Main Canyon

Zion's Main Canyon

Zion's Main Canyon

Zion's Main Canyon

Zion's Main Canyon

Zion Canyon—Hikes and Sites

Zion's main canyon encompasses the entire scenic drive from Canyon Junction to the Temple of Sinawava. Between April and October the scenic drive is accessible only by the free shuttle service that the park provides. The main canyon of Zion is where most visitors to Zion spend their time-and with good reason. Zion's main canyon holds some of the most breathtaking yet easily accessible hikes found anywhere.

To access the main canyon jump on a shuttle bus (preferably while it is stopped) and enjoy the scenery as your shuttle driver takes you to one of the five trailhead shuttle stops listed below.

Depending on how long you have, choose from one or more of these hikes.

Shuttle Stops
Zion Visitor Center 

Pa’rus Trail—Bikes & Dogs allowed!! This is the only trail in the park that bikes and dogs are allowed on. This trail is paved and connects the visitor center, Watchman & South Campgrouds with the Canyon Junction shuttle stop. There is also access to the Museum and Nature Center from this footpath.

Watchman Trail—Though not ranked as a must do trail this little guy is still pretty neat. It has great views of the the southern portion of Zion Canyon and is a great place to watch the sunset.

The Museum

No real trailheads to speak of except access to the Pa’rus trail but this stop is worthy alone for it’s view of the Towers of the Virgin and the West Temple. The museum hosts a short informative film about Zion and also houses a gift store. This is a great place to learn more about the fantastic natural history of Zion National Park.

Court of the Patriarchs

Court of the Patriarchs Viewpoint—Short paved trail to a viewpoint of the Three Patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac and Jacob from left to right.

Zion Lodge
Emerald Pools Trailhead—A great warm-up hike for Zion. Spectacular views and quick easy access.

Lodge—Grotto Connector Trail—A short trail for foot travel that parallels the road from the Lodge to the Grotto.

Temple of Sinawava 
(see-nuh-wah-vah)–like guava

Riverside Walk—An excellent one mile paved trail to the mouth of the Zion Virgin River Narrows. Seasonal wildflowers and superb hanging gardens.

The Narrows—This is the start of the bottom up hike. The great thing about entering the Narrows from the bottom is that you can turn around anytime you like.

The Grotto

Angel’s Landing/West Rim—What are you waiting for? Click the link and check it out. This trail is not to be missed if your up for the physical challenge and aren’t super scared of heights. This trail is also one of the terminating points of the West Rim Trail.

Kayenta Trail—This trail travels on the west side of the river and links the Angel’s Landing/West Rim Trail to the Emerald Pools trail system.

Weeping Rock 

Weeping Rock Trail—A fantastic setting showcasing the diversity of nature found here in Zion. Short and relatively easy.

Observation Point—Hope you have been on the stairmaster lately?. This hike rises above Angel’s Landing across the canyon to the norteast and affords the hearty with excellent vistas to the south.
Hidden Canyon—Fun and adventurous. Scrambling skills required for deeper access of the canyon. Remember-what you go up you must come down.

East Rim Trail—A terminus of the East Rim Trail. Usually the ending point for most hikers who start near the East Entrance to the park. Personal or private shuttle required if starting on the east side.

Big Bend

There really are no designated trails that leave from this stop but there are great views of the North Face of Angel’s Landing and the Great White Throne through the saddle between Angel’s Landing and the Organ.There are some dirt paths that parrallel the river running north and south. If you get off here, walking on the road up to the Temple of Sinawava is pretty nice.