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Zion National Park
Photo: @helloalyx
The hike
Zion Canyon was carved by the Virgin River through layers of red and cream Navajo sandstone. Angels Landing is its most famous hike: switchbacks up Walter's Wiggles, then a narrow fin of rock with chains bolted for support and drops of more than 400 metres on both sides.
The Narrows offers the opposite experience — wading upstream between canyon walls that close in to a few metres apart.
Official siteTrails in Zion National Park
- Angels Landing8.7 km · About 4 h · StrenuousA steep climb from the Grotto up the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout, then a narrow sandstone ridge with chains to hold, sheer drop-offs on both sides and wide views over Zion Canyon. The final ridge needs a permit.
- The Narrows (bottom-up)15.1 km · 1–8 h · StrenuousWalk upstream in the Virgin River itself, between canyon walls about 1,000 ft tall. Start on the paved Riverside Walk, then wade as far as you like, up to Big Spring. No permit is needed for this bottom-up hike.
Plan your trip
Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- Permits & fees
- Angels Landing requires a permit from the NPS lottery (seasonal and day-before); park entrance pass for everyone.
- Getting there
- Fly to Las Vegas (about 2.5 hours) or St. George; the park shuttle runs through Zion Canyon most of the year.
- Good to know
- Without a permit you can still hike to Scout Lookout — great views, no chains.
- Avoid the chains section in rain, ice or high wind.
Gallery
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Sources
Checked October 2026. Distances and times are typical for the route above; conditions, permits and fees change — confirm with the official source before you go.