Zion's two most-wanted hikes both run on permit systems. The rest of the park requires nothing and is far quieter than the reputation suggests.
Angels Landing
A ridge with chains bolted into the rock, dropping steeply on both sides.
The chained final section requires a permit, obtained through a lottery — seasonal advance lotteries plus a day-before lottery for remaining spots.
Check the current arrangement before planning around it; the system has been adjusted since introduction.
The trail to Scout Lookout needs no permit and covers most of the ascent — including Walter's Wiggles, the 21 switchbacks — and a large part of the view. Many walkers stop there and are not short-changed.
The Narrows
Walking up the Virgin River through a slot canyon with walls hundreds of metres high, in the water for most of it.
Bottom-up from the Temple of Sinawava needs no permit and can be turned around at any point.
Top-down, the full 26 km, requires a permit.
The hazard is flash flooding. There is nowhere to escape rising water in a slot canyon, and storms many kilometres away cause it.
The park posts a daily flash flood potential rating. Check it immediately before entering, not the day before, and take a closure seriously.
Rent neoprene socks, canyoneering boots and a stick from outfitters in Springdale — the water is cold and the riverbed is slippery.
The shuttle
For most of the year private vehicles are not permitted on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and the shuttle is the only access to the main trailheads.
Included with park entry, running frequently, with the longest queues mid-morning at the visitor centre.
Springdale has its own shuttle connecting the town to the park entrance.
The trails without permits
Observation Point via East Mesa Trail — reaches a higher viewpoint than Angels Landing, looking down on it, with a gentler approach from the east side. No lottery, and far fewer people.
The Watchman Trail — from near the visitor centre, good in the evening.
Canyon Overlook — short, with a large view, on the east side beyond the tunnel.
Emerald Pools — three tiers, easy to moderate.
Riverside Walk — paved, to the start of the Narrows.
The West Rim and Kolob Canyons, for longer and much emptier routes.
Season and heat
| Season | Notes |
|---|---|
| Mar–May | Best; Narrows may be closed for spring runoff |
| Jun–Aug | Over 38°C; monsoon storms and flash flood risk |
| Sep–Oct | Excellent |
| Nov–Feb | Cold, quiet, some trails icy |
Summer heat is the underestimated hazard. There is little shade on the exposed trails and the canyon holds heat.
Spring runoff can close the Narrows entirely when the river runs too high.
Practical
Start early for shuttle queues, heat and parking.
Carry far more water than feels necessary.
Stay in Springdale and walk or shuttle in, rather than driving.
Bryce Canyon is 90 minutes away and is a completely different landscape — worth pairing.