Hike The Narrows
Zion's signature hike, along with Angels Landing, is the Narrows, a 16-mile gorge with soaring cliffs, grottos and hanging gardens. Prepare to spend at least half the time in the Narrows wading through the river, which is anywhere from ankle- to waist-deep.
It's possible to hike the entire length of the gorge from the top down, either in a full day or with an overnight. Drive or shuttle one and a half hours to the trailhead and remember, permits are required and campsite reservations are recommended.
Most visitors choose a less-strenuous experience, entering from the bottom of the Narrows. After taking a mile-long paved trail called Riverside Walk, you step into the Virgin River and slowly make your way into the gorge, which closes to as little as 20 feet wide in spots.
Water shoes and neoprene socks are recommended, and the river is full of bowling-ball sized rocks, so tread carefully.
More: How to Choose the Best Hiking Boots
Find Other Trails in Zion National Park
One of the most popular hikes in Zion is the Emerald Pool Trail, a 2.2-mile round-trip hike past three small pools and two waterfalls. The Lower Emerald Pools Trail is one of three wheelchair-accessible trails in the park. Those who want to continue can keep going on the Upper Emerald Pools Trail, which ends at a pool at the base of a sheer cliff.
Waterfall on Emerald Pools Trail, source: Elin Beckmann (Flickr) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Weeping Rock is a short (half-mile round trip) but somewhat steep paved trail that ends at a rock alcove underneath dripping springs. The cooling mist of the springs seeping from the cliff above make this one of the best spots in Zion Canyon to visit on a hot summer afternoon, when temperatures routinely reach triple-digits.