best backpacking trips zion

James Kaiser

Best Backpacking Trails in Zion National Park

Backpacking is one of the best ways to experience Zion National Park . There’s nothing like camping in Zion’s wilderness to appreciate the park’s staggering natural beauty.

While there are plenty of great day hikes in Zion , backpacking reveals some of Zion’s most incredible landscapes—with a fraction of the crowds!

There are backpacking trails that explore the depths of narrow canyons, and trails that meander high above their rims. Trails that pass through wide-open desert, and trails that follow beautiful mountain streams.

And then there’s the ultimate backpacking experience: the Trans-Zion Trek. Stringing together four beautiful trails, the Trans-Zion Trek is a 50-mile, 3- to 5-day adventure that crosses the entire park!

Zion Backpacking Permits

All Zion backpackers need permits to camp in the backcountry. The permit system is necessary to limit crowds in the wilderness. While it can seem frustrating at first, when you’re enjoying a beautiful campsite with zero crowds, the Zion permit system makes total sense.

Advance Permits

Over half of all permits can be reserved on the park’s website up to three months in advance. March permits become available January 5 at 10am MT, April permits become available February 5 at 10am MT, and so on throughout the year. Cost: $5 online reservation fee plus $15–25 depending on group size.

Walk-in Permits

About one-third of permits are reserved for walk-in permits and cannot be reserved in advance. Those permits become available at park visitor centers the day before a trip.

Learn more about Zion backpacking permits

Zion’s Best Backpacking Trails

West Rim Trail

The West Rim Trail is one of the most famous backpacking trails in Zion. And with good reason. Starting near Lava Point (one of the highest and best viewpoints in the park ), it follows Zion’s spectacular West Rim before dropping into Zion Canyon. Along the way you’ll pass high plateaus, tall ponderosa forests, and hidden sandstone canyons that rival Zion Canyon in visual drama. Eight lovely campsites are scattered along the trail.

Learn more about the West Rim Trail

East Rim Trail

Although not as famous as the West Rim Trail, the East Rim Trail is no less spectacular. Starting near Zion’s eastern boundary, it ascends high above the striking canyons of East Zion en route to a lovely ponderosa forest. Dispersed camping is allowed near Stave Spring, the only reliable water source on the trail. Side trails radiate out to Cable Mountain and Deertrap Mountain , both of which make fabulous day trips. The East Rim Trail finishes with a dramatic descent through Echo Canyon before finishing on the floor of Zion Canyon at Weeping Rock .

Learn more about the East Rim Trail

The Narrows – Top Down

The Narrows bottom-up , which starts at the northern tip of Zion Canyon, is one of the most popular day hikes in the park. But day hikers are only allowed as far as Big Spring. Past that point, The Narrows is the exclusive realm of backpackers with permits. Those who explore The Narrows top-down are rewarded with the same remarkable scenery—but with zero crowds! A dozen riverside campsites are spread out along the trail.

Learn more about The Narrows top-down

La Verkin Creek

Wrapping around the base of Zion’s remote Kolob Canyons, the La Verkin Creek Trail explores a fascinating – and overlooked – part of Zion National Park. Sheer sandstone cliffs tower above, while beautiful La Verkin Creek bubbles below. Ten riverside campsites are spread along the trail. About 6.5 miles past the trailhead, a side trail heads to Kolob Arch, the largest rock arch in Zion—and one of the largest freestanding rock arches in the world!

Learn more about the La Verkin Creek Trail

Stretching between Kolob Terrace and Kolob Canyons, Hop Valley has a flat valley floor surrounded by tall sandstone cliffs. It’s like a mini-Zion Canyon without the crowds. In fact, both Zion Canyon and Hop Valley formed the same way: ancient rockfalls dammed the canyon, forming ancient lakes that deposited sediments over hundreds of years. When the lakes drained, the flat lakebed became a flat valley floor.

In summer, when crowds and temperatures are peaking in Zion Canyon, higher, cooler Hop Valley makes a terrific escape.

Learn more about the Hop Valley Trail

Chinle Trail

Passing through Zion’s low elevation Southwest Desert, the Chinle Trail is like no other backpack in Zion. Most Zion trails pass through narrow canyons or along canyon rims. The Chinle Trail passes through wide-open desert. Dramatic sandstone peaks pierce the horizon, adding plenty of visual drama. Due to its low elevation, the Chinle Trail is hotter than other trails. Although sweltering in summer, the warmer temperatures are a blessing in the cooler months.

Learn more about the Chinle Trail

Trans-Zion Trek

Stringing together four popular trails, the Trans-Zion Trek is the ultimate Zion backpacking adventure. Starting in Kolob Canyons, the 50-mile trek follows La Verkin Creek to Hop Valley, then continues along the West Rim Trail to Zion Canyon. From there you’ll hike up the East Rim Trail to Zion’s eastern boundary. Most backpackers complete the trek in three to five days.

The hardest part: getting permits. During peak season it can be tough to get permits for any of the four trails that make up the Trans-Zion Trek. Obtaining all four at the same time can be particularly difficult. Consider going off-season in May or October, when you’ll also enjoy beautiful spring wildflowers or gorgeous autumn foliage.

Zion Backpacking Tips

Hiking in southern Utah presents several challenges, most notably hot summer temperatures that can top 100˚F in Zion Canyon. When temperatures spike, consider hiking in the cooler morning or evening hours. Another option is hiking in higher, cooler parts of the park such as Kolob Canyons, Kolob Terrace or East Zion.

Always carry and drink plenty of water (rangers recommend one gallon per person, per day), and protect your skin from harmful UV rays with high SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. To cool down, a wet bandanna on the back of the neck works wonders. 

Hiking / Backpacking Shuttles

Many of the trails listed above start at remote trailheads. Unless you have two cars, transportation can be tricky. Fortunately, private shuttles can drop you off at popular trailheads. I list the best, most reputable shuttle companies in my guidebook Zion: The Complete Guide .

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5 Incredible Backpacking Excursions in Zion National Park, Utah

Posted by Sarah Lamagna June 09, 2021 Updated January 05, 2024

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Designated in 1919 as the 15th National Park, Zion marvels everyone who visits its sandstone cliffs and geological formations.

Zion averages around 4.5 million annual visitors — but only a handful of those get to see the true wild of the park’s backcountry. If you elevate your adventure and head out on one of the several backpacking trails, you’ll get to see a side of Zion that many visitors overlook. Whether it’s the dramatic top section of The Narrows, the Southwest Desert, or the less-touristy views in Kolob Canyons. No matter where you decide to camp in the backcountry, the views will not disappoint.

As a reminder, hiking in Zion National Park has its own quirks. In this part of the desert, even on the hottest of days the nights can drop considerably so come prepared to keep warm in your tent. With high temperatures during the day, it also means that water is more essential than ever. Plan ahead of your trip to see what water sources are located along your trail of choice.

Hiking in places like The Narrows offers stunning views but potentially dangerous situations. During rainy weather — especially the July to September monsoon season — this area can be hit with flash floods at a moments notice. So take head and watch the weather around the days of your trip. Carry the gear you’ll need depending on the trail you take. Ask yourself if you’ll need to buy neoprene socks or trekking poles or a larger water bladder. Even the best and easiest of backpacking trips can go sour quickly if you aren’t prepared with the right gear or the right information.

Pro tip: all backcountry camping requires a permit within Park boundaries. Some sites are reservable in advance, others are first come, first serve. Check out the National Park Service’s information on backpacking in the park.

Related Read: 7 Epic Things to Do at Great Basin National Park, Nevada

1. The Narrows – Top Down

Why you should go: see a stunning portion of The Narrows that day hikers can’t enjoy.

• Distance: 16 miles (shuttle)
• Elevation loss: 1,500 feet (the entire hike is downhill)
• Difficulty: challenging

Most visitors to Zion National Park see only the southern portion of The Narrows . The popular day-hike starting at the northern tip of Zion Canyon is one of the most popular day hikes within the park boundaries. However, day hikers are not allowed past Big Springs — about 4 miles from the end of the Riverside Walk and where hikers enter the water.

But anything to the upstream of Big Springs is only for those with coveted backcountry permits. This is a point-to-point backpacking excursion meaning you start at one end and finish at another. You’ll need to shuttle between the two spots.

The hike starts at Chamberlain’s Ranch where you walk for three miles on an easy gravel road. Then head into the Upper Narrows portion until you reach the Deep Creek Confluence. This is where the backcountry campsites are located — you’ll be given a campsite when you pick up your permit. Hopefully you’ll land a campsite further down so you won’t have to hike as much the second day. But no matter your designated site, they pack in as many views as possible inside a slot canyon.

The campsites end at Big Springs and is where you might start to see more people in the creek. You’ll know you’re getting closer to the trailhead as more and more people walk by you wondering why you’re wearing a huge backpack. Tourists come from all over to see the famed “Wall Street” and some are not necessarily prepared with the right footwear or gear.

Pro Tip: explore the gorgeous Orderville Canyon as a side trip if you’ve got time and the weather is on your side.

Related Read:   12 Gorgeous Cabin Rentals Near Zion National Park, Utah

2. Hop Valley

Why you should go: a mini–Zion Canyon without the crowds.

• Distance: 14.3 miles (out and back)
• Elevation gain: 1,020 feet (all uphill on the way back)
• Difficulty: moderate

Hop Valley is part of an overlooked and under-appreciated side of Zion National Park: Kolob Canyons. Because area is higher in elevation than the main part of the park, it tends to be cooler — meaning this is a great place to beat the summer heat! This is also a great trail to do in the spring or fall though as wildflowers bloom and autumn leaves light up the edges of the trail.

No matter the season you head out, the trail starts with the smells of dry sagebrush —you know the smell I’m talking about! You’ll pass through a private ranch (the owners graciously allow hikers/backpackers to access their land) along the sandy trail. Due to the ranch, you’ll see plenty of cattle on the trail and is why Hop Valley is known to locals as “Plop Valley”.

Soon enough, glimpses of Kolob Canyons appear in your view. You’ll be surrounded by gamble oak (which is a true sight to see in the autumn) as you ascend the northern end of Hop Valley. There are two designated campsites along this section. After you set up camp (and if the light is on your side), then I suggest making the quick trip to Kolob Arch (the largest rock arch in Zion) before you head out the next day.

Pro tip: there is a small creek that flows through Hop Valley but it’s contaminated by cattle droppings. Get your water at Beatty Spring, just off the La Verkin Creek Trail.

Related Read:   11 Beautiful Glamping Spots Near Zion National Park

3. West Rim Trail – Top Down

Why you should go: single-handedly the best views in the park.

• Distance: 14.2 miles (shuttle)
• Elevation gain: 1,748 feet

Without a doubt, the most popular and famous backpacking trail in Zion is the West Rim Trail . It follows along Zion’s incredible and majestic West Rim before it drops into Zion Canyon, so its popularity is understandable.

There are eight campsites along this trail, but you can do this as a day hike if you’re a strong hiker. This is a point-to-point hike, so you’ll need to establish a shuttle/pick-up system prior to heading out on your adventure. As you hike longer and longer, the views of the dramatic sandstone peaks just get more incredible. One such sight is along a spur trail that heads west to Cabin Spring — definitely take this spur trail!

Eventually, you’ll descend into Behunin Canyon and around the base of Mount Majestic and end at Scouts Lookout. But your hike is not over. If you have energy, do the final push towards Angels Landing — believe me, it’s well worth the extra mileage and nerve-wracking drop-offs to get to this spot. After concluding this daring trail, simply head to the Grotto bus stop (#6 on Zion’s bus route).

Pro tip: load up on water at Potato Hollow Spring — it’s the only dependable water source before West (Cabin) Spring.

Related Read:   When is the Best Time to Visit Zion National Park?

4. La Verkin Creek Trail

Why you should go: hike to the largest rock arch in Zion National Park.

• Distance: 18 miles (out and back)
• Elevation gain: 2,326 feet

Although this is the longest hike in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, it’s a truly lovely stroll along the less visited section. The La Verkin Creek Trail starts at Lee Pass. Fun (or maybe not so fun) fact: Lee Pass is named after John D. Lee who was an early member of the Church of Latter Day Saints. He hid out in this area of Zion after he convinced a group of emigrants to surrender their weapons and property to Mormons which led to 120 of the emigrant party to be killed by Mormon militia and Paiute Indians. He was later convicted of mass murder and executed in 1877.

But this hike is so not as depressing as that story. You weave in and out of ponderosa pine forests and sagebrush ecosystems with the tall sandstone cliffs towering above you. All the campsites along the trail offer these incredible views. About seven miles in, you’ll hit the spur trail for Kolob Arch which is a highlight of the trail. The arch is the largest one in Zion and one of the largest free-standing arches in the U.S.

Related Read:   11 Backpacking Trips in the U.S. That Should be on Your Bucket List

5. Chinle Trail

Why you should go: the only place in Zion you’ll find petrified wood.

• Distance: 15.5 miles (out and back)
• Elevation gain: 1,794 feet

The Chinle Trail has scenery like no other in Zion National Park. So if you’re tried of the slot canyons and river crossings, then look no further than this trail. The trail actually starts out off of park land to the southwest of the Zion’s South Entrance. The first part of the hike meanders through a luxurious and ritzy housing development (not really my cup of tea if you ask me) before it opens up into the wild of Zion National Park.

The trail traverses Zion’s lowest elevations with sweeping views of the sandstone cliffs like the ones around the base of Mount Kinesava. Make sure to stay on trail always as cacti and biological soil crust are just off trail. Geology nerds will be excited about passing Huber Wash and entering the Chinle Formation in this area. Once upon a time, Zion was a humid swamp covered in mosses, ferns, and green forest. Those trees were buried and then mineralized forming petrified wood that you can easily see along the edges of the trail today.

Remember Leave No Trace principle # 4 , and leave what you find.

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Seen in: Backpacking , National Parks , Southwest , Utah , Zion National Park

Posted by Sarah Lamagna

Sarah is an ecologist-turned-freelance writer specializing in the ecotourism and slow/sustainable travel industry. Her bylines include The Denver Post, 5280 magazine, VeryWellFamily, Matador Network, and was an expert on NPR’s The Takeaway for her work on the wildfires in Colorado.

The 14 Best Hikes in Zion National Park, Utah

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Zion National Park, Utah

Looking for the best backpacking in Zion National Park? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Zion National Park. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Zion National Park

Hike Wildcat Canyon Trail, Zion NP

Angels Landing, West Rim, Telephone Loop

Hop Valley Trail, Zion NP

Connector Trail, Zion NP

West Rim Trail, Zion NP

East Rim Trail, Zion NP

Hike The Narrows: Top Down

Backpack the La Verkin Creek Trail

Backpack Kolob Canyons, Zion NP

Trans-Zion Trek, Zion NP

Whipple Trail

Camping at Yant Flat

Hike Bryce Canyon's Riggs Spring Loop

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West Rim Trail Backpacking Guide in Zion National Park

Plan your Zion West Rim Trail backpacking trip with this detailed guide that includes info on permits, campsites, gear, and more.

The Zion West Rim Trail is a 16-mile point-to-point trail that explores some of Zion National Park’s most expansive views, traversing a variety of different terrain starting from Horse Pasture Plateau before dipping into Zion’s iconic red canyon. The beginning of the trail is dotted with Ponderosas, sagebrush, and yucca – quite different than your typical Zion landscape. This is one of the most remote trails in Zion National Park, where you’ll cross paths with very few hikers, at least until the end when the trail hits the junction for Angel’s Landing before descending to the end of the trail.

When done over two days, the West Rim Trail is a leisurely backpacking trip that is great for beginners, but beautiful enough to keep even the most experienced backpacker excited. In this West Rim Trail Backpacking Guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to plan an awesome weekend getaway on the Zion West Rim Trail. If you’re heading to Zion National Park, check out our comprehensive park guide here .

For an easy Zion National Park backpacking trip, read our West Rim Trail guide below.

Important Reminder: As it goes in all of the destinations we share, please practice  good trail etiquette  and remember to  Leave No Trace . This means packing out all of your garbage (including toilet paper) and following the established rules.   In the desert, this also means   learning how to protect cryptobiotic soil  and how it has a huge impact on our ecosystems.

Zion West Rim Trail Basics

• Trail Type:  Point-to-Point (shuttle recommended)
• Distance:  16.2 miles
• Elevation Gain:  1700ft
• Recommended Time:  2 days/1 night
• Difficulty:  Moderate
• Campsites:  9 available
• Permits: Yes (for backpacking)
• Dogs allowed: No

The most popular way to hike the West Rim Trail is as a one-way, top-down overnight hike starting at Lava Point , the highest point in Zion, and ending at The Grotto in Zion’s main canyon. This route, which is shown in red on the map below, means you get to experience the slow transition as you hike through the subalpine forest down into the painted desert canyons. This direction is also almost completely downhill, with only a few short uphill sections.

For the purposes of this guide, I am assuming that top-down will be your plan of attack. While best experienced as an overnight backpacking trip, quick hikers can also pull this off as a long day hike.

Alternate Route: Another option is to hike it as an out and back from the Grotto Trailhead (Zion shuttle stop #6) in the main canyon. People who do this route usually stop and turn around somewhere near Cabin Spring. To reach the top of the plateau, you need to continue about 1.5 miles past Cabin Spring. Based on the views, I think this would be worth the effort, but it would require getting a very early start.

Side Trip: Toward the end of your hike, you will reach Scout Lookout, which splits off to the popular Angel’s Landing. Tacking on Angel’s Landing adds 0.9 miles, 750 feet of elevation gain, and requires an advance permit . If you do plan to hike Angel’s Landing, make sure you save enough time to reach the end of the trail before the day’s last shuttle leaves otherwise you’ll find yourself stranded within Zion Canyon with a long walk back to the Visitor Center. Angel’s Landing is not for the faint of heart, and you should stash your heavy backpacking gear if possible.

Best Time to Hike The Zion West Rim Trail

Lava Points sits at 7,890 feet above sea level, and the road to get there can be snowed in as late as May. Typically the road opens in June but in warmer years, the road does open earlier. What that means is that if you have a trip planned for May, you might want to have a backup plan. On the other hand, because of this uncertainty, getting a walk-up permit for the West Rim Trail during the shoulder seasons might be easier than in the later months.

Temperature-wise, May, June, September, and October are the most comfortable months to hike the Zion West Rim Trail. Keep in mind that the first half of the hike is up on the top of the plateau and is going to be much cooler than down in the canyon. In May when I did the West Rim Trail, we encountered snow flurries and low 40s temps when we set off on the trail, and the next day as we descended into the canyon it was 80 degrees. So you need to be prepared with clothing that will keep you comfortable in a wide range of temperatures. Summer in Zion is prone to thunderstorms and flash floods, so if you plan to backpack then be sure to check the weather ahead of time.

Zion West Rim Trail Permits

Please note that permit information is accurate as of March 2022. Please check the NPS website for the most up-to-date permit information.

If you are day hiking the West Rim Trail, you do not need a permit. All Zion National Park backpacking trips require a wilderness permit (which doubles as a campsite reservation). 4 of the West Rim Trail campsites are available by advance reservation, while the other 5 are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Advanced Permits

Advanced permits for campsites #2, #4, #6, and #8 become available at 10am Mountain Time on the 5th of every month, 2 months prior to your start date. For example, if you want to go backpacking in Zion National Park in September, you would need to reserve a permit on August 5th.

When you go to book a campsite, available dates for the selected campsite will appear in green while dates that have already been reserved will appear in red. The number in the bottom left corner is the group size limit for that site. Permits during peak season weekends usually sell out quickly, but advance permits can be made up until 5pm Mountain Time the day before your trip.

All Wilderness permits must be obtained in-person at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Desk either the day of or 1 day prior, to your start date and the reservation holder must be the one to obtain the permit.

Walk-Up Permits

Walk-up permits for sites #1, #3, #5, #7, and #9 become available one day prior to your trip. For the best chance of getting your desired permit and campsite, be at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Desk right when it opens the day before your trip. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to get a permit the day of if they aren’t all taken.

Wilderness Permit Fees

• $15.00 for 1-2 people 
• $20.00 for 3-7 people 
• $25.00 for 8-12 people

There is also a $5 processing fee for Wilderness permits.

Zion West Rim Trail Campsites + Water

You must camp at designated campsites on the Zion West Rim Trail. There are a total of 9 campsites and the Zion National Park website has pictures and a detailed description of all of the campsites . In terms of breaking up the distance between the two days, the best campsites to aim to stay at are Sites 1-6 . Note on the map that site #1 is the furthest from Lava Point.

Other than distance, things to keep in mind when choosing a campsite include the campsite capacity and water availability. The only year-round reliable spring on the West Rim Trail is Cabin Spring near sites #1 and #2. Potato Hollow and Sawmill Spring are both seasonal and were completely dried up when we were there in May. All of the water sources are circled in blue on the map above. I recommend carrying more water than usual (I love carrying soft water bottles since they pack up small) since water can be unreliable until Cabin Spring.

Zion National Park Backpacking Gear

Zion’s West Rim Trail doesn’t require any technical backpacking gear. Since you will be hiking downhill for the bulk of Zion’s West Rim Trail, I highly recommend bringing trekking poles to protect your knees and help you stabilize on loose ground.

Make sure to pack plenty of layers as camping up on the West Rim can get unexpectedly cold. Also, if you aren’t camping near a flowing spring, be sure to start the hike with enough water to get you to Cabin Spring (and don’t forget the water you need for dinner and breakfast). You will also want to bring a water filter , as the water is murky and not safe to drink without filtering it.

Zion West Rim Trail Transportation

Transportation is one of the trickier parts of planning your West Rim backpacking trip since it is a one-way trail. If you have more than one car, you can do a car drop at the Visitor Center and shuttle yourself to Lava Point, then drive to pick up the car at Lava Point after you finish your hike. However, that will add at least 2 hours to your trip, so I recommend booking a shuttle service to drop you at the Lava Point trailhead to start. If you do plan to drive yourself, you can  check conditions on Kolob Terrace Road here .

Booking a one-way shuttle typically costs $45/person (as of March 2022) and is well worth it. There are several outfitters in town – check out Zion Rock and Mountain Guides , Zion Adventures , and Red Rock Shuttle . When you finish the trail, you will take the Zion National Park shuttle from the Grotto trailhead back toward your car.

Zion West Rim Trail Itinerary

Please note: this trail report is from my West Rim backpacking trip in May 2015 and details, such as water availability on trail, should be checked before your own trip.

Day 1: Lava Point to Campground

The trail begins at Lava Point , the highest point in Zion National Park. We started our hike mid-morning and the weather was not looking good with wet snow flurries and the temperature hovering around 40 degrees. But we were in high spirits and excited to experience a new side of Zion at 7,800 feet above sea level. The high alpine vegetation and the cool mountain air felt nothing like the Zion that I knew.

Around lunchtime, the sun broke through the clouds, and it looked like the rain was on its way out. We stopped at Potato Hollow in hopes of finding water but had no luck. Water availability is limited on the trail, and you should plan on bringing enough to get you to Cabin Spring which is located near campsite 2 and typically flows year-round. After Potato Hollow, the views started to open up, and it only got better as we continued. Around 4:30 we reached our designated campsite, Campsite 4 . Despite being exposed, we were shielded from the strong winds that were whipping along the rim just a couple hundred feet away. For a group of 8, the site was huge and we had plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the solitude.

Read next: Best Backpacking Trips in Utah

Day 2: Campground to The Grotto

On Day 2 I woke up to an amazing sunrise view from my tent. It was so cool being able to see both the sunset and the sunrise from our campsite. We had a lazy morning, hitting the trail around 10:45am. That’s the beauty of taking two full days to hike the West Rim Trail – there’s no need to rush, and you can take your time to soak in the experience. 

About an hour after leaving camp, we stopped to fill up our water at Cabin Spring , which is located just a few feet from a vertigo-inducing cliff. After leaving Cabin Spring, the vegetation thins out and the slick-rock trail, which was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Core, hugs the side of the cliff. Here you get the most dramatic views of the entire hike.

As you reach the end of the trail, it spits you out right at Scout’s Lookout and the junction to Angel’s Landing . As you make your way down into the main canyon on Walter’s Wiggles , you’ll encounter a lot of people on the trail who are making their way up. Enjoy the last bit of views and make sure to take a dip (or at least cool off those feet) in the Virgin River on your way to the shuttle bus.

For a beginner-friendly backpacking trip, the West Rim Trail in Zion was so much bang for the buck. Non-stop views, relatively few people, and awesome camping made this trip so much fun.

Have you hiked the Zion West Rim Trail or are you planning a backpacking trip there? Let us know in the comments below!

With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.

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21 Comments

I haven’t been on a backpacking trip yet, but I am totally eating up your blog. Zion has always been on my list of places to visit, and this trip seems great. I have a list of gear I have to accumulate, but I’m hoping to get out soon. Thanks for sharing and making your posts so full of info. SUPER helpful!

Amanda – That’s great that you are thinking about going backpacking for the first time. Zion is a great place to try it out, and the West Rim in particular, is an awesome choice. Just make sure to carry enough water. Other than that, it’s a pretty easy trip and a big payoff in terms of the views. Hope you get out there soon and let me know if I can help in any other way! -Kristen

Another well written post! Great job Kristen! 🙂

Thanks Liz! I really appreciate that!

Planning a 30th BDAY backpacking trip in Zion and your post was more helpful than their website. Thank you!

Sweet! Thanks for letting me know.

How many miles from nearest trailhead to campsite 4? I’m trying to plan a one night backpacking trip anywhere in Zion with a less than 5 mile hike in. Any suggestions? We have a group size of 7 and some in our party have backpacked before but are not in the best of shape.

Campsite 4 is more than 5 miles in from the Lava Point trailhead. It’s probably more like 7 or 8 miles, and it’s also not near any water. That said it’s all downhill so the hike itself is not that difficult.

Very helpful list and descriptions ! Doing this hike in a few weeks (beginner backpacker) and a little worried about the switchbacks by cabin springs. How wide is the trail here? I have a healthy fear of heights but am trying to soothe my fears! Thanks!

The trail was all pretty wide and well maintained. Have fun out there!

Hi! I just booked a reservation for site #4 for July but I am planning on going out and back from The Grotto trailhead. Do you know roughly how many miles it is from the grotto to site #4? trying to figure out how much time it would take..roughly.

Hi Olivia, it is 17 miles.

Hi Kristen! Thanks so much for this guide. Me and my partner (group of 2) want to do the West Rim Trail sometime during Thanksgiving Week (Nov 18-24). We’ve had trouble booking campgrounds at other parks around this time of year. Do you think it would be too risky to opt for a walk-up instead of making a reservation for a 1-night backpacking trip? I’m hoping that we will be able to do a walk-up permit for a campsite since my understanding is that Nov is off-peak.

Hello! Great question–it really is a gamble–you’re right that is more of the off-season but it’s also a holiday and I am sure others will have similar ideas of taking this time to get outdoors. I would definitely go for it but be prepared for cold weather layering!

Hi! Thanks so much for this blog post. It’s been super helpful in planning our first backpacking trip. We’re doing this hike next week and have reserved site #4. Can you estimate around how long it took your group to get to the campsite? We’re trying to figure out what time to start our hike. Thanks in advance!

Saw this post and now I am planning a future backpack trip on the West Rim Trail. Great info.

It’s a good one! Let me know if you have questions.

Thanks for a very informative post. It has me excited about our upcoming backpacking trip. Could you please tell me how many miles campsites 7, 6, and 5 are from the Lava Point Trailhead. Is there a map showing distances between campsites or distances between campsite and Lava Point?

You should check the map and info on the Zion national Par website.

Planning this hike for early October and was wondering if you have a sleeping bag recommendation. I currently have a 15 and 30F REI Magma and I’m not sure how cold it will get on the rim at campground 4. Thank you!

Hi there, Katrin! Thanks for your comment. October is usually a pretty nice time of year there, so you’ll probably be fine with the 30F bag. But, I recommend you monitor the weather within the week before you leave to make sure a weather system isn’t moving through. Good to hear you’ve got a couple of options. Enjoy your trip, let us know how it goes!

Best Hikes In Zion: 20 Easy, Moderate + Hard Trails

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: March 9, 2022

Zion National Park has some of the most popular adventure hiking trails in the US, including Angels Landing , The Narrows and The Subway . But there are many more excellent hikes for the whole family to enjoy in Kolob Canyons, Kolob Terrace, East Rim and Zion Canyon.

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through the 20 best hikes in Zion National Park ordered from easy to hard and based entirely on our own experiences.

Our Zion Hiking Experience

We’ve hiked almost all of the popular trails in Zion over the course of 6 full days in the national park. Our first trip was for 3 days in October 2019 when Zion was packed full of hikers, and our second visit was for 3 more days in December 2021 when Zion was surprisingly crowd free. Read more about us .

It’s a close call, but we’d say The Narrows beats Angels Landing and The Subway as our favorite adventure hike in Zion because it’s just so unique and exciting. Outside of the big 3, Zion Canyon Overlook and Timber Creek Overlook are easy hikes leading to stunning viewpoints.

Zion National Park Hiking Regions

There are 5 major hiking regions in Zion National Park:

1. Zion Main Canyon

2. east rim, 3. zion visitor center, 4. kolob terrace.

• 5. Kolob Canyon

Let’s take a quick look at each region:

Hiking Tip: Hikes in Zion’s main canyon, visitor center and east rim regions are easy to access as a group. But you’ll need to drive 30 minutes to Kolob Terrace and 45 minutes to Kolob Canyons from Springdale.

Zion’s Main Canyon is by far the busiest region in the national park. It’s where you’ll find two of the best hikes in the US in Angels Landing and The Narrows, as well as Zion Lodge and at least 90% of visitors at the park. If you’re planning a first visit to Zion, you should prioritize hikes in the Main Canyon.

East Rim can be reached by driving through the Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel after gaining elevation from the Main Canyon. You’ll find the family friendly Zion Canyon Overlook Trail and one or two off the beaten path hikes on the East Rim.

Zion’s main visitor center is located in Springdale , which is where the vast majority of hotels near Zion can be found. At the visitor center you can learn about the park and take shuttles into the Main Canyon. This is where you can pick up hikes like The Watchman Trail and Pa’rus Trail.

Kolob Terrace is a much quieter region of Zion. It’s where you’ll find lesser known trails and wilderness hikes if you’re interested in backpacking . The main reason you would visit Kolob Terrace is to day hike The Subway bottom up from Left Fork Trailhead .

5. Kolob Canyons

Kolob Canyon is where you hike in Zion if you want to escape the crowds . Hikes in Kolob Canyons include Timber Creek Overlook, Taylor Creek Trail, La Verkin Creek and a hidden hike you won’t find on any map. The trails aren’t as scenic as the Main Canyon but at least you’ll be able to move!

Further Reading: The 4 best hikes in Kolob Canyons

Zion Hiking Trails Map

Click or touch the map of Zion below to activate.

Zoom in and out, move around the map and familiarize yourself with the trailhead locations of each hike you’ll find in this guide.

• Orange – Main Canyon
• Blue – East Rim
• Pink – Visitor Center
• Green – Kolob Terrace
• Purple – Kolob Canyons

Best Easy Hikes In Zion National Park

Easy hikes in Zion give you the chance to appreciate some of rugged canyons and dramatic vistas with very little effort. Our favorites are Zion Canyon Overlook Trail and Timber Creek Overlook Trail because they lead to postcard-perfect viewpoints.

Below you’ll find the easiest hikes in Zion National Park that are perfect for beginners and the whole family.

1. Kayenta Trail

• Region: Main Canyon
• Trailhead : Grotto Trailhead (shuttle stop #6)
• Trail Difficulty : Easy
• Trail Distance : 2 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trail : Out and back
• Elevation Gain : 150 ft
• Recent Comments :  AllTrails

Kayenta Trail is a flat and easy interconnecting trail running alongside the Virgin River. It’s a scenic hike for the whole family to enjoy, and it also serves as the main trail for hikers who want to combine Emerald Pools with Angels Landing.

2. Pa’rus Trail

• Region: Visitor Center
• Trailhead : Zion Visitor Center
• Trail Distance : 3.5 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trai l: Out and back
• Elevation Gain : 50 ft
• Recent Comments :  All Trails

Pa’rus Trail is easy , flat and paved which makes it accessible for all visitors to Zion. The trail follows a scenic section of the Virgin River between Zion’s main visitor center and Canyon Junction Bridge. Pa’rus Trail is the only dog friendly hike in Zion, and there’s an unmissbale photo spot on the bridge.

Further Reading: How to hike Pa’rus Trail in Zion

3. Riverside Walk

• Trailhead : Temple of Sinawava (shuttle stop #9)
• Trail Distance : 2.2 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain : 60 ft

Riverside Walk is a very easy and flat paved trail connecting the Temple of Sinawava with the beginning of The Narrows. It’s a great way for beginners to see what all the fuss is about with The Narrows without getting wet. You must hike Riverside Walk before and after day hiking The Narrows bottom up.

4. Grotto Trail

• Trailhead : Zion Lodge
• Trail Distance : 1 mile roundtrip
• Elevation Gain : 40 ft

Grotto Trail is another easy connecting hike that you’ll use if you decide to stay at Zion Lodge . It connects Zion Lodge with Kayenta Trail and West Rim Trail which eventually leads to Angels Landing. Walking Grotto Trail is perfect for blowing off the cobwebs after eating breakfast at the lodge.

5. Weeping Rock Trail

• Trailhead : Shuttle stop #7
• Trail Distance : 0.5 miles roundtrip

Weeping Rock is one of the easiest hikes in Zion and it leads to a concave formation with a waterfall plunging overhead , similar to Lower Emerald Pool. This is a fantastic family friendly trail with amazing down canyon views and one of very few waterfalls inside the main canyon, so don’t miss it.

6. Canyon Overlook Trail

• Region: East Rim
• Trailhead : Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel East
• Elevation Gain : 170 ft

Canyon Overlook Trail is hands down the best easy hike in Zion National Park. It should be on every first time visitors Zion hiking itinerary because it’s a fun trail and it leads to spectacular views at Pine Creek Canyon Overlook. We love watching the sunset at the summit but sunrise would also be stunning.

Further Reading: How to hike Zion Canyon Overlook Trail

7. Timber Creek Overlook Trail

• Region: Kolob Canyons
• Trailhead : End of E Kolob Canyon Rd
• Elevation Gain : 100 ft

Timber Creek Overlook Trail is short , easy and perfect for the whole family . For very little effort, your reward is far reaching views over canyon floors filled with trees and towering red rocks bursting out from Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace. This is one you shouldn’t miss if you go to Kolob Canyons .

Further Reading: How to hike Timber Creek Overlook Trail in Zion

Best Moderate Hikes In Zion National Park

Hikes at Zion become more fun and interesting when you step up the difficulty from easy to moderately difficult. By introducing elevation gain you’ll be able to access quieter viewpoints. Our favorites include Emerald Pools Trail , The Watchman Trail and East Mesa Trail .

Below you’ll find the best moderately difficult day hikes in Zion for first time visitors to the park.

8. Emerald Pools Trail

• Trailhead : Zion Lodge (shuttle stop #5)
• Trail Difficulty : Moderate
• Trail Distance : 3.2 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trai l: Out and back or loop
• Elevation Gain : 400 ft

Emerald Pools Trail is among the very best family hikes in Zion National Park. Your teens will love this hike with three shallow pools, two waterfalls and an adventurous feel without being too dangerous like Angels Landing. The waterfalls are better in spring and early summer but it’s a popular trail year round.

Further Reading: How to hike Emerald Pools Trail in Zion

9. Sand Bench Trail

• Trailhead : Court of the Patriarchs (shuttle stop #4)
• Trail Distance : 5 miles roundtrip
• Type of Trai l: Out and back with loop
• Elevation Gain : 450 ft

Sand Bench Trail is one of those Zion hikes you’re either going to love or hate . It’s hard to walk on the soft sand and you’ll be sharing with horses in peak season. But it’s much quieter than other hikes in the main canyon and it has unique views. Sand Bench is great if you’re a return visitor or want a challenge .

10. Scout Lookout Trail

• Trailhead : The Grotto (shuttle stop #6)
• Trail Distance : 3.6 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain : 1,100 ft

Scout Lookout is a sandy summit used as a staging area before climbing to Angels Landing . A lot of hikers only go as far as Scout Lookout and wait while other group members go for Angels Landing, which is understandable! The steep trail to Scout Lookout is a thigh burner and it has great views.

Need help organizing your visit to Zion? Our popular 40+ page Zion National Park e-Book can help you with planning every aspect of your trip.

11. The Watchman Trail

• Trail Distance : 3.3 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain : 370 ft

The Watchman Trail is a hugely popular Zion hike beginning at the main visitor center. The trail itself isn’t anything special, but its small summit loop provides superb views over southern Zion and Springdale. We hiked to The Watchman summit for sunrise and had it all to ourselves.

Further Reading: How to hike The Watchman Trail in Zion

12. East Mesa Trail

• Trailhead : East Mesa
• Trail Distance : 6.8 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain : 300 ft

East Mesa Trail is an easier and quieter way you can hike to Observation Point , rather than hiking the steep and busy trail from the main canyon. By hiking on the East Rim you’ll avoid crowds and elevation gain , but still enjoy the majestic canyon views afforded from Observation Point.

Hiking Tip: High clearance 4WD vehicles are highly recommended for reaching East Mesa Trailhead. Or Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort offers a shuttle to the trailhead for $5 per person.

13. Many Pools Trail

• Trailhead : Zion-Mt Carmel Hwy
• Elevation Gain : 500 ft

Many Pools Trail is a hidden gem hike in Zion. Very few know it even exists, let alone hike it. The unmaintained trail is filled with smooth rounded pools and small waterfalls after rainfall. It’s a quiet and unique family friendly hike between east entrance and Zion-Mt Carmel tunnel.

14. Taylor Creek Trail (Middle Fork)

• Trailhead : Taylor Creek
• Trail Distance : 5.0 miles roundtrip

Taylor Creek Trail is perfect for families or couples seeking a quieter Zion hiking experience. You’ll criss-cross the creek for 2.5 miles until reaching the impressive Double Arch Alcove . It’s a relaxing forest hike into a box canyon but it’s definitely engaging enough to keep your group entertained.

Further Reading: How to hike Taylor Creek Trail in Zion

15. South Fork Of Taylor Creek

• Trailhead : Unmarked parking lot on E Kolob Canyon Rd
• Trail Distance : ~ 4 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain : ~ 500 ft

South Fork of Taylor Creek Trail is a true hidden gem hike in Zion National Park because you won’t find it on the map. Park at the second lot around 3 miles into E Kolob Canyon Rd and cross the road to pick up the fun trail, which leads to pink sand , towering cliffs and a V-shaped box canyon .

Further Reading: The best places to visit in Utah

Best Hard Hikes In Zion National Park

The hardest hikes in Zion should only be attempted by strong and experienced hikers because they’re challenging and dangerous. Our favorite is The Narrows , but we also love hiking Angels Landing and The Subway .

Below you’ll find the best hard difficult day hikes in Zion.

16. Angels Landing

• Trail Difficulty : Strenuous
• Trail Distance : 5.4 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain : 1,500 ft
• Permits : NPS website

Angels Landing is unquestionably the most thrilling adventure hike in Zion National Park. The narrow chained sections will send your BPM into the stratosphere but it’s worth it for the experience and summit views. We’ve hiked Angels Landing twice, the second time we had the trail to ourselves at sunrise.

Further Reading: How to hike Angels Landing trail in Zion

17. Observation Point Via Weeping Rock

• Trailhead : Weeping Rock (shuttle stop #7)
• Trail Distance : 8 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain : 2,150 ft

Observation Point via Weeping Rock is steep and challenging . You can hike an adventure spur trail into Hidden Canyon before summiting at the best viewpoint in Zion. But a landslide in 2019 caused the trailhead to close indefinitely , so the only way you can reach it is by hiking East Mesa Trail .

18. The Narrows

• Trail Distance : Up to 9.4 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain : 350 ft
• Top Down Permits : NPS website

The Narrows is an extraordinary adventure hike in Zion. You’ll slowly wade through a narrow river slot canyon in ankle, knee or waist deep water before turning around when you’re ready. Big Springs is the furthest you can go on a bottom up day hike, but it took us 8 hours to complete the whole thing.

Further Reading: Day hiking The Narrows bottom up

19. La Verkin Creek Trail

• Trailhead : Lee Pass
• Trail Distance : 14 miles roundtrip

La Verkin Creek Trail is the hardest hike in the Kolob Canyons region of Zion. You would barely see another soul on this long day hike and it ends at one of the world’s largest natural arches called Kolob Arch . This is the perfect trail for strong hikers who want to get off the beaten path .

20. The Subway

• Region: Kolob Terrace
• Trailhead : Left Fork
• Trail Distance : ~ 9 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain : ~ 1,300 ft

The Subway is an incredible adventure hike . You’ll forge your own path up Left Fork North Creek by crossing boulders, climbing steep banks and wading through water until you reach The Subway tunnel formation. Daily hiker numbers are limited so you get a real lost world feel. It’s one of our favorites.

Further Reading: Day hiking Zion The Subway bottom up

Wilderness Hikes In Zion National Park

You should consider hiking some of Zion’s wilderness trails if you’re a strong hiker, it’s your third or fourth visit or you want to ditch the crowds. You’ll need permits for backpacking camping .

Here are 3 top rated wilderness trails in Zion that we would prioritize:

1. East Rim Trail – Trailheads located at East Entrance to Zion and Zion Pines Cabin. Leads to Observation Point, Deertrap Mountain and Cable Mountain.

2. West Rim Trail – Can be hiked bottom up or the more popular top down version. Begin at the trailhead near Lava Point off Kolob Terrace Rd, before camping overnight and descending into the main canyon via Angels Landing.

3. Chinle Trail – Begin at the trailhead on Anasazi Way in Rockville, hike low desert to Coalpits Wash and continue to the campsite before looping on Scoggins Wash and finishing at Coalpits Wash trailhead in Grafton.

Need a campsite in Zion?  Take advantage of our exclusive  30 day free trial of The Dyrt PRO  to get reservations at sold out campgrounds like Watchman and South in Zion. Try it for free today with no strings attached!

Zion National Park Hiking Itinerary Ideas

You know the best easy, moderate and hard trails in each of the 5 regions in Zion. But how do you piece the hikes together into an efficient itinerary for your visit?

Here’s how we would plan one , two and three day Zion hiking itineraries with the knowledge we’ve gained after 6 full days on the trails.

Easy One Day Itinerary

Morning – Start at Zion Lodge and take The Grotto Trail to The Grotto Picnic Area. Cross the bridge and turn left onto Kayenta Trail, before taking a left at the fork and passing underneath Lower Emerald Pool waterfall. Grab lunch in Springdale.

Afternoon – Drive to Kolob Canyons and hike the short Timber Creek Overlook Trail for huge views. Head back to Springdale and drive up through the tunnel so you can hike Zion Canyon Overlook Trail in time for sunset.

Challenging One Day Itinerary

Morning – Hop on the first canyon shuttle of the day to stop #6 The Grotto. Hike to Angels Landing and arrive as close to sunrise as possible (you’ll need a permit). Once back down, hike Kayenta Trail to Emerald Pools Trail and see all three pools. Head back to Springdale for a quick bite to eat and pick up waterproofs with a wooden pole.

Afternoon – Take a shuttle to stop #9 Temple of Sinawava. Hike Riverside Walk and head into The Narrows for as long as you feel comfortable. If you have enough time once you’re back in Springdale, drive up to hike Zion Canyon Overlook for sunset.

Adventurous Two Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Get an early start and spend the whole day hiking The Narrows bottom up as far as Big Springs. You’ll need a packed lunch and plenty of water. Hike The Watchman for sunset if you’re back in Springdale in good time.

Day 2 – Hike Angels Landing at sunrise (with permit), then take Kayenta Trail to see all three Emerald Pools. Drive up to East Rim and hike East Mesa Trail to Observation Point. Stop at Zion Canyon Overlook trail for sunset on the way back to Springdale.

Balanced Three Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Start early and hike The Narrows for a few hours but don’t go all the way to Big Springs. Head back to Springdale to return your waterproofs and walking pole. Grab an early lunch before driving over to Kolob Canyons. Hike Taylor Creek Trail (Middle Fork) and then walk out to Timber Creek Overlook. If you have time and energy, hike up to The Watchman summit before sunset.

Day 2 – Hike Angels Landing with the pre-9:00am permit because it will be quieter. Take Kayenta Trail to see the three Emerald Pools. Head up to East Rim to hike East Mesa Trail so you can see the impressive views from Observation Point. Stop at Many Pools and finish with Canyon Overlook Trail for sunset.

Day 3 – Spend the whole day hiking The Subway bottom up (with permit). You’ll need a packed lunch and lots of water. We highly recommend tracking your hike with an offline maps app.

Further Reading: Zion National Park day trip itinerary ideas

Zion Hiking Permits

You’ll need hiking permits for 3 trails in Zion National Park:

• Angels Landing
• The Narrows

Angels Landing – You must obtain this permit to hike Angels Landing. There are 3 daily time slots available: before 9:00am; from 9:00am to 12:00pm and after 12:00pm. You can hike to Scout Lookout without a permit but you won’t be allowed on the chain sections.

The Narrows – Almost all visitors to Zion day hike The Narrows bottom up and you won’t need a permit for this version. But you must obtain this permit if you are hiking the top down version.

The Subway – You must obtain this permit to hike both the top down and bottom up version of The Subway.

Hiking Angels Landing And The Narrows In One Day

It’s possible for strong and experienced hikers to complete both Angels Landing and The Narrows in one day. You’ll need to buy a before 9:00am permit to hike Angels Landing and begin before first light. Aim to reach Scout Lookout as daylight breaks so you can see clearly on the climb to Angels Landing.

Afterwards, head back to Springdale so you can pick up waterproofs and a walking pole , you’ll need both if you want to reach Big Springs. As long as you begin The Narrows by 10:00am , you should be able to make it to Big Springs and back by sundown, but it gets dark quickly inside the narrow slot canyon.

You must carry at least 2 fully charged headlamps for the climb to Angels Landing and the last hour or two inside The Narrows. If sunset is at 6:00pm, you should turn back in The Narrows at 2:00pm even if you haven’t made it all the way to Big Springs.

Further Reading: The 25 best hikes in Utah

Best Time To Hike In Zion

The fall months of September , October and November are the best time to hike in Zion because you’ll benefit from fewer crowds, cheaper hotel rooms, comfortable hiking temperatures, lower water levels in The Narrows and The Subway, and stunning Autumnal colors in the canyons.

It’s also quiet and comfortable in spring but Zion is prone to flash flooding . You’ll get warmer weather and longer days in summer, but it’s also excessively overcrowded and overpriced at hotels. The quieter trails in winter are offset by freezing cold temperatures in the mornings and evenings.

We’ve visited Zion in October and December . We were able to hike The Narrows comfortably in October but the park was packed full, so we actually preferred our trip to Zion in winter because we had most trails completely to ourselves, including Angels Landing at sunrise which was amazing.

Further Reading: The best time to visit Zion National Park

Zion Hiking Tips

Here are some of our top tips for hiking in Zion National Park:

• Check live conditions in Zion before visiting
• Apply for hiking permits months in advance
• Peak season lasts from May until September
• Visit in the off season to win next day permits
• Springdale is the most convenient place to stay
• It’s much quieter and cheaper in winter
• You can use your America the Beautiful Pass
• Watch for flash flooding in spring
• Kolob Canyons is a quieter hiking alternative
• Hire waterproof gear the night before hiking The Narrows
• You must use the Zion shuttle in the main canyon during peak season
• Always pack plenty of fluids when hiking in warmer months

Top Hiking Tip: Zion is one of the top vacations spots in the USA so you need advanced hotel reservations, hiking permit reservations and even restaurant reservations in peak season.

Hiking Apps

Do you use any of the best hiking apps to download trail maps so you can track your live location throughout your hike, even when you’re offline?

We use All Trails to read recent comments before hiking a new trail, but we use Gaia GPS Premium to download offline maps and track our hikes. In Zion, you can use offline maps to make sure you’re on the right paths and we have an exclusive 20% discount link for our readers to use with Gaia GPS.

Further Reading: The 20 best US national parks

In Conclusion

There are lots of fun hikes to choose between in Zion. Angels Landing, The Watchman and Emerald Pools are the three best hikes in Zion according to All Trails . But we personally think The Narrows, Angels Landing and The Subway are the top 3 trails to try if it’s your first visit to Zion and you’re a strong hiker.

We’ve hiked in most of the popular US national parks and Zion is right up there as one of our absolute favorites. We were blown away by the uniqueness of Angels Landing and The Narrows in particular. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind place to lace up and hit the trails!

More From Zion

• Best time to visit Zion National Park
• Closest airports to Zion National Park
• Key things to know about Zion in winter
• One day Zion National Park itinerary ideas
• The best Utah road trip itineraries
• Where to stay near Zion National Park
• Zion to Bryce Canyon 3 day road trip

More US Hikes

• 3 best hikes in Arches National Park
• 7 best hikes in Badlands National Park
• 10 best hikes in Acadia National Park
• 10 best hikes in Red Rock Canyon
• 17 best hikes in Grand Canyon South Rim
• 20 best hikes in Sedona Arizona
• 23 best hikes in Mt Rainier

Want more Utah content? Head over to our Utah Travel Guides to explore the Mighty Five National Parks and beyond.

We hope this guide to the best hikes in Zion National Park helps with planning your Zion hiking itinerary!

Please let us know if you have any questions about hiking in Zion or you need help planning your trip in the comments below.

Happy Hiking ,

Mark and Kristen

Find this Zion hiking guide helpful? Pin it for your visit!

Note : This article contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

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West Rim Trail Zion National Park: Ultimate Backpacking Guide

Published by sarah vaughan on october 16, 2021 october 16, 2021.

Backpacking the West Rim Trail in Zion National Park is the perfect adventure for those seeking solitude and mind-blowing views in southern Utah. Zion is a geographically small but incredibly popular national park. This means that the handful of easily accessible trails and famous landmarks, like Angel’s Landing and the Narrows, are often overflowing with crowds. Finding solitude to enjoy this beautiful place in peace can be challenging.

But look no further than the West Rim Trail, where you can experience some of the most unique and beautiful views the park has to offer and escape the crowds! The West Rim Trail leads past Angel’s Landing, where most people turn back after climbing the famously narrow ridge, leaving the rest of the West Rim Trail nearly empty. We believe that backpacking is the best way to experience the West Rim Trail in Zion. In this article, we’ll cover all the details you need to know to plan the perfect backpacking trip!

Two Outliers may contain affiliate links – we only recommend products we personally use and love. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Article Contents

• West Rim Trail: Zion National Park

Route Options

• Visiting Zion National Park
• Best time to backpack in Zion
• Backpacking Permits

Choosing a campsite

• West Rim Trail packing list

Other useful resources

Backpacking the West Rim Trail: Zion National Park

While Zion National Park is be best known for Angel’s Landing and the Narrows, the less visited West Rim Trail completely blew us away with its stunning desert vistas and surprising solitude. A backpacking trip is a fantastic way to experience all that the West Rim Trail has to offer, and even allows for a quick detour to the famous Angel’s Landing.

Quick Stats

• Hiking distance | 15 – 16 miles (depends on the route)
• Permits Required? | Yes
• Permit Fees | $20 – $30 (varies by group size)
• Designated campsites? | Yes
• Trip length | 1 night/2 days

Read more about Zion National Park

• Unique and beautiful landscapes
• Option to take a detour to Angel’s Landing, one of Zion’s most famous hikes
• Experience hard to find solitude in Zion National Park
• Heavy crowds below Angel’s Landing
• Advance permits required and can be difficult to obtain
• No water sources on trail

There are 3 possible route options for backpacking the West Rim Trail in Zion. We’ll cut to the chase and say we believe the best route is option 3, the West Rim Trail Loop from the Grotto . As such, the hike details in this article will focus primarily on this route.

But to help you make the best decision based on your own goals and interests, we’ll describe each of the possible routes below, complete with the pros and cons of each.

1. Top down from Lava Point to the Grotto

The most popular way to backpack the West Rim Trail in Zion is “top down” from Lava Point to the Grotto. This 16 mile one-way route begins from the West Rim Trailhead near Lava Point, the tallest point in Zion National Park. The trail leads through Potato Hollow, joins up with the West Rim Overlook trail and Telephone Canyon loop and continues down past Angel’s Landing to the Grotto Trailhead.

PROS : 3600 feet net elevation loss ; see the entire West Rim Trail CONS : not much to see in the Potato Hollow area between Lava Point and the West Rim-Telephone Canyon loop; one-way hike requires transportation between trailheads

2. Bottom up from the Grotto to Lava Point

If you feel like taking on a challenge, reverse the direction and hike bottom up from the Grotto to Lava Point.

PROS : see the entire West Rim Trail; easier to get to Angel’s Landing early in the morning CONS : not much to see in the Potato Hollow area be tween Lava Point and the West Rim-Telephone Canyon loop; one-way hike requires transportation between trailheads; 3600 foot net elevation gain

3. West Rim – Telephone Canyon Loop from the Grotto

Our favorite backpacking trip option starts and ends at the Grotto. The route includes a detour to Angel’s landing, continues along the West Rim Trail up to the West-Rim Telephone Canyon loop. We love this route because it allows you to see the best of the West Rim trail, skip less exciting sections, and avoid having to arrange transportation between trailheads.

CONS : miss part of the West Rim trail (between Potato Hollow and Lava Point) PROS : cut out less exciting portion of the West Rim trail; loop hike does not require additional transportation between trailheads; easier to get to Angel’s Landing early in the morning

West Rim Trail Zion Hike Details

This section will focus on hike details for the West Rim Loop from the Grotto (option 3 described above), as this is the backpacking trip that we took and based on what we have heard from others, seems like the best option.

• Hiking distance | 15.5 miles
• Elevation gain | 4400 feet
• Total time | 9 – 12 hours
• Epic-ness rating | 8
• Difficulty | difficult

Find this hike on AllTrails: Angel’s Landing, West Rim, Telephone Loop

This route gives you the option to take a quick detour to the famous Angel’s Landing, before leaving the crowds behind to explore more of the West Rim Trail. We’d even say that the views from the rest of the West Rim Trail are more stunning than those from Angel’s Landing!

How difficult is backpacking the West Rim Trail?

With about 4400 feet of elevation gain over 15.5 miles , this hike is no walk in the park (even though it actually, kind of is a walk in the park, but you get the idea). There are two very steep sections, which are particularly challenging carrying a heavy backpack.

You’ll meet your first tough section only minutes into the hike when you encounter the 21 short, steep switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles on the trail leading up to Angel’s Landing.

Then, prepare for another steady incline climbing towards the intersection of the loop trail. While there is some elevation in other sections of the hike, most of the elevation is in these two areas.

Parking and getting to the trailhead

To backpack the West Rim Trail – Telephone Canyon loop, you will start and end at the Grotto trailhead. During peak season, you will need to take a park shuttle to the trailhead, which you can pick up from the main Zion National Park visitor center.

If you plan to take a detour to Angel’s Landing, be sure to get an early start as the crowds at this popular spot are insane. Waiting in line to get up and down the narrow ridge can add significant time to your hike.

Zion West Rim Trail Map

The entire hike can be divided into 5 main sections:

West Rim Trail to Angel’s Landing

Angel’s landing.

• West Rim Trail Past Angel’s Landing

Telephone Canyon

• West Rim overlook trail

In the following sections, we will go into more detail on each part of the trail. On the map below, we’ve highlighted each of the sections to help you follow along as we describe each part of the hike.

When you arrive at the Grotto trailhead, head across the bridge and follow signs for Angel’s Landing. The trail starts out fairly moderately, winding through the canyon alongside the beautiful Virgin River.

As the trail diverges from the river, the seemingly endless series of switchbacks begin. As you enter Refrigerator Canyon and start to think the trail has leveled off, you’ll round the corner to see 21 tightly winding switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles staring back at you.

Pace yourself and rest often – remember that you’ve still got a long way to go after reaching Angel’s Landing.

Eventually the trail levels off, and you’ll arrive at a clearing where the infamous narrow ridge known as Angel’s Landing comes into view.

We recommend finding a discrete hiding spot for your packs while you take the roughly 1/4 mile detour up to Angel’s Landing. Climbing Angel’s Landing requires focus, steady feet and good bit of scrambling – you really don’t want to be hauling a huge bag up the very narrow, crowded ridge. Collect your nerves and head up for the adventure of a lifetime!

If you are afraid of heights, you may have trouble with this section of the hike. That being said, I (Sarah) am prone to panic attacks in sketchy sections and I did not find Angel’s Landing to be particularly frightening. I absolutely loved this climb.

We’ve mentioned this a few times but it is worth repeating – Angel’s Landing is very popular and is almost always packed with people.

Because the trail leading out onto the ridge is narrow, it can be difficult to maneuver around slow moving hikers and you’ll probably have to wait for people coming in the opposite directions at times. It is still very much worth the extra effort but know the 1/4 mile detour can add a bit of time to your trip.

West Rim Trail past Angel’s Landing

After you’ve checked off the ultimate bucket list hike at Angel’s Landing, it’s time to leave the crowds behind and experience the remote beauty of Zion National Park’s West Trim Trail! I’d estimate that over 95% of the hikers do not go past Angel’s Landing.

What those poor souls don’t realize is how much they are missing out!

Telephone Canyon – West Rim Trail Loop

After a long and grueling climb, you’ll finally reach the intersection of the West Rim – Telephone Canyon loop.

Which direction should I hike?

If at all possible, we recommend hiking the loop counter-clockwise , starting with Telephone Canyon. This allows you to leave the best views for your hike out tomorrow morning. If you chose to hike clockwise, don’t expect to see any spectacular new views the next day.

That being said, the direction you chose to hike will depend heavily on which campsite you are staying at and how much time you have each day.

Quite frankly, the views from Telephone Canyon are the least impressive of the entire hike. The majority of the trail leads through a heavily wooded forest with no real viewpoints.

At the intersection of the loop, the trees open up a bit offering vistas looking down over Zion Canyon. These sights are cool, but nothing compared to what you’ll see on the Rim Trail.

Finding your campsite

Each of the campsites along the West Rim Trail – Telephone Canyon loop are well-marked with numbered stakes . As you hike, keep an eye on your location and be on the lookout for a post marking your campsite.

West Rim Overlook Trail

After a good night’s sleep, pack up camp and prepare to be blown away by more incredible West Rim views. If you didn’t get a chance to see the sunset over the West Rim, we highly recommend getting up early for sunrise.

As you make your way along the West Rim overlook trail, you’ll enjoy stunning views of swirling striped ridges and honeycomb-shaped rock formations to the West. The landscape here is unlike anything we had every seen before! The majority of the hike along the West Rim Trail offers sights, with a few forested sections here and there.

This section was easily our favorite of the entire backpacking trip!

Return hike

After reaching the Telephone Canyon – Rim Trail intersection again, continue back down into the canyon retrace your steps past Angel’s Landing and Refrigerator Canyon to the Grotto trailhead.

About Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of Utah’s “might five” national parks, located is the southeastern corner of the state. The main entrance to Zion is located in Springdale, Utah, a cute but a bit touristy town with plenty of food and lodging options.

The park itself is known for its towering canyon walls, majestic red rock, and unfortunately, large crowds. Make sure you plan to get into the park as early as possible.

There are a few well-known hikes in the park including Angel’s Landing, the Narrows, and Observation Point. When we visited, the main trail to Observation Point was closed due to a rock slide and the Narrows is only accessible when weather is dry. But, like we keep saying, if you are willing to explore beyond these popular adventures, solitude isn’t hard to find!

How to get to Zion National Park

Zion National Park is an essential stop on any Utah National Parks road trip . It is easily accessible from:

• Las Vegas in 2.5 hours
• Bryce Canyon National Park in 1.5 hours
• Capitol Reef National Park in 3 hours
• Page, Arizona in 2 hours
• The Grand Canyon (South Rim) in 4 hours
• Salt Lake City in 4.5 hours

Getting around via Zion shuttle

The majority of the park is closed to personal vehicles during peak season (March – November), so you will need to a take a shuttle to get around. The shuttle is free and at this time, advance tickets are not required.

You can pick the shuttle up from the visitor center. Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot. You can find more details on the Zion shuttle here .

Entrance fees

As with most national parks, Zion charges a $35 per vehicle entrance fee which is valid for 7 days. If you plan to visit at least three national parks within a one year period, it makes practical sense to purchase a U.S. National Parks pass for $80, giving you unlimited access to all parks across the country.

You may read more about Zion entrance fees here .

Backpacking permits

Permits are required for backpacking the West Rim Trail in Zion National Park. Backcountry permits are in high demand, so make sure that you are prepared to reserve your permits as soon as they are released.

50% of all available permits are reservable in advance. Permit reservations are made available on the 5th of every month, two months in advance of your trip. For example, if you are planning a trip any time in May, reservations would be released on April 5th. Most backcountry reservations book up with minutes of being released.

The remaining sites are available on a first come first serve basis in person at the visitor center on the day before or the day of your trip. You can find more details about permits and fees at Zion here .

There are six campsites available along the West Rim Trail – Telephone Canyon loop. We highly recommend trying to snag campsite #6, as it almost perfectly splits up the hike. A short walk from the campsite leads to some of the most incredible views we experienced on the West Rim Trail – a perfect spot to watch the sunset!

Best time to backpack the West Rim Trail in Zion

The best time to hike the West Rim Trail in Zion is in the spring or fall, when temperatures in southern Utah are typically mild. During the summer, temperatures can often reach 100°F and the trail offers little shade, making for a blazing hot hike.

Note that the campsites are located at higher elevation than the rest of Zion National Park, so prepare for significantly cooler temperatures at night. When we hiked in early April, we got snow at the higher elevations of the West Rim trail and temperatures reached below freezing at night.

Expect the trails to be covered in snow for much of the winter. Heat, lack of shade and fresh water sources can make backpacking during the summer unbearable. Be sure to check the National Weather Service for update weather forecasts before taking off on your trip.

Please be aware that there is no reliable water source along this trail. Furthermore, toxic cyanobacteria have been found in the Virgin River making the water unsafe to drink even after filtration.

It’s best to pack in all the water that you will need for the entire hike.

West Rim Trail Zion packing list

In addition to your standard backpacking gear, below are a few additional items we highly recommend making sure you bring for backpacking the West Rim trail.

Waste Disposal | Biffy Bags It’s not glamorous, but you must pack out all your waste (that includes your #2!) so be prepared with waste disposal bags. These Biffy Bags do the trick (and they’re actually quite “luxurious” in the backcountry!).

Water | Platypus 2-liter There are no reliable water sources along the trail, so you’ll need to pack in all the water you need for drinking and cooking. We use these 2-liter Platypus bags to pack extra water on backpacking trips in the desert and have found them to be reliable.

Sunscreen | a significant majority of the hike is very exposed, and the desert sun is strong no matter the time of year

Sunglasses | Goodr We both love our Goodr sunglasses for hiking! They are cheap ($25) and non-slip, making them perfect for a day out on the trails.

Warm Layers | Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody Even during the summer, it gets quite cold at night here. Pack a warm sleeping bag and extra layers for when the sun goes down. My Arc’teryx jacket is incredibly warm, lightweight and packs down small!

Our Backpacking Essentials

Good gear can make all the difference on a backpacking trip. Below we’ve compiled a list of our tried and true backpacking gear essentials – we use these items every time we backpack and couldn’t live without them.

Backpack | 40L Osprey Tempest / 65L Osprey Ariel / 55L REI Co-Op Flash For one-night backpacking trips, I (Sarah) love my 40L Osprey Tempest! It fits the essentials but is super lightweight. For longer trips and/or carrying more weight, the 65L Osprey is more spacious, really comfortable, and provides more hip support. Matt’s go-to pack for most trips is the lightweight 55L REI Flash.

Backpacking Tent | Mountain Hardwear Aspect 3 A reliable tent makes all the difference in the backcountry, and the Mountain Hardwear Aspect 3 has not let us down. Though it’s not cheap, it’s lightweight (less than 4 pounds), durable, easy to set up and feels spacious enough to fit 2 people comfortably.

Campstove | Jetboil Flash Picture this: you wake up in the dark in the backcountry, aiming to catch the sunrise somewhere nearby but its so cold you don’t want to get out of bed… then you remember you’ve got a Jetboil and piping hot coffee can be ready within minutes! Morning made.

Coffee | Sea to Summit Collapsible Coffee Filter If you’re a coffee snob (like me…) who needs *real* coffee in the morning, even in the backcountry, the compact Sea to Summit collapsible filter makes it easy. Pair with the Jetboil Flash and Sea to Summit cups and you’ll have your cup of joe in no time!

Sleeping Bag | REI Co-op Women’s Magma 30 / REI Co-op Men’s Magma 30 At this price point, you can’t beat the REI Co-op Magma 30 (Women’s and Men’s). We both use this sleeping bag, and it’s lightweight enough for backpacking without sacrificing on warmth and durability.

Sleeping Bag Liner | Sea to Summit Reactor Thermolite Sleeping Bag Liner I’m a very cold sleeper so I often bring this Sea to Summit sleeping bag liner,even for summer nights. It’s super cozy, lightweight, adds 8 degrees of warmth and helps keep your sleeping bag cleaner.

Trekking Poles | Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles / Distance NFZ Tre kking Poles I had always thought trekking poles were silly until one very steep, exposed, slippery hike in Death Valley left me feeling quite insecure even with solid tread on my boots. Immediately after I bought my Black Diamonds and haven’t hiked without them since.

Sleeping pad | Women’s Therm-a-rest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad / Therm-a-rest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad I often sleep better on my Therm-a-rest sleeping pad than I do in a hotel bed… this thing is so comfy and weighs only 12 ounces! Only downside I have found is it is a bit noisy if you tend to move in your sleep a lot.

Inflatable Pillow | Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow This Sea to Summit inflatable pillow is super lightweight and packs down tiny (I’ve actually lost it a few times because it packs down so small), so it’s great for camping and backpacking trips. The best part, it’s shockingly comfortable! I am a light sleeper (in a normal bed), so this is huge for me!

Dehydrated Meals | Backpacker’s Pantry Pad Thai with Chicken Backpacker’s Pantry has a huge variety of dehydrated meals that we’ve found to be surprisingly tasty. The Pad Thai and Chana Masala are our all time favorites!

GPS | Garmin InReach Mini The one piece of gear you hope you never need to use, but is worth its weight in peace of mind. We always carry our Garmin In-reach Mini in case of emergency in areas without cell service and it gives us (and our parents) peace of mind. It can also be used to simply let a loved one know you’ve arrived at your destination.

Headlamp | Black Diamond Storm 400 Navigating around a campsite is nearly impossible after dark without a headlamp. We both use Black Diamond Storm 400’s, and we’ve found them to be reliable and long-lasting despite the compact size.

Be confident you have everything you need with our Zion West Rim backpacking checklist!

Our interactive excel checklist is complete with all the essentials you need for backpacking the Zion West Rim and customizable based on your trip length and hiking distance.

Get our Complete Free Zion West Rim Backpacking Checklist

Planning a road trip through Utah? We think you may also be interested in the following:

• Zion & Bryce Canyon | The Best 3 Day Zion & Bryce Canyon Itinerary
• Road Trip : Adventurous One Week Road Trip in Arizona and Southern Utah
• Canyonlands : How to Hike to Druid Arch in Canyonlands
• Bryce Canyon: How to Hike the Figure Eight Loop in Bryce Canyon
• Grand Canyon: How to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
• Grand Staircase: 9 Amazing Grand Staircase Escalante Hikes
• Grand Staircase: The Ultimate Coyote Gulch Backpacking Trip: Grand Staircase Escalante

Have you backpacked the West Rim Trail in Zion? Interested in taking on the adventure? Let us know in the comments section below!

Sarah Vaughan

Hello! I'm Sarah, one half of the couple behind Two Outliers! In 2023, I quit my job as a Data Scientist to travel around the world on an epic 15-month journey in search of the world's greatest hikes and outdoor adventures. Matt and I started Two Outliers in 2021 as a place for visitors to find concise, accurate, and honest information to plan their own adventures. We hope our experiences inspire you to hit the trail! Happy Hiking! Sarah

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Zion Traverse Backpacking Guide

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For an adventure that firmly grounds you in Zion National Park’s backcountry where few day hikers roam, The Zion Traverse, also called the Trans-Zion Trek, isn’t so much a single trail as it is a group of connected trails. If you can imagine yourself hiking through a stunning maze-like landscape of steep echoing canyons, soaring Navajo sandstone monoliths, high-plateaus pocked with pine and juniper, high-desert flora, seeps and springs, and a fascinating geology, then this is a trip for you.

One of the more logistically complicated hiking options in the park, the Zion Traverse offers lots of rewards for the effort. Stealth and observant hikers will catch glimpses of rare Zion snails (living in the hanging gardens throughout the park’s narrowest canyons), pinyon mice, mountain lions, bobcats, canyon tree frogs, golden eagles and great blue herons. As hard as the route is — and it is strenuous — some endurance runners run the entire 47 miles in under 8 hours. The Zion Traverse is something most will want to savor in three to six (or even seven, if you want to explore spur trails) days.

Quick Facts

• Distance : 48.3 miles (77.7 km)
• Days Needed : 3-6 days
• Peak Elevation:  7,441 feet
• Low Elevation: 4, 327’
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 6,334’ ascent and -6,646’ descent
• Best Travel Time:  April-May or September-October
• Permits : Required (see below)
• Difficulty : Moderate-Difficult
• Relative solitude — though you can expect to see other backpackers at certain points.
• Astonishing biodiversity due to the merging of three distinct ecological zones throughout the park.
• Beautiful hanging gardens
• Narrow canyons, tree-lined valleys, red rock skyscrapers and spectacular vista points throughout the route.
• Bugs rarely a bother
• Competitive permit process
• Can be susceptible to quickly changing weather
• Campfires prohibited
• Lots of sandy trail sections
• Parking at trailheads is complicated. Inquire at the Wilderness Desk for your best options on your day of arrival. Limited trailhead shuttle options.
• Summer daytime temperatures often exceed 100°F/38°C in the interior of the park.
• From mid-July into September monsoons bring an increased risk of flash floods.

Best Time to Travel

Spring (April-May), after the melt-off, provides reliable water and moderate temperatures. Fall (September-November) is much the same with water flowing once again after the monsoons (and flash floods) season has passed. Snowpack makes winter a no-go. Summer (June-August is typically very hot — highs in the high 80s and 90s, and water sources much more limited. If you decide to go in spring, be sure to check the Kolob SNOTEL report  to learn more about year-to-year forecasts. The Wilderness Desk can provide the latest conditions as you near the start date of your trip. Always be aware of the threat of storms and lightning and be prepared for a change of plans. Study the Weather and Climate  page for the Park’s weather forecast site and scan the park webcam before you head out.

Go East or Go West?

You’re able to travel eastbound or westbound – it really comes down to personal preference (like how quickly you like to tackle elevation changes when you hit the trail) and parking logistics. but there’s a good reason ultrarunners prefer westbound travel. Most hikers approach the route in an easterly fashion to avoid the 1,000 vertical feet ascent over 4.5 miles that are required to get to the Lee Pass trailhead westbound (it’s 400′ higher than the East Rim Trailhead). But a closer look at the route’s elevation profile and you soon realize that after the initial 1,000 ft. descent from Lee Pass, you are consistently climbing for 20 miles — albeit gradually — going east to the high point of Horse Pasture Mesa. And the biggest climb comes toward the end out of the North Fork. If you start at the East Entrance Trailhead, you climb 400′ more over the course of the westbound route, but the climb comes early in the traverse and instead of climbing for 20 miles, you get a rather continuous downhill stretch for those same miles instead.

Despite how competitive permits for this trip are, you won’t see a lot of other hikers. Campsites are well-spaced.

• Total Distance : 48.3 miles (77.7km)
• Total Elevation Gain/Loss:  6,334’ ascent and -6,646’ descent
• Best Travel Time:  April-May, September-October.
• Overall Difficulty : Moderate – Difficult

We rate this hike as moderate to difficult due to the remoteness, the somewhat steep grade, and complexity of exiting early (except near the end). As always, difficulty ratings depend on your experience, physical fitness, pack weight, and weather conditions. Although not a technically demanding hike, it requires careful planning for campsites and water resources. Like any backpacking trip, you should plan accordingly, train properly, know your limitations,  brush up on your skills , and dial in your gear . Doing so will make for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

Whether you plan to day hike or backpack, you need a wilderness permit . for any travel above Big Spring, which is just under half way up the main gorge of The Narrows.

Zion National Park releases half of all available permits for advance reservations vis-à-vis a calendar reservation system. Reservations are available online, for an additional $5 fee, up to three months in advance of your trip date and become available the fifth day of every month at 10am Mountain Time. So for a trip in June, you can look for permits starting April 5,, in July on May 5, and so one. For a more last-minute option, you can try to make a reservation (until 5pm MT) on the day before your trip if a permit is still available for your desire entry day.

When day trips are fully booked up through the aforementioned Calendar Reservations system, the Last Minute Drawing becomes an option. To get one, submit an online application to obtain any remaining reservations for permits. Requests can be submitted as early as one week prior to a trip date until two days before at noon MT. The drawing is held at 1pm MT, two days before a trip date. Any spaces not taken through the drawing will be available as Walk-in Permits the day before a trip date. The Last Minute Drawing is limited to one request per person.

If spaces still remain after the Last Minute Drawing, Walk-in Permits become available one day in advance of your desired trip. Most backpacking sites are also available as walk-in permits and are obtained at park visitor centers the day before your trip.

Permit Costs

• $15.001-2 people
• $20.003-7 people
• $25.008-12 people

Zion Express Membership –  Frequent visitors to Zion should consider enrolling in the Zion Express Membership . It allows members who have obtained a reservation to convert it to a permit online, three days before their trip. There’s no cost to enroll, no waiting in line to pick up permits, and reservation fees are applied to the cost of the permit. The entire flexible permit process can be completed online.

Trailhead Options

Depending on your hike direction, you will start or end your trip at two remote trailheads: Lee Pass Trailhead, located in the Kolab Canyon northwestern part of the part and The Zion National Park East Entrance, located near the eastern boundary of the park.

Lee Pass Trailhead – If heading eastbound, you will begin at the Lee Pass trailhead, which is located 4 miles up the hill from Exit 40 on I-15. Get directions to the trailhead here .

East Rim Trailhead – If heading westbound, you will begin at the East Rim trailhead, which is located on UT-9 within eyesight of the East Ranger Station. Get directions to the trailhead here .

*2018 KOLOB CLOSURE NOTICE:  SPRINGDALE, UT – Access to portions of the Kolob Canyons District of Zion National Park will be restricted due to a construction project beginning May 1, 2018. All of Kolob Canyons Road, the Visitor Center, and parking lot off of Interstate 15, will be closed to all traffic during the seven month project. The Taylor Creek Trail, Timber Creek Overlook Trail, Lee Pass Trailhead and other areas served via the Kolob Canyons Road will not be available to the public.

Overnight permitted hikes will be drop off / pick up only, from April 15 through April 30, 2018. No vehicles or hiking will be permitted inside the closure beginning May 1, 2018. Construction engineers and Park officials have determined that closing these areas during the project will be safest for visitors and workers, as well as expediting the work, so the area may open at the soonest possible date.

Visitors will be able to access the La Verkin Creek Trail and hike to the Kolob Arch via the Hop Valley Trail. Visitors may access the Hop Valley Trailhead from the Kolob Terrace Road. Overnight trips require a permit. There are many surrounding State Parks, Forest Service and public land scenic areas to consider as alternatives to Kolob Canyons during this closure.

Getting to Trailheads & shuttle options

The Zion Traverse requires some extra detailed planning or a lot of flexibility. It’s a 40-mile drive from Springdale to the Kolob Canyons entrance. You’ll need to take a shuttle service, hire someone to drive you, or take two cars and do a self-shuttle.

We found that the easiest and most logistically smooth way to complete the Zion Traverse is to hire a shuttle service. If traveling from West to East, you can leave your vehicle at the East Rim Trailhead and have a shuttle service pick you up there early morning on your first day and drive you to the beginning of your hike at Lee Pass trailhead. Generally, shuttle services pick you up from East Rim fairly early in the morning and get you to your starting trailhead 2-3 hours later, with several stops along the way.

We recommend contacting the following shuttle services for updated schedules and prices:

• Zion Adventure Company
• Red Rock Shuttle
• Zion Rock Mountain Guides

Camping is only permitted in designated campsites from La Verkin Creek Trail, Hop Valley Trail, and along the West Rim Trail. You need to pre-select your campsite when you get your permit. You cannot camp at any site for which you do not hold a permit and no camping is allowedalong the Connector Trail or the lower section of the East Rim Trail in Echo Canyon.

Campsites along the West Rim are quite a distance apart: Campsites 1-5 are among the most scenic, but require a long day of hiking from LaVerkin or Hop Valley. Limited at-large camping is available along the East Rim Trail, on a first-come, first-served, with a permit.

Along Wildcat Canyon Trail, camping is very limited and only permitted off the Northgate Peaks spur trail and east of Russell Gulch. You may camp on the east plateau above the Echo Canyon but nowhere along the trail through this area. The Wilderness Desk asks that you always avoid setting up tents near springs and seeps. Half of the campsites are available for pre-registration online .

Below are the campsites:

KOLOB CANYONS  Campsites #1-13 – The trail from Lee Pass descends into La Verkin Creek, the principal drainage in this section of the park and trail to Kolob Arch, Beartrap Canyon, Willis Creek and Hop Valley.

HOP VALLEY  Campsite # 8 – There is virtually only one spot in here to camp for a hiker about half way through this vertical walled valley. From here you follow a flat sandy trail as it winds through and climbs to Kolob Terrace Road and the Hop Valley Trailhead.

WILDCAT CANYON  – From the Hop Valley trailhead, head east on Connector Trail to Wildcat Canyon Trail where you can choose from a number of at-large sites, limited to 30 hikers.

LAVA POINT  –  If you want a side trip to Lava Point, there are 6 primitive campsites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. It’s above the Wildcat Canyon Trail.

WEST RIM   Campsites #1 – 9 Follow a fairly level section of trail that wends through pine forest and meadow, then skirts around the White Cliffs above Wildcat Canyon to join up with the West Rim Trail. These are at-large campsites, limited to a max of 50 hikers.

EAST RIM – From the Grotto Trailhead, you’ll hike north along the Zion Canyon Road to the Weeping Rock Trailhead (1 mile) and head up the East Rim Trail. Since there is no camping allowed anywhere in Echo Canyon, be prepared to hike all the way up to the top of the east plateau – there is no camping available on the lower part of this trail. The sites here are at-large with a limit of 50 hikers per night.

Below is a map provided by the Zion National Park showing mileage, campsites, and the general route of the Zion Traverse.

Possible Itineraries

Most people complete the Zion Traverse in 4-6 days. Below are a few sample itineraries. For more information on mileage between campsites, please refer to the Zion National Park website.

THREE NIGHT OPTION

• Camp 1 : Lee Pass TH to La Verkin Creek, camp near Kolob Arch campsites 7-10.
• Camp 2 : Hop Valley Trail to Northgate Peaks spur trail for a side trip and then on to West Rim site #9 camp.
• Camp 3 : Wildcat Canyon Trail to West Rim Trail, campsite #1 or 2 near Cabin Spring. Out the West Rim Trail via Angel’s Rest

FOUR NIGHT OPTION

• Camp 3 : Wildcat Canyon Trail to West Rim Trail, campsite #1 or 2 near Cabin Spring. Camp 4 : East Rim Trail, at-large camping on the plateau.

FIVE NIGHT OPTION This trip itinerary allows for extra time to explore this spectacular region and take side trips to Northgate Peaks, Lava Point, East Mesa Trail, Cable Mountain or Deertrap Mountain trails to the overlooks.

• Camp 1 : Lee Pass TH to La Verkin Creek, campsite #11 or 12 beyond Kolob Arch.  Camp 2 : Hop Valley Trail to Connector Trail to Wildcat Trail to the Northgate Peaks spur. At-large camping is permitted off of the Northgate Peaks West spur trail, staying east of Russell Gulch.
• Camp 3 : Take the West Rim Trail to West Rim site #9 with a side trip up to Lava Point lookout enroute (stash your packs for that part of the trip or setup cabin at Sawmill Spring and retrace back .8 miles to the Lava Point Trail intersection.)
• Camp 4 : Take West Rim Trail to the East Rim Trail and find an at-large basecamp on the plateau above the East Rim Trail. Next day take side trip to Cable Mountain or Deertrap Mountain overlooks, or East Mesa Trail.
• Camp 5 : East Rim Trail, at-large camping on the plateau again.

Maps & Guidebooks

The Zion Traverse follows a well-defined, established route on well-used trails. There are intersections that require decision-making, and a good map, and GPS can provide additional assurance. The route is not crowded, but portions of lower dayhike feeder trails can get busy. Dayhikers are unlikely to be familiar with directions on the trails that make up the Zion Traverse, so be sure to carry your own directional resources. Below are some resources that will round out trip planning.

• National Geographic Trails Illustrated Zion National – One of the best maps of the area. It includes campsites, trail descriptions and mileages, and is waterproof. Trails are clearly marked and feature mileages between intersections. Key areas of interest featured on this map include: Zion Narrows, Kolob Canyons, La Verkin Creek Trail, Hop Valley Trail, Wildcat Canyon, West Rim Trail, Floor of the Valley Road, East Rim Trail, Telephone Canyon, and the Virgin River.
• Hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks: A Guide To Southwestern Utah’s Greatest Hikes by Erik Molvar –  This is an excellent guide to all the trails that make up the Zion Traverse. It includes accurate directions to the trailheads, comprehensive trail descriptions, trail maps, route profiles, difficulty ratings, and valuable trip-planning information, including a checklist of essential gear.
• Best Backpacking Trips in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico  – This book offers detailed trip information for the Zion Traverse, as well as other great backpacking trips in the SW.
• We used Gaia GPS  for planning and navigation on this trip. Although we always carry paper maps, having a GPS handy is convenient.

As you get closer to your permit dates, check Zion National Park water source information for the status of marked water sources. The visitor centers also post signs indicating which springs are flowing. Springs will be noted as: Dry, Trickle and Flowing. Dry spring means no water is available. Trickle springs will have water but at a low enough volume that it’ll take a while to fill a water bottle. Flowingmeans just that — flowing heartily. You still need to filter/purify all spring, sweep and stream water in Zion National Park due to upland grazing that up the likelihood of contamination. We used the a combination of the SteriPen Ultra and Aquamira Chlorine Dioxide Drops . To learn more about other water purification options, check out our Best Backpacking Water Filters page.

If you go in late spring after a good snow year, water is pretty much available everywhere, even from unmarked streams — thanks to snowmelt. You’ll also find a few permanent water sources en route. Hop Valley flows most of the year, but since this valley is grazed, it’s best to avoid it entirely as it will retain a regrettable odor and taste even after purifying. Both La Verkin Creek and the North Fork are very reliable and much cleaner. The other permanent source is near the bathrooms at the Grotto Trailhead.

Other early and late season reliable sources include the stream a half-mile west of where Wildcat Canyon Trail crosses the streambed, and Beatty Spring, Sawmill Spring, Potato Hollow Spring, Cabin Spring (along the West Rim Trail, and Stave Spring near the East Rim Trail. If you’re heading in during early, mid or late summer, check conditions at the Wilderness Desk or visitor centers as many of these springs taper off during the hotter months. You can also take water from the Virgin River and Weeping Rock in the main canyon, as well as get water from the shuttle stop fountains.

Alternatively, if you have time, you could take Kolob Terrace Road and cache water near the Hop Valley Trailhead, the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead, as well as the West Rim Trailhead off Lava Point Road. In total, you’ll need to at least 4-6 liters per person per day if hiking in 80°F degree or higher weather. Higher temps, low humidity and elevation combine to put you at the higher end of this estimation.

Food Storage

Rodents and crows are an occasional, if not rare nuisance in Zion’s backcountry. If you plan to basecamp — leaving your tent and food at a campsite while taking a side trip day hike — consider carrying an Ursack  to keep rodents and birds from devouring your food. But don’t leave it in your tent, which will only tempt critters to peck or chew to get in.

Mosquitos and deer flies are not usually a huge problem on the Zion Traverse, except when there have been extensive periods of wet weather prior to your arrival. The same holds for no-see-ums, though, like skeeters, most are only an issue around dusk. Use a combination of permethrin  on your clothing and a small amount of DEET  on exposed skin for full protection.

Backpacking Gear

We prefer lightweight backpacking because it’s more comfortable and it allows us to cover more ground with less effort. For recommendations on our favorite lightweight backpacking equipment, check out the CleverHiker Gear Guide  and Top Picks  page.

What to Pack

TENT : We used the REI Co-op Quarter Dome 2  on this trip for its lightweight livability and convenience. This tent is a solid budget buy and makes our list of the best lightweight backpacking tents .

BACKPACK : We used the ZPacks Arc Blast  backpack on this trek. It’s lightweight, convenient, comfortable, and makes our list of the best lightweight backpacking packs .

SLEEPING BAG : We used the Enlightened Equipment Revelation  quilt and REI Magma  sleeping bag on this trek. Both are lightweight, incredibly warm, and make our list of the best backpacking sleeping bags .

SLEEPING PAD : We used the  Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite  and  Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated sleeping pads on this trip. Both are light, comfortable, warm, and make our list of the best backpacking sleeping pads .

COOKING SYSTEM : We used the BRS Stove ,  Snow Peak Mini Solo Cookset , and Snow Peak Folding Spoon  on this hike, all of which make our Top Picks  and Best Lightweight Stoves list.

WATER PURIFIER : We used the SteriPEN Ultra  as our main purification method on this trip. We also brought Aquamira Chlorine Dioxide Drops , in case the water had sediment, but we didn’t have to use them. Both options are lightweight and make our Best Water Purifiers list.

SHOES OR BOOTS : We wore Altra Lone Peak 3.5  trail runners on this trail and they were excellent. If you prefer boots, make sure they’re lightweight and break them in really well before your trip. Here’s why we prefer hiking in trail running shoes:  5 Reasons to Ditch Your Hiking Boots . Also, here’s our top picks for the Best Backpacking Footwear .

HEADLAMP : A small headlamp like the Petzl Actik  is an affordable, bright, and lightweight option.

FOOD : When backpacking the Zion Traverse you’ll have to carry all your food. Check out our Best Lightweight Backpacking Food Guide  and our Best Freeze Dried Backpacking Meals  for some of our go-to recommendations. You may want to bring an Ursack to protect your foods from rodents and ravens.

CLOTHING : Here are some of our favorite hiking/backpacking clothing items from our Top Gear list .

• 1 Rain jacket shell – Patagonia Storm Racer /  Rab Kinetic Plus
• 1 Down jacket –  Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
• 1 Pair hiking pants –  PrAna Zion Stretch  or running tights
• 1 Pair hiking shorts –  Nike dri fit running shorts
• 1-2 Hiking t-shirts –  Nike dri fit t-shirts
• 1 Long-sleeve shirt –  Nike dri fit quarter zip
• 1-3 Pair underwear –  ExOfficio boxer briefs  or or ExOfficio women’s briefs
• 1 Pair gloves or mittens

MAP &COMPASS : The Zion Traverse Trail follows a well-defined and established route, but the risk of getting lost is moderate. Still, you should always carry a topographical map  for route finding, water sources, mileage, and possible side trips. For good map options, read Maps & Guidebooks section above. We always hike with a quality compass , though the trails were easy to follow and we didn’t end up needing it on this trip.

FIRST AID KIT : Always bring a small personalized first aid kit. We use the Ultralight .7 Kit  and add extras, like painkillers and personal medications.

SUN PROTECTION : Sunglasses (polarized recommended), sunscreen, and spf lip balm are an absolute must on every backpacking trip.

POCKET KNIFE : We brought along a small Swiss Army Knife , which came in handy here and there.

OTHER ITEMS :

• SMALL TOWEL: the Nano pack towel  is great.
• CASH and ID
• PERSONAL TOILETRIES
• HAND SANITIZER: Always apply after using a bathroom and before eating.
• WET WIPES: These can be useful for cleaning up after hiking.
• INSECT REPELLANT: We always bring a 1oz bottle of DEET .You can also treat your clothing with Permethrin  prior to your trip.
• CAMERA: The Sony RX100  is our go-to camera for lightweight backpacking.

More Zion Traverse Photos

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We hope this guide helps you plan your trip along the Zion Traverse. Leave a comment below if you have any recommendations, questions, or suggestions. And if you found this guide helpful, please share and click the little heart button below to give us a digital high five!

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• CleverHiker Gear Guide
• CleverHiker Top Gear Picks
• Essential Trail Skills Videos
• Lightweight Gear Foundations Videos

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Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a geologic wonder, even by  Utah’s  lofty standards. Part of the Grand Staircase rock formation that runs from  Grand Canyon  to  Bryce Canyon , Zion’s white sandstone cliffs stand on their own. Hikers from around the United States and the world flock to Zion every year to reach the top of towering  Angel’s Landing  and wade through the depths of  the Narrows , both among the best hikes in Zion.  Backpacking in Zion is also popular, and an especially good way to escape the park’s often overwhelming crowds. Beyond the busy trailheads lay miles of wild backcountry, replete with mesas, slot canyons and arches.

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Load up this spotify playlist and get going., latest in zion national park, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/trips-by-national-park/zion-national-park/the-ultimate-guide-to-hiking-the-zion-narrows/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "the ultimate guide to hiking the zion narrows"}}'> the ultimate guide to hiking the zion narrows.

The Narrows at Zion National Park offers an incredible adventure in America's most amazing slot canyons. Here's how to safely explore them.

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From 100-feet-deep slot canyons to towering mesas, Zion National Park has it all.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/trips-by-national-park/zion-national-park/new-trail-will-run-from-st-george-to-zion-national-park/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "A New Paved Trail Will Let Hikers and Bikers Zip Through Zion’s Entry Lines"}}'> A New Paved Trail Will Let Hikers and Bikers Zip Through Zion’s Entry Lines

An 18-mile paved trail will run from St. George to Zion National Park and offer parking lots, bathrooms, benches, and more. But you'll be waiting for a while.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/trips-by-national-park/zion-national-park/angels-landing-hike-zion-national-park/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Hiking Angels Landing in Zion National Park: Everything You Need to Know"}}'> Hiking Angels Landing in Zion National Park: Everything You Need to Know

It's one of the classic day hikes of the United States—and with views like this, it's easy to see why.

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Scramble up classic redrock and take in the canyon country views on this 4-mile out-and-back.

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Get the story behind Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah—and how to see it yourself.

BACKPACKING IN ZION NATIONAL PARK:

Compared to some larger national parks, Zion is relatively small and doesn't have the numerous multi-day hike options like Yosemite or Glacier National Park, but there are several two-day backpacking routes that offer wonderful scenery and solitude, including the West Rim Trail and the La Verkin Creek Trail . Also gaining epic popularity is the " Trans-Zion Trek " (also known as the "Zion Traverse"), a 47-mile hike that connects several different trails to hike from one corner of the park to the other.

It is important to note that backpacking at one of the wilderness campsites is not the same as camping at the large campgrounds . While staying at the Watchman Campground or South Campground is more of a social experience with several amenities and facilities, the backpacking campsites along Zion's remote trails are primitive and are intended for smaller groups doing long hikes in Zion's wilderness.

Important Points for Backpackers:

A wilderness permit is required for any overnight hike and you must stay at your designated campsite. Some campsites are available for online reservation several months in advance, but other campsites are only available to walk-ins the day before or of your hike. Even if you have an online reservation, you must visit the Wilderness Desk at the Zion Visitor Center or Kolob Visitor Center to get your actual permit. See the NPS Zion Backpacking page for more information.

Wilderness campsites are primitive. No open fires are allowed and there are no facilities, restrooms, or garbage cans. Pack out all of your trash and leave the site clean for the next group.

Do not squat or poach any campsite that you don't have a permit for. During the height of the tourist season, almost all of the campsites get booked for every night. If you pitch a tent at the wrong campsite, you will ruin the experience for others who were expecting to get away from it all. Rangers do often come around and check permits.

You are required to pack out all solid human waste. Because of the overwhelming popularity of Zion's wilderness areas and campsites, nature cannot keep up with everyone digging catholes, so NPS requires that you pack it all out, including your poo and toilet paper. Let's talk about wag bags!

Limited at-large camping is permitted in only specific zones within Zion National Park (and you still need a permit). Some of these zones include the east plateau off of the East Rim Trail as well as sections of the Kolob Terrace off of the Northgate Peaks Trail and near Wildcat Canyon. See the NPS Wilderness Map for more information.

Classic Backpacking Routes:

WEST RIM TRAIL (Top-Down Hike)

Fairly strenuous hiking/backpacking. Starting from Lava Point or the West Rim Trailhead, the trek down the West Rim Trail is a long and beautiful hike along Zion's upper plateau, ending with a dramatic descent through the magical sandstone formations of the White Cliffs down to the Grotto in Zion Canyon. Numerous majestic viewpoints are found throughout the hike, including Angels Landing.

ZION NARROWS TOP-DOWN ROUTE

Strenuous river hiking/backpacking. Starting from Chamberlain's Ranch outside the northern corner of Zion National Park, the North Fork can be hiked top-down from the upper plateau. This is the less popular way to hike the Zion Narrows and can be done in a long and trying single day or better yet as a two-day backpacking hike. A Zion wilderness permit is required for any top-down hike.

LA VERKIN CREEK TRAIL

Strenuous hiking/backpacking. The La Verkin Creek Trail is the main connecting trail through the Kolob Canyons section of Zion. A long dayhike to see the Kolob Arch makes for a strenuous and rewarding day and is probably the most popular use of the trail. Numerous campsites also allow for longer options to explore Beartrap Canyon, Willis Creek or continue a trek through to Hop Valley.

CHINLE TRAIL and COALPITS WASH

Fairly strenuous day hike or backpacking. While there are many hiking possibilities in the "desert section" of Zion National Park, the Chinle Trail is the one official trail. Starting in the "Anasazi Plateau" residential development, the trail enters Zion and continues for seven miles, crossing over a petrified forest and the several named washes of the area. A handful of campsites are scattered along the trail for backpacking opportunities.

THE TRANS-ZION TREK

Strenuous 3 to 4-day backpacking. The "Trans-Zion Trek" (aka the "Zion Traverse") is a long multi-day hike that connects all of Zion's long trails together. The route is roughly 37 miles long and starts at Lee Pass in the Kolob Canyons section and ends at the Grotto in Zion Canyon. (The complete trek used to finish at the East Entrance before the 2019 landslide that closed the lower East Rim Trail.)

Continue to: Canyoneering Routes

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Alerts in effect, backpacking reservations.

*Please be aware that most backpacking sites, that are available for online reservation, will become fully booked for the next season within minutes of reservations opening on the 5th of the month at 10:00am mountain time.

Multi-night trips

• When available, you may book multi-night trips using the calendar tool. Keep in mind, some sites are not reservable in advance. Changing itineraries to walk-in only sites is sometimes possible at the Wilderness when you pick up your permit, depending on availability.
• Multi-night trips are not allowed in the Zion Narrows. Single-night trips or day hikes are the only option.
• You may not use a Wilderness campsite as a substitute for Frontcountry Camping to day hike in Zion Canyon.

Apply for an Online Calendar Reservation

Make a reservation for each night of your backpacking trip on the Zion National Park Overnight Wilderness Permits page or the Zion National Park Overnight Narrows Permits page on recreation.gov. Wilderness areas subject to natural forces such as: wildfires, rockfalls, flash floods, and other related factors that may cause closures or changes to trip plans. An online reservation does not guarantee that a trail, canyon, or resource will be open at the time of the trip.

First-Come, First-Serve, Walk-in Permits

• Half of the backpacking campsites in the Zion Wilderness are available on a first come, first serve, walk-in basis.
• Download the Zion Wilderness Map or full Zion Wilderness Guide to view which campsites are available by online calendar reservation and which campsites are available on a first come, first serve, walk-in basis.
• Permits must be obtained in person at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Desk during normal Hours of Operation . Permits can be obtained the day before, or day of the trip.

Obtain Your Wilderness Permit

• All Wilderness permits must be obtained in-person at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Desk.
• If you have made an Advanced Reservation, the individual listed as the reservation holder must be the one to obtain the permit in person. Please plan accordingly.
• Plan your trip itinerary to allow sufficient time to obtain your permit the day of, or the day before your trip during our Hours of Operation .
• Allow for at least 20 minutes to obtain a permit. Come prepared with all vehicle(s) information: make, model, and license plate(s).

Wilderness Permit Fee:

Permit Fee: $20 per permit (non-refundable) Per Person Fee: $7 per person per night (refundable) The same fees are charged for first-come, first-served permits that are issued in person. This fee supports the permit and reservation management system.

Wilderness Permits are Non-Transferable

Traveling in the Zion Wilderness requires careful planning and preparation. Permit holders assume the responsibility of ensuring that their group is aware of the risks involved, is self-reliant, has developed a back-up plan, and will follow park regulations. Because these are such important aspects of trip planning and resource protection, permits for trips into the Zion Wilderness are non-transferable. If you cannot participate in your trip, please cancel your reservation to provide opportunities for others. If other members of your group still wish to participate in a planned trip, you may coordinate with a new prospective permit holder for them to immediately reserve the available spaces or sites, as soon as your reservation has been cancelled. You may cancel your reservation online by logging in to your recreation.gov account. As soon as your reservation is cancelled, those spaces or sites will immediately be available for someone else to obtain through the Advanced Reservations page. New permit holders will need a recreation.gov Account prior to creating an Advanced Reservation. Plan your trip itinerary to allow sufficient time to obtain your permit the day of, or day before the trip during Zion Wilderness Desk Hours of Operation . The individual listed on the reservation must be the one to obtain the permit, please plan accordingly.

Embed Video

A step-by-step guide for using recreation.gov to apply for the Wilderness Overnight Permit in Zion National Park. This reservation is not a permit. Pick up your permit at the Wilderness Permit Office located within the Visitor Center either the day prior or day of your trip.

Last updated: March 30, 2024

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Contact info, mailing address:.

Zion National Park 1 Zion Park Blvd. Springdale, UT 84767

435-772-3256 If you have questions, please email [email protected]. Listen to recorded information by calling anytime 24 hours a day. Rangers answer phone calls from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. MT, but a ranger may not answer if they are already speaking with someone else.

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• Trip Styles
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• Zion National Park Hiking Tours

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ZION HIKING TOURS & VACATIONS

A must-see destination for nature lovers, Zion is like the Grand Canyon but it towers above us instead of below!

We offer multiple Zion hiking tours that explore Southern Utah’s national parks, many of them combining Zion with other Southwest and Utah highlights like Bryce, the Grand Staircase-Escalante, and Grand Canyon. We offer camping-based and inn-based Zion tours that showcase the best of Utah’s Canyon Country on day hikes complimented by wonderful camping or lodge-based accommodations. We also offer Zion Day Hike Tours for folks with less time who want to maximize their experience with the help of an expert!

Top Zion Trips

Top zion hiking tours.

• Most Popular – Best of Utah Inn-based
• Top Camping – Best of Utah Basecamp
• Best Weekend Tour – Zion & Bryce Inn-based
• Best Zion Only – Zion Basecamp Tour
• Top Parks – Zion, Bryce & Grand Canyon Tour
• Top Day Hike – Zion in a Day Tour

Zion National Park Hiking Tours Trip Styles

Zion Inn-based Tours

Zion Basecamp Tours

Zion Day Hike Tours

All Zion National Park Hiking Tours Trips ( 10 results)

Filter trips.

Trip Length

Ultimate Utah National Parks Hiking Adventure

Best of Utah Inn Based

Zion Basecamp Tour

Best of Utah Basecamp

Zion and Bryce 4 Day Tour

Zion Bryce Grand Canyon Tour

Zion In a Day Private Tour

Angels Landing Private Day Hike

Zion Narrows Private Day Hike

Snow Canyon Private Day Hike

WHY HIKE ZION WITH US?

1. ZION'S TOP HIKING COMPANY

Wildland Trekking has been funning guided hiking tours and backpacking trips in Zion and other Canyon Country destinations in Utah since 2006. We know this place like the back of our hands and we’re in love with it. It’s our passion for Canyon Country that has helped us earn the #1 tour company spot and solid 5-star status on Trip Advisor’s Zion page . We invite you to read some of the reviews and see for yourself what guests have to say about the Wildland experience!

3. ALWAYS SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES

Quality over quantity – that’s what it’s all about. Some Utah tour companies run tours with 24-30 guests and then brag about having 3 guides on every trip. Our philosophy in this regard is that there’s a sweet spot in the 6-12 guest range that creates the perfect social environment and amount of personal attention to have an exceptional experience. Fewer than 6 guests (unless it’s on a private tour) is too few, and more than 12 is too many. So we run our trips with 6-12 guests. Every now and then a tour runs with fewer than 6 guests, most often due to cancellations.

5. ALL-INCLUSIVE TOURS

One of the most important points for us is that we believe our guests should have to worry about as little as possible. For this reason we make all of our trips all-inclusive. What does this mean? It means that we provide local transportation, gear, meals, permits and fees, and of course your amazing Wildland guide(s). Many trekking and walking companies don’t provide all of this or charge add-on fees to have them included. With Wildland, it’s all in one easy-to-decipher package that is ready to go for you.

2. GUIDES MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

The most important ingredient in the “exceptional hiking experience” recipe is your guide. That are what makes the difference between an amazing experience and an average experience. We understand this only too well, and so put tremendous energy and intention into finding the best guides, training them well, supporting them to be their best, and fostering an internal culture of positivity and excellence. And, we believe it’s good for people to know that we follow all labor laws which is unfortunately very rare in the outdoor adventure industry.

4. PREMIER LODGING AND CAMPING

On our multi-day Zion hiking tours, many of which combine other national parks as well, we either camp or stay in lodges. Of course the choice is yours as to which type of trip you’d like to join. Either way though the lodging and camping is in premier locations. On our inn-based tours we stay near Zion, Bryce and/or the Grand Staircase-Escalanate National Monument in hand-picked, wonderful accommodations. On our basecamp tours we stay in private or state park campgrounds specifically selected for their natural beauty, amenities and proximity to phenomenal hiking.

Video Introduction to Our Utah Inn-based and Basecamp Tours

Check out a video introduction to our Zion, Bryce and Escalante frontcountry tours. These include inn-based and basecamp trips, some of which also include the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

more information about hiking zion

Are there guided hikes in zion.

Zion National Park is an excellent place to join a guided hiking tour. With a quality Zion tour company, you can beat the crowds, explore more of the Park, make the most of your time in Zion, and learn about the amazing history of not just Zion, but also the Colorado Plateau and Utah’s Canyon Country. On a multi-day guided Zion hike, you can enjoy having all of the details (permits, reservations, gear, meals, transportation…etc.) taken care of for you so you can focus entirely on exploring the most dramatic of Utah’s incredible national parks.

the wildland trekking utah experience

We offer many ways to explore and discover Utah, with tours in Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National park, Grand-Staircase-Escalante, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park and the Paria Slot Canyons. When you hike with us in Zion, you can expect to have an unforgettable experience that takes you to the must-see highlights of the national park(s) we’re visiting, but also off-the-beaten-path hikes that show you some of the undiscovered gems as well. The camping accommodations in Utah are comfortable and scenic, and the lodging is in hand-picked hotels, cabins, and inns that put you right where the action is.

why hike zion?

Zion is one of Utah’s most popular national parks, and for very good reason. Zion is sort of an above-ground Grand Canyon, in that the geologic layers are as sheer and stunning as in Grand Canyon, but they ascend up to buttes and mesas instead of descending down into canyons. Defined by 7 geologic layers and the famous Virgin River Narrows, Zion is a trekking paradise with hiking trails appropriate for all abilities. Our Zion hiking tours include a Zion basecamp tour; Zion and Bryce lodge-based tour; and Best of Utah inn-based and basecamp tours; and a Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon inn-based tour.

hike zion on your own or with a guide?

• Hiking with expert guides who can help Zion come to life in enriching and exciting ways through stories, natural and cultural interpretation, tidbits of knowledge, knowing how to navigate this popular national park to find degrees of solitude, and identifying and enjoying the best hikes.
• Relax and let us take care of all the details including campground or hotel reservations, transportation, meals, permits and fees, gear and more. Our guests tell us again and again that this is an invaluable benefit in today’s busy world, where the efforts to effectively plan a trip can be time-consuming and tedious.
• Combining Zion with other amazing hikes in Utah, like Bryce, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
• Increased safety standards that come with medically certified wilderness guides who carry company-issued emergency communication devices and comprehensive first-aid kits.

WHEN TO TREK IN ZION

• December-February : winter in Zion is the quietest time of year to be there in terms of other visitors. It’s absolutely lovely having this stunning national park a lot to yourself. Average temperatures include highs in the upper 40s and lows in the mid 20s (both fahrenheit). Winter storms are definitely a possibility, but so are beautiful, sunny days with cool but manageable hiking temperatures. We do not offer backpacking and basecamp tours in Utah in the winter, but we do offer lodge-based tours, particularly our Zion and Bryce Lodge-based Tour .
• March-May : Spring is, along with Fall, an absolutely wonderful time to visit Zion and other Utah national parks like Bryce Canyon , Grand Staircase-Escalante , Canyonlands and Arches . Spring is relatively busy, especially during the spreak break weeks in late March and early-mid April. To avoid the larger crowds, plan your trip in early-mid March or late April through mid May. Temperatures are mid: highs in the low 50s to upper 60s and lows in the 30s and 40s. Expect the possibility of a late winter storm in March and April and generally dry conditions in May.
• June-August : Summer in Zion can be quite warm (mid to upper 80s fahrenheit) and this is the time of year when you’ll see the largest crowds. Don’t expect to have Zion to yourself in the summer, but you can still expect to have a marvelous experience hiking the Narrows and Angels Landing , with incredible views of Zion Valley and its breathtaking sandstone walls, spires and other formations.
• September-November : Fall, like Spring, is a fantastic time of year to visit and hike Utah’s national parks . The summer crowds have tapered off a bit and temperatures are nearly perfect for being outside and going on hikes (highs in the mid 50s to high 70s fahrenheit, lows in the 30s and 40s.) Fall tends to be pretty dry once the summer monsoons have dissipated, normally in mid September. There is the possibility of an early winter storm in November. Camping trips and backpacking trips are best in September and October, and inn-based tours in November.

ZION VISITOR INFORMATION

Tips for visiting zion national park.

• VISITING ZION : Learn about Zion’s top highlights, best hikes, best tours, visiting in winter months and a lot more!
• WHEN TO VISIT ZION : Get information on every month of the year and find out which one will work best for you.
• 10 BEST ZION HIKES : See our recommendations of the 10 best hikes in Zion National Park – these are outstanding!
• TOP ZION TOURS : Learn about the best tours to do, including hikes, canyoneering, bicycle tours, climbing and more.
• WHAT TO SEE IN ZION IN ONE DAY : Find out how to make the very most of one day in Zion National Park.
• HOW TO HIKE THE ZION NARROWS : Learn everything you need to know to hike Zion’s Virgin River Narrows.
• ZION BACKPACKING PERMITS : Get information on how to secure Zion National Park backpacking permits.

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16 Best Hikes In Zion National Park

Some of the best hikes in Zion National Park include famous Utah trails like Angels Landing , The Narrows, and Observation Point , but there are also some short and easy Zion hikes with nice views and not too many people.

Founded in 1919, Zion was Utah’s first national park, and today it’s ranked as one of the most popular national parks in the United States . There’s a good reason for that, because the scenery in Zion National Park is extraordinary. This is definitely one for the bucket list !

Among other things, Zion National Park is home to one of the world’s biggest slot canyons (The Narrows), one of the longest natural arches (Kolob Arch), and arguably one of the most exciting day hikes in the world ( Angels Landing ).

We’ve visited this special park many times over the years, and I finally wrote up this list of the best hikes in Zion National Park. This isn’t a complete list of every nice hiking trail in the park, but these are just some of the very best Zion hikes in my opinion!

Table of Contents show Best Hikes In Zion National Park 1. Angels Landing Hike 2. Observation Point Trail 3. The Narrows 4. Zion Canyon Overlook Trail 5. Pa’rus Trail 6. Riverside Walk 7. The Subway 8. The Watchman Trail 9. Court of the Patriarchs 10. Hidden Canyon Trail 11. Taylor Creek Trail 12. Timber Creek Overlook Trail 13. La Verkin Creek Trail More Great Hikes Near Zion National Park 14. Red Hollow Slot Canyon 15. Spring Creek Canyon 16. Kanarra Canyon & Falls Best Short & Easy Zion Hikes Slot Canyon Hikes Near Zion National Park Map Of The Best Zion Hikes Where To Stay At Zion Best Utah Tours More Zion Hiking Guides

Best Hikes In Zion National Park

1. angels landing hike.

I have to start with Angels Landing , because it really is the king of Zion hikes. If you only do one hike in Utah and the national parks, make it this one.

It’s an epic and scary trail that takes you up the side of a steep sandstone mountain, with chains to grab onto for safety, and amazing views of Zion National Park surrounding you on all sides. Permits are required since 2022.

The Angels Landing chain section is especially noted for being hair-raising and hazardous, and there have been a number of falling deaths on this hike over the years, although it’s plenty safe if you stick to the trail.

At times, the trail will only be a few feet wide, and you’ll have to hug the side of the mountain. Not all of this section has chains, but the most sketchy parts do for your safety.

Angels Landing — one of the best Zion hikes!

I wouldn’t say the Angels Landing trail is for everyone, but if you enjoy adventure, photography, and a good adrenaline rush, then definitely add it to your bucket list!

The final view at Angels Landing gives you a 360 degree panorama of Zion Canyon, along with the tiny roads and shuttle buses below, and you can even look down at the gigantic peak you just climbed.

It’s easily one of the best hikes in Zion National Park, but it’s also one of my favorite views on any hike we’ve ever done in our travels around the world.

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km) roundtrip Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet (460 m) Difficulty: Hard

Read More: Angels Landing Hike

The craziest view on the Angels Landing hike

2. Observation Point Trail

The Observation Point trail is a bit underrated, but it’s easily one of the best hikes in Zion National Park. This one takes you to a viewpoint above Zion Canyon and the entire park.

Spread out in front of you are many of Zion’s best sights like the Great White Throne, Cathedral Mountain, and Angels Landing. We could even see the tiny people hiking to the top of Angels Landing, and the roads and shuttle buses looked like toys in the distance.

The elevation here at Observation Point is more than 700 feet above Angels Landing, so you really do have a bird’s-eye view of Zion National Park.

Observation Point — one of the best Zion hikes

It’s fantastic scenery, and since this hike is less popular than other places in Zion, you don’t have to worry about sharing it with massive crowds like at The Narrows.

In fact, if you go early on a weekday you may even have the place to yourself, except for a few chipmunks running around looking for snacks.

The main trailhead for this hike was closed as a result of a big rockfall in 2019 that wiped out part of the trail and switchbacks.

However, you can still access Observation Point from the East Mesa Trail, which is actually an easier hike anyway. From this route it’s a relatively short and simple hike with stunning end views, so definitely add it to your Zion bucket list!

Distance: 7 miles (11 km) roundtrip Elevation Gain: 700 feet (215 m) Difficulty: Easy / Moderate

Read More: Observation Point Trail

Observation Point Trail in Zion National Park

3. The Narrows

Of course I have to mention the mother of all slot canyons , the Zion Narrows!

This is a giant gorge with walls a thousand feet tall, and the Virgin River flows through it. Hiking the Narrows involves walking in water, and if you go the full length it’s 16 miles total.

The good news is that the Narrows is open to all fitness levels because you don’t have to hike to the end of the gorge. You can stop and turn around whenever you want.

It’s possible to hike the entire Narrows in one full day if you get a permit in advance, but most people just go partway and then turn back (no permit required for that).

The bad news is that the Narrows is getting extremely popular. The crowds kind of ruined it for us. If you’re really intent on seeing the Narrows without crowds, I’d recommend getting a permit and hiking it from the top down. Otherwise, you may want to go to one of the other hikes in Zion National Park instead.

Distance: 9 – 16 miles (14 – 25 km) roundtrip Elevation Gain: Minimal Difficulty: Easy / Moderate

The Narrows is one of the most popular Zion hikes

Huge canyon walls of the Zion Narrows

4. Zion Canyon Overlook Trail

The Canyon Overlook Trail is one of the shortest hikes in Zion National Park, but the views at the end are wonderful.

This hike can be done by families with little kids, as well as older folks. There are some sections with steep drop-offs, but the most dangerous parts are protected with a sturdy metal railing, so it’s never too scary.

The start of this hike is actually the toughest part, because you have to climb some stairs. Even though it’s a very short hike, you’ll want to bring water. There are a few shady spots along the trail, including a shallow cave or alcove, but much of the trail is in the sun.

At the end, you get monumental views of Zion Canyon. It’s almost similar to the final view at the top of Angels Landing, but with less work!

Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip Elevation Gain: 200 feet (60 m) Difficulty: Easy

The Canyon Overlook Trail is a relatively easy Zion hike

The final view on the Canyon Overlook Trail

5. Pa’rus Trail

If you’re looking for short, flat, and easy Zion hikes, the Pa’rus Trail is a great place to start. This one is very easy to reach because it’s right next to the campground, the Zion visitor center, and the main parking area.

The Pa’rus Trail is the only hike in Zion National Park that’s open to bicycles and pets, and it’s also one of the only trails that’s completely wheelchair-accessible.

This paved hike follows the Virgin River, and you can often see wildflowers and deer. Don’t expect anything too dramatic or earth-shattering, but it’s quiet and pleasant, with great views of Zion Canyon and the Watchman.

Along the trail, there are exhibits that explain a bit of the history and geology of Zion National Park. There’s very little shade, though, so if you go in the summer then the morning or evening is the best time to do this hike and beat the heat.

Distance: 3.2 miles (5.1 km) roundtrip Elevation Gain: Minimal Difficulty: Easy

Pa’rus Trail — one of our favorite easy Zion hikes!

Crowd-free views at Pa’rus Trail

6. Riverside Walk

The Riverside Walk is a good option if you want to see views similar to the Zion Narrows, but without as much effort. This is an easy family stroll, so it’s wheelchair accessible and perfect for kids.

The entire path is paved and you don’t have to walk through any water, unlike the Narrows. Along the way, you can see chipmunks, squirrels, and deer, plus impressive views of the giant canyon walls. It’s like a preview of the Zion Narrows. After all, Riverside Walk is the access point for the Narrows!

This is a popular hike, so if you want to avoid the crowds it’s best to go earlier in the day. There’s lots of shade at that time too.

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) roundtrip Elevation Gain: Minimal Difficulty: Easy

The Riverside Walk is one of the easiest Zion hikes — great for all ages!

7. The Subway

The Subway is a challenging and semi-technical day hike where you can enter a unique-looking slot canyon that looks a bit like a subway tunnel. Permits are required, which you can read about on the NPS website here .

This hike is kind of like a more intense version of the Narrows, and it involves swimming, wading, scrambling, and climbing. You’re rewarded with some of the most unique views in Zion, and the managed access permits mean you won’t have to share it with any crowds!

Distance: 9 miles (15 km) roundtrip Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet (400 m) Difficulty: Hard    

8. The Watchman Trail

The Watchman Trail is another nice hike that you can reach pretty easily (without any shuttle) by walking from the Zion visitor center or the campgrounds. This hike has awesome views of Zion and the iconic mountain peak known as the Watchman.

Like many of the best hikes in Zion National Park, the difficulty of the Watchman Trail really depends on when you go. In the middle of a summer day, the heat can be excruciating. Other than that, kids can do this hike just fine.

The path starts out flat, but then there’s a fair amount of uphill walking, so it’s definitely more enjoyable if you go in the morning or evening when the temps are cooler.

Distance: 3 miles (5 km) roundtrip Elevation Gain: 600 feet (180 m) Difficulty: Easy / Moderate

Watchman Trail — one of the best Zion hikes

Looking back toward Zion Canyon

9. Court of the Patriarchs

This is a very quick and easy 5 minute stroll with great views of three Zion mountains that were named for the Biblical patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They were named by a Methodist minister who was inspired by the scenery of Zion Canyon in 1916.

Some people may find this one a bit disappointing because it’s almost too short to even call it a hike, but why not knock it out anyway since it’s so short? The viewpoint is amazing!

Court of the Patriarchs is the 4th stop on the Zion shuttle system, so it’s easy to visit as you enter the park in the morning, or on the way out of the park later in the day.

The three Zion patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob

10. Hidden Canyon Trail

The Hidden Canyon is another underrated hike in Zion with amazing views and not as many people as the blockbuster hikes like the Narrows. There’s even a natural arch at the end of the trail.

This one can be scary if you’re afraid of heights, and it has a chain section with steep drop-offs that are reminiscent of Angels Landing. Overall, it’s not as long or as challenging as Angels Landing, but this hike may not be a good one to bring the kids.

Unfortunately, this trail was closed because of a rockfall in 2018 , and it’s been closed ever since. Keep an eye on the NPS website for updates, and hopefully it will re-open before too long!

Distance: 3 miles (5 km) roundtrip Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet (300 m) Difficulty: Moderate    

11. Taylor Creek Trail

The Taylor Creek Trail is an underrated and wonderful hike in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park. It features two historic cabins, a majestic canyon, and a double arch alcove.

Keep in mind the Kolob Canyons are not located in the same section of the park as Zion Canyon, so about 1 hour of driving is needed to get here from Springdale, but it’s well worth the effort if you want to see the less touristy side of Zion.

The cabins on this trail were built in the 1930s, before Kolob was included in the national park boundaries. One of them, called the Larson Cabin, is extremely photogenic and you can reach it in about 20-30 minutes from the trailhead.

You can finish the whole hike in a few hours, and it’s pretty level overall, so kids can do it too. It’s definitely one of the best hikes in Zion National Park!

Distance: 5 miles (8 km) roundtrip Elevation Gain: 600 feet (180 m) Difficulty: Easy

Taylor Creek Trail — one of the best hikes in Zion National Park

This photogenic cabin is in the Kolob Canyons section of the park

12. Timber Creek Overlook Trail

This is a short and easy little hike in the Kolob Canyons that gives you wonderful views of a less traveled side of Zion National Park.

Again, this hike is part of the Kolob Canyons, which is not located in the same section of the park as Zion Canyon, so about 1 hour of driving is needed to get here from Springdale, but it’s worth it!

Timber Creek is just a quick walk to a viewpoint, and you can reach the end of the trail in about 15 minutes or less. It’s fun for kids too, and the payoff at the last viewpoint is just amazing.

Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip Elevation Gain: 250 feet (75 m) Difficulty: Easy

Timber Creek Overlook in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion

13. La Verkin Creek Trail

The La Verkin Creek Trail is one of the best Zion hikes in the Kolob Canyons, but it’s also a fair challenge. This is a long day hike, and it can take upwards of 7-10 hours roundtrip, depending on your pace. Come prepared, and bring more water than you think you’ll need.

The final destination of this hike is a view of the Kolob Arch, which is interesting because it’s one of the longest natural arches in the world. The span is more than 287 feet (87 meters), which makes it just barely shorter than the Landscape Arch in Arches National Park.

Along the La Verkin Creek Trail, you also get some great views of the canyons and surrounding cliffs. All in all, it’s a great day hike without the crowds you might see at some of the most famous Zion hiking trails!

Distance: 15 miles (25 km) roundtrip Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet (515 m) Difficulty: Moderate / Hard

The spectacular Kolob Canyons of Zion

More Great Hikes Near Zion National Park

14. red hollow slot canyon.

The Red Hollow Slot Canyon is a short and easy hike in Orderville, Utah, not too far from the Zion and Bryce national parks. You can reach the trailhead in about 1 hour of driving from Springdale.

This is a very photogenic hike, with nice red rock colors and steep canyon walls. As a bonus, Red Hollow Canyon is easy to reach and great for kids.

There’s one very tight slot that’s great for chimneying or stemming , where you place your back against one wall and then push your feet on the other wall to cross the gap. This type of maneuver was new to us, but we had a lot of fun learning how to do it.

All in all, this was one of our favorite Utah slot canyons!

Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip Elevation Gain: 100 feet (30 m) Difficulty: Easy

Read More: Red Hollow Slot Canyon

15. Spring Creek Canyon

The Spring Creek Canyon is another nice slot canyon by the little town of Kanarra, located less than 1 hour from Zion National Park.

This one is a pretty easy hike, and it has bright reddish-orange rock colors that can be really stunning with the right amount of sunlight.

We did Spring Creek on a weekday and the trail was almost completely empty, so that’s another thing it has going for it!

Distance: 5.5 miles (8.8 km) roundtrip Elevation Gain: Minimal Difficulty: Easy

16. Kanarra Canyon & Falls

The Kanarra Creek slot canyon is unique for having two waterfalls in the canyon, and it’s just a 1 hour drive from Zion National Park. It’s definitely one of our favorite hikes in the Zion area!

The first waterfall is near the start of the slot canyon, and it’s easy to pass thanks to a new metal ladder that was just installed by the city of Kanarraville. The second waterfall comes into view a bit later.

Overall, I’d probably rate this hike as easy, even though it’s a bit longer and has more elevation gain than many of the slot canyons in Utah.

Nowadays you have to pay for a permit to do the Kanarra Creek hike because of its popularity, and there are a limited number of permits available per day. These sell out often, so you’ll want to plan ahead.

Distance: 4 miles (6.5 km) roundtrip Elevation Gain: 650 feet (200 m) Difficulty: Easy

The magnificent walls of Kanarra Creek Slot Canyon

Best Short & Easy Zion Hikes

If you’re mainly looking for short and easy Zion hikes, here are some top recommendations:

• Canyon Overlook Trail — 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip
• Court of the Patriarchs — 0.2 miles (0.3 km) roundtrip
• Pa’rus Trail — 3.2 miles (5.1 km) roundtrip
• Riverside Walk — 2 miles (3.2 km) roundtrip
• Taylor Creek Trail — 5 miles (8 km) roundtrip
• Timber Creek Overlook Trail — 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip
• Watchman Trail — 3 miles (5 km) roundtrip

All of these Zion trails will be pretty easy for most hikers, and several of them are suitable for seniors or families with kids. The best wheelchair accessible hikes are Pa’rus Trail and the Riverside Walk.

The Pa’rus Trail is nice if you’re looking for easy Zion hikes

Slot Canyon Hikes Near Zion National Park

There are a bunch of good slot canyons near Zion National Park, and it’s possible to combine one or two of these with a visit to the park.

You may have to do a little bit of driving, but it’s worth it!

Here are some of the best Zion slot canyons:

• The Narrows (inside Zion National Park)
• Keyhole Canyon (inside Zion National Park)
• The Subway (inside Zion National Park)
• Red Hollow Canyon (30 miles east of Zion)
• Red Canyon Kanab (40 miles east of Zion)
• Spring Creek Canyon (45 miles northwest of Zion)
• Kanarra Creek & Falls (45 miles northwest of Zion)
• Buckskin Gulch & Wire Pass (90 miles east of Zion)
• Willis Creek Slot Canyon (100 miles northeast of Zion)

These are some of the best slot canyons near Zion. With a bit of exploring, you may be able to find others as well!

Read More: Utah Slot Canyon Guide

Map Of The Best Zion Hikes

Here’s a map of Zion hikes you can use to plan your own road trip. A lighter color is used to mark some nice hikes that are outside of Zion National Park, but still near it and close enough to reach with a bit of driving.

You can click the icons to get more info on each point of interest, but keep in mind some of the locations on this map may be approximate.

For more detailed information on how to find the exact trailheads for these Zion hiking trails, you can check out my individual travel guides for each hike.

Where To Stay At Zion

Red Rock Inn

SpringHill Suites

Best Western+

Flanigan's Inn

Best Utah Tours

More zion hiking guides.

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this list of some of the best hikes in Zion National Park. These have been some of our favorites over the years.

Don’t forget to check out my Utah slot canyon guide as well as my complete list of the best hikes in Utah !  

• Best Hikes In Utah: A Complete Guide
• Best Slot Canyons In Utah
• How To Do The Angels Landing Hike In Zion
• How To Hike To Observation Point From The East Mesa Trail
• Antelope Canyon Tours In Arizona: Which Is Best? (Upper, Lower, X)

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Nice blog, keep it up.

Mate, thanks for this guide. Been searching for detailed information on hikes in America and this is the only article so far that’s given everything I need. Just added this place to my map so I don’t forget to visit. Cheers!

Zion National Park has been on my bucket list for a while, and this article has solidified my desire to visit even more. The author’s vivid descriptions of the best hikes within the park, from the iconic Angel’s Landing to the lesser-known Hidden Canyon, have me yearning for an immersive outdoor experience. I appreciate the inclusion of practical advice, like bringing enough water and wearing proper footwear, to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike. Thank you for this informative guide!

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Top 3 Overnight Backpacking Hikes in Zion National Park

Zion National Park is about as perfect of a place to go backpacking than anywhere else you could find. Every single one of the Zion backpacking trails is amazing , and there are a lot of hikes that you can choose from. In this article, we’ll recommend three of our favorites, as well as being great for beginners and experienced tourists alike. There aren’t very many activities that help your mind and body reset, reenergize, and reprioritize as well as overnight backpacking. And remember, always plan your backpacking trips to begin early. You don’t want the sun to go down and not be where you want to be.

West Rim Trail

There are a couple of different ways that you can hike this trail, but we think the best way is the top-down, two-day backpacking route that begins at Lava Point. This starting point is about a 19-mile drive from the town of Springdale, so we recommend having someone drive there or calling up one of the many adventure companies in town to drive you up there so you don’t have to spend time getting a vehicle after your hike is all finished. This hike is pretty hard even though it’s downhill most of the way. The scenery just keeps getting better and better as the hike progresses, culminating in the best scenery of all atop Angel’s Landing who’s trail connects toward the end of the West Rim Trail. Length: 18 miles.

The Narrows (Top-Down Route)

The world-famous Narrows is one of the most fun and rewarding hikes in the world. If you hike the whole Narrows, top to bottom, it’s roughly 17 miles and is a wonderful, overnight, two-day excursion. One of the coolest parts of hiking the whole Narrows for two days is that you get to see the canyon transform into the majestic slot canyons that make The Narrows famous. Spending two whole days in The Narrows is an experience that you’ll never forget. It’s incredible. Remember to consider the weather in your planning. Rain and The Narrows together do not bode well for hikers. Even rain that isn’t falling directly over The Narrows itself can spell danger in the form of flash floods. Be smart.

La Verkin Creek Trail

This is certainly the shortest trail on our list, but that doesn’t exclude it from becoming a two-day overnight Zion backpacking trip. The La Verkin Creek Trail is chock full of amazing sights and scenery. Two days are needed to really see it all properly, in our opinion. This is the trail where the Kolob Arch is located, which you may have heard of; and this is just one of the many beautiful things you’ll see on this trek. If you want to, you can even extend your journey another day and more miles and head toward Willis Creek. Another thing this trail is known for is its camp sights. There are many designated camping spots all along La Verkin Creek that will make your overnighter very enjoyable.

If backpacking is your thing, then Springdale and Zion Canyon should be your place. Come stay at the Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens before and after your overnight Zion backpacking trip to make your vacation even better.

Zion Backpacking

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In 2023, Utah’s Zion National Park recorded over 4.6 million recreation visits. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the city of Las Vegas welcomed over 40.8 million visitors in 2023. In the middle of the Venn Diagram formed by these two statistics are the dynamic travelers who love the big city and the backwoods. Clocking in at around two hours and 10 minutes, the trip from Las Vegas to Zion National Park treats you to a fascinating journey from a hyper-developed tourism hub to a serene and awe-inspiring natural wonder. Curious to experience this journey for yourself? Make the trip extra memorable with this list of six attractions to see on the trip from Las Vegas to Zion National Park .

Need more info on all of these gorgeous places? Find it in these guides to destinations like Lake Mead and Valley of Fire State Park .

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

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If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

Alya and Campbell

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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The best things to do and places to visit in Moscow, Russia

Updated On 14th October, 2021

While Moscow isn’t always at the top of everyone’s Europe bucket list , it’s certainly one of the best places to visit in Europe if you’re looking for a more alternative adventure! In this blog post I plan on sharing some of the free things to do in Moscow, as well as the best places to visit in Moscow, so that you can enjoy some of the best things to do in Russia! 

Moscow, the capital of Russia, sits in the European part of the country. It’s an incredibly beautiful city, which I personally found to be more beautiful than Saint Petersburg (which is often people’s preference). The capital is certainly a lot busier, and less laid back than Saint Petersburg , but it’s a much more colourful and vibrant city, full of stunning and unique architecture.

Visiting famous landmarks such as The Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral, enjoying some of the green space in Gorky Park, watching a ballet in the Bolshoi Theatre… these are just a few reasons that you should visit Moscow! On top of that, because of visa restrictions (we’ll get onto that later), it’s also one of the most unique destinations in Europe. 

There is a common misconception that Moscow is a dangerous city, but now that I’ve visited, I don’t believe this to be true. I would say the same rules apply here as to other large cities: avoid walking in dark areas alone at night, keep an eye on your belongings on public transport, and be streetwise. There’s no reason to avoid visiting this energetic city and miss out on these amazing things to do in Moscow! 

It would take months if you wanted to truly explore Moscow because it’s a huge city, but I’m going to share some of my favourite things to do in Moscow and places to visit in Moscow so that you can prepare for your upcoming adventure! Even if you’re only there for a few days, you should be able to fit in these highlights from my trip. 

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Where is Moscow?

If you’re wondering ‘Where is Moscow, Russia?’ then you’ve come to the right place! Moscow in in west Russia, the European part, and it’s the capital city. 

How do you get to Moscow?

Getting a visa for moscow:.

To get into Russia, you need to get a visa. The processing time is approximately 20 days, and you’ll need to have your fingerprints taken at a visa centre in London , Edinburgh or Manchester. You can find out more about getting a visa for Russia here.  

Getting to Moscow:

Once you’ve got your visa, the easiest way to get to Moscow from the UK is by flying. Direct flights between London and Moscow take just under four hours, and with an airport layover you’re looking at a 6-7 hour trip. You can also fly in from many other major European and international cities. 

Top tip: Check out flights to and from Copenhagen on  Skyscanner here.

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16 best places to visit in Moscow...

1. st basil’s cathedral.

The most iconic building in Russia and one of the most iconic buildings in the world. St Basil’s Cathedral is one of the best places to visit in Moscow, if not the best! 

St Basil’s is situated on Red Square, where you’ll also find many other popular places to visit in Moscow. In my opinion this still stands out against them all. There’s something about the multi coloured domes against the Moscow skyline that I found quite spectacular. 

Although I’d already been in Russia for several days, it wasn’t until I was at this amazing piece of architecture that I really felt I was in Russia.

The cathedral was built by order of Ivan the Terrible, and apparently after the architect completed it, Ivan blinded him so that he could never build anything more beautiful. Whether or not this story is true, it certainly adds a bittersweet feeling as you stand admiring the beauty of St Basil’s Cathedral.

Inside is a museum displaying many historic items once used at the cathedral, which costs 700 rubles to enter. In my opinion it’s worth the entry fee, as simply seeing the ornate interior walls is a spectacle in itself.

2. The Kremlin

This historic fortress that sits on Red Square is probably the largest landmark and one of the most popular places to visit in Moscow. It’s the official residence of the President, although he doesn’t actually live there. It’s been rebuilt many times since it was first constructed in 1147 out of wood, before Ivan III the Great ordered it to be made from stone, which is the Kremlin you’ll recognise today. 

This place is huge, and there’s quite a lot to see. The first problem I had was finding where the entrance was. Even though I had a pre-booked ticket, I was then told I still had to visit the ticket office to exchange it for another ticket. I also needed my passport, so make sure you have yours if you plan to visit the Kremlin. After a lengthy queue I finally had a ticket I could use to enter the Kremlin, and had to go through security. The security here is thorough, so make sure you don’t take too much in with you. I had my pockets full, and it was a nightmare emptying them and explaining each item, before I was finally allowed in. Once inside you can pay for extra tickets to visit the various museums, however there’s also quite a lot to see simply on the grounds if you don’t want to spend too much. 

See more tips for travelling on a budget here. 

There’s so much to see here, including The Assumption Cathedral, Ivan the Great Bell Tower Complex, the Grand Kremlin Palace, the Armoury Chamber and Diamond Fund. There is also the Tsar Cannon (a huge artillery cannon), and the Tsar Bell. The Tsar Bell is the largest bell in the world. An incident with a fire and water being poured over the bell caused it to crack and for a slab to break off from it, which can now be seen propped up next to it.

As you walk around the grounds you’ll hear the sound of whistles. The guards patrolling the area will blow a whistle at anyone walking where they shouldn’t. Even if it’s just on the grass, or towards more restricted areas. This can sometimes be funny to watch, as often the tourists will be in a world of their own whilst a guard is blowing a whistle at them. Sometimes a guard will be stood face to face with a tourist angrily blowing their whistle before the tourist realises they need to get back onto the main path.

This is perhaps one of the more unusual places to visit in Moscow! Gum is a huge department store situated on Red Square. It’s an interesting department store to walk around, with several levels, although the shops inside are certainly quite pricey. It’s a beautiful building when it’s lit up at night, and it seems to fit in nicely amongst the other famous sights on Red Square. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything here, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to take a quick look inside, although bear in mind there are usually security checks before entering.

4. State Historical Museum

The large crimson building on Red Square is now the State Historical Museum. It was originally the first pharmacy in Russia, and later a University before finally becoming the museum it is today.

Unfortunately I didn’t go inside as my time was limited and there was so much else I wanted to see, but if you have the time I think it would be one of the best things to do in Moscow. There are items dating back to the 6th century, and maybe even further. There’s also a library inside storing many ancient manuscripts and the largest coin collection in Russia. 

5. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi means big in Russian, so it roughly translates to large theatre. The Bolshoi Theatre is one of the foremost ballet companies in the world. The exterior of the building is an impressive sight, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Moscow, and it’s certainly worth admiring from the outside. There are guided tours of the interior, but if you really want to experience the theatre, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to watch a ballet here.

I was torn between booking a seat, but the ballets were very expensive. I’d have liked to have seen “Swan Lake”, (as at least I may have recognised some of the music). Unfortunately there were no performances on the days I was in Moscow, so I decided to pass. But if I return to Russia, then watching a ballet will be on my list of things to do.

6. Sparrow Hills

If you want a good view of the city, then Sparrow Hills is one of the best places to visit in Moscow. It’s a bit of a trek outside of the centre, but if you have the time then it offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. There’s a viewing platform here which gives you fantastic panoramic views of Moscow.

Nearby you’ll see the magnificent Moscow State University building, which is one of the seven sisters of Moscow.

7. Seven Sisters

Whilst in Moscow, you’ll no doubt notice these magnificent soviet skyscrapers dotted around the city. At the time of construction they were the tallest buildings in Europe, Moscow State University being so until 1997. There are, as the name suggests, seven in total, which are: Hotel Ukraina, Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Apartments, the Kudrinskaya Square Building, the Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya Hotel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moscow State University, and the Red Gates Administrative Building.

If you visit Sparrow Hills, then you’ll come across Moscow State University, but I’m certain as you explore the city, you’ll see more of these giants against the Moscow skyline. One of the best things to do in Moscow is to see if you can locate all seven as you wander round the city! 

8. Nikolskaya Street

The start of this street is found by Red Square. It’s one of the most prominent pedestrianised streets in Moscow, filled with shops, restaurants and bars, so one of the best places to visit in Moscow if you’re looking for a bite to eat or some souvenirs!

What makes this street extra special are the thousands of bright lights in the sky above. After dark it looks simply magical with the many colourful lights overhead as you walk beneath them. One of the best things to do in Moscow is to visit Nikolskaya Street after dark and see them for yourself. It almost feels like Christmas in London!

There is another street nearby which also features similar lights, “Kuznetskiy Most”, which is also quite beautiful, but I thought “Nikolskaya Street” was ever slightly more impressive.

9. Izmailovo Kremlin and Izmaylovskiy Bazar

Did you know that The Kremlin in Red Square is not the only Kremlin in Moscow? Kremlin actually means a type of fortress, so there are many in Russia.

The Izmailovo Kremlin is a fairly new addition to the city, having been built in 2007 as a cultural centre. With its multitude of colours and historic style, it has a real fairytale feel to it. There are several small museums here for you to explore, devoted to subjects such as Russian folk art, vodka and bread (yes, bread). Visiting these is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Moscow! 

It’s a little way out of the centre, but it’s an interesting place to visit in Moscow to see something a little bit different, and it won’t be as overcrowded with tourists. 

Next to the Izmailovo Kremlin is the best market in Moscow for souvenirs. You’ll find good and poor quality items, but you’ll certainly pick up a bargain if you take your time and haggle for a good price. Many of the items here you’ll get for half the price you would in souvenir shops in the city centre. It’s here that I picked up several Matryoshka dolls for a very good price. I think I’d have paid more than double, or possibly even triple if I’d have bought them elsewhere.

10. Izmailovsky Park

Not too far from Izmailovo Kremlin you’ll find this huge park, one of the prettiest places to visit in Moscow. It’s easy to get lost here, so try to make sure you keep track of where you entered if you plan to go back the same way. There’s a lot to see in this park, a round pond, ferris wheel, playgrounds and sports grounds, shooting galleries, cinemas and a skate park.

There are often festivals, concerts and exhibitions at the park, on top of firework displays and dance parties.

The main reason I chose to visit the park was to find the painted trees. A local artist “Yevgenia Khlynina” has been painting on trees in this park, and one of the best things to do in Moscow is to explore the park looking for them. One of the most famous pieces of hers is the “Hedgehog in the Fog” from a famous soviet cartoon.

11. Gorky Park

The most famous park in Moscow is named after the writer “Maxim Gorky”. Although it’s likely you’ve heard it mentioned in the song “Wind of Change” by “The Scorpions”. 

There’s lots to do and see in the park with sports facilities and exhibitions. During the summer months this is one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for things to do in Moscow; there are often open air concerts and an open air cinema. There are many statues and sculptures in the park, including a small sculpture park area which features many interesting pieces.

One piece of advice: don’t visit Gorky Park or any other parks on 2nd August if you’re in Russia. 2nd August is Paratrooper day, which usually encourages a lot of drinking in the park, which is not always very welcoming.

12. Arbat Street

One of the oldest and busiest streets in Moscow, and the most famous pedestrian street in the city. Arbat is one of the most popular places to visit in Moscow. There are several shops including many dedicated to souvenirs, but although these will have a good range of goods, they will be quite expensive . You may see street performers and buskers, and there are often poets reciting famous works, if not their own works.

It’s within walking distance from the Kremlin, which should only take around 10 minutes.

There are actually two streets with this name, Old Arbat Street and New Arbat Street. Old Arbat Street is where you’ll find the pedestrianised area. New Arbat Street is a separate street which runs alongside a main road, filled with many bars and restaurants.

13. Metro station art

The best way to get around Moscow is by using the metro, and the metro is a tourist attraction in itself.

Although I obviously didn’t visit every metro station, I believe that every single station is unique in its own beautiful way. Many of the stations I passed through were impressive, quirky or simply jaw dropping. You’ll more than likely pass through many of them on the way to other sights, but I’d recommend the following:  Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Teatralnaya, Arbatskaya, Prospekt Mira and Ploschad Revolutsii (be sure to pet the dog statue for good luck).

There are of course many others for you to explore, but these are the ones I considered to be some of the most impressive places to visit in Moscow (even if they’re only metro stations!).

VDNKh is an exhibition centre with many monuments and museums. Now that it’s combined with the Botanical Garden and Ostankino Park, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to spend the day at this recreational centre enjoying a mix of nature and culture. The most popular museum in the complex which you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Moscow is the Museum of Cosmonautics.

15. Lenin's Mausoleum

Despite requesting to be buried with his mum in St Petersburg, it is at the foot of the Kremlin on Red Sqaure that you will find Lenin’s Mausoleum, where Vladimir Ilych Lenin has been frozen in time since 1924. It’s only open for a few hours a few times per week. Photography is not allowed, and you should line up on the western corner of the square (near Alexander Garden) to wait you turn to see the embalmed body. 

16. Novodevichy Convent

Novodevichy Convent, on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Moscow. Located south west of the centre you’ll find this stunning monastery. Inside you’ll find a cathedral and several churches, surrounded by high walls and 12 towers.

Where are your favourite places to visit in Moscow?

What about the best things to do in Moscow? Anything you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring…

I’m Spike! Solo traveller, cultural explorer and world adventurer! With 57 countries under my belt, I live and breathe travel. I never plan to stop exploring new destinations and experiencing new cultures.

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I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

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