When most people think of hiking in Zion, iconic trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows usually come to mind. However, beyond these popular and busy paths are hidden gems inside and outside the park, offering tranquility and breathtaking landscapes without the hustle. Whether you’re a return visitor who’s already tackled the top trails or simply looking to explore Zion’s beauty in a more peaceful setting, these lesser-known hikes deserve a place on your itinerary. Here’s our guide to hiking in Zion for those seeking a fresh, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Lesser-Known Trails Inside Zion National Park
Canyon Overlook Trail
Distance: 1 mile round trip | Difficulty: Easy
While this trail is not exactly a secret, Zion’s more famous routes often overshadow it. The Canyon Overlook Trail is a short hike offering some of the best panoramic views of Zion’s towering cliffs and canyons. The trail is relatively easy, making it perfect for families or those looking for a brief but rewarding adventure. You’ll feel like you’ve uncovered a hidden vista without needing special Zion hiking permits.
East Mesa Trail to Observation Point
Distance: 7 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate
If you want to experience Zion’s dramatic cliffs without the nerve-wracking drops of Angels Landing, the East Mesa Trail is a great alternative. This 7-mile trail leads to Observation Point, offering what many consider even better canyon views, with far less exposure and fewer hikers. The trailhead is tucked away in a remote corner of Zion’s upper-east plateau, accessible via unpaved roads. For convenience, you can also take the Observation Point Shuttle instead of driving yourself.
Emerald Pools Hiking Trails
Distance: 0.6 – 3 miles round trip | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Often overlooked by visitors, the Emerald Pools Trail features interconnected paths leading to three scenic pools—Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools—along with a seasonal waterfall. While swimming is prohibited, the serene views are easily accessible via multiple routes, with the trailheads reachable by the free Zion Shuttle. The entire loop covers up to 3 miles, offering a mix of challenge levels and rewarding vistas, depending on how far you hike. These trails can be combined to form a triangle loop, offering varying levels of challenge and sights throughout the hike.
Lower Emerald Pools Trail
Distance: 1.2 miles round trip | Difficulty: Easy
This paved, accessible trail takes you to the peaceful Lower Pool, where seasonal waterfalls cascade over the cliffs.
Middle Emerald Pools Trail
Distance: 2.2 miles round trip | Moderate
A slightly more challenging trail leads to the Middle Pool, which has views over the canyon and waterfalls.
Upper Emerald Pools Trail
Distance: 0.6 miles round trip | Moderate to Difficult
The steepest and most rugged section, leading to the Upper Pool surrounded by towering cliffs.
Lesser-Known Trails Outside Zion National Park
Kanarra Falls
Distance: 4 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate
Outside Zion National Park, Kanarra Falls offers a hidden gem of canyon hiking and stunning waterfalls. This 4-mile hike takes you through narrow slot canyons, where you’ll wade through shallow waters and climb waterfalls using ladders, providing a refreshing and adventurous experience. Permits are required to hike Kanarra Falls, with only 150 available per day, and can be reserved in advance online.
Eagle Crags
Distance: 6 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate
For those looking to explore Zion’s backcountry, the Eagle Crags Trail offers a rugged, off-the-beaten-path experience. Located near Rockville, this hike rewards trekkers with stunning views of the park’s southern formations and colorful mesas. As you ascend the trail, you’ll have sweeping views of Zion, and unlike many other trails, you won’t encounter large crowds. This hike is ideal for those wanting to appreciate Zion’s landscapes from a quieter vantage point.
Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
Just 45 minutes from Zion National Park, the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve offers a peaceful hiking experience through southern Utah’s striking desert landscape. Covering 69,000 acres, the wildlife reserve’s trails wind through red rock canyons, natural arches, and desert oases. Established to protect species like the Mojave Desert Tortoise and Gila Monster, the area lies at the crossroads of the Mojave Desert, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau. This diverse terrain provides stunning scenery and rich biodiversity, making it a must-explore destination. Here are two of our favorite hikes:
Prospector Trail
Distance: 8.8 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate
With a 700-foot elevation gain, this longer hike is moderately challenging yet accessible for most hikers. The trail is popular with hikers, bikers, and equestrians, offering a mix of slickrock and sand, but it remains easy to navigate. The well-marked path offers beautiful vistas along the way, and in the right season, you can spot wildflowers dotting the trail for an added touch of beauty.
Red Reef Trail
Distance: 2.2 miles round trip | Difficulty: Easy
This short, family-friendly trail offers a rewarding adventure through slot canyons with red rock vistas and small waterfalls you can climb. With minimal elevation gain, it’s perfect for a relaxed, enjoyable hike. For added fun, go a bit further to explore a rock tunnel for a photo opp. When water is flowing, it’s an ideal spot to take a refreshing dip. Located in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, entry requires a national park pass or a small fee at the self-pay station. Bathrooms and water are available at the trailhead.
Planning Your Hike: Zion Hiking Permits and Tips
Many of Zion’s lesser-known hikes don’t require permits, but it’s important to check the latest park regulations, as some areas, especially canyons, may need permits. Popular routes like Angels Landing and the Top-Down Narrows now require permits due to safety concerns and high demand. Check out our Guide to Zion Permits for more details on these hikes.
If you’re visiting during peak months (spring and fall), arrive early to secure parking or consider hiking in the shoulder seasons for a quieter experience. Always bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a downloaded or physical map to help with navigation.
Lastly, be sure to practice Leave No Trace to help protect Zion’s beauty for future generations.
Where to Stay Near Zion National Park
Discover the magic of the desert Southwest at Under Canvas Zion, a one-of-a-kind glamping resort ideally located near Zion National Park. Surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs and red rock formations, this serene retreat offers a perfect blend of nature and comfort. Spend your nights under the pristine desert skies in upscale safari-inspired tents, complete with plush beds, ensuite bathrooms, and luxurious amenities, providing the ultimate outdoor lodging experience in the American Southwest.