Approximately 26 miles of trails lead to the more important sections of
the park which are not reached by roads. These trails are well
maintained and can be used at all seasons of the year, with the
exception of those to the rims of the canyon which are closed by snow
during the winter months.
The most popular of the footpaths, which have been constructed at
different levels in the canyon, is the one extending a mile up the
canyon from the end of the road at the Temple of Sinawava to the
beginning of the Narrows. Other short and interesting trails recommended
for easy hiking include Weeping Rock, Emerald Pool, and Great Arch.
Below are listed a few trail distances. These data are for trails at
their best. Since the weather affects the condition of trails, inquiry
should be made before attempting any of them.
_Name of _Length _Starting _Aver. _Remarks_
trail_ one way_ point_ time
(round
trip)_
The Narrows 1 mi. Temple of 2 hrs. Easy, no steep grades.
Sinawava All-weather trail. Fine
view of river flood plain.
Trailside exhibit near
Temple of Sinawava.
Weeping ¼ mi. Weeping Rock ½ hr. Easy surfaced trail. Water
Rock parking area drips from overhanging
cliff; springs issue from
it. Hanging gardens;
travertine deposits.
Emerald 1 mi. Zion Lodge 2 hrs. Cross river on footbridges.
Pool or Grotto Small pool formed by 2
(lower) Campground falls. Loop or 1-way trail.
Emerald 1½ mi. do. 3 hrs. ½ mi. above lower pool.
Pool Mostly easy walking; few
(upper) steep grades. Loop or 1-way
trail.
Great Arch ½ mi. Parking 1 hr. Mostly easy walking.
area, upper Excellent view of Pine
end of large Creek Narrows and west side
tunnel of canyon.
Hidden 1 mi. Parking 2½ hrs. Fairly strenuous; steep
Canyon area, grades, switchbacks. Cross
Weeping Rock footbridge, climb to East
Rim Trail sign, follow to
turn-off into Hidden Canyon.
East Rim 3½ mi. do. 5 hrs. Fairly strenuous foot and
horse trail. Carry water,
lunch. Cross footbridge and
climb to East Rim Trail
sign.
West Rim 6¼ mi. Grotto 8 hrs. Strenuous foot and horse
Campground trail. Carry water, lunch.
Cross river on footbridge.
Angels 2½ mi. do. 4 hrs. Fairly strenuous; steep
Landing climb. Half of trail
hard-surfaced. Cross
footbridge over river.
Excellent view of canyon.
Lady 2 mi. Zion Lodge 4½ hrs. Strenuous mountain climb
Mountain even for experienced
hikers. Cross footbridge
over river. Carry water.
[Illustration: (_Union Pacific Railroad photo_)
_Angels Landing, rising approximately 1,500 feet above the canyon floor._]
[Illustration: (_Union Pacific Railroad photo_)
_Trail to the West Rim._]
[Illustration: _De luxe cabins, Zion Lodge_]