Zion National Park is absolutely breathtaking, with endless hiking options to explore. In this post, I’m sharing three hikes I’ve recently done that stood out as especially enjoyable and beautiful. One is a classic bucket-list hike that every visitor should experience at least once, while the other two are hidden gems with stunning views that might surprise you. There’s so much more to see and do in the park, and I’m excited to tackle more trails soon, but if you’re planning a trip and have a few days to explore, these three hikes are a great place to start.
The Narrows
One of the most iconic hikes in Zion National Park is The Narrows, and it’s an adventure I’ve had the chance to experience several times. While I haven’t gone to the end, I’ve hiked a couple of miles into the slot canyon, and it never fails to leave me in awe. This hike takes you deep into the heart of Zion Canyon, where you walk directly through the Virgin River, surrounded by towering sandstone walls that seem to stretch endlessly toward the sky.
If you’re planning to tackle The Narrows, I’ve put together a blog post with tips and tricks to help you make the most of your experience—you can check it out here. This is a hike that everyone should add to their bucket list. Whether you go a mile in or venture further, the views are absolutely breathtaking, and the experience is one you’ll never forget. It’s the kind of trail that truly captures the magic and grandeur of Zion National Park.
Many Pools
Many Pools Trail is a more laid-back, easygoing hike, making it a great option if you’re looking for something a little simpler. To get there, you’ll drive across the canyon to the other side, where the red rock views are just as stunning as you’d expect from Zion. The trailhead is right off the road, but it’s not the easiest to find. Luckily, we ran into a few friendly hikers who pointed us in the right direction, and once you’re on the path, it’s pretty easy to stay on track.
One of the cool features of this hike is that it takes you through a tunnel under the road, which adds a fun twist to the adventure. The trail does get a little steep in spots, so don’t let the shorter distance fool you—it’s not exactly a leisurely stroll. The trail leads you to a series of ponds nestled in the red rocks. Depending on when you go, they might be full of water or dry. I went in January, and while most of the ponds were dry, there were a few that still had water, which made for a nice touch.
Overall, this hike offers gorgeous views of the surrounding red rocks. Its peaceful, less-crowded atmosphere allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of Zion from a different perspective. If you’re looking for an easier but still rewarding hike, Many Pools Trail is definitely worth checking out.
Cable Mountain
Besides the Narrows, I’d say Cable Mountain is one of my absolute favorite hikes I’ve done in Zion. It’s a bit longer and has a steep incline, but the reward is totally worth it. The trail takes you up to the top of the mountain, offering a bird’s-eye view of Zion Canyon, and you even get to look down on the famous Angels Landing—a hike I’m definitely hoping to do in the near future. The round-trip distance is about 8 miles, and despite the challenge, I found the whole experience really enjoyable.
The name Cable Mountain comes from an aerial tramway that ran through Zion Canyon in the late 1800s. One of the tramway’s terminals was located at the top of this mountain, which is where the name originates. The tramway is long gone now, but if you make it to the summit, you’ll still find a wooden structure near the cliff that was part of the original tramway—it’s a cool bit of history to see.
The views from the top are absolutely stunning. You get a panoramic view of Zion Canyon, with its towering cliffs and dramatic rock formations. Honestly, the view from Cable Mountain is one of my favorite spots in the park. If you’re after amazing views of the canyon and don’t mind a bit of a challenging hike, I would highly recommend this one.
Fun fact—I actually suspected I was coming down with pneumonia when I hiked Cable Mountain. I had a terrible cough and was struggling to breathe, but didn’t know for sure until later that week when I went to the doctor. Turns out, I was right! Despite feeling pretty rough, the hike was so incredible that it made everything worth it. There’s something about pushing through a tough trail that makes the reward feel even more special, especially when the views are as stunning as they are on Cable Mountain.
Zion National Park truly offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking iconic hikes or hidden treasures off the beaten path. From the renowned Narrows to the serene Many Pools and the historic Cable Mountain, each of these trails offers a unique way to experience the park’s awe-inspiring beauty. These hikes gave me unforgettable views and a deeper appreciation for Zion, and I hope they inspire you to explore the park in a similar way. If you’re planning your own adventure, these trails are just the beginning—there’s always more to discover in this stunning landscape.
Stay Safe and Start Exploring!