The Trail System

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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 trail Length one way Starting point Aver. time (round trip) Remarks
The Narrows 1 mi. Temple of Sinawava 2 hrs. Easy, no steep grades. All-weather trail. Fine view of river flood plain. Trailside exhibit near Temple of Sinawava.
Weeping Rock ¼ mi. Weeping Rock parking area ½ hr. Easy surfaced trail. Water drips from overhanging cliff; springs issue from it. Hanging gardens; travertine deposits.
Emerald Pool (lower) 1 mi. Zion Lodge or Grotto Campground 2 hrs. Cross river on footbridges. Small pool formed by 2 falls. Loop or 1-way trail.
Emerald Pool (upper) 1½ mi. do. 3 hrs. ½ mi. above lower pool. Mostly easy walking; few steep grades. Loop or 1-way trail.
Great Arch ½ mi. Parking area, upper end of large tunnel 1 hr. Mostly easy walking. Excellent view of Pine Creek Narrows and west side of canyon.
Hidden Canyon 1 mi. Parking area, Weeping Rock 2½ hrs. Fairly strenuous; steep grades, switchbacks. Cross 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 Campground 8 hrs. Strenuous foot and horse trail. Carry water, lunch. Cross river on footbridge.
Angels Landing 2½ mi. do. 4 hrs. Fairly strenuous; steep climb. Half of trail hard-surfaced. Cross footbridge over river. Excellent view of canyon.
Lady Mountain 2 mi. Zion Lodge 4½ hrs. Strenuous mountain climb even for experienced hikers. Cross footbridge over river. Carry water.

(Union Pacific Railroad photo) Angels Landing, rising approximately 1,500 feet above the canyon floor.

(Union Pacific Railroad photo) Trail to the West Rim.

De luxe cabins, Zion Lodge

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

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