Difficulty: Moderate ◼︎
Length: 6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
Dog Friendly: No
Trailhead coordinates (copy + paste): 37.2592, -112.9513
Directions: The coordinates will lead you to the Grotto parking area. Cross the street and the bridge, then turn right— the path to the top is clearly defined from here. This is a very popular trail, so you shouldn't have trouble finding your way. This hike is in a national park, so you will need to purchase a pass for $35.
A true Utah classic! If you find yourself in the vicinity of Zion, you can't miss this one. The trail is easy to follow, busy, and very exposed— it's best to go early in the morning if at all possible. Temperatures can easily reach 100° in the summer, and an 80° day in April or October would be no surprise. The trail starts as a riverside walk, switches back a few times up the rock wall, enters a canyon and then switches back many more times before reaching the final narrow stretch. The last 0.5 miles of the trail is known as "the chain section" and may be problematic for young children and those with poor balance or a fear of heights, but really isn't dangerous if you use common sense and take your time. Take lots of water and enjoy the view over Utah's most visited national park.
