Can you hike West Rim Trail Zion without a permit?

If you are day hiking the West Rim Trail, you do not need a permit. All Zion National Park backpacking trips require a wilderness permit (which doubles as a campsite reservation). 4 of the West Rim Trail campsites are available by advance reservation, while the other 5 are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.



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You do not need a guide to hike the Narrows, but you do need to do your research and plan ahead.

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If you're up for a longer trek, you can hike up to Big Spring without a permit, making for a round trip of 9.4-miles, each mile revealing more of the unique and stunning beauty of The Narrows.

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In general, most adults with a moderate fitness level will be fine and enjoy this activity. So if you're a beginner wanting to do the Zion Narrows day hike, don't worry! It can seem intimidating, but so long as you don't have difficulties getting around on a typical hike, you will be fine.

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When preparing to hike the non-strenuous trails in Zion National Park, it's recommended to bring adequate footwear. Something like trail runners is best but quality sneakers should be sufficient.

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The Narrows: Bottom-Up Hike from Temple of Sinawava This is a unique and popular hiking route in Zion National Park, where approximately 60% of the journey is spent wading, walking, and sometimes swimming in the river. Unlike the Top Down hike, this route does not require a permit and is a good alternative.

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With moderate elevation gain and a relatively limited mileage, the Angels Landing hike is in some ways beginner friendly. However, the Chains Section will be too intimidating for most beginners or anyone who struggles with vertigo or a fear of heights.

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Angels Landing is known as one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States. The summit is over a thousand feet off the valley floor and has no guard rails. People have hurt themselves, and even fallen to their deaths, so this is a trail to take seriously.

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Canyon Overlook Trail This trail is just one-mile round trip, making it short enough for inexperienced or younger hikers, or if you're in a rush. The trail is located in Zion's Upper Canyon, which means that you won't need to hop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle to get to it.

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Best Hikes to Avoid The Crowds in Zion National Park
  • The Watchman Trail (kid-friendly) - panoramic views you don't have to share.
  • Pa'Rus Trail (kid & dog-friendly) - for sunset lovers & landscape photographers.
  • Canyon Overlook Trail (kid-friendly) - Angels Landing views without the congestion and chains.


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Angel's Landing is the most iconic trail in Zion National Park. The trail begins at shuttle stop #6, The Grotto.

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The Narrows, although a very challenging hike, is absolutely possible with kids. We just did it with our 7, 5, and 2 year old children.

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