Is it safe to hike in Zion?

The natural rock formations that make Zion so beautiful can harbor some unexpected dangers to hikers. The rocky terrain creates obstacles that stretch throughout the park. Shifting rocks, eroding cliffs, and unseen crevices all pose a threat to hikers if they are not paying attention.



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The best easy hikes in Zion are the Canyon Overlook Trail, the Riverside Walk, the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Timber Creek Overlook Trail.

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The park enjoys relatively good air quality, but it is upwind of urban and industrial sources of air pollution. Air pollutants blown into the park can harm natural and scenic resources such as soils, surface waters, plants, wildlife, and visibility.

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Pee - Whenever possible, pee directly into the flowing water of the river. The smell of your urine, on land, will persist for months. At the very least, carry a ziplock bag to pack out your toilet paper. Water – There is reasonable water for drinking almost every step of The Narrows – literally.

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Angels Landing has been recorded as one of the most dangerous public hikes in the United States. The top of the trail peaks off at a plateau, which is more than 1,000 feet high. But the most dangerous part of the hike involves a skinny land-bridge with a metal chain for guidance.

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  • Lightning. Seasonal thunderstorms are frequent in the desert southwest and Zion NP. ...
  • Flash Floods. Flash floods are a sudden increase in depth and speed of water in rivers, streams or washes due to heavy rain from thunderstorms. ...
  • Personal Responsibiity. ...
  • Steep Cliffs. ...
  • Water. ...
  • Heat Stroke. ...
  • Heat Exhaustion. ...
  • Hypothermia.


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The Worst Times to Visit Zion National Park Some might like the solitude and isolated feel of the park during the quietest months, but traveling to Zion in the winter can be a challenge. Think temperatures below freezing at night, roads occasionally covered in snow, and limited park access.

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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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Angels Landing trail is strenuous and challenging for both the mind and body. We wouldn't recommend it for young kids or for anyone with vertigo, a fear of heights, or two left feet. For the final climb, you traverse a narrow ridge with anxiety-inducing drop-offs on either side.

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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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While Zion is home to many different kinds of snakes, the Great Basin rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in the park.

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Most people hike The Narrows in the summer and early fall when the water tends to be at its warmest and the water level drops. However, life-threatening flash floods are possible at any time and are common during the monsoon season.

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You cannot safely drink the water from the river on the Narrows hike in Zion. The Virgin River experiences blooms of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins— really dangerous toxins in novice terms.

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The hiking season for the Zion Narrows is typically summer and autumn, but the start of the season is controlled by the spring runoff and water levels. The Zion Narrows is typically closed to hiking between mid-March and late May, depending on how much snow fell on the high country in winter.

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