1. Kolob Arch

As one of the world’s longest freestanding arch spans, Kolob Arch has a certain cachet for hikers. Found in Kolob Canyons, the high country section of Zion, it’s a great long spring hike. Its full sun exposure along the way is welcome during warm but not excessively hot spring days. Some people make this into an overnight trip, but its 14-mile round trip length can be done in one long day if you have the stamina.

Kolob Arch

photo: Alex E. Proimos/Flickr

2. Angels Landing

This very famous hike is another wonderful spring choice to to its sun exposure. Although some snow may remain in shadowed areas along the way, such as through Refrigerator Canyon, for the most part the trail should be clear depending on what month you tackle it. At only five miles in length you might think it’s an easy one, but don’t be fooled. The 1,500-foot elevation gain will quickly dissuade you of any notions that it’s easy-peasy. If heights make your knees quake, you might stop short of the top at Scout Lookout to enjoy the views. Heading all the way up is an amazing experience, however, and sure to leave you with thrilled memories.

Angels Landing

photo: Alex E. Proimos/Flickr

3. Emerald Pools

The Lower Emerald Pools, Middle Emerald Pools, and Upper Emerald Pools are popular and receive heavy usage on hot summer days as people hike up to find relief under the cottonwood trees and behind the waterfalls. But a springtime hike to any or all of the pools is a refreshing delight. The Lower pools trail is the shortest and easiest; Middle a little more difficult; and Upper the most strenuous, although not terribly so. Pack a lunch, catch a Zion shuttle bus to the trailhead, and enjoy all the new spring life exploding out on the trail as you hike up to Emerald Pools.

Emerald Pools trail

photo: sendlink/Flickr

1) Zion Narrows

World-famous, the Zion Narrows are well worth the attention. Splash around at the end of Riverside Walk, or plunge in for an all-day or overnight trek.

2) Angels Landing

A long hike with a nice pay-off in the form of forever views, Angels Landing is definitely a must-do. Be prepared to stop and admire the view from Scout Lookout if the final ascent seems too much for you.

3) Emerald Pools

The three pools–Lower, Middle, and Upper–are quite popular with visitors. The Lower Pool is best on hot summer days. Middle Pool and Upper can get a little sketchy along the trail due to drop-offs, so watch those wiggly little ones hiking with you.

4) The Subway

You’ve seen pictures of the Subway before. A classically gorgeous slot canyon hike, it’s fairly easy, although use of ropes and swimming will both be needed.

5) Zion Canyon Scenic Byway

A gorgeous drive that boasts the best views. For those times you just want an easy day, or the people in your group prefer a drive to foot-power.

6) Mountain Biking on Gooseberry Mesa

You can mountain bike inside Zion, but only on certain paved roads. For a wilderness setting, 10 miles away lies Gooseberry Mesa. This area is wild, woolly, and a primo choice if mountain biking is your thing.

photo: bryand_nyc/Flickr

7) Springdale

Although technically not inside Zion, and a town to boot, Springdale gets a nod because a) it’s a really cool little town and b) most national parks don’t have any town, let alone a cool one, at their doorstep. Eat, drink, and be merry in Springdale.

8) Kolob Canyons

The less-visited northern section of Zion, the Kolob Canyons area is a must-see. The winding scenic drive is really stunning, and the hikes sublime–and thankfully less crowded.

9) Kolob Arch

One of the world’s largest freestanding natural arches, Kolob Arch isn’t easy to get to. But if you’re game, it’s definitely a hike to remember. The chances of seeing others along the trail are much slimmer than on hikes in the main Zion Canyon too.

10) Canyon Overlook

With its classic Zion views and short length, this one makes the list. Bring binocs to spot wildlife, and plan on it if you’re here in the winter–this is a great little snow hike.

Fall is almost here, but during a wet year like this one, flowers like the showy Indian Paintbrush pictured above are still bursting with color along Zion National Park‘s many hiking trails. Cooler weather now makes for more favorable hiking conditions, and your trail experience can be enriched even more by the opportunity to spot breathtaking natural color.

Some of the best hikes for spotting wildflowers on Zion’s trails include Angels Landing, the West Rim Trail, and Weeping Rock. Some of the easier hikes in Zion provide excellent late wildflower-spotting chances. Fall is a-comin’, though, so also check out Zion’s best bets for fall foliage hikes and keep your camera at the ready. Check out our handy little guide to the best times and places to see amazing fall color in Zion National Park this fall.

Believe it or not, eye-popping autumn foliage can last as long as four months in this national park, since its 147,000 acres are spread between high (8,726) and low (3,666 feet) elevations. Mid-September is usually the time to catch those turning leaves in the high country, in the Kolob Canyons area. The glorious color is showcased in the lower elevations of the main canyon well through October, sometimes even lasting into December depending on the year’s weather.

Angels Landing trail in autumnal glory

photo: mattpeel10/Flickr

How to See Fall Foliage in Zion:

Early season (mid-late September): head up to the Kolob Terrace section in the northern, less-traveled part of the Park. Lava Point, hovering around 8,000 feet, features aspen trees that like to show off glossy golds when the first hint of autumn lends a cool snap to the nights.

Mid-season (late September-early October): you should find color at Kolob Canyons; check out showy red maples strutting their stuff. (Okay, trees don’t strut, but you get my drift.)

Late season (mid-late October, sometimes even later): cruise the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (on the mandatory, free shuttle through October 30 this year, by car after that) to exclaim over the bursts of color from the stately cottonwoods and other deciduous beauties displayed against the huge sandstone walls rising all around. Click click…I can hear your cameras now.

If you want more up close and personal time with the leaves, a few color-worthy hikes include Taylor Creek (Kolob Canyons section), Emerald Pools, Angels Landing (strenuous and exposed at the very top), and the gentle amble by the Virgin River along the paved Pa’Rus Trail (allows strollers, wheelchairs, and leashed dogs as well).

Call the Visitors Center for up-to-date fall foliage information: (435) 772-3256.

photo: sponselli/Flickr