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1. Pa'rus Trail
- Accessible to all, along Virgin River, pet friendly, paved
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- Hiking
- In the Park
- Nile Expert Tip: The most user-accessible trail in Zion, it follows the Virgin River in a leisurely fashion.
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2. The Narrows
- Incredible canyon scenery, slot canyons, waterfalls
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- Hiking
- In the Park
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3. Emerald Pools-Kayenta Loop
- Stupendous vistas, seasonal waterfalls, deep green pools, wildflowers
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- Hiking
- In the Park
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4. Hidden Canyon
- Steep drop-offs, great summer hike, shady, natural arch
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- Hiking
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5. Junior Ranger Program
- Activity-filled program for young visitors
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- Nature & Wildlife
- In the Park
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6. Taylor Creek
- River crossings, uncrowded, reliable water, beautiful
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- Hiking
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7. Kolob Arch
- Remote hike to one of world's largest freestanding arches
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- Hiking
- Kolob Canyons
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8. West Rim
- Yosemite-like views, backpacker fave, two-car shuttle trip
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- Hiking
- In the Park
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9. Hop Valley Trail
- Typically excellent scenery, less visited, 6.5 miles, part of the Trans-Zion hike, alternate route to Kolob Arch
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- Hiking
- Kolob Canyons
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10. Northgate Peaks
- Less visited, 4.2 miles roundtrip, mostly flat. Good family hike
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- Hiking
- Kolob Canyons
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The Best of NileGuide
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Getting back to nature and seeing wildlife are some of the reasons you decided to visit Zion, right? We chose these as our top nature hikes that also reveal some of the best wildlife in Zion, although you'll have to tread lightly and peer close. Drinking in these best natural views can center even the most city-harried visitor looking for a peaceful break.
Pa'rus is on the list because it's an eas trail for almost everyone and it gently curves along the Virgin River. The Zion Narrows is definitely a back-to-nature type of trail, winding as it does right through a water-carved slot canyon. The Emerald Pools trails and Hidden Canyon all add a depth of enjoyment of the wild nature here. The Junior Ranger program gets a nod because helping kids to really appreciate the nature and wildlife of Zion gives them a deeper understanding of what a precious resource and fun playground it is.
Hop Valley Trail and Northgate Peaks make the cut because while less traveled, they still lead you into the natural heart of Zion. Taylor Creek and Kolob Arch are pretty darn full of nature; keep an eye out for lizards, birds, and tiny mammals who are hardy enough to survive in this harsh and arid land.
We included the West Rim Trail because since it traverses the backcountry, it offers a deeper immersion into the solitude of nature that many visitors crave. If you're quiet enough when you hike this trail, you might also glimpse some of the shy local wildlife.
