22 Nov The 3 Most Difficult Hikes in Zion National Park

Zion National Park offers a variety of hikes, from family friendly to one of the most dangerous in the United States. The 3 most difficult hikes in Zion include: (1) Angels Landing (2) Hidden Canyon Trail (3) Observation Point. Each hike has an elevation change of 850+ feet, is two and a half miles (~4 kilometers) or longer, and requires at least two and a half hours to complete. Why is the Narrows hike not included in this list? Well, you can hike for 10 minutes or eight hours – it all depends on when you turn around.   

Looking for some other epic hikes in the United States? Then head to Glacier National park to conquer the Iceberg Lake Trail as well as the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail.

Contents:

1) Angels Landing

2) Observation Point 

3) Hidden Canyon 

1) Angels Landing – Difficult Hikes in Zion

• Estimated hiking time: 3 – 6 hours round trip
• Distance: 5.4 miles (~8.7 kilometers) round trip
• Elevation gain: 1,500 feet (~457 meters)

Angels Landing is first on the list of the most difficult hikes in Zion. It is one of the most popular hikes in Zion as it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. However, it is also the most dangerous hike in Zion and one of the most dangerous hikes in the U.S. 

Check out this article if you are nervous about the hike: Should You Hike Angel’s Landing?. Otherwise, you can opt for another difficult (yet less dangerous) sunrise hike in Arches National Park. 

Directions to the Trailhead

Ride the Zion park shuttle to stop six, The Grotto. The trailhead begins at West Rim Trail across the road from the shuttle stop. After a couple of minutes along the trail, you will see signs specific to the Angels Landing trailhead. Follow those and you are good to go.

Another option is to drive to The Grotto and park in the lot. Although, be sure to check the road is open to cars and not just the shuttle.

View from the switchbacks of Angels Landing

Description of the Hike

The beginning has only a slight incline – enjoy it while you can! The incline quickly becomes steep and remains so for about 20 to 30 minutes. Feel free to stop and take a water/rest break at any point, for many others will do the same. While hiking Angels Landing, I brought along my 36 oz Yeti, and it held just enough water for me to comfortably complete the hike. 

Next is “Refrigerator Canyon”, which brings sweet relief after the steep incline. The trail is mostly flat for about 15 minutes. Additionally, the temperature is around 15 degrees Fahrenheit (~eight Celsius) cooler than outside of the canyon in the sun. 

Then come the switchbacks, also known as Walter’s Wiggles. There are 21 of them. Moreover, they are short in length yet steep in height. Stay focused, and you will be at the top before you know it. Next is a short walk to Scout’s Lookout. Many people stop and enjoy the view here and/or turn around and begin the hike down. BUT this is not the top of Angels Landing. You next have to conquer the chain section. 

The Feared Chain Section – Difficult Hikes in Zion

The chain section is about one mile (~1.6 kilometers) round trip with an elevation gain of 500 feet (~152 meters). It will take approximately one and a half to four hours round trip to complete depending on your pace and the busyness of the trail. Furthermore, there is a reason this trail is noted as being dangerous. It is pretty narrow at all points in this section, though there are some areas in which the trail is only a couple of feet wide. You will thus have the ability to practically look straight down to the ground 1000+ feet (~300 meters) below. Use the chains for support – they exist for your safety.

At the top of Angels Landing are 360 degrees views of Zion. It is truly stunning. I would argue it is the best view in the whole park. There are no railings, so you should thus be careful as you enjoy the view.

Angels Landing is not the only hike within the United States with chains or other forms of support; in fact, there are quite a few others. For example, there is the Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park.

Panoramic view from the top of Angels Landing

Recommendations

Think about your physical ability as well as your fear of heights before tackling the Angels Landing Trail. I would not say I have a fear of heights, yet I considered turning around at multiple points of the chain section. Something about hiking 1000+ feet in the air with only a couple of feet for a walkway with steep drop offs on each side made me nervous. However, I am SO GLAD I continued to the top. 

Do research beforehand so you know what to expect. Still feeling nervous? Hike to Scout’s Lookout and then decide if you will continue. Even if you do not continue, the views from Scout’s Lookout are incredible. As a bonus, you will have hiked most of the trail and thus gotten in your physical activity for the day! Additionally, check out my article with further recommendations here: Should You Hike Angel’s Landing?

Looking over the edge at Angels Landing

2) Observation Point – Difficult Hikes in Zion

• Estimated hiking time: 4 to 6 hours 
• Distance: 8.0 miles (~13 kilometers) round trip 
• Elevation gain: 2,148 feet (~655 meters)

Second on the list of the most difficult hikes in Zion is Observation Point. It offers stunning views of the Zion Canyon. Moreover, the top of the hike is higher in elevation compared to the top of Angels Landing.

*Note: a rockslide in August of 2019 caused the indefinite closure of the Weeping Rock trailhead. The latest update is that park officials are allowing nature to take its course and move some of the debris down the mountain. They do hope to clean up the trail and reopen it at some point in the future. 

If you are looking for another hike since the Weeping Rock Trailhead is closed, check out the nearby Kanarra Falls.

Directions to the Trailhead*

Exit the park shuttle at stop seven, Weeping Rock. Another option is to drive to Weeping Rock and park in the lot. Although, be sure to check the road is open to cars and not just the shuttle.

Begin the hike at the Weeping Rock Trailhead. Along the trailhead there are signs for the Hidden Canyon Trail as well as the East Rim Trail. You can diverge towards those trails if you wish to explore them. However, be aware they require a significant time commitment. Last is a sign for the East Mesa Trailhead, which signals the nearby end of the Observation Point hike.

Continue along the main trail past all of the other trailheads to reach the summit of Observation Point.

Description of the Hike*

The trail begins with an immediate steep incline through switchbacks. Prepare to gain 1000+ feet (~304 meters) in elevation in just one and a half miles (~2.4 kilometers). However, there is a nice reward at the top of the switchbacks. The trail enters Echo Canyon, which is shaded and A LOT cooler than outside in the sun. 

Unfortunately, the trail eventually leaves Echo Canyon along with its refreshing shade. Then there is a second set of switchbacks. This set is even steeper with 1000+ feet (~304 meters) in elevation in less than one mile (~1.6 kilometers). This is one of the main reasons it is considered one of the 3 most difficult hikes in Zion. A flat trail awaits at the top of the switchbacks as a reward. At the end of the flat portion is Observation Point.

Observation Point has beautiful views of Zion Canyon. You can even see the top of Angels Landing, which is about 800 feet (~243 meters) below. 

Some of the rock formations in Zion

Recommendations* – Difficult Hikes in Zion

While Observation Point via Weeping Rock is not as dangerous as Angels Landing, it still has a couple of steep drop offs. Consider not only your physical ability to complete this hike but also your fear of heights. The walkways are fairly wide, however, and you can hug the canyon wall to avoid the drop offs. Observation Point is considered one of the 3 most difficult hikes in Zion for a reason  – make sure you are prepared before conquering this hike!

East Mesa Trailhead: Alternative, Less Strenuous, Open Route

• Estimated hiking time: 2.5 to 4 hours 
• Distance: 6.7 miles (~10.8 kilometers) round trip 
• Elevation gain: 695 feet (~210 meters)

This path to Observation Point is easier than that from Weeping Rock. While it is still fairly long at almost seven miles (~10.8 kilometers), it has only ⅓ of the elevation gain. It is thus not one of the 3 most difficult hikes in Zion. Nevertheless, I wanted to include this information for those of you yearning to reach Observation Point since the other trailhead is closed.

Drive to the beginning of the East Rim Trail. Follow along the Mt. Carmel Highway, also known as Highway 9, for about two miles (~3.2 kilometers) from the eastern edge. Then turn onto North Fork road. Continue for almost six miles (~9.6 kilometers), passing Zion Ponderosa Resort along the way. Next, turn onto Pine Angle Road, a dirt road. There are signs at the intersections for guidance. Continue on this road until you reach the trailhead.

However, consider stopping before the steep hill leading up to the trailhead if you have a car not suitable for more difficult dirt roads. Park at the top of the hill and walk the half mile (0.8 kilometers) to the trailhead. If you trust your car and driving abilities, drive down the hill and park at the trailhead. 

The entire trail is fairly defined, and it begins with a generally flat section. The trail passes the Mystery Canyon Trailhead and then shortly after begins a small descent. After descending about 400 feet (~121 meters), the path meets with the Observation Point Trail. Follow that trail for about a quarter of a mile (0.4 kilometers) to the summit of Observation Point.

Looking down into the canyon below at Zion

3) Hidden Canyon Trail – Difficult Hikes in Zion

• Estimated hiking time: 2.5 to 5 hours 
• Distance: 2.5 miles (~4 kilometers) round trip 
• Elevation gain: 850 feet (~260 meters)

Third on the list of the hardest yet most epic hikes in Zion is the Hidden Canyon Trail. It is shorter and has less elevation gain compared to Angels Landing and Observation Point via Weeping Rock. However, it is fairly steep with almost 1000 feet (~300 meters) in elevation gain in just two and a half miles (~four kilometers). 

*Note: a rockslide in August of 2019 caused the indefinite closure of the East Rim Trailhead. The latest update is that park officials are allowing nature to take its course and move some of the debris down the mountain. They do hope to clean up the trail and reopen it at some point in the future. 

If you are looking for another adventure to take the place of this hike, consider canyoneering in Kanab Canyon.

More of the interesting rock formations in Zion

Directions to the Trailhead

Exit the Zion park shuttle at stop seven, Weeping Rock. Another option is to drive to Weeping Rock and park in the lot. Although, be sure to check the road is open to cars and not just the shuttle.

Begin the hike at the Weeping Rock Trailhead. Then follow the sign for the Hidden Canyon Trail, which continues straight while Weeping Rock curves to the left. (Note: at this point, you are following the same trail as those hiking Angels Landing). After about ¾ of a mile (~1.2 kilometers), split from the other hikers and follow the Hidden Canyon Trail. Keep following this trailhead until you reach the summit.

Description of the Hike

The trail begins with a short, flat portion in preparation of what is to come: switchbacks. Of course you need some switchbacks on all 3 of the most difficult hikes in Zion! They are steep and will cause burning legs after just a few short minutes. After breaking off to the Hidden Canyon Trailhead, there are even steeper switchbacks. Do not fear, however, for they do not last long. Then walk through a short canyon and up a stone staircase. Now the fun (some would say nerve-wracking) portion of the hike begins. The trail becomes narrow, only a couple of feet wide at some portions, with steep drop offs. However, the drop off is only on one side. Hug the canyon wall if you have a fear of heights. 

Then you will arrive at Hidden Canyon. Stop and enjoy the view or walk around in the canyon. You might have to climb over rocks or trees, but that makes it even more of an adventure. On the other side of the canyon is a large rock wall. You will need rock climbing equipment and experience to be able to continue past that point. 

Recommendations – Difficult Hikes in Zion

Once again, I am here to say you should consider not only your physical ability to complete this hike but also your fear of heights. There are steep drop offs on the trail with narrow walkways. However, hug the canyon wall with all your might if you hate heights but still want to conquer this hike.

While the hike might not have the incredible views of Angels Landing or Observation Point, it does offer an adventure. Explore the canyon while climbing over rocks and trees, testing your physical limits. 

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Check out some less strenuous activities in Zion: 7 Things to Do in Zion National Park Besides Hiking.

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