Anna’s Hiking & Adventure Guide to the Greater Zion Area

Anna Schmitz
Feb 11, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Feb 19, 2024

The Greater Zion Area is located in the southwest corner of Utah. The geographical location is 2,400 square miles and includes Zion National Park, St. George, Leeds, Virgin, Springdale and more. Included below is my first hand experiences of hikes, lodging and places to eat in the area.

Hikes in Zion:

Riverside Walk to The Narrows via Temple of Sinawava (only accessible with private vehicle during non-shuttle months, check the NPS website): 2.2 miles, minimal elevation gain

Watchman Overlook via Watchman Trail (accessible year round by private vehicle): 3.2 miles, 550ft elevation gain

Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail (only accessible by private vehicle during non shuttle months, check NPS website): 4.4 miles, 1,100ft elevation gain

Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail, Kolob Canyon (East Entrance): up to 5 miles, 650ft elevation gain

Timber Creek Overlook, Kolob Canyon (East Entrance): 1.1 miles, 250ft elevation gain

The Narrows: Check the NPS website for shuttle reservations and other requirements prior to planning this hike (during shuttle operation months). You will begin this hike by taking the 1 mile (one way) and 200ft elevation gain trail, The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk to the entrance of the Narrows, you are welcome to stop here if hiking through sometimes chest deep water is not for you, if you decide to continue you just follow the Virgin River as far up as 4.5 miles in, to Big Springs - we went maybe 2-2.5 miles in - a walking stick may be helpfu for keeping steady on the rocks and in the water.

You can rent special shoes and walking sticks from a variety of places - Zion Outfitters is just one. **Also please pay attention to the flash flood risk that is noted by the NPS, The Narrows is very dangerous and even deadly if there were to be a flash flood, you are always hiking at your own risk

Hikes in the Greater Zion Area:

Snow Canyon State Park:

Padre Canyon: 6.5 miles, 1100ft elevation gain - very exposed to the sun, likely to get very hot in the summer months

Scout Cave: 4.4 miles, 620ft elevation gain - this hike is so fun! Parking is at the same location as Padre Canyon. Cross the road and you're on the trail. There is also another short trail you can add to visit Johnson Arch.

St. George:

T-Bone Trail, Red Cliffs Conservation Area: 3.8 miles, 500ft elevation gain, great close mild trail for a quick trail run - note that it is very sandy

Leeds:

Red Reef Trail: little hidden gem, only about 1.2 miles total - leads to a beautiful slot canyon, beware of slippery rocks, there is some climbing with a rope and foot holds, but this is optional and not necessary to get the full experience

Yant Flat Trail: 3.5 miles, 400ft elevation gain - required driving on a washboard gravel/dirt road to get to the trailhead, would be beautiful at sunset or sunrise

Hurricane:

Hurricane Rim Trail: variable distance and variable elevation gain - we did 2.5 miles out and 2.5 miles back for a total of 5 miles and about 750ft elevation gain, popular for mountain biking and trail running

La Verkin:

Confluence Park, La Verkin Creek Trail: 3.5+ miles, 250ft elevation gain - fairly flat and can easily be made longer or shorter by utilizing the other trails that connect

Gunlock, Red Mountain Wilderness:

The Bowl/Vortex: 2.4 miles, 550ft elevation gain - after you reach the slick rock, there isn't necessarily a specific trail, recommended to download the trail map prior to hiking.

Kanarraville

Kanarraville (Kanarra) Falls - 3.8 miles RT, 700 ft elevation gain, due to rising popularity of this hike, a permit is required to be purchased for each person over the age of 3 for $12 and is limited to 150 hikers per day, please be knowledgeable about the flash flood risk in the area and always watch the weather, you will be hiking in water so bring appropriate footwear

*Note that since these photos were taken, the ladder has been redone to allow for safer climbing

Lodging:

The Rusty Guest House, Airbnb, Virgin UT: Incredible views, approx 20 min from the south entrance to Zion, and a cute resident doggo named Henry

Sports Village Condo, Airbnb, St. George UT: great central location, close to conveniences but also Snow Canyon State Park and Red Cliffs Conservation Area

Courtyard by Marriott, Cedar City, UT: right off the highway, comfortable, nice spot to stop on the way down if you don't want to drive the entire way to your destination

Food:

Springdale

Deep Creek Coffee Company,: notable items include the raw honey latte and the Dirty Virgin

Oscar's Cafe: notable items include the WhoopAss Burger and the salmon (pictured)