Discover Epic Zion Hikes Beyond Angels Landing -Trailwalker Travels

This article is aimed at uncovering scenic Zion hikes as an alternative to Angels Landing. Like many Zion adventurers, I’ve conquered the park’s most famous trail: Angels Landing. This hike is undeniably breathtaking and offers experiences that draw thousands of visitors each year. However, it isn’t without its challenges. Not only does this path become quite crowded, but it can also be tricky, if not dangerous, under adverse conditions.

But what if I told you that Zion National Park holds secrets beyond that crowded path? In this guide, I’ll introduce you to some incredible Zion hikes that are just as special but often overlooked.

These trails promise not only stunning scenery but also a less crowded experience. However, remember Zion is the third most visited National Park so when I say less crowded you will still see people! The earlier you start the better.

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Zion Hikes Instead of Angels Landing

Refrigerator Canyon Hike Zion National Park Utah — Refrigerator Canyon Portion of Hike Zion National Park. Photo ©JJ. Trailwalker 2024

West Rim Trail (Grotto Trailhead to Cabin Springs Out and Back)

The West Rim Trail is a versatile hike that can be tailored to different lengths. For this description, I am using Cabin Springs as the turnaround point but you can turn around at any point that fits your time and schedule. This is also known as the West Rim bottom-up trail and is most commonly hiked or backpacked from the top down, starting at Lava Point (save that for another article).

The Grotto Trailhead is the start of the hike to Angels Landing hike, so you will be able to see Angels Landing, however, you will follow the West Rim trail to the left up the ridge at Scouts Lookout.

This is a great hike for seeing the panoramic view of Zion Canyon but avoiding the final chained ridge of Angels Landing. Once you take the West Rim trail from Scouts Lookout and hike for about 20 – 30 minutes a great view awaits away from the crowds.

Hike Outline

Difficulty: Strenuous
Access: The Grotto Trailhead (6th stop Zion Canyon Shuttle)
Time: 5-7 hours to Cabin Creek and back
Length: 9 Miles
Elevation Change: 3,123 feet
Best Time of Year to Hike: Late spring, summer (hike early), and fall
Permits: No permits required
Pets Allowed: No

The Hike

Trail Start: Cross the road and bridge near the Grotto and turn right to find the West Rim Trail heading toward Angels Landing.
Initial Ascent: Briefly follow the river, then begin switchbacking up the slope into Zion Canyon.
Refrigerator Canyon: About a mile up, the trail levels briefly as it passes through the cool Refrigerator Canyon.
Walter’s Wiggles: Ascend over 21 tight switchbacks that lead to the top ridge above Refrigerator Canyon.
Scout’s Lookout: Top of the Wiggles leads to Scout’s Lookout and splits off to the Angels Landing trail. Pause here for views and to watch hikers on Angels Landing.
Continue on West Rim Trail: Head north (left) up the ridge, continuing the climb. For a quiet spot, hike about 30 minutes to a slick rock overlook with views of Zion Canyon.
Further Trail: After cresting the ridge, descend slightly, cross a wooden bridge over Telephone Canyon, then climb around Mount Majestic into shaded woods.
Little Siberia: Cooler area is known for retaining snow/ice longer due to shade but is a nice break from the sun in hotter weather.
Behunin Pass: After several switchbacks, you will reach the saddle at Behunin Canyon
Mesa Top: You have reached about 4.5 miles from the start of the hike, find the trail intersection and clearing between huge trees.
- West Rim Spring (Cabin Springs): A small trail leads to a trickle spring (water needs filtering).
- Views into Canyons: The “Rim Route” trail leads around the mesa with stunning views into Behunin, Gunsight, and Heaps Canyons.
- More Views: The trail circles along the plateau and as you start heading north, you will get views of Phantom Valley, Inclined Temple, Ivans Mountain, and North Creek.
Return: Explore the mesa top as time allows and return downhill the same way.

Observation Point Hike from East Mesa Trailhead

Zion Hikes - Observation Point — Observation Point Zion National Park. Photo ©JJ. Trailwalker 2024

Observation Point is one of Zion National Park’s most beautiful lookouts over Zion Canyon, including a view of Angels Landing. This Zion hike from East Mesa Trailhead is an incredibly rewarding adventure.

Hike Outline

Difficulty: Moderate
Access: East Mesa Trail
Time: 3-4 hours Out and Back
Length: 7 Miles
Elevation Change: 702 feet
Best Time of Year to Hike: Late spring, summer (hike early), and fall
Permits: No permits required
Pets Allowed: No

The Hike

Trail Start: Getting to the trailhead is the most difficult part of this one. The trailhead is located outside Zion’s east entrance (about 1 hour drive from Visitor Center) just past Zion Ponderosa Resort. There are only a few parking spots, and the surrounding area is private property you don’t want to park on. If you drive to the trailhead and the lot is full, drive back to the Ponderosa Resort and take the shuttle.
Description of Hike: Hike through ponderosa pine and juniper forest, with some views into the surrounding canyons, once you hit the East Rim Trail continue for another 0.4 miles to Observation Point. You can see Angels Landing and the trail looking down from Observation Point

Alternative Trailhead for Observation Point

There are (were) a couple of additional options to hike to Observation Point

From Weeping Rock (stop #7) but that has been closed indefinitely unfortunately due to significant rock fall.
Also accessible from the Stave Spring Trailhead on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway located 100 feet west of the East Entrance fee booth, but is a 21-mile round trip taking 8-14 hours round trip.

Safety Tips for Zion Hikes

Stay on the designated paths, back from cliff edges, and observe posting warnings.
Mind the conditions. Check conditions at the park service website for weather, trail, and road closures before departing. Lightning, flash floods, winds, rockfall, and weather can close roads and trails. Know before you go.
Hydrate: Have plenty of water at least a gallon per day.

What to Pack for Zion Hikes

Daypack or Hydration Pack, or Photography Multipurpose Pack
Trash Bag: pack it out!
Water and Snacks
Proper Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking boots that are broken in with a good grip on uneven and sometimes slippery terrain. Pair with a good pair of hiking socks.
Dress in Layers: Appropriate for the weather and moisture-wicking bottom layer.
Sun Protection: Lip balm, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat.
First aid kit
Hiking poles (optional but handy)