Details

Hiking the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail: Complete Guide

May 6, 2024January 3, 2021 by James Ian

At almost 250 by 350 feet (76m x 106m), the Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States (and the third largest in the world). Located in the Midway Geyser Basin, it is the biggest and brightest of the many colored pools in Yellowstone National Park.

It is bright blue, but changes color through the year. The colors are a result of microbes in the water and they change depending on the temperature of the water. In summer the edges are more orange and in winter they are usually dark green.

No matter what time of year you go, it is stunning.

TOP TOUR FROM JACKSON: Book a full-day tour now
TOP HOTEL PICK IN WEST YELLOWSTONE: Check availability now
FIND THE CHEAPEST CAR RENTAL: Search Discover Cars for the best deals
FIND THE CHEAPEST FLIGHTS: Search Skyscanner for the best deals
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE: Get insured with Travelex before you go
TAKE AN AUDIO TOUR: Buy an audio tour now

No time right now to read about where to find the best view of Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park (hint: it’s from the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail)? Pin it and save it for later:

The Best Place to See the Most Colorful Hot Springs in Yellowstone

Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Yellowstone Where To Get The Best Views

Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read my Disclosure for more information.

FREE DOWNLOAD
Subscribe to monthly updates with tips for planning, travel inspiration and trip ideas and get instant access to the free PDF of this
Guide the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail

The Best View of Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, WY

There are so many great hikes in American national parks, but there is no park quite like Yellowstone. Full of incredible geothermal phenomena like geysers, colored pools and bubbling mud pots; home to herds of bison and wolves; and the site of some of the most incredible waterfalls in the United States, this park has a lot to offer.

The biggest and most colorful hot spring is Grand Prismatic Spring and it is absolutely not to be missed.

There are two ways for you to experience the Grand Prismatic Spring.

The Midway Geyser Basin boardwalk goes around the edges of the giant hot spring, giving you a close up look
The Giant Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail gives you an ‘aerial’ view. This is the classic view that you see in photos.

The Boardwalk

This guide is mostly about the Grand Prismatic overlook trail, but let’s first take a quick look at the boardwalk.

The Grand Prismatic Spring boardwalk is a one-way 0.8 mile/ 1.3 km loop goes along one edge of the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring and to several other nearby much smaller springs Opal Pool and Excelsior Geyser Crater. You can see the hot spring water joining the Firehole River in a gush of steam, which is very cool.

Ground-level-view-of-Grand-Prismatic-Spring-Yellowstone-National-Park-Wyoming

It’s nice to see the colors up close, but to see the classic view of the whole pools, with rays of color extended in swirls like a multi-colored sun, you will need to take the Overlook Trail.

Is the Grand Prismatic Spring dangerous? Yes. That’s why the boardwalk is there. How hot is the Grand Prismatic Spring? It’s 160 °F (70 °C). It may look tempting, but at Grand Prismatic Spring, swimming is NOT an option.

A note about parking for the boardwalk

You will need to park at the Midway Geyser Basin for the boardwalk. Considering that Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the highlights of Yellowstone, the parking lot is very small. Consequently, finding a parking spot can be like hitting the jackpot. If you find a spot on the side of the road nearby, nab it!

If you are planning to visit Yellowstone in spring, summer or fall, make your planning easy and stress free with a detailed itinerary. I have 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-day itineraries for Yellowstone that include all the park highlights, give you choices based on your preferred activity level and take all the stress out of planning your trip.

Check out the 4 Yellowstone itinerary options

The Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail Overview

Stunning-view-of-Grand-Prismatic-Spring-Wyoming-from-the-overlook-trail

Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail Details

Trail length: 0.6 miles/ 1 km each way (1.2 miles/ 2km roundtrip) out-and-back trail. The Fairy Falls Trail is 2.5 miles/ 4km each way (5 miles/ 8km round trip)
Duration: It takes about 20 minutes to walk to the overlook, then another 20 minutes to return, plus time at the lookout. If you decide to continue on to Fairy Falls, the Fairy Falls Trail takes about2.5-3 hours.
Elevation Change: 105 feet/ 32m
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

When is the trail open?

The trail is in a Bear Management Area and is closed March – Memorial Day. The park’s Grand Loop Road is actually closed for the winter early November through to May. So, the trail is generally open late May to early November, though this can vary from year to year depending on the snow. If you are planning to go in late spring or fall, check the park’s website for road closures.

Where is the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone?

The Grand Prismatic Spring location is in the Midway Geyser Basin in the western part of the northern loop.

It’s sometimes called the Grand Prismatic Geyser or the Grand Prismatic Pool, Yellowstone or even Grand Prismatic Lake, Yellowstone Park, but it is actually a hot spring.

Where is Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook trailhead?

The Grand Prismatic Spring trail head is the same as the Fairy Falls Trailhead. It’s about a mile (1.6 km) south of Midway Geyser Basin parking area.

Parking for the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail

Parking is at the Fairy Falls Parking Lot, NOT the Grand Prismatic Springs/ Midway Geyser Basin parking lot (that is for the boardwalk, a mile away; there is no trail from the Grand Prismatic Springs parking area to the Overlook trail).

The Fairy Falls parking lot is larger, but this trail is very popular and it gets full. You can check the park’s website for current parking conditions, but I recommend taking your chances – keep driving around until you see someone heading to their car and follow them!

Note that RVs, buses and trailers aren’t allowed to park in this parking area.

When is the best time to hike the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook trail?

It may be tempting to go early to beat the crowds, but this is one place that doesn’t pay off. The thermal pools in Yellowstone – and the Grand Prismatic, Yellowstone is no exception – are typically shrouded in mist in the morning. The most usually doesn’t burn off until around noon.

So, you should time your visit for the afternoon. This is true of all of the colored pools. It would be disappointing to go all that way and not see the colors in all their splendor.

For the best experience, visit after midday, once the mist burns off. Yes, it will be crowded, but it is worth it to see these colors.

The Great Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail is actually part of the Fairy Falls Trail, so if you want to hike to the falls, a good option would be to hike straight to the falls in the morning, then go to the overlook n the way back, around noon. That way you avoid the worst of the parking crunch, see the falls and see the spring without the mist.

What to take on the Grand Prismatic Spring hike?

The Yellowstone Grand Prismatic Spring hike is short and easy, so you don’t need any special hiking gear (hiking sandals, walking sandals or hiking shoes are all fine). However, there is little shade and this is bear country, so I recommend:

Sunscreen. Buy some on Amazon here
Water. I love the Que bottles – they collapse down when empty and expand to a greater size when they’re full. Check prices on Amazon here
A sun hat. I don’t love hats, to be honest, but always wear a sun hat when hiking (my slightly thinning hair may have something to do with it, but you should wear one anyway!) I wear this one from Amazon
Bear spray: This is bear country and it is always best to be prepared, just in case. You can choose either bear spray (get some here) or a bear bell
Binoculars or Spotting Scope.
You won’t need them to see the stunning view of the springs, but it is cool to see the boardwalk up close as well as where the hot springs meet the river and even some wildlife, for which you will need binoculars. The best binoculars for the money/ best binoculars under $300 are the Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars (check them out on Amazon). For cheaper options, read my detailed guides to buying the best binoculars under $200 and the best binoculars under $100.
For even better visuals, invest in a spotting scope. Read my Guide to the Best Spotting Scopes for Wildlife Viewing for more details.

Additional hiking resources

When hiking in Yellowstone, check out these useful resources:

Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail Description

The trail was only opened in 2018. Prior to that, people scrambled up the hill to get an ‘aerial’ view of the spring. Obviously, that was not great, so we are lucky this trail exists!

The Start of the trail

For most of the trail it is the same trail as the Fairy Falls Trail. Start along the wide, flat trail from the parking lot. The Grand Prismatic Spring is off in the distance to your right (you can’t see it from here though).

After about 0.5 miles/ 800m, you will see a sign indicating the Overlook Trail. It is easy to see – plus most people will be going/ coming that way.

Take the turn off to the left. This is the actual overlook trail. It soon starts to climb. I saw a fox right here along the trail – it got incredibly close, which was very cool.

Fox-seen-on-Grand-Prismatic-Hot-spring-Overlook-Trail Yellowstone

The trail starts with a gradual climb, but then does get steep in parts. The climb is short, but can be slippery, so it’s better to wear proper hiking shoes.

The best view of Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, WY

Before long, you will come to the viewing platform. There are incredible views of the Grand Prismatic spring from there. It is often pretty crowded, but when I was there, people were pretty good about taking turns to take photos and have their photos taken.

View-of-boardwalks-around-Grand-Prismatic-Hot-Springs

Returning/ Continuing on to Fairy Falls

To return, you have two options. You can go back the way you came to the parking lot, which is what most people do. However, you can also continue on to Fairy Falls (if you took my advice, you would actually do this whole thing in reverse and go to Fairy falls first, but let’s assume you went to the Overlook first).

If you are going straight back to the parking area, turn left. If you decide to continue on to Fairy falls, turn right. The overlook Trail is actually a side trail loop from the main Fairy Falls Trail, so rather than backtrack, you can continue in the same direction and will take you down a short switchback back to the main trail, but further along.

When you reach the flat Fairy Falls Trail again, turn left and continue along. Less than half a mile along, there is a sign to Fairy Falls. Follow the sign to turn left. It’s another 1.6 miles to the falls. The trail stays flat, but goes through some lodgepole forest.

At 197 feet/ 60m, Fairy Falls are some of the tallest waterfalls in Yellowstone and make a lovely spot for lunch.

Fairy Falls Yellowstone National Park past Grand Prismatic Spring

You can continue another 0.75 miles/ 1.2 km to Imperial Geyser.

The Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail Map

Check this Yellowstone Grand Prismatic Spring map for trail details and to see how to get to Grand Prismatic Spring.

The Verdict: Grand Prismatic Spring Hot Springs Overlook

This trail provides a much better view of the Grand Prismatic Spring than the boardwalk – if you are short for time and have to choose between the two, you should absolutely choose the overlook.

You will probably have a chance to get close to other colored springs, so it wouldn’t be too terrible to skip the boardwalk IF you are short on time, but it would be a real shame to miss the view from the overlook.

Travel Insurance

You should always travel with travel insurance. If in doubt, read my Guide to Travel Insurance for the full low down.

A great insurance option is Travelex.  It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can swap this link for either choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip here or get a quote right now:

Happy hiking!

Do you have any favorite hikes in Yellowstone? I’d love to hear about them. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know.

If you are in the middle of planning a trip to Yellowstone, there is an easier way. I’ve created extremely detailed 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-day itineraries for Yellowstone (and 1-3-day itineraries for Grand Teton National park. They take all the stress out of planning your trip and give you a detailed (and flexible) plan to follow for your trip. Check them out here.

Where to Stay in Yellowstone

If you want to avoid the expense of lodgings inside the park, then staying in an Airbnb just outside the park entrance is a great option. Check out some great vacation rentals near Yellowstone here.

If you prefer camping, read my Complete Guide to Camping in Yellowstone for details of all of the campgrounds inside the park, tips and how to make reservations.

If you are looking to save even more money, here are some great suggestions for free camping in Yellowstone.

WHERE ARE YOU IN YOUR PLANNING PROCESS?
Are you just starting to think about taking a national parks trip? Get Inspiration
Are you starting to plan a trip to Yellowstone National Park? Read my Guide to Yellowstone National Park
Do you want a ready-made super detailed plan for your trip to Yellowstone? Get a detailed 1 – 4-day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
Are you looking for a place to stay near Yellowstone National Park? Find a vacation rental near Yellowstone National Park
Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources
Do you want to read a book about Yellowstone National Park? Check out my Recommended Reading List for Yellowstone National Park

If you are also planning to visit the Grand Tetons, read my Guide to Grand Teton National Park and get a detailed Grand Teton itinerary.

If you liked this post, please share the love and Pin it to your Yellowstone National Park board!

About the Author

James Ian has traveled to 82 countries and all 7 continents. He has visited all of the main national parks in the United States, as well as many national monuments and state parks.

He has rafted through the Grand Canyon; rappelled down slot canyons near Zion and Arches; hiked among the hoodoos in Bryce and the enormous trees in Sequoia; admired the waterfalls in Yosemite and the colored hot springs in Yellowstone; seen moose in Grand Tetons and seals in the Channel Islands, and much more.

Parks Collecting is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Yellowstone National Park Guide

May 10, 2024January 3, 2021 by James Ian

Yellowstone National Park is not only the first national park in the United States, it is also one of the best national parks in the United States.

The park has incredible variety. It’s a geothermal hot spot, and you can see erupting geysers like Old Faithful, bubbling mud pots, boiling cauldrons, and fantastical brightly colored hot springs. There is also a large lake for watersports, thundering waterfalls and a deep canyon, and some of the best wildlife viewing in the country. This is THE place to see bison in the wild!

Yellowstone National Park Travel Guide

Navigate this Yellowstone visitors guide by clicking on the articles below to read in-depth information about each aspect of Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone National Park at a Glance

State: Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
Main attractions: Geysers, colored pools/ hot springs, other geothermal features, lake, wildlife, canyon, waterfalls
Shuttle: None

10 FUN FACTS ABOUT YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Itineraries for Yellowstone National Park

*** Available for purchase ***

These are not your average blogger itineraries, which tend to be short summaries of things that they did on their one visit there. These itineraries are all about YOU and helping you have the best time.

They will take away the overwhelm that often accompanies planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park. They’re a combination detailed hour-by-hour itinerary (with options for different activity levels), guidebook, hiking guide, driving directions, travel tips, and more. You’ll need nothing else to plan your trip – it’s all done for you (but you still have choices).

One-day, two-day, three-day or four-day detailed itineraries for Yellowstone National Park available for purchase.

EXCLUSIVE BONUS CONTENT WITH YELLOWSTONE ITINERARIES

Yellowstone National Park Guide

Please note this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at zero cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full Disclosure for more information. If you have any questions, please contact me.

How to Plan a Trip to Yellowstone National Park

Planning a Trip to Yellowstone National Park can be overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. Use this Yellowstone National Park travel guide to help plan your trip. Click on the links below to go to detailed guides and find answers to your questions.

If you’re visiting Yellowstone in winter, be sure to read this guide. It has everything you need to know for your winter trip, including road closures, activities to do, oversnow travel options, where to stay, and exactly what to expect.

This guide is different. Here are 7 big mistakes to avoid when planning your Yellowstone National Park trip.

Entrance Fee for Yellowstone National Park

There is an entrance fee to get into Yellowstone. Find the latest fees on the NPS website.

To avoid long lines and save money, if you are planning to visit more than just Yellowstone this year, it can be great value to purchase an America The Beautiful pass.

The one-year pass includes standard entrance at all sites managed by the National Park Service, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and Army Corps of Engineers. It covers the entrance fee for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle or up to 4 adults at sites that charge per person.

Get an America The Beautiful pass here.

Yellowstone Park Entrances

There are five entrances to Yellowstone National Park:

North Entrance. This is just outside Gardiner and is convenient if you fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN). The entrance is open to regular vehicular all year and can be used for oversnow travel in winter.
Northeast Entrance. This is next to Cooke City/ Silver Gate and is accessed from the east over the scenic Beartooth highway. The entrance is open all year, but the only access from the road the east, the Beartooth Highway, is closed in winter.
West Entrance. The main gateway town here is West Yellowstone, where there is a seasonal regional airport and easy access from the west. The entrance is open for oversnow travel only in winter.
Southeast Entrance. The nearest town is Cody. Easy access for points to the east and southeast. The entrance is open for oversnow travel only in winter.
South Entrance. This is the main entrance used for travel between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park, which is just eight miles south of Yellowstone. The entrance is open for oversnow travel only in winter.

Yellowstone Visitor Centers

There are several visitor centers throughout the park. For details, addresses, and opening hours, visit the NPS website.

Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is large, with incredible diversity, so there is plenty to do. For a comprehensive list of activities in the warmer months, check out my guide featuring 21 amazing things to do in Yellowstone National Park.

There are around 300 waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park, from the incredible Lower Yellowstone Falls – nearly twice as high as Niagara Falls – to smaller cascades like Lewis Falls. This guide has details on the top ten waterfalls in the park.

Read More: BEST WATERFALLS IN YELLOWSTONE

There are several distinct sections to Yellowstone National Park, each with their own attractions. They are connected by roads that form a Figure ‘8’ – the Grand Loop Drive.

Lamar Valley, often called “America’s Serengeti”, is home to wolf packs, bison herds, bears, and much more.

Hikes in Yellowstone National Park

Hikes in Yellowstone range from short, easy walks on flat boardwalks to much longer hikes out into the backcountry.

Discover all the best hikes you can do – including hikes to see waterfalls, for wildlife, and in and around the canyon. This guide includes trail details so you can choose hikes to suit your interest and comfort level.

Read More: BEST HIKES IN YELLOWSTONE

Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the US. Its bright colors are best seen from an overlook reached along a short trail. Get full trail details and descriptions in this detailed guide.

Best Tours of Yellowstone National Park

Where to Stay Near Yellowstone National Park

There are gateway towns at or near each of the entrances.

West Yellowstone (West Entrance): Find accommodations in West Yellowstone here
Gardiner (North Entrance): Find accommodations in Gardiner here
Cooke City/ Silver Gate (Northeast Entrance): Find accommodations in Cooke City here
Cody (Southeast Entrance): Find accommodations in Cody here
Jackson (South Entrance): Find accommodations in Jackson here

If you’d prefer to stay in a house, cabin or apartment, my guide to the best vacation rentals in West Yellowstone and Gardiner has some top pick suggestions.

Read More: BEST RENTALS NEAR YELLOWSTONE

Places To Stay Inside Yellowstone National Park

There are several lodges and several campgrounds inside the park.

Find details of all the lodges inside Yellowstone National Park here.

This guide gives full details on all of the campgrounds inside Yellowstone National Park.

Read More: CAMPING IN YELLOWSTONE

How to Get to Yellowstone National Park

Whether you want to fly, drive, take a tour, catch a bus or even take the train, you will need to know how to get to the national park.

Read More: HOW TO GET TO YELLOWSTONE

The Best Airports for Yellowstone National Park

With five entrances, there are plenty of options to enter and exit the park, and therefore plenty of airports you can use. This guide goes over all of the options and gives you tips on which ones are best for your trip.

Read More: BEST AIRPORTS FOR YELLOWSTONE

If you’re looking for flights, use Skyscanner to scan the Internet for the cheapest deals.

How to Get Around Yellowstone National Park

Once you’re there, the easiest way to get around Yellowstone National Park is by car. You’ll need your own vehicle or to rent a car at the airport. You can find a rental car here.

The other option is to get a taxi from the airport in West Yellowstone and then take a tour from there to the park.

When to Visit Yellowstone National Park

In general, the best time to go to Yellowstone National Park is early September. Most things are still open, the crowds have thinned out, and the fall color is starting to pop (though it can randomly snow even then!). However, this isn’t the only good time to go.

Read the quick summary of the best times to visit Yellowstone National Park so you can make the right decision.

Read More: BEST TIME TO VISIT YELLOWSTONE

Read detailed information on every season, so you can make the most informed decision for your own trip.

How Long to Spend in Yellowstone National Park

How many days you should spend in Yellowstone depends on a number factors including how much time you have available, your budget, and your interests. I recommend at least four days to see the park’s highlights.

If you have less or more time, and want to see what you can realistically expect to see and do in that time, this guide has a breakdown for you.

Travel Insurance for Yellowstone National Park

A Yellowstone National Park visitor guide wouldn’t be complete without travel insurance. Protect yourself against trip cancellation, loss or theft of your property or any medical emergencies.

A great insurance option is Travelex.  It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip here or get a quote right now:

Travel Tips for Yellowstone National Park

My top three tip for visiting Yellowstone are:

Stay away from the animals and stay on the boardwalks! People die in Yellowstone because they ignore warnings. Boardwalks are built over scalding hot water that will burn your flesh away. Bison gore tourists who get to close almost every year. The NPS guidelines are to stay at least 100 yards (91m) from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards (23m) from elk, bison, moose, and other animals.
Have a plan. Avoid spending your vacation driving around parking lots looking for a space to park. Get one of my detailed itineraries – they tell you when and where to go to have the least chance of getting caught in traffic, and the best chance of being in the right place at the right time to enjoy the geysers, waterfalls, canyon, hot springs, etc., take the best photos, and see wildlife. Get the 1-, 2-, and 3-day itineraries here.
Get an early start and stay late. This is the best way to beat the crowds, see wildlife, and have the best light for photos. Tour buses leave by late afternoon, and this is also when light is great for photos.

Packing for Yellowstone

Make sure you pack everything you need, get what you don’t and download a free packing checklist.

Read More: YELLOWSTONE PACKING CHECKLIST

Books About Yellowstone National Park

Round out your Yellowstone planning guide with a reading list.

Learn about Yellowstone before you go; immerse yourself with reading material while you’re there; and/ or keep your memories alive after your trip. This reading list includes interesting tales, information, novels, and picture books.

Read More: BEST BOOKS ABOUT YELLOWSTONE

Two hands holding a pen and notebook surrounded by other travel stuff, with the text, Planning Resources Get Started. — BOOK YOUR TRIP

Hands holding a notebook surrounded by other travel items, with the text, Packing Lists All You Need. — PACK WHAT YOU NEED

Camping and hiking gears, with the text, Product Reviews Essential Gear and Wear. — GET THE RIGHT GEAR AND CLOTHING

Brown notebook on a wood slab, with the text, Gift Ideas, Find The Perfect Present. — FIND THE PERFECT PRESENT

To save this Yellowstone guide for later, Pin It to your National Parks board:

About the author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

Hiking The Wildcat Trail Monument Valley: Complete Guide

May 6, 2024January 3, 2021 by James Ian

Hiking the Wildcat Trail, Monument Valley is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Wildcat Trail is not only one of the absolute best Monument Valley hiking trails, it is the only Monument Valley trail that you could hike without a guide. And one that you will, surprisingly, most likely have to yourself.

Monument Valley is quintessential American wild, wild west. The stunning buttes and mesas are iconic images featured in multiple movies and TV shows. Seeing the valley in real life is a magical experience. The valley is on Navajo tribal land, so most of it can only be accessed with a Navajo guide, but there is one trail you can hike by yourself.

TOP TOUR: Book a day trip from Sedona now
TOP HOTEL PICK: Check availability now
FIND THE CHEAPEST CAR RENTAL: Search Discover Cars for the best deals
FIND THE CHEAPEST FLIGHTS: Search Skyscanner for the best deals
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE: Get insured with Travelex before you go
TAKE AN AUDIO TOUR: Buy an audio tour now

No time right now to read this Guide to Hiking the Wildcat Trail, Monument Valley? Pin It and save it for later:

How to Hike the Wildcat Trail Monument Valley

All You Need to Know about the Wildcat Trail Monument Valley

The Wildcat Trail descends from The View Hotel and camping area and circles around West Mitten. Seeing the vegetation, desert wildlife and the incredible rock formations up close and at your own pace is a truly memorable experience.

The trail also provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Monument Valley landscape. The colors of the desert are especially stunning in the first light of dawn and the last light just before the sun sets. At these times of day, the stunning rock formations glow a brilliant, unearthly color. They look like they have been photoshopped and oversaturated, but this is just nature putting on a show.

Even more incredible to me is that chances are you won’t see another soul! I did the hike in early September at 6:00pm and saw one other couple the entire time.

The trail has a steep descent and ascent in soft sand that can seem cruel at the end when you are tired, but most of it is fairly flat hard dirt. I LOVED this hike!

FREE DOWNLOAD
Subscribe to monthly updates with tips for planning, travel inspiration and trip ideas and get instant access to the free PDF of this
Guide to Hiking the Wildcat Trail

Wildcat Trail, Monument Valley Details

Distance: 3.6 miles/ 5.8 km
Type: lollipop/ lasso
Elevation change: 380 feet/ 116 m
Time: Approx. 2 hours. I did it in just under 2 hours, but didn’t stop much.
Difficulty: Easy-moderate. Most of the trail is fairly flat and easy, but the start is a descent down soft sand, which means the end is an ascent up soft sand! Also, Monument Valley is 4,838 feet/ 1,475 m above sea level, so the elevation can make it harder than it would be at sea level.
Trailhead: At the intersection where the Monument Valley self-drive road starts
Highlights: Sunrise/ sunset; close views of the West Mitten; panoramic views of Monument Valley; seeing the desert flora
Fee: The trail itself is free, but there is a fee to enter Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. This is $20 for a vehicle of up to four passengers or $10 per walk-in, bicycle, or motorcycle.
Open: Before 11:00am and after 5:00pm. Between 11:00 am and 5:00pm, the trail is closed due to the dangers of extreme heat in summer.

Tips for Hiking the Wildcat Trail

The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, but nonetheless, I recommend reading my Guide to Reading Trail Markers if you are a newbie hiker.
Go early or go late. You actually don’t have a choice in the warmer months, as the trail is closed in the heat of the day, but this is the best time to go anyway. The sunrises and sunsets over Monument Valley are SPECTACULAR. We did it at 6:00pm and it was pleasant in early September.
The trail crosses a couple washes and the trail actually goes along a wash for part of it. As the name suggests, washes are subject to flash floods, so check with the visitor center before heading out to make sure there is no rain in the area. The visitor center is open:
- 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, October 1 – April 30
- 6:00 am – 8:00 pm, May 1 – September 30
- 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Thanksgiving
- Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
You don’t need a permit per se, but you do need to register at the visitor center office before you go and when you get back. If you do this in the evening, the visitor center will be closed when you get back. We found ourselves in this situation, so we let the camping office know. This is so that someone knows you are out in the desert in case you get stuck there. But stay on the trail, go early or late and take plenty of water and you should be OK.
Wear appropriate clothing and pack all you need. Check to make sure you have everything on my Day Hike Packing List and that you have the essential hiking gear for beginner hikers here.
Wear decent hiking shoes or boots. Read my reviews of the best hiking boots and shoes if you need new ones.
Take lots of water! Monument Valley hikes are not for the unprepared. The trail is completely exposed (there is no shade) and the desert heat in summer (and even in spring and fall) is fierce and you can easily get dehydrated without realizing. Take more water and drink more often than you think necessary. I like the Que collapsible bottle
Wear sun protection. This includes:
- Sun hat: Check out the Columbia unisex sunhat on Amazon here
- Sunscreen: Buy sunscreen on Amazon here
Hiking poles will help you, especially on that last 0.5 miles/ 1 km. If you need to get some hiking poles, check out my pick here.
Take binoculars. There are animals and birds in the desert that you can see better through binoculars. You can also use them to see details in the rock formations. The best binoculars for the money are the Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars. Read a comprehensive Guide to the Best Binoculars for the Money for top choices, reviews and recommendations.
You may well have the trail to yourself, but you should still follow basic hiking etiquette.
If you are a newbie hiker, read my Hiking 101 guide.
Consider staying in the campground, which is next to the trailhead. It is (much) cheaper than the hotel, and there are jaw-dropping views of the valley from your tent. If you are looking for a tent, read my Guide to Buying a 4-Person Tent (which I recommend for 2-4 people plus luggage), a 6-Person Tent or an 8-Person Tent (if you are traveling with a group of friends or your family)
If you are hiking in the afternoon, it is a good idea to take a flashlight with you in case you don’t get back by dark.

Wildcat Trail Monument Valley Map

FREE DOWNLOAD
Subscribe to monthly updates with tips for planning, travel inspiration and trip ideas and get instant access to the free PDF of this
Guide to Hiking the Wildcat Trail

Monument Valley Wildcat Trail Description

The trail starts at the northeast corner of intersection where the Monument Valley self-drive starts. To get there from the visitor center, facing away from the valley, turn right at the bottom of the steps. You will soon arrive at the intersection and see the sign for the trail head. The campground and cabins are straight ahead if you continue along the road.

The trail starts by descending down a soft sandy slope (think ‘sand dune’). The campground is to your left and then the cabins are up and off to your left a little further along. You soon leave them behind.

There are incredible views from here over Monument Valley. You can see East Mitten, West Mitten and Merick buttes. The big butte closest to you is West Mitten and the trail circles around this.

Continue downwards along the sandy trail. The trail is pretty easy to see and follow. There are small signs indicating the names of various plants along the way. One thing I like about this trail is that it not only gives you panoramic views of the valley landscape, but also gives you an opportunity to see desert life up close and personal.

0.7 miles/ 1.13 km into the hike, you come to a fork. This is where the loop around the West Mitten starts. There is a small sign here indicating that you should go right (east) so that you circle around in a counterclockwise direction. You will return along the trail to the left.

The dirt trail continues as it circles around West Mitten. It crosses a couple of washes, but is easy to follow.

There are great view of Merrick Butte.

At the 1.7 miles/ 2.7 km mark, the trail joins a dirt road for a short section. This is another great spot for photos of West and East Mittens and Merrick Butte.

Another 0.1 mile/ 160 m along, the trail leaves the road and heads off the left.

The view of West Mitten changes a lot as you circle around it.

At 2.7 miles, you will get to another wash. Hike in the wash for about 0.1 miles/ 160 m when the trail again heads off the left.

I could even see the moon clearly in the sky as the West Mitten blocked out the late afternoon sun.

This is an angle that you don’t usually get to see:

There is a small hill before ending the loop and getting back to the same trail you started on.

If you are doing this hike in the late afternoon, be sure to turn around often, as it is around this time, depending on when you started, that West Mitten glows a bright orange color like it is on fire in the last direct sunlight of the day. It’s breathtaking! At the junction, turn right and head back towards the trailhead.

This was my favorite part of the hike – such incredible light!

The last 0.5 mile/ 1km section of the trail is climbing back up the soft sand that you descended at the beginning. This is the hardest part of the trail because it is at the end when you are most tired and it is uphill in soft sand. It’s not that long a distance though and you will be back in no time.

Make sure you sign back in so that everyone knows you are no longer out in the desert.

Wildcat Trail, Monument Valley FAQ

Can you hike in Monument Valley?

Yes, there are actually several hikes in Monument Valley, though the Wildcat Trail is the only one that you can do without a Navajo guide.

Where can I hike in Monument Valley without a guide?

The Wildcat Trail is the only hike that you can do in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park without a Navajo guide.

Where is the Wildcat Trail?

The Wildcat Trail is in Oljato-Monument Valley (Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaiiin the Navajo language, pronounced [tsʰépìːʔntsɪ̀skɑ̀ìː]), in the area designated as the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Monument Valley traverses Arizona and Utah, but the trailhead is in Arizona.

The trail starts near the View Hotel/ visitor center at the four-way intersection with the entrance road, the road for the self-drive, the short road to the camping and cabin areas and the parking lot.

How long does it take to hike the Wildcat Trail?

It took me just under two hours, but I didn’t stop much because I wanted to make sure I got back before dark. At a more leisurely place, you could easily take 3 hours to hike the Wildcat Trail.

When is the best time of year to hike the Wildcat Trail?

The best time of year to hike the Wildcat Trail in Monument Valley is spring or fall. I hiked it in early September and it was great.

This is the desert and summer (mid-June to August) is VERY hot, with day time temperatures averaging over 90°F / 32°C. The trail is exposed, which means that there is NO shade on this trail. Even early in the morning and late afternoon it can be ridiculously hot, so if you are hiking the trail then, be sure to take more water than you think you will need and drink often. You don’t notice yourself dehydrating in the dry desert heat because your sweat evaporates immediately.

In winter (November to February), it gets cold because of the elevation and it can snow here. Seeing the buttes and mesas of Monument Valley covered in snow is kind of magical, but hiking in the snow can be quite challenging.

If you do this, wear warm clothing and take your time. Check out my:

Spring (March to early June) and fall (September and October) are much more comfortable, though even then, you should respect the desert and make sure you have lots of water and make sure you pack and dress appropriately. Check my Day Hike Essentials Packing List to make sure you take what you need. Spring often has wildflowers in bloom.

What is the best time of day to hike the Wildcat Trail?

The best time of day to hike the Wildcat Trail is early morning or late afternoon.

Sunrises over Monument Valley are nothing short of spectacular, so it is worth getting up early for the sunrise, with West and East Mittens silhouetted behind a technicolored sky, then head down into the valley on the hike.

My favorite time, though is late afternoon. The trail is closed 11:00am – 5:00pm, so head out between 5:00pm and 6:00pm. I wouldn’t leave later than 6:00pm or you will be hiking the last part in the dark.

Near the end of the hike, the West Mitten will start blazing. The bright color looks like it is made of super-heated molten rock. Your photos will be #nofilter.

How much does it cost to hike the Wildcat Trail?

The trail is free. However, there is a fee to enter the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. This is $20 for a vehicle of up to four passengers or $10 per walk-in, bicycle, or motorcycle.

Note that this is NOT a national park, so national park passes are not valid here.

Do I need a permit for the Wildcat Trail?

No, you do not need a permit to hike the Wildcat Trail. However, you do need to register. There is a sign-in sheet in the visitor center adjacent to the View Hotel. You should sign in and sign out. This is so that someone knows you are out wandering around in the desert (and that you are back).

What can I see on the Wildcat Trail?

The Wildcat Trail gives you panoramic views and also lets you see the desert up close. You will see the changing shape of the West Mitten as you circle around its base, which gives you a real appreciation for its size. Further in the distance are the East Mitten and Merrick Butte, with additional rock formations further afield.

You will also see various desert flora. Plants you can see alongside the trail include purple sage (which does actually smell like sage), prickly Mojave yucca, brittlebush, rabbitbush and cliffrose. Small signs along the first part of the trail help you identify them.

Is the Wildcat Trail the best hike in Monument Valley?

I think that the Wildcat Trail is the best hike in Monument Valley because it has the most classic view of the valley, you can do it without a guide and it gives you a chance to get out into the desert and see one of the classic buttes, West Mitten, from all angles.

Other hikes in Monument Valley (guide required) include:

Hunt’s Mesa (the highest point in Monument Valley)
Teardrop Arch (a famous arch)
Mystery Valley (the neighboring valley, which most people never get to visit

Travel Insurance for Monument Valley

You need travel insurance whenever you travel, but especially when in the desert. The Wildcat Trail is not especially long or isolated, but you are out in the desert alone, and there is always the possibility that something could go wrong, so it is best to always be prepared.

If you are American, your health insurance may cover medical expenses (always check with your healthcare provider for out-of-state coverage), but is unlikely to cover emergency repatriation. For more details on what travel insurance covers and what to look for when buying travel insurance, read my Guide to Travel Insurance.

A good insurance option is Travelex. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:

Why do I like Travelex? It’s one of the major travel insurance providers in the United States with 25 years of experience. Unlike many insurances, it covers a range of adventure sports and activities and has several plans and optional upgrades so you can get coverage for your exact trip. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:

Happy hiking!

Do you have any tips for visiting Monument Valley to share? I’d love to hear them. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know.

WHERE ARE YOU IN YOUR PLANNING PROCESS?
Are you just starting to think about taking a southwest trip? Get Inspiration
Are you starting to plan a trip to Monument Valley? Read my Guide to Monument Valley
Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources
Do you want to read a book about Monument Valley? Check out my Recommended Reading List

Read about other great hikes in the U.S. Southwest:

FREE DOWNLOAD
Subscribe to monthly updates with tips for planning, travel inspiration and trip ideas and get instant access to the free PDF of this
Guide to Hiking the Wildcat Trail

If you liked this post, please share the love and Pin It to your American Southwest and Bucket List boards!

About the Author

James Ian has traveled to 82 countries and all 7 continents. He has visited all of the main national parks in the United States, as well as many national monuments and state parks.

Monument Valley Guide

May 7, 2024January 3, 2021 by James Ian

If you think of classic wild west landscape, you are probably thinking of Monument Valley. The towering buttes and mesas feature in countless western movies. In movies, this is the landscape of romance and exploration.

Today, is makes up the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal park and it is possible to not only see the incredible landscape, but also take a tour with a Navajo guide and learn more about their culture.

Monument Valley Travel Guide

Navigate this Monument Valley guide by clicking on the articles below to read in-depth information about each aspect of Monument Valley.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park at a glance

State: Arizona/ Utah (the state border cuts through the valley)
Main attractions: Mesas and buttes, Navajo culture
Best time to go: Spring and fall
Hotels/ Airbnbs: The View, Gouldings, Mexican hat, Kayenta
Campgrounds: The View, Gouldings, some others near the park
Dining: The View, Gouldings
Shuttle: No, but if you have an RV, you will need to book a tour to take you into the valley

Monument Valley Guide

Free guides to help you plan your trip to Monument Valley:

VISITING MONUMENT VALLEY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Best Tours of Monument Valley

To save this Monument Valley visitor guide for later, Pin It to your National Parks board:

About the author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

Grand Canyon national Park Guide

May 7, 2024January 2, 2021 by James Ian

Grand Canyon National Park is justifiably famous as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World and one of the best national parks in the United States. The enormous canyon is breathtaking.

You can visit either the north or the south rim (or both). The north rim is higher, is less visited, and has a shorter season and fewer facilities.

Most people visit the south rim, which has plenty of facilities, activities, accommodations, stores, and restaurants. You can enjoy the views from multiple vantage points along the rim, hike down into the canyon, take mule ride, and even ride the rapids of the Colorado River through the canyon.

Grand Canyon National Park Travel Guide

Use this Grand Canyon National Park Travel Guide to get all the information you need about how to visit the Grand Canyon to have an amazing trip.

Grand Canyon National Park At A Glance

State: Arizona
Main attractions: Canyon, river
Shuttle: Yes (South Rim only)

Itineraries for Grand Canyon National Park

*** Available for purchase ***

They will take away the overwhelm that often accompanies planning a trip to Grand Canyon National Park. They’re a combination detailed hour-by-hour itinerary (with options for different activity levels), guidebook, hiking guide, driving directions, travel tips, and more. You’ll need nothing else to plan your trip – it’s all done for you (but you still have choices).

One-day, two-day or three-day detailed itineraries for Grand Canyon National Park available for purchase:

EXCLUSIVE BONUS CONTENT WITH GRAND CANYON ITINERARIES

Grand Canyon Guide

Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon can be overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. Use this Grand Canyon guide for all your Grand Canyon planning. Click on the links below to go to detailed guides and answers to your questions.

How to Plan a Trip to the Grand Canyon

Some helpful Grand Canyon trip planning information:

This guide will help you with what you should AVOID doing when you plan a trip to Grand Canyon National Park.

Phantom Ranch has rustic cabins and hiker dorms at the bottom of the canyon. It’s extremely popular, so there is a lottery system in place to secure a coveted spot.

Entrance Fee for Grand Canyon National Park

There is an entrance fee for the park. Find the latest fees on the NPS website.

To avoid long lines and save money, if you are planning to visit more than just the Grand Canyon this year, it can be great value to purchase an America The Beautiful pass.

The one-year pass includes standard entrance at all sites managed by the National Park Service, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Army Corps of Engineers. The pass covers the entrance fee for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle or up to 4 adults at sites that charge per person.

Get an America The Beautiful pass here

Grand Canyon National Park Entrances

You can access Grand Canyon from the North Rim or the South Rim. It takes over 4 hours to drive between them.

The South Rim is easier to access and has more facilities, and this is where most people visit. The main entrance is the South Entrance Station. It’s 5 miles north of the gateway town of Tusayan; 55 miles north of Williams, Arizona via SR 64 from I-40; and 80 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona via US 180.

You can also access the South Rim from the Desert View East Entrance. This is on Arizona State Highway 64 near Cameron and is convenient if you are coming from points east like Page, AZ.

The entrance to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is located 30 miles south of Jacob Lake on Highway 67, not far from the Utah border. It’s 14 miles from the actual rim of the canyon. This entrance (and the entire North Rim) is only open mid-May to mid-October.

Grand Canyon National Park Visitor Centers

The North Rim Visitor Center is near the parking lot for Grand Canyon Lodge and Bright Angel Point.

On the South Rim, the main Grand Canyon Visitor Center is in Grand Canyon Village near Mather Point.

You can also get information at the Grand Canyon Conservancy Visitor Center Park Store.

Additional Visitor Centers are the Verkamp’s Visitor Center in the Village Historic District, near Hopi House and El Tovar Hotel, and at Desert View.

Grand Canyon Village also has a separate Backcountry Information Center. There are also a shop and exhibits at Kolb Studio and the Yavapai Geology Museum.

Best Tours of the Grand Canyon

SEE MORE TOURS

Things to Do at the Grand Canyon

If you’ll be visiting the south rim of the Grand Canyon, there is no shortage of things to do and see.

There are multiple overlooks and viewpoints along the South Rim, North Rim and inside the canyon where you can enjoy spectacular and ever-changing views of the canyon.

For a different perspective of the canyon, nothing beats riding in a raft or small boat on the Colorado River through the canyon.

Read More: GRAND CANYON RAPIDS GUIDE

Where to Stay Inside Grand Canyon National Park

There are several lodges and campgrounds inside the national park.

The lodges on the South Rim are: El Tovar Hotel; Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins; Kachina Lodge; Maswik Lodge; Thunderbird Lodge; and Yavapai Lodge.

The South Rim campgrounds are: Mather Campground; Trailer Village RV Park; and Desert View Campground (East Entrance).

The lodge on the North Rim is the Grand Canyon Lodge. The North Rim Campground is the only campground on the north rim.

Below the rim of the canyon, there are several backcountry campgrounds: Bright Angel Campground (right at the bottom); Havasupai Gardens (formerly Indian Garden) Campground (halfway down the Bright Angel Trail); and Cottonwood Campground (halfway down the North Kaibab Trail).

There is only one lodge at the bottom of the canyon, Phantom Ranch. Spaces are limited and it’s very popular, so there is lottery system to get a reservation.

Places To Stay Near Grand Canyon National Park

If you prefer to book through Airbnb, there are several lodges, hotels and cabins in and near the park.

Read More: GRAND CANYON AIRBNBS

If you’ll be staying in Flagstaff for your Grand Canyon trip or on the way there or back, a vacation rental is a great option.

Read More: FLAGSTAFF VACATION RENTALS

Many people combine a trip to Sedona with their visit to the Grand Canyon.

Read More: SEDONA VACATION RENTALS

How to Get To Grand Canyon National Park

The most common ways to get to Grand Canyon National Park are to drive or fly into one of the nearby airports and pick up a rental car there. However, there are other options, too, including a daily train to the South Rim from Williams.

Read More: HOW TO GET TO GRAND CANYON

If you need a rental car, find one on RentalsCars.com

If you’re looking for a flight, find a good deal on Skyscanner

The Airports for Grand Canyon National Park

There are several airports near Grand Canyon that you can fly into/ out of. This Grand Canyon visitors guide gives you the full lowdown on all the nearby airports and the pros and cons of using each of them.

Read More: GRAND CANYON AIRPORTS

If you’re looking for flights, use Skyscanner to scan the Internet for the cheapest deals.

How to Get Around Grand Canyon National Park

The easiest way to get around the South Rim is to take a free shuttle. There are several routes from Tusayan, around Grand Canyon Village, west to Hermit’s Rest and east to Yaki Point.

If you want to head further east to Desert View, you’ll need to drive.

When to Visit Grand Canyon National Park

The north rim is only open mid-May to mid-October.

A quick summary of the best time to visit the national park for different interests and priorities.

Take a look at what the park’s like in each season and month to help you decide when to visit the Grand Canyon.

How Long to Spend in Grand Canyon National Park

How many days you should go to the Grand Canyon for depends on when you have time off, how much time you have, your budget, and your interests. I recommend at least three days to see all the main areas along the South Rim, do some hikes and experience other don’t-miss activities. If you add on a river trip, you’ll need a solid week.

Hikes in Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon has some truly incredible hikes, from the easy Rim Trail to the epic Rim-to-Rim two-day hike.

The most famous trail in Grand Canyon National Park is the Bright Angel Trail, going from the South Rim to the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon.

The Grand Canyon is just one place to head in the winter for great hiking.

Read More: BEST WINTER HIKES IN ARIZONA

Travel Insurance for Grand Canyon National Park

In addition to working out the logistics of your trip using this travel guide, Grand Canyon planning should also include travel insurance. Protect yourself against trip cancellation, loss or theft of your property, or any medical emergencies.

A great insurance option is Travelex.  It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:

Travel Tips for Grand Canyon National Park

My top three tips for how to visit Grand Canyon National Park are:

Stay more than a day. According to park surveys, the average stay is 5 to 7 hours, with just 17 minutes spent looking at the canyon. However, this is not enough time to do everything at Grand Canyon Village alone and certainly not enough time to truly appreciate the beauty of the canyon. There are multiple overlooks along the rim with different views. I recommend allowing at least three days at the South Rim to really take this amazing place in.
Have a plan. You want to get the most out of your time at the Grand Canyon. The best way to do this is to get one of my detailed itineraries. They tell you when and where to go to hit all the highlights, see the best views at the right time, and have the best chance of being in the right place at the right time to enjoy the trails and take the best photos. Get the 1-, 2-, and 3-day itineraries here.
Go below the rim. Most people just see the canyon from the rim, but to truly appreciate its enormity and grandeur, you have to head below the rim and be surrounded by the towering canyon walls. Going even just a short way will give you a whole different perspective.

Books About the Grand Canyon

I love to read books about places I go. Get in the spirit of your vacation and learn about the Grand Canyon before you go, immerse yourself with reading material while you’re there, and/ or keep your memories alive after your trip.

This Grand Canyon reading list includes interesting tales, information, novels and picture books.

Read More: GRAND CANYON READING LIST

To save this Grand Canyon visitors guide for later, Pin It to your National Parks board:

About the author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

Bryce Canyon National Park Guide

May 7, 2024January 2, 2021 by James Ian

Bryce National Park is home to hoodoos – natural stone pillars. Thousands of them cram into Bryce Amphitheater and more are scattered along the canyon. They create a bizarre, alien-like environment that is like nothing else you will ever see.

You can see them en masse from the rim or hike down among them and see these incredible formations up close. The unique environment puts this firmly on the list of the best national parks in the United States.

Bryce Canyon National Park Travel Guide

Navigate this Bryce Canyon National Park guide by clicking on the articles below to read in-depth information about each aspect of Bryce Canyon National Park.

Bryce Canyon National Park at a glance

State: Utah
Main attractions: Hoodoos
Best time to go: Year round
Hotels/ Airbnbs: Inside park and Bryce Canyon Village
Campgrounds: Inside park and near the park
Dining: Inside park and Bryce Canyon Village
Shuttle: Yes (free)

10 FUN FACTS ABOUT BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Itineraries for Bryce Canyon National Park

*** Available for purchase ***

They will take away the overwhelm that often accompanies planning a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park. They’re a combination detailed hour-by-hour itinerary (with options for different activity levels), guidebook, hiking guide, driving directions, travel tips, and more. You’ll need nothing else to plan your trip – it’s all done for you (but you still have choices).

One-day or two-day detailed itineraries for Bryce Canyon National Park available for purchase:

Bryce cANYON ITINERARIES COVERS — BRYCE CANYON ITINERARIES

EXCLUSIVE BONUS CONTENT WITH BRYCE CANYON ITINERARIES

Bryce Canyon Guide

Free guides to help you plan your trip to Bryce Canyon National Park:

HOW LONG DO YOU NEED IN BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK?

7 MISTAKES TO AVOID IN BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Rock cliffs and besides are trees with yellow leaves, with the text above that says BEST TIME TO VISIT BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK — BEST TIME TO VISIT BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

VISITING BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Best Tours of Bryce Canyon

To save this Bryce Canyon travel guide for later, Pin It to your National Parks board:

About the author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

Arches National Park Guide

May 8, 2024January 2, 2021 by James Ian

Arches National Park is one of my favorite American national parks. There are over 2,000 natural arches in the park, mostly focused in several key sections in the park. Many of them are short and easy walks from parking lots, though there are some longer and more challenging hikes too.

The incredible natural beauty and variety of ways to experience the arches and fins they are formed from put this park on my list of the best national parks in the United States.

Arches National Park Travel Guide

Navigate this Arches National Park guide by clicking on the articles below to read in-depth information about each aspect of Arches National Park.

Arches National Park at a glance

State: Utah
Main attractions: Natural arches, fins
Best time to go: Spring and fall
Hotels/ Airbnbs: Moab
Campgrounds: One inside park and many near the park
Dining: Moab
Shuttle: No

Itineraries for Arches National Park

*** Available for purchase ***

These are not your average blogger itineraries, which tend to be short summaries of things that bloggers did on their one visit there. These itineraries are all about YOU and helping you have the best time.

They will take away the overwhelm that often accompanies planning a trip to Arches National Park. They’re a combination detailed hour-by-hour itinerary (with options for different activity levels), guidebook, hiking guide, driving directions, travel tips, and more. You’ll need nothing else to plan your trip – it’s all done for you (but you still have choices).

One-day, two-day or three-day detailed itineraries for Arches National Park available for purchase:

Arches Itinerary Cover 3D-side — ARCHES NATIONAL PARK ITINERARIES

EXCLUSIVE BONUS CONTENT WITH ARCHES NATIONAL PARK ITINERARIES

Arches National Park Guide

Free guides to help you plan your next trip to Arches National Park:

MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN PLANNING A TRIP TO ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

VISITING ARCHES NATIONAL PARK THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Best Tours Arches National Park

To save this guide to Arches National Park for later, Pin It to your National Parks board:

About the author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

Canyoneering In Zion National Park: Complete Guide

May 6, 2024January 2, 2021 by James Ian

I plant one foot firmly about a few inches from the edge. I separate my other leg about two feet away, angled away from the edge. Then, very carefully, I shift my weight over the foot closest to the edge.

I crane my neck over the side and peer down. My nerves hit me all at once. I feel a little dizzy and worry that I might tip forward off the cliff. On either side, sheer cliffs drop down about 30 feet to a flat area below. It looks very, very far down.

TOP TOUR: Book a small group tour now
TOP HOTEL PICK: Check availability now
FIND THE CHEAPEST CAR RENTAL: Search Discover Cars for the best deals
FIND THE CHEAPEST FLIGHTS: Search Skyscanner for the best deals
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE: Get insured with Travelex before you go
TAKE AN AUDIO TOUR: Buy an audio tour now

No time to read about canyoneering in Zion National Park? Pin it and save it for later:

The Most Epic Adventure in Zion Canyoneering

Epic Day Trip Canyoneering in Zion National Park

“Go on”, I hear. “You’ll be fine.”

I am not convinced, but figure I have no one to blame but myself. I grip the rope in my hands so tightly my fingers turn red and inch forward. Nearing the edge, I turn my body around, facing away. Not seeing down is definitely better.

The rope stretching from me to the anchor about 10 feet away is taut. I risk a glance back to judge how far from the edge I am. Not far. At all.

The backs of my feet feel no ground beneath them. I lean back. “If the rope or the anchor give way now, I’m dead,” I think to myself.

My head pounds. Is it too late to turn back? My legs are jelly. My stomach churning.

“Go on”, I hear. “You’ll be fine.”

I jump…

If you are planning to visit Zion Canyon National Park by yourself, make your planning easy and stress free with a detailed itinerary. I have 1-, 2- and 3-day itineraries for Zion National Park that include all the park highlights, give you choices based on your preferred activity level, and take all the stress out of planning your trip.

Check out the three Zion National Park itinerary options

Canyoneering in Zion National Park

This experience rappelling down a series of narrow slot canyons should be on your Zion National Park trip if you have a sense of adventure and not too much of a fear of heights. It is easy to arrange and surprisingly easy to do, but you do need to have a reasonable level of fitness.

BOOK CANYONEERING TRIP

The Experience: Canyoneering Zion National Park

Kevin and I had decided to spend our 10^th anniversary in Zion National Park, Utah, USA after being inspired by a fellow traveler on our Grand Canyon river rafting trip the year before.

We discovered in our Internet research that the hills in and around Zion are embossed with a maze of slot canyons – narrow canyons with steep walls close together. Some are stacked in a multi-layered staircase, where the “steps” are 15-150 feet high.

There are lots of really great things to do in Zion Canyon National Park. You can hike in the river along The Narrows slot canyon, but the only way to experience most of the slot canyons is by canyoneering (or “canyoning” depending on where you’re from). What is “canyoneering”?

It basically means descending and traversing through canyons. In the narrow slot canyon around Zion, it involves climbing or rappelling (abseiling) down the rock faces on a rope from one layer of the skinny canyon to another.

FREE DOWNLOAD
Subscribe to monthly updates with tips for planning, travel inspiration and trip ideas and get instant access to the free PDF of this
Guide to Canyoneering in Zion National Park

Canyoning vs canyoneering

You may hear the term ‘canyoning’. They are the same thing. Canyoning is more common on British English.

Zion National Park canyoneering

Canyoneering Zion is widely considered some of the best canyoneering in Utah. Canyoneering guides are essential unless you are an experienced rappeller with your own gear.

You will need to arrange a Zion canyoneering guide to take you on a canyoning and rappelling tour with one of the outfitters based in Springdale, just outside the main entrance to the national park. We were lucky to find a great one.

The tour operator stated that their guided canyoneering Zion expedition is for people who “are self-sufficient on extended outdoor excursions; can carry a pack up to 35 pounds for 8 – 12 hours; have previous rope handling and rappelling experience or possess rapid technical skill acquisition capabilities; (and) enjoy pushing (themselves) to the limit.”

Well, if by all that they mean someone who is “mid-forties, 30-40 pounds overweight, works out daily by walking to and from the subway, has never rappelled and has a mild fear of heights, but is VERY determined and likes to be adventurous”, then I fit the profile perfectly. I decided that my creative interpretation and their ignorance would qualify me and signed up.

FREE DOWNLOAD
Subscribe to monthly updates with tips for planning, travel inspiration and trip ideas and get instant access to the free PDF of this
Guide to Canyoneering in Zion National Park

The canyoneering guide, Zion

We arrived at offices in Springdale around 6:45am. I sucked in my stomach, signed the waivers saying that this was a crazy thing to do and if anything happened it was all my fault, received a bewildering tangle of ropes and metal things and met Bill, our guide.

Bill was 43, good-looking, rugged, outdoorsy and very friendly. He welcomed us and instantly made us feel comfortable.

One of my favorite things about experiential travel is meeting local people and learning about their lives and experiences. Bill talked a LOT.

As we drove for over an hour to our destination, he regaled us with tales of his adventurous outdoor life, told us about other gay couples he’d guided for, inspired us with the story of his life spent pursuing his passions, shared successes of previous canyoneering newbies, and reassured us with his years of experience and canyoneering highlights.

He made us feel totally comfortable, that it was OK to be ourselves and express our fears, and that we could do this. We loved him already.

A long hike uphill from the car followed. I was hot and out of breath, and bringing up the rear, but keeping up. An hour or so later we arrived at the top of the canyon.

“That’s the worst part of the day over”, Bill confidently said. I didn’t believe him but appreciated his attempt to make me feel good.

The First Descent

So, there we are, standing at top of the first of 12 slot canyons that we will descend that day. Nearby is a 30-foot cliff. One of the shortest of the day.

Bill patiently and methodically gets us into our gear, demonstrates what we will do and goes over the canyoneering basics, answers our questions, checks and double checks everything is in working order and quizzes us to make sure we fully understand everything we need to do. His thoroughness, obvious expertise and calm manner makes me feel calm and in control.

I peer over the edge and my confidence disappears. My fear of heights kicks in and I am immediately terrified.

I try to remind myself why I decided to do this; that it would be an exciting and amazing way to see a part of the world I wouldn’t otherwise see, to do something I had never tried before, and to get a unique perspective on this landscape. Staying at the top will achieve none of these things.

I don’t believe in being held back by fear. Fear can hold you back from achievement, from excitement, from success. I refuse to let fear hold me back.

So, I jump.

Well, I kind of half jump, half step down the first part of the cliff, releasing a little rope. My controlled descent begins. I am strapped into a harness, tethered securely to an anchor, and tightly gripping a rope in each hand.

I plant my feet very firmly against the vertical cliff and lean back. It’s surprisingly easy. And surprisingly fun.

I focus. My nerves disappear. This is awesome! I inch down the cliff. Suddenly my feet are swinging in the air; the cliff has disappeared. This is the overhang Bill mentioned was half-way down. I hang in the air and slowly lower myself down. I’ve got this.

My feet touch the ground. As I release the ropes and stand up straight, I feel relief and exhilaration.

I look up. Kevin’s face peers over the edge, looking slightly disbelieving.

Fear is a funny thing. Kevin hesitates; but we all have our ways of overcoming fear. You just need a strong motivator. Another group of canyoners approaches behind us. Five men, talking loudly of technical climbing things.

It turns out that Kevin’s fear of embarrassment is stronger than his fear of falling. The thought of holding them up, of having them all standing around watching him teeter at the edge and judging him is more terrifying to him than risking his life.

He also jumps. And makes it to the ground slowly and safely.

1 down. 11 to go.

The rest of the day canyoneering in Zion National Park

The first was definitely the worst. We gain confidence as we slowly descend from one layer of the canyon to the next.

There is very little walking in between – the “staircase” is steep. Three canyon cliffs later, we find ourselves peering down a hole, surrounded by smooth waves of marbled sandstone. The undulating walls towering around us are worn smooth by flash floods. They glow golden and orange as the sun hits them. It is magical.

The hole below us narrows with perspective to a tiny landing 110 feet below us. 110 feet seems exciting. Kevin descends. I follow. We are having fun.

After being passed by that group at the first descent, we are alone all day.

As we descend down one drop after another, we take photos, falling in love with canyoneering and entranced by the adventure and by the beauty of our surroundings.

The power and intimacy of nature is overwhelming. It’s easy for us to imagine tubes of water gushing down the pipes of the canyons, cascading from one canyon down to the next, carving grooves as it goes. We feel cocooned in the walls around and above us and thrilled by the drops below.

Near the end of the day, we clamber over an enormous driftwood tree trunk, worn smooth by countless floods, wedged in the narrow crevice that is this canyon.

Finally we get the last descent of the day. Below us, the canyon walls are just 15 feet down and a meter apart. Bill is confident we can get down this one without a rope. We clamber down, wedging our legs against one wall and our backs against the other. We are fearless!

The Verdict: Slot canyoneering near Zion

Would I recommend this Zion guided canyoneering tour? Absolutely! Rappelling in Zion was one of the highlights of our trip.

BOOK A CANYONEERING TRIP IN ZION NP

Happy canyoneering!

Do you have any stories of canyoneering, rappelling or visiting Zion? I’d love to hear them. Comment below.

Are you planning a trip to Zion National Park? Read my Zion National Park Guide

FREE DOWNLOAD
Subscribe to monthly updates with tips for planning, travel inspiration and trip ideas and get instant access to the free PDF of this
Guide to Canyoneering in Zion National Park

If you liked this post, please share the love and Pin It to your National Parks or Adventure boards!

Check out the three Zion National Park itinerary options

For more adventures in the U.S. southwest, read about:

WHERE ARE YOU IN YOUR PLANNING PROCESS?
Are you just starting to think about taking a national parks trip? Get Inspiration
Are you starting to plan a trip to Zion National Park? Read my Guide to Zion National Park and Get an Itinerary for Zion National Park
Are you looking for a place to stay near Zion National Park? Find a vacation rental near Zion National Park
Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources
Do you want to read a book about Zion National Park? Check out my Recommended Reading List for Zion National Park

About the Author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

Hiking The Narrows In Zion National Park: Complete Guide

May 6, 2024January 2, 2021 by James Ian

The cold water was up to my thighs and gushed fairly strongly against me.

I planted my walking stick firmly in front of me and moved my back leg forward, pushing against the flow of water. I carefully felt the rocks beneath me and when I felt stable, shifted my weight forward. In this way, I slowly moved forward, upstream and angling across the river to a narrow rocky beach barely two feet/ 60 cm wide on the other side of the river.

On either side of the river, sheer cliffs, about 20 feet/ 6 m apart, rose straight up to the sky for about 1,000 feet/ 300 m, leaving a narrow strip of blue directly above me.

No time right now to read about hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park? Pin it and save it for later:

What You Need to Know About HIking The Narrows in Zion

If you are planning to visit Zion Canyon National Park by yourself, make your planning easy and stress free with a detailed itinerary. I have 1-, 2- and 3-day itineraries for Zion National Park that include all the park highlights (including The Narrows, of course), give you choices based on your preferred activity level, and take all the stress out of planning your trip.

Check out the three Zion National Park itinerary options

The Narrows Hike in Zion National Park Overview

The United States has incredible national parks, and I had done plenty of hikes, but I had never done river hiking before, nor had I hiked in a slot canyon (a very narrow canyon with very high and steep walls). The Narrows hike, a famous hike in Zion National Park, involves both.

When researching Zion National Park, I discovered that there are actually several legendary Zion Canyon hikes, including Angel’s Landing and the Subway.

But consistently, one of the absolute best hikes in Zion National Park I had read about was the Zion water hike … the Zion Canyon Narrows hike … the most famous of the Zion slot canyon hikes… the famed Zion river walk … It is one of the top photo spots in Zion.

You have to hike in the river most of the way because there is no path. There is no path because the river runs through a canyon that’s only about 20 feet wide at its narrowest point. It sounded fun, so when Kevin and I were visiting Zion National Park, it, along with rappelling down the canyons, was high on our list of things to do.

FREE DOWNLOAD
Subscribe to monthly updates with tips for planning, travel inspiration and trip ideas and get instant access to the free PDF of this
Guide to Hiking The Narrows

Wall St the Narrows in Zion National Park

Essential Information for Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park

There are several things to consider before doing this hike.

How to hike the Narrows

There are a couple of ways to access the narrows:

On a guided tour

There are several tours you can take that include not only Zion National Park, but also nearby parks such as Bryce Canyon. This is a great option if you have limited time and/ or don’t want to be bothered with planning all of the details yourself. All of the tours below include the possibility of doing the Narrows hike in Zion NP.

Overnight tour to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks from Las Vegas: Spend Day 1 hiking the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon >> Overnight at Ruby’s Inn >> travel to Zion and hike the Narrows >> return to Las Vegas. Maximum 14 people in the group. Check prices and availability.
Full day tour to Zion from Las Vegas. Have 6 hours free time in Zion, plus return bus from/ to Las Vegas. This will give you enough time to hike part of the Narrows. Check prices and availability here.

Self-guided

You can use the information to travel independently to Zion National Park and do the Narrows hike.

Hiking the Narrows : What to wear and what to take with you

When hiking in the Narrows, hiking gear choices are important. Hiking in a river that is filled with glacial melt is not something you want to do in shorts. Hiking in a river that has a rocky, uneven bottom is not something you want to do barefooted. Hiking in a river that has strongly flowing water is not something you want to do without something to help stabilize you as you wade across and along it.

So, you will need:

Waterproof hiking shoes/ boots. Having the best shoes for hiking the Narrows can make the difference between a fun hike and a miserable experience. The best shoes for the Narrows have a sturdy sole, but are still comfortable wet. The best waterproof hiking shoes/ boots for men are the Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots and for women are the Salomon Women’s X Ultra 3 MID GTX W Hiking Boots. Read my detailed guide to the Best Hiking Boots/ Shoes for reviews, what to look for and more options.
A hiking pole/ stick to help stabilize you. These Foxelli Carbon Fire Trekking Poles are light weight, have shock absorbers and have natural cork grips. Check prices here.
Waterproof pants. Check options on Amazon here.
A day pack with the usual day hike essentials. Check the Day Hike Packing Essentials here.

Do you need to rent gear to hike the Narrows?

Technically you don’t, but if you don’t have or want to buy waterproof gear (pants, socks, boots) and a stick to help stabilize you, it is possible to rent them. I recommend having your own shoes – and a hiking pole is always a good idea – but renting waterproof pants is advisable.

There are several Zion Narrows outfitters in Springdale, the town just outside the Zion National Park entrance, that offer Zion Narrow rentals. We arranged our Zion Narrows gear rental through Zion Adventures in Springdale. It was easy and worth the money.

We picked the gear up the night before at no extra charge so that we could catch an early bus in the morning.

Hiking resources

Additional hiking resources include:

Two options for the Zion National Park Narrows hike

The Narrows map — Map of the Narrows Hike

There are two options for hiking the Narrows, Zion.

Bottom up. This is the out-and-back Zion narrows day hike, starting and ending at the shuttle bus stop.
Top down. This involves being dropped off at the starting point and hiking for two days, with overnight camping.

How long is the Narrows hike in Zion?

You can see from the map that the full length is 5 miles/ 8 km each way, but you can easily do part of it and still have an incredible experience. The top down hike is about 16 miles (25.5 km).

How long does it take to hike the Narrows?

We did the bottom up approach. We took our time, stopped for lunch and explored the side canyon for a while and it took us about 8 hours. We got back to the shuttle about 5:00 pm and back to Springdale to drop off our rented gear a little before 6:00 pm.

You can definitely just walk for an hour or so, but the scenery gets more dramatic as you go deeper into the canyon, and it is worth making a whole day of it if you can.

If you get dropped off and start at the other end and hike down only, it typically takes 2 days.

Do I need a permit to hike the Narrows?

For the bottom-up hike, which most people do, you do NOT need a permit. However, you should check with the National Park Service to make sure that the hike is open. The Narrows are subject to flash floods and can be abruptly closed.

For the top-down hike, you DO need a Zion Narrows permit. You can get Zion National Park permits from the National Park Service.

How much does it cost to hike the Narrows?

There is no extra fee to do the hike, other than the park entrance fee. Weekly passes to Zion National Park cost $35/ vehicle / $30 per motorcycle or $20 per person.

If you plan to visit more than a couple of parks in a year (or the same park more than twice), then look at getting the America the Beautiful Pass. It gives you unlimited access for a year (from date of purchase) to over 2,000 federal recreation sites including all U.S. national parks plus national forest and BLM lands. It includes admission for one vehicle or four people (for places that charge per person).

Buy the America the Beautiful Pass here

Is the Narrows sometimes closed?

Yes. The Narrows are in a slot canyon and are subject to flash flooding. The National Park service in the United States is really awesome for all sorts of reasons, but one of them is the close monitoring of the status of flash floods. Always, always check with the park service the days and day before to make sure that it is open. If there is a danger of flash flooding the national park service will close it.

Do I need to be fit to hike the Narrows?

You do need a moderate level of fitness. I was 30-40 pounds overweight and not very fit at the time, and had no problems, however. Most of the hike is wading through water on uneven rocks, so if you are unstable on your feet, then this is not for you.

When is the best time to hike the Narrows?

The best time to go to Zion National Park, especially if you are there for the Narrows hike, depends on water temperature, the height or flow of the river and the likelihood of flash flooding. In general:

December, January, February: It’s really cold and you will definitely need appropriate clothing for hiking in a river in the middle of winter. BUT there will not be a lot of other people there, so it is a good time to avoid crowds.
March and April: It’s the start of spring, the snow is melting and the river level is often too high, which can cause the Narrows to be closed. This is NOT the best time to visit Zion if hiking the Narrows is one of your main reasons to go.
May and June: This time of year is good to visit. I visited in May and it was great. It’s warming up, the river level has usually dropped, and the chance of flash floods is not high (but can still happen).
July and August: This is the rainy or monsoon season, which means a higher chance of flash floods. It is also peak travel time for many people, is this is the most crowded time of year.
September, October and November: This is still considered fairly high season. The weather is cooler, the monsoon is over, the crowds are thinner. A good time to visit, though of course, there is still a chance of flash flood closures.

What time of day is best to start the Narrows hike?

It is worth getting up early and being one of the first to start the hike. We had the canyon to ourselves most of the day. When we returned in the afternoon, the part of the hike nearest to the start was filled with people. If you don’t mind the other people, then that’s fine, but we always like to be alone, or as alone as possible, when hiking.

How to get to the start of the Narrows in Zion

It is not possible to drive in most of Zion National Park. There is a large parking area at the main gate/ the Zion National Park visitor center. If you are staying in Springdale, the town just outside the main entrance, you can leave your car where you are staying.

There is a free Zion National Park shuttle that picks up in Springdale and at the visitor center and runs along the floor of the main canyon that makes up Zion National Park. The Zion National Park shuttle service is frequent and really easy to use. In 2021, there is a ticket system due to COVID.

For the Zion Narrows shuttle, get off at the last stop (the Temple of Sinawava stop), at the far end of the park.

Map of Zion National Park Shuttle route and stops

How long does it take to get to the start of the Narrows hike?

The trip takes about 45 minutes from the visitor center. We took the Zion National Park shuttle to Narrows at 7:30 am and this was early enough to beat the crowds.

Hiking back along the Narrows in Zion National Park

From there, it is a short one-mile, flat hike along the Zion National Park Riverwalk to the start of The Narrows. This is mostly on a paved path and if you don’t want to hike The Narrows, I would recommend hiking the riverside walk. Zion National Park riverside walk is pretty and will take you to the beginning of the slot canyon. It takes about 15-20 minutes.

FREE DOWNLOAD
Subscribe to monthly updates with tips for planning, travel inspiration and trip ideas and get instant access to the free PDF of this
Guide to Hiking The Narrows

Check out the three Zion National Park itinerary options

Description of the Narrows hike in Zion National Park

Since we were hiking the Narrows bottom up, after the one-mile Riverwalk, we arrived at the Gateway to The Narrows. This is where we changed into dry pants that we had rented from Zion Adventures.

The start of the Narrows trail, Zion NP

At the start, the canyon is still quite wide and the river fairly shallow. The bottom is rocky and the stick we had definitely helped stabilize us. To avoid wading completely upstream all the time, we crossed at a diagonal from one side to the other, seeking a narrow path that sometimes ran along the river’s edge.

As we progressed upstream, the sides of the canyon closed in. We passed Mystery Falls, a small waterfall sliding down the rock face.

James and waterfalls hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park

A little further along Narrows Alcove was a dramatic overhang with streaks of yellow and black rock overhanging a bend of the river.

As we progressed, the sides of the canyon narrowed even more, rising steeply on both sides, now towering hundreds of feet above us, blotting out most of the sky. The water was mostly knee-deep but deepened in parts to waist height and we relied heavily on our sticks to give us stability as we strained at times against the fast-flowing current. It was very interactive and we really had to focus, as we constantly sought the best way to cross.

Struggling against the current the Narrows in Zion National Park

Further along, the sides swirled as we passed Grotto Alcove, and blackened walls swallowed the river ahead.

Zion Wall Street

Soon after, the Narrows’ Wall Street section began, as the canyon narrowed to about 20 feet wide and the occasional sandy beach disappeared. In the Zion Narrows Wall Street, the walls tower about 1000 feet above the river. It was incredibly beautiful and dramatic.

Wall street section of the Narrows in Zion National Park

Turning back

We proceeded a little further along, but then decided to turn back and found a small beach with drift wood – the prefect sunny spot for lunch. It’s possible to continue up to Big Springs, where there is a campground, and beyond.

For the entire morning and lunch time, we were alone in the canyon, except for a handful of people we passed coming the other way. They had gotten dropped off at the other end of the canyon and taken 2 days to walk downstream.

Tour operators in Springdale organize drop-offs for those wanting to do this. Keep in mind you will have to hike the river with your tent, sleeping bag and food.

After a relaxing lunch in a spectacular setting, we explored the even narrower side canyon, Orderville Canyon, towards Veiled Falls. Here the water was only ankle deep, a nice break from the strong currents of the main river.

Orderville Canyon the Narrows in Zion National Park

As we walked back, we encountered a lot more people, especially as we got close to the start of the hike.

The verdict: Hiking the Narrows

The Zion Park Narrows hike is one of the most unusual hikes I have ever done. There are several incredible Zion National Park hikes, and this was definitely the highlight for me of all the Zion hikes I did.

As long as you are physically able, I would highly recommend it. It was, in a word, amazing. The scenery was dramatic and awe-inspiring and the Zion Narrows hike itself fun and fully engaging.

Happy hiking!

Do you have any stories about Zion National Park? I’d love to hear them. Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know.

For more information about Zion National Park, read my Zion NP Guide.

Check out the three Zion National Park itinerary options

FREE DOWNLOAD
Subscribe to monthly updates with tips for planning, travel inspiration and trip ideas and get instant access to the free PDF of this
Guide to Hiking The Narrows

If you liked this post, please share the love and Pin it to your Hikes and National Parks boards for later!

All You Need to Know About The Narrows Hike in Zion

About the Author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

Zion National Park Guide

May 10, 2024January 2, 2021 by James Ian

Zion National Park is one of the most incredible Utah parks. The main part of the park is Zion Canyon, and unlike most canyons, it is the canyon floor, rather than the rim, that is the main place to visit. The surrounding area is riddled with narrow slot canyons, which make for unique hikes and epic experiences canyoneering for the more adventurous.

When you visit Zion National Park, you can spend the time on the flat canyon floor surrounding by incredible red rock views, or embark on some of the most unique hikes in the country. There is a reason that Zion is the best national parks in the United States.

However, planning a trip to Zion National Park can be tricky. The park is incredibly popular and can get crowded.

Zion National Park Travel Guide

Use this guide to visiting Zion National Park to get all the information you need to have an amazing Zion trip.

Zion National Park at a Glance

State: Utah
Main attractions: Canyon, slot canyons, views, hikes
Shuttle: yes

Itineraries for Zion National Park

*** Available for purchase ***

They will take away the overwhelm that often accompanies planning a trip to Zion National Park. They’re a combination detailed hour-by-hour itinerary (with options for different activity levels), guidebook, hiking guide, driving directions, travel tips, and more. You’ll need nothing else to plan your trip – it’s all done for you (but you still have choices).

One-day, two-day or three-day detailed itineraries for Zion National Park available for purchase.

Zion itinerary — ZION NATIONAL PARK ITINERARIES

EXCLUSIVE BONUS CONTENT WITH ZION NATIONAL PARK ITINERARIES

Zion National Park Guide

How to Plan a Trip to Zion National Park

Planning trip to Zion National Park can be overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. Use this Zion National Park visitors guide for all your Zion National Park trip planning. Click on the links below to go to detailed guides and get answers to your questions.

Make your planning easier with this step-by-step guide to all you need to think about and do when planning a trip to Zion.

Read More: HOW TO PLAN A TRIP TO ZION

View of a river surrounded by huge rock mountains and colorful trees, with the text, 7 Mistakes to Avoid in Zion National Park.

7 things you should AVOID doing when planning a trip to Zion National Park.

There is a reservation system for the iconic Angels Landing hike. This guide breaks it all down for you.

To access the main part of Zion Canyon, you need to take a (free) shuttle most of the year. But it’s possible to visit Zion without dealing with the crowded shuttle. Learn how here.

Entrance Fee for Zion National Park

There is an entrance fee for the park. Find the latest fees on the NPS website .

To avoid long lines and save money, if you are planning to visit more than just Zion this year, it can be great value to purchase an America The Beautiful pass.

The one-year pass includes standard entrance at all sites managed by the National Park Service, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and Army Corps of Engineers. The pass covers the entrance fee for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle or up to 4 adults at sites that charge per person.

Get an America The Beautiful pass here.

Zion National Park Entrances

Zion National Park has four main sections.

East Mesa: The East Entrance Station is here. This is where you’ll enter the park if you come from Kanab, Grand Canyon’s North Rim, or Bryce Canyon. You’ll go through the Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel soon after entering. There are several hiking trails into the park in this area of the park, too.
Zion Canyon: Zion’s main entrance is here, the South Entrance Station. The main gateway town of Springdale is also here. This is where you’ll enter the park if you come from Las Vegas.
Kolob Terrace: Enter along Kolob Terrace Road near Virgin (open seasonally only). There is no formal entrance gate here. The road continues all the way to Kolob Reservoir and beyond.
Kolob Canyons: This is a more remote section of the national park that is accessed separately and has its own entrance station.

Zion National Park Visitor Centers

There are three Visitor Centers in Zion National Park.

The main Zion Canyon Visitor Center is just inside the South Entrance.
The Zion Human History Museum also has a smaller Visitor Center.
There is also the Kolob Canyon Visitor Center.

For opening hours, which vary seasonally, visit the NPS website.

Things to Do in Zion National Park

There is no shortage of things to do in Zion National Park, no matter when you go.

Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or prefer to enjoy scenery on a scenic drive, there are plenty of activities in and around Zion to enjoy.

Read More: 17 THINGS TO DO IN ZION

Zion is famous its breathtaking scenery. Don’t miss out on any of the amazing views with this detailed list and description of the best photo spots in the park.

Read More: BEST PHOTO SPOTS IN ZION

One of the most fun – and most adventurous – activities in and near Zion is canyoneering. Rappelling down a series of narrow slot canyons is something you’ll never forget. Get full details and description in this comprehensive guide.

Read More: CANYONEERING IN ZION

Best Tours of Zion National Park

SEE MORE TOURS

Where to Near Zion National Park

The main gateway town for Zion National Park is Springdale, which is just outside the main South Entrance. Find accommodations in Springdale here

If you’d prefer to stay in a house, cabin or apartment in and around Springdale, my guide to the best vacation rentals in Springdale has some top suggestions.

Read More: BEST RENTALS NEAR ZION

Places To Inside Zion National Park

There is one lodge inside the park. Check availability for Zion Lodge.

There are three campgrounds. South Campground and Watchman Campground are both just inside the South Entrance in the main Zion Canyon section. Lava Point Campground is in the Kolob Terrace section of the park. There are no campgrounds in the Kolob Canyons part of the park.

How to Get To Zion National Park

When you plan a trip to Zion National Park, you need to know the best way to get there.

If you need a rental car, find one on RentalsCars.com

If you’re looking for a flight, find a good deal on Skyscanner

The Best Airports for Zion National Park

There are several airports you can fly into/ out of for Zion. The largest is Las Vegas, but others like St. George Regional Airport are closer.

Read More: CLOSEST AIRPORTS TO ZION

Use Skyscanner to scan the Internet for the cheapest deals to help you decide and book.

When to Visit Zion National Park

In general, the best times to go to Zion National Park are May and September. You’ll avoid the summer crowds and heat, but everything will be open. However, these aren’t the only good times to go.

Read the quick summary of the best times to visit Zion National Park so you can make the right decision.

Read More: BEST TIME TO VISIT ZION

This Zion National Park trip planner has detailed information on every season, so you can make the most informed decision for your own trip.

How Long to Spend in Zion National Park

How many days you should go to Zion for depends on your interests, how much you like to hike (and how fit you are), your budget, and how much time you have available. I recommend at least three days for the main section of the park, and longer if you want to visit Kolob Canyons as well.

If you have less or more time, and/ or want to see what you can realistically expect to see and do in that time, this Zion guide has a more detailed breakdown for you.

Read More: HOW MANY DAYS FOR ZION

Hikes in Zion National Park

Zion National Park has two of the most famous hikes in the US – Angels Landing and The Narrows. But there are dozens of other amazing trails as well. This Zion hiking guide describes the top hikes. It includes trail details so you can choose the best hikes for you.

Read More: BEST HIKES IN ZION

The Narrows is an iconic hike in the Virgin River through a narrow slot canyon a few feet wide and hundreds of feet high. Get full trail details and descriptions in this detailed guide.

Read More: THE NARROWS TRAIL GUIDE

There is a reservation system for the iconic Angels Landing hike. This guide breaks it all down for you.

Travel Insurance for Zion National Park

In addition to using this Zion National Park visitor guide for trip planning, you should also think about travel insurance. Protect yourself against trip cancellation, loss or theft of your property, or any medical emergencies.

A great insurance option is Travelex.  It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:

Travel Tips for Zion National Park

My top three tips for a Zion National Park visit are:

Have a plan. Avoid the crowds as much as possible and see all the highlights. Get one of my detailed itineraries – they tell you when and where to go to have the least chance of getting caught in crowds and the best chance of being in the right place at the right time to enjoy the trails and take the best photos. Get the 1-, 2-, and 3- day itineraries here.
Get an early start each day. This is the best way to beat the crowds and have the best light for photos.
Don’t just do the famous hikes. There are dozens of incredible trails in Zion that are less crowded but no less spectacular than their famous counterparts.

To save this guide to Zion National Park for later, Pin It to your National Parks board:

About the Author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.