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Strenuous Hikes

  3. Strenuous Hikes
Angels Landing

Angels Landing

strenuous
5 miles
3 - 5 hrs
Our Rating:

DESCRIPTION: You have heard of this hike: Angels Landing is perhaps the most famous hike in Zion. Many people come to Zion just to do this one. It is awesome, it is scenic, and it is scary. If you are severely afraid of heights, it's probably best to sit this one out. However most people are still able to do this hike because the park has placed chains to grab along the route i…


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West Rim Trail (top down)

West Rim Trail (top down)

strenuous
15 miles (point to point)
6-10 hrs with day-pack; 8-12 hrs with backpacking gear
Our Rating:

DESCRIPTION: This is one of the top-3 hikes in Zion. If you are looking to do a classic hike that isn't in the water e.g. The Narrows, then this is arguably the best hike in Zion. The views are beyond description and the crowds are close to non-existent (at least on the first 12 miles of the hike until you run into the Angels Landing hikers). This hike starts off casually, but …


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West Rim Trail (bottom up)

West Rim Trail (bottom up)

strenuous
8.5 miles to Cabin Spring. 13 miles to upper plateau.
4-7 hrs to Cabin Spring & back. 7-12 hrs to reach upper plateau.
Our Rating:

DESCRIPTION: Not as good as doing the top-down West Rim trail, but still extraordinary. You walk up the same trail as those hiking Angels Landing—however instead of turning right at Scout's Lookout to summit Angels Landing, you instead stay left on the main trail and continue up to the West Rim. This hike is strenuous in that you climb a lot of vertical feet fairly quickly—howe…


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Zion Narrows (top down)

Zion Narrows (top down)

strenuous
18 miles one-way hike (top-down route)
10-13 hrs as a day hike. 12-18 hrs w/ overnight gear
Our Rating:

DESCRIPTION: This is the best hike in Zion hands down. People come from all over the world to hike the Narrows from the top-down for a reason: it is a magical hike like nothing else on earth. Do the work to obtain the required permit and the logistics for this hike and you will not regret it. The advantage of doing the hike from the top-down is that you get to see the entire ca…


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The Subway (top down)

The Subway (top down)

strenuous
9.5 miles
6-10 hrs
Our Rating:

DESCRIPTION: This is a strenuous semi-technical canyoneering route in a canyon that requires several could water forced swims and at least 3 technical sections that must be negotiated. But make no mistake: this hike is well worth the effort and is considered a classic. There is about a mile of canyon on this hike that may be the most beautiful stretch of canyon anywhere in the …


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The Subway (bottom up)

The Subway (bottom up)

strenuous
8 miles
5-8 hrs
Our Rating:

DESCRIPTION: Not as good as doing the Subway top-down—however this hike is not technical (no rappels or swims) and still offers an incredible experience. On this hike you can see the famous "Subway" section of the canyon along with many waterfalls. Added bonus on this bottom-up route vs. the top-down way: you don't have to swim in freezing-cold water or carry ropes & techni…


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Observation Point

Observation Point

strenuous
8 miles
4-6 hrs
Our Rating:

DESCRIPTION: The views from the top of Observation Point are mind-blowing and among the very best in the park. The view is worth the work to do this hike. Observation Point is much less crowded than Angels Landing with even better views. Also it is not as sketchy as Angels Landing for those afraid of heights. Currently the route via Echo Canyon is closed due to rockfall. When t…


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