Explore the red sandstone landscapes and slot canyons of Southern Utah on a guided hike. Choose from half-day excursions or full-day adventures departing from Springdale or Las Vegas.
Free Cancellation Explore Southern Utah's secluded slot canyons on a guided walk far from the typical tourist crowds.
Free Cancellation Explore Zion National Park’s red cliffs and river trails on a guided day trip from Las Vegas.
Free Cancellation Hike through Zion’s sandstone canyons and Emerald Pools with a local guide in a small group limited to eight people.
Free Cancellation Walk Zion’s canyon floor and Emerald Pool trails on this guided half-day tour for small groups of eight or fewer.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Zion — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Zion National Park hiking tours offer a guided way to explore Utah's oldest and most visited national park without the stress of navigating crowded shuttles or securing trail permits alone. You can expect to walk among towering red sandstone cliffs, wade through river-carved slot canyons, and learn about the area's rich geological history from experienced local guides.
Wade directly into the Virgin River through a towering slot canyon. Surrounded by sheer 1,000-foot sandstone walls, hikers navigate the cool, rushing water using sturdy walking sticks.
Hike to a beautiful desert oasis featuring trickling waterfalls and massive rock overhangs. The trail includes lush hanging gardens where plants grow downward from the weeping rock walls.
Starting at the Temple of Sinawava, this paved 2.2-mile trail runs parallel to the Virgin River. It offers a shaded canyon environment and is highly accessible for all fitness levels.
Explore the quieter East Zion area by riding an off-road UTV to hidden crimson slot canyons. You will hike through narrow corridors carved into the sandstone by millions of years of erosion.
A world-renowned 5.2-mile hike up a dramatic, knife-edge ridge equipped with metal chains. It rewards climbers with thrilling heights and 360-degree views of Zion Canyon.
Many tours include a drive along this spectacular route, passing through the historic Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. It features dramatic canyon panoramas and views of the Great Arch of Zion.
Planning a guided hike in Zion requires understanding the park's unique logistics, seasonal weather challenges, and physical demands. Here is what you need to know before securing your spot.
Options range from beginner-friendly 4-mile half-day walks to intense 9-mile full-day hikes. You can also book specialized UTV slot canyon adventures in East Zion or full-day coach trips departing from Las Vegas.
Check your inclusions carefully. While Las Vegas day trips and premium full-day hikes usually cover park admission, some half-day tours require you to pay the $20 pedestrian fee onsite or present an America the Beautiful pass.
Read the physical requirements before booking. Full-day Level 3 hikes involve up to 7 hours of brisk walking on uneven terrain, while half-day tours are beginner-friendly but may still include sections with stairs and moderate inclines.
Personal vehicles are banned on the Scenic Drive during shuttle season. Most local tours meet at Springdale hotels or paid lots like Zion Outfitter, utilizing the free park shuttle to reach trailheads.
Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees, and monsoon storms from July to September cause dangerous flash floods. Guides will alter itineraries if heavy rain threatens slot canyons like The Narrows.
Hiking past Scout Lookout on Angels Landing requires a specific permit obtained through a lottery system. If your tour includes this specific summit, confirm whether the operator secures the permit or if you must apply yourself.
The vast majority of Zion hiking tours offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, giving you flexibility if your travel plans change.
Always dress in layers and wear high-grip hiking boots. You must carry at least one gallon of water per person per day. For wet hikes, renting neoprene socks and a dry suit in Springdale is highly recommended.
| Half-Day Guided Hike | Full-Day Small Group Hike | Las Vegas Day Tour | UTV & Slot Canyon Hike | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Approx. 4 hours (4 miles) | Up to 7 hours (9 miles) | Full Day (12+ hours) | 2 hours |
| Fitness Level | Beginner-friendly | Moderate to High | Suitable for all | Moderate |
| Includes | Local Guide, Park Shuttle Transport, Snacks | Guide, Park Entry Fees, Springdale Transport, Snacks | Vegas Hotel Pickup, Lunch, Park Admission, Guide | Licensed Guide, UTV Ride, East Zion Access |
| Price from | $124 | $354 | $148 | $130 |
Zion National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. However, visitor facility hours vary by season.
The free Zion Canyon Shuttle operates from March through November, running every 5 to 15 minutes. Always check the seasonal schedule, as missing the final evening shuttle means an 8-mile walk back in the dark.
Zion is located in southwestern Utah along State Route 9, accessible from several major hubs.
If you are driving, be aware that the Visitor Center's 350 parking spots usually fill up by 8:00 am. Overflow parking is available in the town of Springdale for $15 to $25 per day.
The optimal times to visit Zion are during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. October and November are particularly excellent due to peak autumn colors and thinner crowds.
If you plan to hike deep water trails like The Narrows or the Subway, June is the best month as it is the driest time of the year.
Months to Avoid: The peak summer season from July to September brings extreme heat exceeding 100 degrees and frequent monsoon thunderstorms that trigger deadly flash floods. Winter is also challenging, as freezing temperatures, snow, and ice make trails like Angels Landing incredibly slippery and dangerous.
Zion National Park provides several accessible options for visitors with mobility needs.
For elderly visitors, the Zion Lodge offers an open-air tram tour from spring to fall with ramp access and comfortable seating.
Zion is well-equipped to handle its 4.5 million annual visitors, though services get busy during peak season.
To protect the park's fragile desert ecosystem and ensure visitor safety, strict rules are enforced.
It depends on the specific tour. Premium full-day hikes and Las Vegas day trips usually include the park entry fee in the ticket price. However, some half-day local tours require you to pay the $20 pedestrian fee onsite or present an America the Beautiful pass.
Yes, there are beginner-friendly options available. Half-day guided hikes typically cover about 4 miles on paved or packed dirt trails, visiting accessible areas like the Emerald Pools and the Riverside Walk.
Most tours do not supply personal water gear directly. You will need to stop at local outfitters in Springdale, such as Zion Outfitter, to rent items like dry suits, neoprene socks, and sturdy wooden walking sticks before your tour begins.
Yes. There are full-day small group tours that depart directly from Las Vegas. They offer round-trip transportation with early morning pickups from major Strip hotels like the Bellagio, Excalibur, and Treasure Island.
Yes, a permit is always required to hike the final chain-assisted section past Scout Lookout, regardless of whether you are with a guide. Check with your tour operator to see if they secure the permit for you or if you must apply through the NPS lottery.
Tour operators monitor weather closely. Because slot canyons like The Narrows are highly susceptible to deadly flash floods during summer monsoons, guides will reroute the hike to safer, higher-elevation trails if rain is predicted.
No. Pets are strictly prohibited on almost all trails in Zion, on shuttle buses, and on guided tours. The only exception in the park is the paved Pa'rus Trail, where dogs are allowed on a 6-foot leash.
Full-day Level 3 hiking tours require a moderate to high level of fitness. Participants should expect to hike briskly for up to 7 hours, covering up to 9 miles over varied terrain with moderate inclines and uneven surfaces.
Because the Visitor Center parking lot fills up very early, many local tours arrange meeting points at Springdale hotels or paid parking lots just outside the park entrance, such as Zion Outfitter.
Age limits vary by tour type. Las Vegas coach tours allow infants (on laps) and children, while strenuous 9-mile full-day hikes are generally restricted to older teenagers and adults with good cardiovascular health.
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