Zion National Park is home to more than a hundred miles of hiking trails. They range from the paved, family and kid-friendly Pa’rus Trail to the rugged trails of the Kalob Canyon section of the park. Perhaps the park’s most famous trail is Angels Landing. But with the new permit and lottery system, hiking this popular trail got a bit more complicated in 2023.
A stay at Flanigan’s Resort makes it easy to explore Zion’s many trails. Our location close to the entrance to the park and on the Springdale Shuttle loop allows you to get to and from the park with ease each day. This means you can hit some of the park’s more popular trails early in the day before they get more crowded.
Whether you missed out on a permit for Angels Landing during your trip, want to get away from the crowds on more popular trails, or are simply looking for a new trail to enjoy during your next Zion National Park hotel stay, keep reading. We’re bringing you a few of the most overlooked trails in the park.
Cable Mountain Trail
Angels Landing draws experienced hikers from around the world looking to experience the trail’s incredible views and harrowing ridgeline walk. Even the trail’s more challenging elements haven’t been enough to keep the crowds away. The new permit and lottery system was implemented to help with crowding. But if you don’t get a permit, or want to try a different challenging trail during your stay at Springdale resorts, you’re in luck; Zion has plenty of other trails to choose from.
Hikers looking for an even greater challenge can head to Cable Mountain. You’ll start at the Weeping Rock Trailhead, then connect to the challenging Cable Mountain Trail. From here, the trail is 15 miles roundtrip. Alternatively, you can also begin this trail at the East Entrance to the park, which turns the hike into an 18-mile round-trip trek.
This trail isn’t for the inexperienced hiker. It’s rated Strenuous, with over 2,400 feet of elevation gain if you hike from the Weeping Rock Trailhead, and 1,000 feet from the East Entrance Trailhead. But make it to the top and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the valley below, as well as a glimpse into the history of the park. The trail gets its name from the remnants of the old cable system that’s still visible. The cable system once carried lumber off of the mountain and into the canyon below. Built in 1901, it was abandoned in 1930 and has been sitting nearly untouched ever since.
Pine Creek Waterfall Trail
Those looking for a far easier hike than Cable Mountain should head to Pine Creek Waterfall. Ideal for beginners, hikers young and old, or those just looking for an easier stroll, the trail is just .7-miles out and back. It is a scenic trail though, and you’ll need to climb over a few boulders and zig-zag down a rough trail. However, you’ll wind up at a green, wet oasis that’s perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
To find this somewhat-hidden trailhead, enter the park at the South Entrance, then continue for 1.5 miles. There you’ll reach a U-curve. On the curve, watch for the small dirt pull-off and you’ll find the start of this trail.
Taylor Creek Trail
A more in-between trail in terms of difficulty and length than Pine Creek Waterfall or Cable Mountain, Taylor Creek Trail is 5 miles roundtrip and moderately difficult. Unlike the other two trail options, Taylor Creek offers views of one of the park’s most popular landmarks; an arch. On this trail, you’ll get a great view of the Double Arch Alcove. This is perfect for snapping some pictures without worrying about throngs of tourists getting in the way.
Taylor Creek Trail is located in Kolob Canyon, the westernmost section of Zion. The distance from the entrance gate, as well as the lack of facilities that the rest of the park has to offer, like shuttles, the Lodge, and campgrounds, make Kolob Canyon one of the least visited parts of Zion.
Get Off the Beaten Path During Your Zion National Park Hotel Stay
If you want to beat the crowds and get off the beaten path during your next Zion National Park hotel stay, these trails are a great choice. Often overlooked by visitors in favor of more popular and well-known trails, these hikes offer some stunning views, challenging obstacles, and a chance to experience some of Zion’s more remote corners.
Another great way to get away from the crowds and traffic is to plan an off-season visit to Springdale resorts. Most of Zion’s annual visitors make their way to Springdale during the summer months. Weekends in the fall and around the holidays can also be a popular time to visit. But for much of the fall and spring, and the winter season, the park becomes a haven of peace and quiet.
The Zion shuttles don’t operate through the winter season. This means that you can drive your personal vehicle from Flanigan’s Resort into Zion’s Lower Canyon, and part at trailheads. While days may be shorter, you can still enjoy a morning and afternoon of hiking, then return to the resort to relax, enjoy a delicious meal at Spotted Dog, and maybe unwind with a massage at Deep Canyon Spa. Ready to see for yourself what makes this a great season to visit Southern Utah? Book your next stay today!