6 Best Hikes in Zion National Park for Fall Foliage

The autumn season is the perfect time to hike in Southern Utah. With cooler temperatures and the changing leaves, this time of year makes hiking experiences so fun for the whole group! Take a look at 5 of the best hikes in Zion National Park for fall foliage:

1. The Watchman Trail 

This easy, 3-mile trail is often overlooked by visitors to Zion National Park, but it’s one of the most ideal hiking trails for families and first-time visitors. The Watchman Spire is one of the most unique rock formations, and you’ll get an up-close view of this 2,200-foot spire along the trail. You’ll gain about 400 feet in elevation, so it is definitely beginner-friendly; however, the mountain overlook is more than what you would expect. 

2. Pa’rus Trail 

Another great spot for hiking near St. George, Utah is the Pa’rus Trail. At approximately 3.5 miles roundtrip, this trail is paved, so you could also choose to bike. You’ll follow the Virgin River and also see the walls of Zion Canyon along the way, and there is plenty of fall foliage to admire from late September through early November. 

3. Emerald Pools

Several hikes lead to Emerald Pools in the national park, ranging from an easy 1.2-mile hike to a more strenuous 3-mile hike. The Lower Trail takes you behind the falling water of the Lower Pool, and the Middle Pool takes you up a little higher for another perspective. But it’s worth the effort to go all the way up to the Upper Pool, where a larger, more dramatic waterfall rushes off the cliff.  Just take note that the Upper Trail is much more steep, with sandy areas with some erosion in places. 

4. Taylor Creek Trail 

Kolob Canyon is a beautiful area to explore during the fall due to its high concentration of trees and unique red canyon walls. The Taylor Creek Trail contains 3 different trails– the North, Southern, and Middle Forks. The Middle Fork is probably the most popular of the 3, but all of them provide a great hiking experience. Middle Fork is about 5 miles roundtrip and takes you to the famous Double Arch Alcove. 

5. La Verkin Creek Trail

Another one of the best hikes in Zion National Park is also in the Kolob Canyon area. The La Verkin Creek Trail is definitely on the longer side, and actually, many backpackers like to spend a night or two in the Kolob Canyon to fully immerse themselves and take their time exploring! This trail leads you to the Kolob Arch. This arch spans 287 feet and is 75 feet thick, making it one of the largest natural arches in the world! 

6. Angels Landing 

By far, the most iconic hike in Zion National Park is Angels Landing, but it is also one of the most difficult. It reveals the most jaw-dropping view of Zion Canyon, and the colorful autumn leaves make it even more picturesque! To prevent overcrowding and ensure hiker safety, a permit is required for this 5-mile roundtrip hike, which is issued through the NPS website. 

Now you know the best hikes in Zion National Park for seeing the fall foliage! Interested in visiting Southern Utah more often for its outdoor activities like hiking? Reach out to us and learn more about how you can become a fractional owner of a beautiful rental property close to the area’s state and national parks!