Hikes

Zion offers a wide variety of hiking trails and opportunities, ranging from easy half-hour walks to grueling overnight hikes. Several free brochures on hiking trails are available at the visitor centers, and the Zion Natural History Association publishes several good booklets describing established trails and off-trail routes. Hikers with a fear of heights should be especially careful when choosing trails - many include steep, dizzying drop-offs. The authors and other experienced hikers provide the ratings here, but these are entirely subjective.

Guided hiking, rock climbing, and biking trips in the park and surrounding area are offered by several reliable local companies, including Zion Adventure Company, 36 Lion Blvd., at the corner of Lion Boulevard and Zion Park Boulevard (P.O. Box 523), Springdale, UT 84767 (tel. 435/772-1001; www.zionadventures.com); and Zion Rock & Mountain Guides, 1458 Zion Park Blvd. (P.O. Box 623), Springdale, UT 84767 (tel. 435/772-3303; www.zionrockguides.com). Zion Cycles, 868 Zion Park Blvd., behind Zion Pizza & Noodle (P.O. Box 624), Springdale, UT 84767 (tel. 435/772-0400; www.zioncycles.com), rents, repairs, and advises about mountain and road bikes.

In the park, the free shuttle usually offers the best way for hikers to reach trail heads, and each shuttle has racks for two bikes. If the shuttle does not serve your needs, Zion Adventure Company and Zion Rock & Mountain Guides provide shuttle services.

Day Hikes -- Hikers have the chance to see the park from two completely different perspectives: a high plateau hike affords a look down into the canyons, while a descent into the canyons provides spectacular views skyward. Note: "RT" stands for round-trip in the trail listings.