4 Beautiful Unofficial Trails in Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of those parks that keep surprising you with all of its hidden beauty. The more you explore, the more charm you find. Most people tend to go to Zion’s more famous hikes such as Angels Landing, the Subway, or The Narrows, and rightfully so. Those places are beautiful. However, there is so much more to Zion, including hidden, unmarked hikes on the east side of the park. So, we present 4 beautiful off-the-beaten-path trails in Zion National Park that you should visit. Please note that these are unofficial trails so they are unmarked. You’ll need to have some tracking skills as well as bring a GPS tracker with you, just in case. However, you will be rewarded with wonderful sceneries and solitude. As with any hikes in Zion National Park, pets aren’t allowed.

Video

1. Lower Pine Creek Falls

Distance: 0.8 miles R.T. | Elevation Gain: 50 ft | Level: Moderate | Hours: 1-1.5 hours

Short but fun, Lower Pine Creek Falls is heaven for those who love boulder hopping and stream crossing. This trail is also popular for kids since they can play in the water. Once you boulder hopped through many emerald pools to the end, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful alcove at the bottom of a 15ft waterfall. This trail is located at the first bend to start the series of switchbacks toward Mount Carmel Tunnel.

2. Cascade Falls Trail

Distance: 2.2 miles R.T. | Elevation Gain: 465 ft | Level: Moderate | Hours: 2-3 hours

Cascade Falls is located along Route 9/Zion Park Blvd toward the East Entrance. It is right before the small tunnel. This trail is rated moderate because there is a lot of scrambling, with a couple of sketchy parts. However, it makes Cascade Falls such a fun trail. If you’re up for the scrambling, you’ll find yourself among glistening pools of water, slot canyon, spectacular views, and solitude.

3. Many Pools Trail

Distance: 2.3 miles R.T. | Elevation Gain: 545 ft | Level: Moderate | Hours: 1-2 hours

Many Pools Trail is located on the East of Zion National Park. This delightful trail is one of the hidden gems in the park. It takes you through the scenic section of slick rock on the east side of the park. One of the main features of this hike is the interesting sculpted “pools” etched into the sandstones, hence the name of the trail. These pools can be full of water during the runoff or after a good rainstorm, hence becoming extra beautiful. Along this hike, you’ll also get to see the gorgeous sandstone formations as well as the majestic big horn sheep.

4. Many Pools’ Unknown Neighbor

Distance: 2.1 miles R.T. | Elevation Gain: 544 ft | Level: Moderate | Hours: 1-2 hours

As the name suggests, this hike is the next canyon over from the Many Pools trail. We actually stumbled upon this place while looking for Many Pools. We couldn’t find any beta on this trail. So, it was a wonderful surprise as we found ourselves meandering through sections of narrow slot canyons, sculpted pools of water as well as big horn sheep. It was an amazing fine. We couldn’t wait to go back and explore more.

These 4 off-the-beaten-path trails in Zion National Park will help you get away from the crowd and find some solitude. While you’re on the east side, check out the established trail, Canyon Overlook. If you’re a beginner hiker, we recommend doing the more established Watchman Trail or Emerald Pools Trail. Kayenta Trail is a bit more toward the moderate side, however, it has a gorgeous view of Zion Canyon. For experienced hikers, Angels Landing and the Subway are a must.

Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to check out the related posts below for more inspiration on your upcoming adventures. While you’re at it, go follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our Youtube channel! We’ll love you forever!

These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.

adventure gear

This is our favourite hiking shoes. We use them for canyoneering as well. Lots of traction. Vy’s version.

Dustin’s version for La Sportiva shoes

There isn’t a lot of shade in the desert. Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.

Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.

You should bring plenty of water on your hikes. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E.

For shorter hikes, the Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials.

Sedona can get very cold in the winters and springs. We love our packable Patagonia Puff Jackets! You can get Vy’s version here, and Dustin’s version here.