Getting out on Utah’s hiking trails is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Beehive State, but the experience might not always live up to your expectations. While you might envision a peaceful, quiet walk through nature, that’s not always reality.

**The Angel’s Landing Trail in Zion National Park is currently closed, due to flooding on July 11, 2018. For updates regarding closures, click here.**

The beauty of Zion National Park is unparalleled. With its soaring canyons and stunning cliffs, it truly is heaven on Earth. But, Zion is one of the most visited national parks in the country, with over 4.5 million visitors in 2017.
Kevin Lau/flickr
Two of Utah's most popular trails are found in Zion National Park - Angel's Landing and Riverside Walk.
Mike Oswald/flick
The trail to Angel's Landing is challenging, and not for the faint of heart, but that doesn't deter many visitors who are determined to partake of the views above.
Alex Proimos/flickr
The trail is steep, with a 1,617-foot elevation gain, and you'll use chains to help you climb the face of the rock.
Alex Proimos/flickr

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Many of the photos you'll see of climbing Angel's Landing make it appear like it's a solo pursuit - just you and the wilderness. During Zion's busiest months, that's far from the truth. You'll be sharing the trail with hundreds of other people who are hiking at the same time as you, and once you get to the final approach on the spine, you'll often wait for others to come down so you can climb up.
Amazing Places On Our Planet/Youtube
The Riverside Walk trail is likely the most popular trail in the entire state. Most people who visit Zion take this easy, paved trail that's just 1.8 miles out and back.
Mitch_sky/Tripadvisor
Many will continue on through the first portion of Zion Narrows, where you'll walk through the Virgin River, surrounded on both sides by the steep cliffs of the canyon.
John Weiss/flickr
Once you enter the river and start walking through the narrows, the number of other hikers dwindles, but you'll still be surrounded by other visitors along the way.
Amazing Places On Our Planet/Youtube

Both hikes are absolutely beautiful, but to avoid disappointment, you should know going in that these trails experience high traffic during peak months. If you’re looking for a more peaceful hiking experience, visit during the low season – November through March, or ask the park rangers about less-popular (and often, equally as beautiful) trails.

Take a look at this video posted on YouTube by Amazing Places on Our Planet. It gives you a good idea of what to expect on these two trails if you’re hiking during the summer:

We’d love to hear your stories about hiking Angel’s Landing and Zion Narrows!

If you’re planning some hikes this summer, you’ll want to step carefully on Utah’s trails this year.

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