Kayenta Trail
A scenic 2-mile riverside trail in Zion, offering breathtaking canyon vistas and leading to the enchanting Emerald Pools.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid heat and crowds
Kayenta Trail
Best Time
Avoid heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic 2-mile riverside trail in Zion, offering breathtaking canyon vistas and leading to the enchanting Emerald Pools.
"Beautiful scenery along the way. Very well paced."
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking longer distances or in warmer months.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail has sandstone steps and varied terrain. Good grip is essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Emerald Pools Oasis
End of Kayenta Trail
Discover lush pools and waterfalls cascading down sandstone cliffs. A refreshing reward after your hike.
Virgin River Vistas
Along Kayenta Trail
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Virgin River and towering canyon walls. Perfect for photos.
+1
Angel's Landing Glimpse
Kayenta Trail
Catch a striking view of the iconic Angel's Landing monolith from the trail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds to Emerald Pools
Combine Trails for Epic Views
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking longer distances or in warmer months.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail has sandstone steps and varied terrain. Good grip is essential.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera! The canyon vistas are stunning.
🚶♀️ Consider Trail Combos
Link Kayenta with West Rim Trail for a fuller experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking longer distances or in warmer months.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail has sandstone steps and varied terrain. Good grip is essential.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera! The canyon vistas are stunning.
🚶♀️ Consider Trail Combos
Link Kayenta with West Rim Trail for a fuller experience.
👍 Easy to Moderate Pace
Well-paced trail, suitable for most fitness levels.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Kayenta Trail for its stunning canyon vistas and peaceful riverside path, often highlighting it as a beautiful and well-paced alternative to more strenuous hikes. While generally well-loved, some find it can still attract moderate crowds, especially when combined with the popular Emerald Pools.
"Loved this trail, peaceful hike by the river with beautiful scenery."
Emir Yunusoglu
"Very beautiful moderate trail in Zion. This was a good trail to do following The Narrows. The views were beautiful and the slopes were not too steep."
Jacqueline Zwack
"It is the must go trail in Zion NP. Beautiful scenery along the way. Very well paced."
Wenyu Lian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kayenta Trailhead is accessible via the Zion Canyon Shuttle. It's located near the Grotto shuttle stop. You can also access it from the Angels Landing trailhead.
Private vehicle access is restricted in Zion Canyon during peak season. You'll likely need to use the Zion Canyon Shuttle to reach the trailhead.
The Kayenta Trail can be used to access the West Rim Trail, which leads to Scout Lookout (the start of Angels Landing). You can also hike the Kayenta Trail independently to the Emerald Pools.
The closest major airport is Las Vegas (LAS). From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Springdale, the gateway town to Zion.
Parking within Zion Canyon is extremely limited. It's best to park in Springdale and use the town shuttle to reach the park entrance, then transfer to the Zion Canyon Shuttle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no separate ticket required for the Kayenta Trail itself. You will need to pay the standard Zion National Park entrance fee.
As of recent information, the entrance fee is typically $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Check the official NPS website for the most current pricing.
While Angels Landing requires a permit, the Kayenta Trail and Emerald Pools do not. Always check the NPS website for any current or upcoming permit requirements.
Zion National Park is generally open 24/7, but visitor centers and shuttle services have specific operating hours that vary by season.
Yes, the Kayenta Trail is generally accessible year-round. However, winter months can bring snow and ice, making conditions more challenging.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Kayenta Trail to the Emerald Pools is about 2.2 miles round trip and typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the pools.
The Kayenta Trail has an elevation gain of approximately 350-500 feet, making it a moderate hike with some uphill sections.
Yes, it's considered an easy to moderate hike. The trail is well-maintained with some sandstone steps, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
You'll get fantastic views of the Virgin River, the canyon walls, and a glimpse of Angel's Landing. The Emerald Pools themselves are also a major highlight.
Restroom facilities are available at the trailhead and at the Emerald Pools area. It's always a good idea to use facilities before starting your hike.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a beautiful golden hour glow on the canyon walls.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive canyon views. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or wildlife.
Look for viewpoints overlooking the Virgin River and the iconic Angel's Landing. The Emerald Pools area also offers unique photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited in Zion National Park, including on the Kayenta Trail, to protect wildlife and visitor experience.
As you hike along the canyon wall, you'll get increasingly dramatic views of Angel's Landing. Try to frame it with the canyon walls or the Virgin River in the foreground.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Lower Emerald Pool is particularly accessible and offers a magical experience with its gentle waterfall. Tips for families: Pack plenty of snacks and water, as options within the canyon are limited. Consider starting early to avoid the midday heat and crowds. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must for little feet navigating the sandstone steps.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Utilizing the free Zion Canyon Shuttle is essential, as it eliminates the need for expensive parking within the park. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) or weekdays to potentially find more affordable lodging in Springdale.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Best times for photos: Aim for the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for soft, warm light. Early mornings also mean fewer people, allowing for unobstructed shots. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the landscape and a telephoto lens for details.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Connecting Trails: Kayenta & West Rim
+1Starting from the Grotto shuttle stop, you can head left onto the Kayenta Trail, which winds along the canyon rim, offering stunning vistas of the Virgin River and the towering sandstone cliffs. Continuing on, you'll connect to the West Rim Trail, which gradually ascends towards Scout Lookout. This section provides increasingly dramatic views, including a direct line of sight to Angels Landing itself.
Be prepared for a moderate to strenuous hike if you combine these trails. Ensure you have ample water, snacks, and sturdy footwear. The elevation gain can be significant, and the sun exposure can be intense, especially during summer months. Checking weather conditions and starting early are highly recommended.
+1The Allure of Emerald Pools
The Lower Emerald Pool is the most easily accessible, featuring a gentle path leading to a grotto where water often cascades over an overhang, creating a misty veil. The Middle Pools are situated above the Lower Pool, offering wider views of the canyon. The Upper Emerald Pool requires a bit more effort to reach but rewards hikers with a more secluded and dramatic setting, often with a larger pool fed by a waterfall.
While the Emerald Pools are a must-see, they can get crowded. Visiting during off-peak hours or seasons, like February, can significantly enhance the experience, allowing for more peaceful enjoyment of the natural beauty. Remember to stay on marked trails to protect the delicate ecosystem.
Navigating Zion's Shuttle System
The shuttle operates on a frequent schedule, with stops at key locations throughout the canyon, including the Visitor Center, Zion Lodge, The Grotto, and Temple of Sinawava. You can catch the shuttle from the Visitor Center or from various stops in Springdale. Be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak season and popular times of day.
Planning your shuttle rides in advance can save time. Check the Zion National Park website for the latest shuttle schedule and any potential service alerts. Having a general idea of which stops you need to get on and off at will make your journey much more efficient.
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