Sand Bench Trail
A unique hike through sandy terrain in Zion, offering stunning sunset views of the Watchman formation. Popular for horseback riding.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Sand Bench Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique hike through sandy terrain in Zion, offering stunning sunset views of the Watchman formation. Popular for horseback riding.
"Some find it an easy, family-friendly hike with stunning views; others call it a nightmare due to sand."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The sandy trail demands good traction. Trekking poles are a game-changer!
🐴 Be Aware of Horses
This trail is popular for horseback riding. Yield to horses and be mindful.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Watchman Overlook
Mid-loop
Catch breathtaking sunset views of the iconic Watchman formation. A must-see!
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Sandy Terrain Challenge
Entire trail
Experience a unique hike through soft sand that tests your endurance.
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Waterfall Views
Along the trail
Discover a hidden waterfall as you traverse this scenic loop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Sand!
+1Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The sandy trail demands good traction. Trekking poles are a game-changer!
🐴 Be Aware of Horses
This trail is popular for horseback riding. Yield to horses and be mindful.
💧 Hydrate Well
Even in cooler months, the exertion on sand requires plenty of water.
☀️ Seek Shade When Possible
Parts of the trail have little to no shade, so plan accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The sandy trail demands good traction. Trekking poles are a game-changer!
🐴 Be Aware of Horses
This trail is popular for horseback riding. Yield to horses and be mindful.
💧 Hydrate Well
Even in cooler months, the exertion on sand requires plenty of water.
☀️ Seek Shade When Possible
Parts of the trail have little to no shade, so plan accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for Sand Bench Trail are mixed. Some praise it as an easy, family-friendly hike with stunning views, particularly at sunset. Others find the sandy terrain challenging and littered with horse droppings, deeming it a 'worst hike ever' primarily suited for horseback riding.
"Sand Bench Trail was an amazing experience for our group! There were four of us, including a 7-year-old and a 4-month-old, and the hike was easy and enjoyable for everyone. The trail offered stunning views throughout, making every step worth it. The scenery was breathtaking, with beautiful rock formations and peaceful surroundings.
It was the perfect hike for families, with a manageable path and plenty of opportunities to take in the beauty of Zion. We highly recommend this trail for anyone looking for a scenic and relaxed hike. We’ll definitely be back!"
Kristina Anisimova
"sandy, not along the river for the most part, littered with horse shit, almost no scenic views
wouldn't recommend"
Thomas Gassmann
"WORST HIKE, EVER. ALL SAND, ALL UPHILL. VIRTUALLY NO SHADE.
This is a trail meant for HORSEBACK RIDING!!!
Absolute nightmare for hikers. The soft sand had no traction and killed our legs. It took three times the effort to take one step and sapped all our energy. Be forewarned!"
J J
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sand Bench Trail is accessible from Zion National Park. You'll likely need to use the park's shuttle system to reach the trailhead, especially during peak season. Some suggest starting from Bus Stop 4 for a 4.5-mile loop.
During most of the year, private vehicles are restricted in Zion Canyon, and you'll need to rely on the park's shuttle system. Check the Zion National Park website for current shuttle operations and any exceptions.
Parking within Zion National Park is limited and fills up quickly. It's best to arrive early or utilize the shuttle system.
The park shuttle is the primary way to access most trailheads. For more flexibility, consider renting e-bikes from local vendors.
Access to the main canyon where the Sand Bench Trail is located is typically restricted for private vehicles, including RVs, during shuttle season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Zion National Park requires an entrance fee. You can purchase passes online in advance or at the park entrance.
No special permits are typically required for the Sand Bench Trail itself, as it's a standard hiking trail. However, popular hikes like Angels Landing do require permits. +1
Zion National Park is generally open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor centers and shuttle services have specific operating hours.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Zion National Park. Fees vary for private vehicles, motorcycles, and individuals. Annual passes are also available.
Yes, Sand Bench Trail is open year-round. Winter is actually a great time to visit due to fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Sand Bench Trail is generally considered moderate due to its sandy terrain, which can be strenuous. It's a loop trail, approximately 4.5 miles long.
Hiking the Sand Bench Trail can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.
Yes, the trail offers beautiful views, especially of the Watchman formation, particularly at sunset.
The Sand Bench Trail has very little shade, making it important to prepare for sun exposure, especially during warmer months.
Pets are not allowed on most trails in Zion National Park, including the Sand Bench Trail, to protect wildlife and fragile desert ecosystems.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are dining options available within Zion National Park, such as the Zion Lodge, and in the nearby town of Springdale. Pack snacks and water for the hike itself.
While there are no designated picnic areas directly on the trail, you can find scenic spots to enjoy a packed lunch. Remember to pack out all trash.
Springdale, the gateway town to Zion, offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores catering to different tastes and budgets.
It's highly recommended to bring plenty of water and some high-energy snacks for the Sand Bench Trail, as it can be a strenuous hike due to the sand.
The Zion Lodge offers dining with views of the park's iconic scenery. For more casual options, explore Springdale.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset offers spectacular light for photographing the Watchman formation. Early morning can also provide beautiful, soft light with fewer people.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the sandstone cliffs. Consider a tripod for sunset shots.
The overlook halfway through the loop, offering views of the Watchman, is a prime photography location.
Drone usage is restricted in Zion National Park to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check the NPS website for current regulations.
Zion offers incredible photo opportunities at Angels Landing, The Narrows, Canyon Overlook, and the Emerald Pools.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bringing plenty of water and snacks is essential, and consider the time of day to avoid the harshest sun. 🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The sandy terrain itself can also create interesting textures and patterns in your shots. While some find the trail less scenic than others, the light and the iconic Watchman make it a worthwhile photographic endeavor. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Sandy Terrain
+1 This can be particularly taxing on uphills, leading some to describe it as an 'absolute nightmare' for hikers. To make the most of this unique terrain, proper footwear is crucial. Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with excellent traction are highly recommended. Many visitors also find that trekking poles provide invaluable support, helping with balance and reducing strain on your legs.
While it's a workout, the experience of hiking through sand is a memorable one, offering a different kind of challenge compared to more conventional trails. It's worth noting that the Sand Bench Trail is also a popular route for horseback riding tours.
While this can add to the atmosphere, hikers should be prepared to yield to horses and be aware of their presence on the trail. Some reviews mention the trail being 'littered with horse shit,' which can detract from the experience for some. Best Views and Photo Ops
+1 This spot is particularly popular with photographers looking to capture the golden hour light bathing the sandstone cliffs.Beyond the Watchman, the trail winds through varied desert landscapes, offering glimpses of Zion's towering sandstone cliffs.
While some reviewers felt the 'scenic views' were minimal for hikers, others found the overall scenery 'breathtaking' and the surroundings 'peaceful.' For photographers, the best times to visit are during the 'golden hours' of sunrise and sunset. The soft, warm light enhances the colors of the rock formations and creates dramatic shadows.
+1 Remember to bring your camera and perhaps a tripod for those sunset shots. While drone photography is generally restricted in national parks, capturing the landscape with a good camera will yield fantastic results. Considering the Horseback Riding Aspect
This means that hikers will often encounter horses and riders on the trail. While this can be a unique aspect of the experience, it's important for hikers to be aware and respectful of the equestrian traffic. Hikers are generally expected to yield to horses. This means stepping off the trail if necessary to give them plenty of space. Some reviews mention that the trail can be 'littered with horse shit,' which can be an unpleasant aspect for some hikers.
Conversely, if you're interested in experiencing Zion from horseback, this trail is a prime location. Canyon Trail Rides offers tours that traverse the Sand Bench loop, providing a different perspective of the park's scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit