The best walks and hikes around Virgin

Yes, the region offers several accessible trails perfect for families. For a short walk with a great payoff, consider the La Verkin Overlook Trail — La Verkin. It's a relatively short climb to a viewpoint with expansive views of the surrounding landscape, making it a rewarding option for hikers of all ages.

While many trails inside Zion National Park have strict restrictions on pets, the surrounding areas offer more flexibility. The Pa'rus Trail is the only trail within Zion that allows leashed dogs. Outside the park, areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), such as Gooseberry Mesa, are generally dog-friendly. Always check specific trail regulations before you go and ensure your dog is leashed and has plenty of water.

Yes, you can find trails that lead to waterfalls in the area. The Rattlesnake Gulch Trail to Toquerville Falls — Toquerville is a popular option that follows a path to a beautiful desert oasis with cascading falls over red rock.

For a great loop hike, the Guacamole Trail loop — Hurricane is an excellent choice. This moderate trail takes you through classic slickrock terrain with rolling hills and fantastic views, offering a complete circuit without having to backtrack.

Permits are generally not required for most day hikes on public lands around Virgin, like those on Gooseberry Mesa. However, many of the most famous hikes within Zion National Park, such as The Narrows (for top-down hikes), The Subway, and Angels Landing, do require permits that are often issued through a lottery system. Always check the official Zion National Park website for the most current permit requirements before your trip.

The best times to hike around Virgin are in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, the temperatures are pleasant for hiking. Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C), making strenuous activity dangerous. Winter is cooler and can bring snow to higher elevations, but many lower-elevation trails remain accessible.

Absolutely. The area is renowned for its strenuous routes. Within Zion National Park, iconic hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows offer significant challenges. For a tough hike outside the park that provides incredible views, the South Rim Trail — Gooseberry Mesa is a long traverse along the mesa's edge that requires stamina and navigation on slickrock.

To avoid the biggest crowds, explore the trails outside of Zion's main canyon. The Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace sections of the park, accessible from Virgin, are significantly quieter. Additionally, the extensive network of trails on Gooseberry Mesa and in the Hurricane Cliffs Recreation Area offers solitude and stunning scenery away from the main tourist hubs.

Hiking here is characterized by sandstone slickrock, sandy paths, and rocky trails with significant sun exposure. The terrain can be uneven and requires sturdy footwear. Trails on mesas like Gooseberry offer vast, open landscapes with little shade, while canyon hikes follow riverbeds. Always carry more water than you think you'll need, along with sun protection.

Yes, Virgin is a gateway to some of the world's most famous slot canyon hikes. The most well-known is The Narrows in Zion National Park, which involves wading or swimming through the Virgin River. This hike can be done as a day trip from the bottom-up without a permit, but conditions must be safe. For detailed information on current conditions and flash flood potential, check the official NPS website for The Narrows.

The trails around Virgin are highly regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers frequently praise the breathtaking views from the mesa tops and the unique experience of hiking on slickrock. The variety of trails, from riverside walks to challenging mesa traverses, is another commonly highlighted feature.