Zion National Park is exactly as epic a destination as its name implies—which is exactly why it’s also one of the most crowded national parks in America. Many of its most popular trails, like Angels Landing and the Virgin River Narrows, require permits which can be difficult to obtain and must be planned for weeks or months ahead of time. They’re also lengthy and difficult, putting them out of reach for some adventurers.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of less crowded trails in Zion National Park: perfect for travelers looking for unique hiking experiences that are a little further off the beaten path. As you already know, RV camping is one of the very best ways to see the country, including the most popular national parks. WIth a motorcoach or travel trailer of your very own, you’ll be able to be up close and personal to the action—while maintaining all the comforts of home. Win-win.
Best Crowd-Free Trail Suggestions by AllTrails
Psst: If you’re a hiker who hasn’t discovered AllTrails, we have to say, you’re missing out. This all-inclusive app gives you access to a world of information on all things outdoors, including downloadable maps of hiking trails, expected mileage and elevation gain, and real-life reviews from other hikers who’ve been there, done that. That’s why we’ve joined forces with AllTrails to bring you this Hike This, Not That series.
Skip Angels Landing—and Try Deertrap Mountain via Stave Spring Trailhead
We won’t lie: There’s a good reason Angels Landing is one of the most popular trails not just in Zion National Park, but in any American wilderness. Although the trail is steep, climbing almost 2,000 feet in just over two miles, it offers once-in-a-lifetime views of Zion Valley and the Virgin River. However, it also requires permits that can get snapped up in an instant.
Our suggestion: Head instead to Deertrap Mountain via Stave Spring Trailhead. Although substantially longer at about ten miles total, this trail offers a gentler grade, climbing about 1,300 feet total over its course—and offering similarly stunning, though far less crowded, canyon views. However, it’s still considered a difficult trek, especially under the hot Utah sun—and there is very limited parking at the trailhead, which requires a high-clearance vehicle with all-wheel drive to reach. You’ll want to arrive early and well-prepared for the adventure. The tough who can handle these terms will be rewarded with spectacular and little-seen sights!
Here’s what some real-life hikers have to say about this trail, from AllTrails reviews:
- Amazing, incredible hike. One of the best in Zion.
- The views are incredible. Some of the best I have ever seen.
- Truly a hidden gem in Zion. At the very end, you’re treated to a panoramic view of other landmarks of the park, including Angel’s Landing. Really isolated trail as well. We saw no one throughout the entirety until the very end where we met two other individuals.
Before You Go Considerations
As mentioned, Deertrap Mountain is the definition of a hidden gem—and an adventurous one to take on, at that. Before you set out, consider the following:
- Water and salty snacks. Ten miles under the Utah sun is a long hike. Be sure that everyone in your party has enough water and electrolytes to stay safe.
- Vehicle considerations. Stave Spring Trailhead is off the beaten path, and may be inaccessible to those who don’t have a high-clearance, all-wheel-drive vehicle.
- Mud and ice. Depending on the time of year you visit, this trail may be muddy at the start—or frozen. Be sure you understand the weather conditions before you head out, so you can gear up with the right clothing and accessories.
Skip Scout Lookout—and Try Coalpits Wash
Short-ish but challenging, Skip Scout Lookout is a popular Zion National Park trail thanks to its epic canyon views, as well as a bridge crossing of the Virgin River. Some visitors consider it an easier alternative to Angels Landing, but the truth is, it’s often just as crowded.
For those looking for crowd-free hiking trails in Zion, Coalpits Wash is well worth considering. While it’s longer than Skip Scout, it’s also easier, climbing only a few hundred feet over its seven-mile round-trip course, making for an experience of a mostly flat trail. It also runs through the historic home of the Southern Paiute people, who long called these towering cliffs home; later, settlers used this area for mining—the evidence of which is still visible to those who look closely. There are also a few stream crossings and steep areas to keep things interesting!
Here’s what AllTrails users have to say about Coalpits Wash:
- Did not see another human. Great way to enjoy Zion with literally zero crowds!
- Easy trail and gorgeous. Went around 6 pm and only saw backpackers heading to their camp sites.
- We had the trail to ourselves.
Before You Go Considerations
Here’s what to bear in mind before you set out on the Coalpits Wash hike:
- Be prepared for mud. Like other parts of Zion National Park, the trail conditions vary a lot depending on the time of year you visit. Coalpits Wash in particular can get muddy enough that some hikers report turning around, so check the weather both ahead of and during your visit.
- No dogs allowed. As is true of many Zion trails, dogs aren’t allowed on Coalpits Wash—so you’ll want to make plans to keep Fido at home.
Skip The Virgin River Narrows—and Try Clear Creek Wash
The Narrows is the kind of epic hike that people spend years dreaming of and planning for—and whether you take it from the top down or the bottom up, it’s a challenging adventure. Additionally, the Narrows requires permits that can be difficult to acquire, and can be prone to dangerous flash flooding (even on shorter day hikes when it seems like the weather is good).
While we’d never tell you not to hike The Narrows if it’s your dream, Clear Creek Wash is an excellent crowd-free, family-friendly alternative that’s a whole lot easier—and doesn’t require permits. At just two miles and a mere 150 feet of elevation gain, this trail is both short and relatively flat, and portions of it give hikers a very similar between-the-canyon-walls experience as that of The Narrows—all without needing to get your feet wet..
Here’s what hikers who’ve been there have to say:
- Loved the cool breezes in the slot canyons! So many cool colors and rock formations!
- Hiked to end of the slot canyon and then went through the nearby tunnel under the road for a little extra view. Easy for kids of all ages when dry. It was today:)
- From my 9 yr old: The hike is on a dry river bed so the terrain was rocky and sandy. There were lots of cool rocks, big and small, with interesting colors and patterns. We saw lots of animal tracks in the sand, probably deer and big horn sheep. My favorite part was walking through the slot canyon. It was not busy at all, even though we went during spring break. 5/5 you should definitely do this hike.
Before You Go Considerations
Even short, easy hikes have safety considerations to keep in mind!
- Keep your eye out for critters. Zion National Park is home to mountain lions, rattlesnakes, and plenty of other wildlife. Know before you go and be prepared in case of an encounter.
- Keep slot canyon safety in mind. Although the slot canyon on this trail is relatively small and short, it’s still important to understand the perils they can present during wet weather.
- Sunscreen! Along with salty snacks and water, slathering everyone in your party with sunscreen is an important step toward beating the long-term effects of the heat.
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Post-Hike Resources for Zion National Park
When you’re not busy hiking Zion, we hope you’ll enjoy kicking back in an RVshare vehicle—the best way to stay close to the trails without sacrificing comfort. Be sure to check out the best RV parks near Zion National Park, including both luxurious developed campgrounds and more rugged, off-grid options.
Looking for some more urban adventures? The gateway town of Springdale awaits, with art galleries, the Zion Human History Museum and plenty of adventure guides to get you informed while you’re out there. Insider tip: Looking for a restorative post-hike meal? Head to Oscar’s Cafe for hearty Tex-Mex that’ll get you ready for your next adventure. As one reviewer put it, “The food and drinks literally brought us back to life.”
Adventurous RVers like you are always looking for the best of life—from hidden-gem trails to can’t-miss RV rentals. When you rent with RVshare, you’ll enjoy a loved-and-lived-in rig rather than a carbon-copy, factory-default RV that looks just like it did on the factory floor, We can’t wait to hear what your next adventure has in store—at Zion and beyond!
