Hidden Canyon Trail

Hidden Canyon Trail is a strenuous 3.2-mile out-and-back from Weeping Rock to the mouth of Hidden Canyon and back. The first roughly 0.6 mile follows the shared East Rim approach; at the junction, the Hidden Canyon spur climbs another mile to the maintained trail end. The walk trades ordinary canyon path for steep steps and narrow cliff ledges. Go for the exposed approach and the tucked-away canyon, not for an easy viewpoint stroll.

The route climbs the curving wall in switchbacks, then leaves the shared approach at the Hidden Canyon fork. Loose sand, uneven rock and cut sandstone steps make the climb feel steeper than the mileage suggests. Keep an eye out for the junction before you commit to the East Rim route.

The memorable stretch crosses narrow sandstone ledges above steep drops. Fixed chains help on the most exposed sections, but they don't make the fall risk go away. If you tense up on cliffside tread or need a handrail-free route, this is a poor fit.

The trail reaches a small pool and the shaded mouth of a narrow hanging canyon. Cross-bedded Navajo Sandstone, moss and ferns in the cracks make the interior feel much greener than the open climb. The maintained route ends here. A small arch lies about a quarter mile farther in, but getting to it means scrambling over boulders beyond the trail; that detour isn't part of the 3.2-mile route.

Allow about four hours for the steep climb and stops. The trailhead is at Weeping Rock on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, served by the Zion Canyon shuttle at stop 7. Ride the shuttle when it is running; private-vehicle access to the drive varies by season, so check park transportation before planning to drive. Zion permits pets only on Pa'rus Trail, so leave dogs out of this hike.