Zion National Park dangerous hikes stretch well beyond the chains and ledges of Angels Landing, and the park’s fatality and incident record compiled by the National Park Service (NPS) makes the case plainly. From flash-flood-prone slot canyons to exposed ridgelines more than 2,000 feet above the valley floor, Zion presents a portfolio of hazards that even experienced trail users must treat with caution.
Why Zion ranks among the most dangerous national parks in the US
Zion is regularly ranked as one of the most dangerous national parks in the country, with multiple studies pointing to the park’s high fatality and injury numbers. The terrain explains why: cliff edges with drops approaching 1,000 feet, vast expanses of slick sandstone that becomes treacherous after rain, and a network of narrow slot canyons that funnel flash floods with little warning. Angels Landing added to that record in April, when it recorded its first fatality since the permit lottery was introduced, reinforcing that no safety system eliminates risk entirely.
Seven trails in the park carry a track record serious enough to warrant particular attention. What follows draws directly on NPS incident data and trail specifications.
The seven Zion National Park dangerous hikes operators and visitors should know
Hidden Canyon (2.5 miles, hard) is currently closed following a major rockfall. The NPS has warned that the trail is ‘not for anyone fearful of heights’, and its history of rockfall incidents, including a 2018 event that trapped nine hikers, justifies that warning. The most recent fatality on the trail was recorded in 1990.
Observation Point via East Mesa Trail (7.0 miles, hard) reaches nearly 7,000 feet in elevation, compared with 5,790 feet at Angels Landing’s highest point, and carries no safety barriers along its summit edge. Wet sandstone at the rim edge has contributed to fatal falls, with the most recent fatality recorded in 1997.
The Subway (7.2 miles, hard) requires a permit and presents extensive route-finding demands, with hikers choosing between a bottom-up walk and a top-down canyoneering rappel. Both directions expose travellers to flash flood risk. The most recent fatality was recorded in 2013.
Keyhole Canyon Loop (0.7 miles, hard) is deceptive: at under a mile round-trip, it reads like a short scenic walk, yet it demands advanced canyoneering skills and equipment. Standing water, poorly marked terrain, and acute flash flood exposure make it one of the most technically demanding routes in the park. On 14 September 2015, seven people, later referred to as the ‘Keyhole Seven’, were killed in a flash flood in the canyon, marking one of the worst single incidents in the park’s history. A permit is required if using gear.
The Emerald Pools Trail (3.0 miles, moderate) is among the park’s most visited routes, yet the NPS has recorded more fall-related deaths in the Emerald Pools area than on any other trail in Zion besides Angels Landing. The 100-foot drop on the upper section, combined with slick sandstone favoured by photographers seeking pool shots, has contributed to repeated incidents. The most recent fatality was in 2021.
The Narrows Top-Down (16.1 miles, hard) is one of the most permit-restricted hikes in the country. The route follows the Virgin River through narrow slot canyons over 16 miles, with many parties camping overnight in the backcountry. Distance from park services means hikers caught in flash floods or medical emergencies may face extended waits for assistance. The most recent fatality was recorded in 2022.
West Rim Trail (14.5 miles one-way, hard) shares its starting point with Angels Landing and climbs nearly 1,500 feet in elevation, ultimately summiting more than 2,000 feet above Angels Landing itself. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and prolonged exposure on steep, unguarded edges add to its risk profile; the most recent fatality was recorded in 2024. An overnight camping permit is required for the full route, though the National Parks Conservation Association notes that visitors may hike the West Rim Trail from the Grotto trailhead to Scout Lookout without a permit, a distinction that operators briefing clients on permitting requirements should flag clearly.
Travel professionals advising clients on Zion itineraries should direct them to current NPS trail status pages, particularly for Hidden Canyon, where a reopening date has not yet been confirmed. TheTravel first reported the full trail-by-trail breakdown, drawing on NPS fatality and incident records across the park.
