Escape the crowds and explore Southern Utah’s best hidden outdoor adventures.
Discover incredible red rock trails, scenic bike routes, and hidden canyon hikes just outside Zion National Park.
Explore Southern Utah Beyond Zion National Park
Zion National Park is one of the most famous outdoor destinations in the United States, but the surrounding region offers many equally beautiful trails that remain far less crowded.
Just outside the park boundaries, visitors can find scenic hiking routes, desert canyons, and mountain biking trails that showcase the same dramatic red rock landscapes Southern Utah is known for.
These trails are perfect for travelers looking to extend their adventure beyond Zion while discovering hidden viewpoints, quiet canyon hikes, and unique desert terrain.
Quick Facts Bar
Washington County & Iron County, Utah
Easy to Strenuous
Spring and Fall
Hiking, Mountain Biking, Scenic Exploration
Best Hiking & Biking Trails Beyond Zion
Eagle Crags Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Red Cliffs Desert Reserve near St. George. The trail winds through sandstone formations and desert washes before climbing toward striking red rock cliffs.
Eagle Crags offers sweeping views of red rock formations and the surrounding desert landscape. Because it sits outside Zion’s main tourism area, the trail often feels quieter and more peaceful.
Sand Bench Trail is located inside Zion National Park but sits away from the main canyon corridor. The trail offers panoramic views of Zion Canyon and is popular with hikers and horseback riders.
The trail provides expansive canyon views while avoiding the heavy traffic found on Zion’s most famous hikes.
Red Reef Trail is located in Red Cliffs Recreation Area and offers a short but scenic hike through red sandstone cliffs and desert canyon landscapes.
During wetter seasons, small waterfalls and pools appear along the trail, creating a rare water feature in the desert environment.
Water Canyon Trail is located near Hildale, Utah and offers a beautiful canyon hike surrounded by sandstone cliffs and desert vegetation.
The trail provides dramatic canyon scenery and fewer crowds compared to popular Zion hikes.
The Rim Trail near Cedar City offers incredible high-elevation views overlooking Cedar Breaks and the surrounding mountain landscapes.
This trail offers panoramic alpine views and cooler mountain temperatures compared to the desert areas near Zion.
Scenic Bike Routes Near Zion
Southern Utah is a popular destination for cyclists thanks to its combination of red rock scenery, desert terrain, and mountain trails.
Several of the trails and scenic roads outside Zion provide excellent opportunities for both road biking and mountain biking.
Electric bikes are especially helpful for covering longer scenic routes while saving energy for hiking.
Discover Hidden Landscapes
These hidden trails provide an excellent way to extend your adventure and see more of the region.
When to Explore These Trails
Comfortable temperatures and blooming desert wildflowers.
Very hot during midday. Early morning hikes are recommended.
Cooler weather and ideal conditions for hiking and biking.
Some trails remain accessible, though higher elevations may experience snow.
Hiking and biking trails beyond Zion offer a quieter way to experience the landscapes that make Southern Utah famous.
Whether you’re riding through desert canyons, hiking scenic red rock formations, or discovering hidden viewpoints, these trails provide unforgettable outdoor experiences just outside the national park.
Start planning your next adventure today.
