National Park Trails in the Southwest of the United States – Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon

HikingStore |22/10, 2026

Illustrative view of the Grand Canyon's red rock walls and the Colorado River in dawn light

The national park trails in the southwestern United States are different from the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail. They are often a demanding day trip or a two- to three-day round trip, not months on the trail. But shorter doesn’t mean easier. Heat, steep terrain, sudden weather changes, and limited access to water can make a day’s hike more demanding than several days on a Nordic mountain trail.

Here you get a practical overview of the Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon: which trails are worth planning for, what permits apply and what you need to check before starting.

Important status update: The temporary closure information below is current as of October 21, 2026. National park conditions change rapidly. Always check the parks' current announcements before booking or heading out.

Grand Canyon: Rim-to-Rim requires more than strong legs

The classic Rim-to-Rim route runs from the North Rim to the South Rim via the North Kaibab Trail and the Bright Angel Trail. The distance is about 24 miles (38 km), with significant elevation gain and long exposure to heat. Under normal conditions, it is a very demanding full day for a well-trained hiker; an overnight stay may provide a more reasonable schedule, but requires a permit.

The North Rim is normally in season from May 15 to October 15. However , the classic Rim-to-Rim route is currently not available . The North Kaibab Trail is closed and the NPS has not given an estimated reopening date. Several other trails and facilities in the inner canyon are also closed due to flood damage. Check with the Grand Canyon NPS for current closures and water status before planning an alternative trip.

Day hikes in the park do not require a backcountry permit. However, a Backcountry Use Permit is required for overnight stays outside of developed campgrounds. Phantom Ranch is booked separately and requires advance reservations through Grand Canyon Lodges . Even if you have a reservation, check to make sure the facility and trail are open.

Water and heat are crucial

Water supplies in the Grand Canyon are affected by damage to the pipes. A water station that usually works may be out of service, and natural water must be treated before it can be drunk. According to the park's current notice, water is out of service in several locations in the inner canyon. Do not rely on an older map or past experience as a guarantee that water is available.

In the summer, temperatures in the inner canyon can exceed 110°F (about 43°C). The park's clear advice is to avoid strenuous hiking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. . In practice, that means starting very early, taking long breaks during the hottest part of the day, and having a plan that works even if you're slower than expected. Nausea, dizziness, or unusual fatigue are reasons to stop and recover—not to rush ahead.

The Trans-Canyon Shuttle is typically used for inter-site transportation, but the operator currently states that service is suspended until further notice due to park closures. Please check the shuttle's current operating information and do not expect transportation until confirmed. Arizona uses Mountain Standard Time year-round, which may affect scheduling compared to neighboring states.

Havasupai is a separate system

Havasu Falls is located on the Havasupai Tribal Reservation, not on a regular trail inside the national park. Day trips are prohibited and all visits require advance reservations. Reservations are for four days and three nights. For 2026, the reservations page lists prices at $455 per person for camping and $2,277 per lodge room for up to four people; always check current prices and booking policies . The main window for 2026 has passed, but cancellations may open up new opportunities.

Check-in is at the Grand Canyon Caverns & Inn. From Hualapai Hilltop, it is about eight miles to Supai and another two miles to the campground. Mooney Falls is about a half mile from the campground; Beaver Falls is about two miles of wading and climbing. This is a remote hike where you must be able to handle your own food, water, and unforeseen delays.

Zion: conditions, river hiking and rapid weather changes

Angels Landing is a steep, exposed hike. Permits are required for the chain section from Scout Lookout to the summit, regardless of day of week or time. Permits are awarded through a seasonal lottery or a day-ahead lottery via Recreation.gov . The West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout is permit-free and provides a possible turnaround point for those who do not obtain a permit or do not wish to hike the chain section.

The Narrows is a hike up the Virgin River, often on slippery rocks and with wading. The popular hike from the bottom, from the Temple of Sinawava, does not require a wilderness permit. The full 10-mile hike from the top, however, requires a permit and separate transportation to the trailhead. Read the park's current information about The Narrows and check the water flow and weather forecast for the day.

During the monsoon season, usually July–September, thunderstorms can cause life-threatening flash floods. Water levels can rise quickly even if the rain falls far upstream. If the trail is closed due to a flood warning, do not attempt to enter. If the water becomes murky or begins to rise, seek higher ground immediately.

Illustrative hike in the Virgin River between towering sandstone walls in Zion

The Watchman Trail is normally a 3.3-mile round trip from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, but the trail is currently closed for repairs . Check the park's current conditions before choosing an alternative. Canyon Overlook Trail and Lava Point Overlook may be better choices for sunrise; the cliffs of Zion Canyon often obscure the horizon from the valley floor.

The Kolob Canyons area is about 40 miles north of Zion Canyon. The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is a shorter hike of about a mile round trip. The road may close in the winter due to snow or ice, so check the Kolob Canyon road conditions .

Bryce Canyon: higher altitude and cold nights

The Fairyland Loop is about eight miles long, has about 1,900 feet (579 meters) of elevation gain, and often takes four to five hours. The NPS rates the hike as strenuous. Start at Fairyland Point or the Tower Bridge Trailhead; there are no services at Fairyland Point. The park's trail information describes trailheads, seasonal service, and winter conditions.

For a multi-day hike, the Under-the-Rim Trail runs between Rainbow Point and Bryce Point. It is 22.9 miles long, challenging, and typically takes two to three days to complete, with about 5,500 feet (1,676 meters) of total elevation gain. Day hikes do not require a permit, but all overnight backcountry camping requires a permit , and camping is only allowed in designated areas. Read the NPS information about the Under-the-Rim Trail before booking.

Bryce is over 8,000 feet (about 2,440 meters), significantly higher than Zion and the Grand Canyon. The altitude can be felt in your breath, and summer evenings can get chilly. In winter, snow depths of 2–15 feet can make trails inaccessible, even though the park is open year-round.

Illustrative view of hoodoo formations and forested plateau in Bryce Canyon

Pack for warmth, water and altitude

Start with what matters most to your safety: sun protection, adequate hydration, and a realistic pace and turnaround plan. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and light clothing that covers your skin make a difference in open terrain. Electrolytes can be helpful, but they are no substitute for food and water. Carry more water than you need unless you have confirmed information about working water stations.

Grippy, well-worn shoes are essential on rocky trails and especially in The Narrows. A hiking pole helps with balance in the river. Bring a headlamp even for day trips: an early start or delay can extend the day. For overnight stays in Bryce, warm layers and a sleeping system adapted to the night's temperature - not just the current forecast.

Choose your equipment based on the length of your hike, the weather, and the amount of water you need to carry. See HikingStore's range of backpacks , tents , sleeping pads , and sleeping bags , and use our summer hiking packing list as a starting point. If you're comparing down models, there's more background in the Bird Down in Sleeping Bags guide. The equipment should make your hike safer and your recovery better – not just weigh less.

HikingStore's hiking backpack placed on a dry desert trail in the southwestern United States

The difference from Swedish mountain hiking – and the final checks

In Swedish mountain terrain, many plan for rain, wind and cold. In the southwest, you also have to consider extreme heat, exposed trails, permit lotteries, road distances and limited rescue opportunities. You can walk a shorter distance and still need more water, an earlier start and larger margins than on a long mountain trip. Self-rescue is part of the planning: coverage is often lacking, help can be delayed and park staff cannot always reach you quickly.

Before each trip: check trail status, weather, and any flood warnings; confirm water and transportation; have permits and ID available; share your itinerary with someone; and decide when to turn around. If conditions have changed, the plan should change as well. The best equipment is the one that works reliably when the weather changes.

The USA series continues with the final part: Alaska , where the distances, weather and wilderness demands become greater again.