Chinle Trail, an outlying path in the surrounding valleys, offers a nice alternative to steep stone and the typical crowds. Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous, given its length. Distance and elevation gain: 8 miles one way to Coalpits Wash, 200 feet net elevation gain.

Experience this 16.6-mile out-and-back trail near Hurricane, Utah. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 45 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

The Chinle Trail is the only official trail in the southwest desert section of Zion, looping around the west side of the Towers of the Virgin and West Temple.

Chinle Trail takes hikers through the wide open desert, several different washes (including Huber, Scoggins, and Coalpits), and a petrified wood forest as they approach the base of Mount Kinesava. Stunning views of the Zion National Park cliff faces are present the entire way.

Experience: A great southwest desert hike, looking up, east, and north toward the massive cliffs of Mount Kinesava, the Incline Temple, and the minarets of Eagle Crags due east. Perfect trail running route as an out and back with amazing wild flowers in spring.

The Chinle Trail offers some of the most unique hiking in Zion National Park. Unlike most Zion trails, which twist through dramatic canyons, the Chinle Trail passes through the broad, open desert near the park’s southern boundary.

Estimated Hiking Time: 4-7 hours one-way Description: The Chinle Trail travels through the low desert and connects to Coalpits Wash.The Chinle Trail crosses the flat terrain between pinyon pines and juniper trees, with spectacular views of the West Temple and Mount Kinesava.

The Chinle Trail highlights Zion's Lowland Desert habitat, the warmest, driest ecological niche in the Park. At 4,000 ft. above sea level, this hike can be brutally hot after 9 AM during summer. Fall through spring, however, the Chinle Trail makes for a comfortable day hike of any length you like.

Experience this 26.1-km out-and-back trail near Hurricane, Utah. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 35 min to complete. This is a popular trail for …

The Chinle Trail starts from the Anasazi Way sub-division and crosses the open desert as it winds toward the base of Mount Kinesava. The trail travels through the open desert and offers up some amazing and sweeping views of the cliffs behind great formations like the West Temple and Mount Kinesava.