Sand Bench

Sand Bench is Zion's sleeper trail — the one locals recommend when every other path up the canyon is a conga line. You'll start along the Virgin River, crossing a footbridge with cottonwoods framing the red walls above, before the trail tilts upward onto a massive ancient landslide that once dammed the entire river and created a lake stretching all the way to Angels Landing. The terrain up top is sandy and open, a surprising mesa-like bench perched above the canyon floor with panoramic views of the Streaked Wall and the Court of the Patriarchs. The soft sand underfoot makes this harder than it looks — think beach walking with scenery. Expect to share the trail with horse parties from spring through fall, which adds a certain Old West charm (and some trail evidence to dodge). This one rewards hikers who want Zion's big views without the vertigo or the crowds.