Grotto Trail

Grotto Trail is the short, easy connector between Zion Lodge and The Grotto picnic area and trailhead, about a mile round trip with roughly 60 feet of elevation gain on a flat, shaded, mostly paved path along the Virgin River. It's a pleasant walk on its own — deer and wild turkeys turn up regularly, with open views of Cathedral Mountain and Lady Mountain — but most people use it to link Zion Lodge (shuttle stop 5) to The Grotto (shuttle stop 6) without waiting on the next shuttle.

Why it matters

• The Grotto is the trailhead for the West Rim Trail, which climbs to Scout Lookout and, for permit holders only, the chained final approach to Angels Landing.
• It also connects to the Kayenta Trail toward Emerald Pools, so Grotto Trail can be folded into a longer loop.
• For most of the year, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is shuttle-only, so this stretch is typically reached by shuttle rather than private vehicle.