Sand Bench

Sand Bench sits on the remains of an ancient rockfall that dammed the Virgin River roughly 8,000 years ago, backing up a lake that once reached all the way to Angels Landing. The trail climbs onto that old debris bench above Zion Canyon, giving you a wide, elevated look at the Watchman, the Sentinel, and the Streaked Wall without fighting shuttle-stop crowds down on the canyon floor.

Route options

• Court of the Patriarchs to Zion Lodge (one way): 1.5 miles, gaining about 207 ft and losing about 235 ft
• Full loop from Court of the Patriarchs: 3.9 miles round trip, with roughly 1,038 ft of gain and 748 ft of loss

The loop section is the harder half, with over a third of it at a 10% grade or steeper, and a lot of soft, deep sand underfoot that saps momentum in the heat. There's almost no shade on this side of the canyon, so plan around the sun and carry water — none is available on trail. Access is via shuttle stop #4 (Court of the Patriarchs) or stop #5 (Zion Lodge, where restrooms and water are located). From March through October the trail doubles as a commercial horse route, so expect to share it with guided rides and step aside on the narrower stretches. Winter hikers can use the trail too, but icy patches show up on the shaded, north-facing sections. Dogs aren't permitted.