Sand Bench

The Sand Bench Trail has excellent view of many Zion landmarks.

NPS/ Darcy McKinley Lester

The Sand Bench Trail travels atop the remains of an ancient rockfall. This trail leads hikers along the Virgin River and then ascends a landslide that dammed the Virgin River 8,000 years ago and created a lake that extended to Angels Landing. This trail is a commercial horse trail from March to October, and it receives little shade in the hot, summer sun. Winter travel is possible, but watch for patches of ice.

Water and restrooms are available at The Zion Lodge. 

Details

Duration

1-4 Hours

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Park entrance fees apply.

Location

Emerald Pools Trailhead

The Sand Bench Trail is primarily accessible from the Emerald Pools Trailhead at the Zion Lodge (shuttle stop #5). Follow the sidewalk past the lodge lawn to the crosswalk. Cross the road then continue over the bridge. From that point, take a left turn to begin the Sand Bench Trail. This is also where you can access Middle Emerald Pools Trail.

Sand Bench is also accessible from the Court of the Patriarchs (shuttle stop #4). From the up-canyon shuttle stop, cross the road to the wooden steps leading down to a sandy trail. At that point, hikers have the option to head up-canyon towards the Zion Lodge by taking a right turn, or continue back towards the Court of the Patriarchs to ascend the longer loop portion of the trail. Hiking only the loop portion of the trail makes the roundtrip closer to 5 miles (8 km).

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Seasonal commercial horse tours are available from March to October. These tours are offered through a concessioner.

Time of Day

Any Time

Accessibility Information

From Court of the Patriarchs to Zion Lodge

• Length (one way)  |  1.5 (2.4 km)
• Elevation  |  Gain: 206.7 ft (63.0 m) | Loss: 235.2 ft (71.7 m)
• Grade  |  Typical: 5.5%  |  Maximum: 32.3%  | 22.7% of the trail is at an 8.3% or higher grade.
• Cross Slope  |  Typical: 3.8%  |  Maximum: 23.1%
• Tread Width  |  Typical: 60 in (153.5 cm) |  Minimum: 15 in (38.1 cm)
• Surface  |  84.3% of the trail is firm soil, 10.3% is very soft sand, 3.9% is soft sand, and 1.5% is hard rock.
• Obstructions  |  Bridge 45 in (114.3 cm) wide  |  Steps up to 9 in (22.9 cm) tall

Loop Trail from Court of the Patriarchs

• Length (round-trip)  |  3.9 mi (6.3 km)
• Elevation  |  Gain: 1037.6 ft (316.2 m) | Loss: 748 ft (228.0 m)
• Grade  |  Typical: 8.7%  |  Maximum: 36%  |  35.6% of the trail is at a 10% or higher grade.
• Cross Slope  |  Typical: 3.6%  |  Maximum: 22.8%
• Tread Width  |  Typical: 46 in (116.9 cm) |  Minimum: 6 in (15.2 cm)
• Surface  |  7.7% of the trail is hard rock, 19.3% is firm soil, 6.4% is soft soil, and 66.6% is very soft sand.
• Obstructions  |  Bridge 45 in (114.3 cm) wide  |  Creek crossing: Water level changes seasonally. Crossing through shallow water may be required.  |  Steps up to 21 in (53.3 cm) tall, with 0 in remaining tread

 

Last assessed on March 19, 2025. Obstructions less than 7 in (17.8 cm) tall, or outside the tread area of 20 in (50.8 cm) wide by 96 in (243.8 cm) high, were not reported.