Zion National Park is the perfect place to find adventure among some of the most majestic red rock cliffs in the country. Hitting the trail is a special way to experience the beauty of this national park, and this article is here to help you find the best easy hikes in Zion!
No matter your age, ability, or skill level, there is a fabulous hike in Zion for you. The best easy hikes in Zion are the Canyon Overlook Trail, the Riverside Walk, the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa’rus Trail, and the Timber Creek Overlook Trail.
My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. I think that this park is best seen from the trail, which is why I’m so excited to share the best easy hikes in Zion with you. Let’s talk about your hiking options!
What are the 5 Best Easy Hikes in Zion?
Zion National Park has several easy hiking options, and each trail provides a unique experience to see the park’s famous cliffs and canyons.
1. Canyon Overlook Trail
The Canyon Overlook Trail is an exciting trail that has ledges, bridges, and views. You’ll love the spectacular views as you hike along the edge of Zion Canyon! In a park full of heart-pumping, strenuous hikes, this is the perfect easy hike in Zion if you want a big adventure.
Canyon Overlook Trail Information
Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
Elevation: 163 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Restrooms: Yes
Pets Allowed: No
Your hike begins with a dramatic climb up some stairs that have been carved into the cliffs. After this short ascent, the trail stays mostly flat as you work your way along the edge of the canyon to the overlook.
There are some drop-offs along this route, but most areas have handrails and guards to keep you safe. I love the Canyon Overlook Trail because it feels adventurous while still being a short and easy hike.
If you are hiking with young kids, you’ll want to keep them near you so that you can help them safely navigate the drop-offs.
Location
The Canyon Overlook Trail begins on the east side of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel along Highway 9.
Parking here is tricky, so check out this itinerary for tips and tricks for getting a spot (and to learn of a couple of “secret” hikes in the area).
2. Riverside Walk
The Riverside Walk follows the magnificent Virgin River as it flows through Zion Canyon. You’ll enjoy beautiful river views as you walk between the staggering red rock cliffs along this short and easy paved trail.
Riverside Walk Information
Distance: 2.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 57 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes, but with limitations
Restrooms: Yes
Pets Allowed: No
The Riverside Walk is a paved trail that is flat and easy. It is one of the best hikes you can add to your itinerary if you’re looking for something family-friendly.
This short trail has been considered wheelchair-friendly in the past, but due to recent trail damage, there are now some challenging sections of the trail that have gaps, slippery sand, and uneven surfaces. If you attempt this trail in a wheelchair, you may need some assistance to get through the damaged parts of the trail.
This area is an ideal spot to spend a hot afternoon in Zion. From this hike, you can access the river in several places, and it’s typically shallow enough to wade or play in, even for young children. Swim or wade at your own risk.
The end of the Riverside Walk Trail is the jumping-off spot for hiking the Narrows. The Narrows route starts where the pavement ends, so this trail stays busy and crowded for most of the day.
Location
The Riverside Walk begins at the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop at the end of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. For most of the year, the free park shuttle is required to reach this trailhead.
3. Lower Emerald Pool Trail
If you’d like to walk behind a beautiful waterfall in Zion National Park, the Lower Emerald Pool Trail is for you! This short and easy trail leads to a dramatic alcove with a small pool and waterfall.
Lower Emerald Pool Trail Information
Distance: 1.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 69 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Restrooms: Yes
Pets Allowed: No
The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is part of a network of trails in this area, so you can make your hike as long or short as you want. If you want to keep your hike short and sweet, you can just hike the Lower Emerald Pool Trail to the pool and waterfall.
This trail is partially paved (but can be rough in some areas) and mostly flat. Be on the lookout for wildlife here — this is a popular spot for animals because of all the pools of water!
If you continue hiking behind the waterfall and up the stairs, you can continue to the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools. Continuing on adds about 1 mile of hiking and about 200 feet of elevation gain.
Swimming is not permitted in the pools.
To turn this trail into an even longer day hike, you can also catch the Kayenta Trail from here, which travels along the cliffs and takes you straight to the Angels Landing Trail.
Location
The Lower Emerald Pool Trail begins across the street from the Zion Lodge. For most of the year, the free park shuttle is required to reach this trailhead.
4. Pa’rus Trail
The Pa’rus Trail is a paved trail that travels through the valley floor and provides expansive views of the red rock cliffs. If you’re looking for an easy trail that is also wheelchair-friendly, dog-friendly, and bike-friendly, you’ll love the Pa’rus Trail!
Pa’rus Trail Information
Distance: 3.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 50 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Pets Allowed: Yes
The Pa’rus Trail is the only bike and dog-friendly trail in the park, so if you’re looking for somewhere to bring the whole family, it’s a great option!
You’ll follow the Virgin River for the majority of the way. There aren’t many good access points for the river (and this trail has very little shade), so if you’re hoping to wade in the water, I’d suggest the Riverside Walk instead.
This trail travels from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center up to Canyon Junction, but you can make it as short as you want depending on how far you want to walk — just turn around when you’re ready.
If you bring your dog on this hike, he/she must be on a 6-foot leash at all times.
For a more moderate hike that leaves from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, check out the Watchman Trail. This trail takes you up the cliffs above the visitor center and is a nice way to view this area.
Location
The Pa’rus Trail starts across the street from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center near the South Campground.
5. Timber Creek Overlook Trail
The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is a short hike in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park. If you plan on driving through this area, be sure to stop and stretch your legs along this short and easy hike at the end of the road.
Timber Creek Overlook Trail Information
Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
Elevation: 100 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Restrooms: Yes
Pets Allowed: No
The Kolob Canyons area of Zion is about a 45-minute drive from Springdale and the main section of Zion. Kolob Canyons consists of a visitor center and a 5-mile road that provides some neat hiking opportunities and stunning red mountains.
I wanted to mention the Timber Creek Overlook Trail as a great easy hike in Zion in case you plan on driving out to the Kolob Canyons section of the park during your visit. If you only plan on staying in the main part of the park, just skip this one!
This short and easy trail leaves from the picnic area at the end of the Kolob Canyons Road and travels along a forested ridge to a viewpoint.
{ALTERNATIVE} If you have a few hours to spend in the area, I suggest hiking the Taylor Creek Trail instead. This is one of the best short hikes with big adventures in Zion!
Location
The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is located at the end of the Kolob Canyons Road. This road is 45 minutes from the town of Springdale.
Traffic and crowding in Zion can be terrible.
Did you know that it’s common to wait an hour to enter the park or to catch the shuttle?
Are you hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people?
Stay ahead of the crowds with this Zion Itinerary. You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
What are the Best Wheelchair-Friendly Trails in Zion?
Zion National Park has two wheelchair-friendly trails, the Pa’rus Trail and the Riverside Walk (see notes about this trail above). Both are fantastic options for seeing red rock cliffs, wildlife, and the Virgin River!
What are the Best Easy Hikes Near Zion?
If you’re looking for some additional easy hikes in the Zion area, you’ll find several other options within about an hour’s drive of the park. Snow Canyon, Kanab, and Bryce Canyon National Park provide even more easy hiking options!
Easy Hikes at Snow Canyon State Park
If you plan on spending any time in St. George, UT, while visiting Zion, you’ll be close to some great hiking trails in Snow Canyon State Park. This state park has a visitor center and a small network of trails.
The easiest trails that I recommend hiking at Snow Canyon are the Johnson Canyon Trail, Petrified Dunes Trail, Jenny’s Canyon Trail, Pioneer Names Trail, and the Whiterocks Amphitheater Trail.
Easy Hikes near Kanab, Utah
Kanab is the starting point for many big Southern Utah adventures, and it’s only about an hour’s drive from Springdale. I recommend hiking the Dinosaur Tracks Trail, Red Hollow Slot Canyon Trail, or heading out to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes if you’re looking for some easy hiking options.
Easy Hikes at Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is about 1.5 hours from Zion, so try to make it to both parks if you can! If you’re heading to Bryce Canyon, be sure to check out all of these amazing easy hike options.
Zion Hiking Regulations
To protect Zion and leave it better than you found it, please follow these regulations:
- Don’t take anything. Rocks, flowers, sticks, etc. must stay in the national park. If you find something cool, take a picture of it, but please don’t remove it.
- Stay on the trail. Please don’t make your own trail or follow trails that other people have made. This is for your safety and to prevent soil erosion and stomping of plants.
- Don’t feed or approach the wildlife. These animals need to be able to find food on their own in order to survive, and they often become aggressive and transmit diseases to humans if fed. Maintain a safe distance from the park’s wildlife to avoid injury or death.
- Rainstorms in or near the park can create deadly flash floods. Don’t hike in the canyons or the river if there is a flash flood watch issued. Flash floods can happen without warning and can be deadly. If you are out hiking, seek higher ground immediately if the water levels start to rise or the river suddenly gets louder.
- Pets are not allowed on any park trails except for the Pa’rus Trail. If you bring your pet to the park, he must be leashed and picked up after at all times.
What are the Best Longer Day Hikes in Zion?
If you’re able to hike longer distances and are feeling extra adventurous, Zion has a bunch of epic longer trails that shouldn’t be missed! These trails are definitely not easy, but if you’re looking for a challenge, consider hiking the park’s most popular trails — Angels Landing and The Narrows.
Angels Landing
The hike to Angels Landing is notorious for its razorback edge with steep drop-offs on all sides. This hike actually has chains bolted into the rocks to help you navigate the cliffs safely! Learn more about this strenuous hike here — it’s one of the most famous trails in the national parks.
The Narrows
The Narrows is an epic journey through the Virgin River as it carves through a narrow red rock canyon. Staying dry on this hike isn’t an option! Learn more about the Narrows here.
This park has so many magnificent hikes to enjoy. I hope you enjoy these easy trails in Zion National Park — happy hiking!
More Zion Trip Planning Information
Zion Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to Zion — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Zion? — itinerary ideas.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
The Best Things to Do In Zion — activities for your whole group.
10 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Zion — the top 10 spots.
The Ultimate Zion Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
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