Located in the southwest corner of Utah, Zion National Park was the state’s first national park. It’s named after the Hebrew word for refuge, as it offers refuge from the everyday stresses of life. Even though it’s located in an arid part of the country, there are plenty of beautiful, easy hikes in Zion to do.
My goal is to eventually visit all the national parks in the US, so I was happy to add this one to my list. While it’s not in one of the most accessible parts of the country, I loved exploring easy Zion hikes during my trip. They were so different from hikes I normally do in the Pacific Northwest, such as ones in Olympic National Park.
Based on my experience, I’ve created this guide to help you prepare for your Zion hiking trip and plan everything out before you head out. You can choose to do a few easy hikes in Zion National Park or do all 11 if you’re feeling adventurous!
This post promotes travel to a national park that is the traditional lands of the Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute) and Pueblos people. I make a formal land acknowledgment, showing my respect and appreciation to the people of these lands. You can learn more about this on Native Land.
Tips for Planning Easy Hikes in Zion
The entrance fee to Zion is $35 for a personal vehicle. That allows access to the entire park. Entrance for motorcycles and bicycles are at $30 and $20 respectively. However, I always recommend getting an America the Beautiful pass for the year, which gets you into all national parks across the United States.
Read these additional tips first before setting out on an easy hike in Zion.
- Get there early – while this isn’t as crowded as visiting Yellowstone for the day, it does get packed because it’s smaller and you can’t drive your own car. If you can get to the parking lot at the visitor’s center by 7 or 8 am at the latest you might be okay, but any later you’ll risk not having a spot. If that happens, you’ll need to drive back into town and find somewhere to park, take a shuttle to the visitor’s center, and then get on the park shuttle (which will be a pain if you’re here for Zion family hikes).
- Look at the mileage and elevation first – All of the hikes on this list are relatively short in distance and have a low elevation gain, so they’re some of the best Zion hikes for families. However, you should still make sure you feel comfortable going on the trail before you start. Don’t put yourself and others in danger if you don’t feel physically capable – it’s not worth it for the photo.
- Always stay on the trail – It doesn’t matter if you think you can get around the closed signs because it “doesn’t look that bad.” There is a reason the park closes trails, so always obey the signs when part of it is closed. Upper Pools was closed when I was there and I heard a guy go “I think I can get around that gate – it looks okay.” I had to turn around and point out that only 100 feet away the trail had been completely washed out and giant boulders were blocking it.
- Check for closures first – Sometimes the entire hike will be closed, which is always a bummer. Again, it’s for a certain reason, so don’t try to think you can still go on it. You can use the Zion National Park website to check ahead of time for closures to better plan your trip.
How to Use the Zion Canyon Shuttle System
While many national parks such as Joshua Tree let you drive your car through the park and stop where you want, Zion does not. Due to an increasing number of visitors per year, a shuttle system was implemented in 1997. Parking in Zion is very limited, and unless you want to race to catch parking early in the morning, it’s recommended to park in the city of Springdale.
That’s because there are two lines in the shuttle system, and one of them is from Springdale. That first line will take you directly to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, from where you can catch the second line that will take you throughout the park for your easy hikes in Zion.
There are nine stops in the park, including the one at the visitor center. The bus will not make any other stops in the park, but there are private services from Springfield that could take you to specific parts of the park.
The shuttle is free, and there are buses coming and going every few minutes. Many of the best hikes in Zion are easily accessible via the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive with the shuttle, so you’ll be able to see many of the park’s finest spots that way.
Packing List for Easy Zion Hikes
While this may be a list of the best easy hikes in Zion National Park, you still need to be prepared. Having the right clothing and being properly prepared is essential, so look at this list before you go.
- Appropriate footwear – Hiking shoes are a must in Zion. Not only normal hiking ones but ones that are made for trails in rivers and waterbeds. There are several trails where you’ll be treading water (especially important if you’ll be going on Zion kid-friendly hikes with your family).
- Blacklight flashlight – Scorpions are a real threat at night. A blacklight allows you to see them as they glow under its light.
- Protection from the sun – The Utah sun can be vicious throughout the day. Always wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- Raincoat – Even though Zion is in a dry part of the world, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared for bursts of rain.
- Several layers of clothes – Temperatures can vary throughout the day, so it’s best to have a few layers of clothes with you. That way, you can change layers whenever you feel hot or cold.
- Small plastic bags – Valuables that can get easily ruined by water are best placed in plastic bags. Items like phones, journals, books, or the like need extra protection from water.
- Headlamp – Ideal for reading at night in the camp, or when it gets dark and you need to get around safely.
- Water bottle – A reusable water bottle is a lifesaver with how hot it gets, and there are plenty of places to refill in the park for free.
You can check out my gift guide for the outdoor lover for more ideas of what to bring during your easy Zion hikes.
Where to Stay in Zion
I’ve written a lengthy post on where to stay in Zion National Park that you can refer to, but here are a few recommendations to make your base for your short hikes in Zion National Park. Springdale is the closest town to the park but also the priciest. Alternatively, you can stay further away in the town of St. George to save money.
- Zion Lodge – the only hotel in the park, it offers historic cabins, rooms with private porches and fireplaces, and air conditioning (rates start at $199 per night; book your room on Booking.com or Hotels.com)
- Flanigan’s Inn – located in the heart of Springdale, this offers free parking (hard to find in this area!) and has its own restaurants (rates start at $159 per night; book your room on Booking.com or Hotels.com)
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springdale Zion National Park – a modern and urban hotel with rooms that offer beautiful views of Zion and features a spa and pool (rates start at $119 per night; book your room on Booking.com or Hotels.com)
11 Easy Hikes in Zion National Park to Explore
While you can visit the park without hiking, you’ll be greatly missing out on the most popular aspect of the park. There’s no shortage of trails, with a mix of easy Zion hikes and more challenging ones. Here are some of the easiest hikes in Zion National Park to check out.
1. Riverside Walk
Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation change: none
Shuttle stop: 9
This trail is one of the best Zion hikes for families due to how flat it is. You’ll be walking on a small paved trail while having amazing views of the Virgin River, so kids of all ages will be entertained. If you’re only spending one day in Zion National Park, this is a good hike to add to your list.
Riverside Walk is also wheelchair-accessible, which makes it great for everyone. There are numerous squirrels in the area who are used to people and getting fed, so just ignore them (and don’t feed them!) as you’re walking. You also might see some Blue Heron during your easy Zion hike if you’re lucky.
2. Pa’rus Trail
Time: 2 hours
Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation change: none
Shuttle stop: 1
You’ll love one of the top Zion National Park family hikes, as it’s the only trail that’s open for both bicycles and pets. It’s also one of the few that’s wheelchair-accessible. The trail is flat enough to go at your own pace depending on who is around you.
Pa’rus means bubbling water in Paiute, which is in reference to the river below. The trail features plenty of wildflowers, a riverbed, deer, and even an old historic dam.
You can enjoy this easy hike in Zion any time of the year. It’s especially good for the colder months when all you need is a nice leisurely stroll. While it doesn’t get as hot here as in Death Valley, summer is warm so I recommend starting this hike early.
I love using AllTrails to download maps and stay on the trail during all my hikes.
3. Weeping Rock Trail
Time: 30 minutes
Distance: 0.4 miles
Elevation change: 100 feet
Shuttle stop: 7
This is a great short hike in Zion if you don’t have a lot of time but want to get some exercise. The trail itself is quite narrow and steep, and a moss-covered cliff will surround you.
Water drips from the cliff and falls down into a pool below, providing a mesmerizing scene. Even though this is one of the easiest hikes in Zion National Park, it’s best for people in wheelchairs or strollers to avoid it due to the path being so narrow.
4. Timber Creek Overlook Trail
Time: 1 hour
Distance: 1.1 miles
Elevation change: 150 feet
Shuttle stop: not on shuttle (take your car)
Timber Creek Overlook Trail is an easy hike in Zion and offers some of the finest views in the park. The Kolob Canyon section of the park is generally not as visited as it should be. It’s a good part of Zion to escape crowds and other visitors.
Similar to hikes in White Sands National Park, there is little shade here, so I advise going at sunset. Kolob Canyons Road also provides a scenic drive throughout the park.
This easy trail in Zion National Park starts at the west end of the Kolob Canyon Viewpoint parking lot. It has a small ascent, and it’s very easy to follow. Before you know it, you’re at the end and admiring the view. You can even see the Grand Canyon from here on a clear day!
5. Hidden Canyon
Time: 3 miles
Distance: 2-3 hours
Elevation change: 1,000 feet
Shuttle stop: 7
If you’re looking for short hikes in Zion National Park that will work your legs, you’ll love hiking Hidden Canyon. This hike is quite steep with plenty of exposed parts, but there are some areas where it’s not as difficult. You’ll be passing through ravines and beautiful scenery during your trip.
You’ll start at the Weeping Rock trailhead and head to the right just before one-mile in where the trail splits up. There are some switchbacks and stairs along the way, so save your energy for those.
6. Taylor Creek Trail
Time: 3.5 hours
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation change: 500 feet
Shuttle stop: not on shuttle (take your car)
One of the top hikes in Zion National Park is Taylor Creek due to it being a moderate length but not steep. The trail is commonly known as the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek, which is only 2 miles from the entrance to Kolob Canyon. You’ll love this option for easy hikes in Zion that will take you up the enchanting canyon.
This is one of the best day hikes in Zion because it’s accessible for the entire year. You’ll be passing through a stream, then by some historical cabins, and afterward, through a narrow finger canyon.
7. Northgate Peaks Trail
Time: 2-4 hours
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation change: none
Shuttle stop: not on shuttle, take car
Northgate Peaks Trail is one of the top hikes in Zion National Park, as not as many people come here. You’ll love escaping from the crowds when you come here, especially if you visit during the popular months.
This is a fairly easy hike in Zion National Park, but it’s not on the shuttle stop so you’ll have to drive there yourself.
8. Canyon Overlook Trail
Time: 1 hour
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation change: none
Shuttle stop: not on shuttle (take your car)
If you’re looking for short hikes in Zion, then this trail is the perfect one for you. It’s an easy hike in Zion National Park as well as one of the most recommended trails if you’re a first-time visitor.
The end of the trail offers some of the finest views of the entire national park, and it’s an excellent spot for some photography. Keep in mind that even though it’s a good Zion family hike, there are a couple of exposed spots to watch out for.
9. The Watchman Trail
Time: 2 hours
Distance: 3.3 miles
Elevation change: 300 feet
Shuttle stop: 1
You’ll like this trail if you’re looking for short hikes in Zion. Unlike other trails, this one has a low-key atmosphere. It almost feels like a regular path at times instead of a hiking trail. That’s because the trail starts very close to the riverbanks, and then passes employee housing.
However, after that, it picks up, and very soon, you will realize that you’re overlooking most of the park. You won’t be quite at the top of the Watchman, but you’ll still be treated with beautiful views of the scenery during one of the easy hikes in Zion.
10. Sand Beach Trail
Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 5.6 miles
Elevation change: 728 feet
Shuttle stop: 5
This trail is the toughest out of the list, but you don’t need special training to hike it. There is a decent incline on terrain that’s mainly sand and rocks, so you’ll want to make sure you have proper hiking shoes for this Zion day hike.
Once you get to the top, you’ll have a beautiful view of the canyon below. This is a good spot to refuel before you head back down if it’s not crowded yet.
11. Emerald Pools Trails
Time: 1 hour to lower, then 1 hour more to upper
Distance: 1 mile to lower, then 1.2 miles to upper
Elevation change: 400 feet
Shuttle stop: 5
The Emerald Pools Trail is perfect when you need easy hikes in Zion. It’s a classic trail that feels like an oasis in the middle of the desert. This trail is actually a collection of smaller trails that pass through a lush area. Get here early because it’s one of the more popular Zion family hikes.
The trail starts near the Zion Lodge, and you pass a stream with lush vegetation. If you only have a couple of hours in Zion and prefer to spend it casually with your family, there is no better spot than this.
Depending on the time of year you’re there, the pools will be a beautiful green-blue color (although they were unfortunately muddy as you can see in the picture I took below). Take your time getting photos on one of the popular easy trails in Zion National Park.
Advanced Trails in Zion National Park
While this list covers easy trails in Zion, there are several advanced ones you can add if you’re feeling up to it.
- Angel’s Landing – Often considered the pinnacle of hiking in Zion, Angels Landing is a trail that’s not recommended for those with fear of heights. It’s a difficult trail, and it takes several hours to complete it (5.4 miles).
- Observation Point – Considered one of the most iconic hikes in Zion, Observation Point is a strenuous trail that starts at Weeping Rock Trailhead. The lookout point has a 270-degree view, and it’s an amazing place to have lunch (8 miles).
- The Narrows – From tall canyon walls to the beautiful Virgin River flowing underneath your shoes and the dark and mysterious corners, everything about The Narrows feels majestic. You can hike it from bottom to the top, or from top to bottom (9.4 miles).
- The Subway – As one of the most unique Zion National Park hikes, the Subway is a wet hike through beautiful rock formations called The Subway. It feels like you’re passing through some underground cavern filled with waterfalls, cascades, and magical scenery (6.5 miles).
There you have it – 11 easy hikes in Zion to explore! I hope you enjoy your trip as much as I did and love exploring this beautiful area.
