Zion National Park offers an incredible range of hiking experiences, from strenuous treks through narrow canyons to more leisurely strolls through the park’s stunning natural beauty. For those who are new to hiking or are looking for a more relaxed experience, there are several easy hikes in Zion National Park that offer stunning views and a chance to immerse oneself in the park’s unique and awe-inspiring landscape.
Plenty of Hiking Options in Zion
One of the most popular easy hikes in the park is the Riverside Walk to the Gateway to the Narrows. This paved trail is 2.2 miles round-trip and takes visitors along the Virgin River to the entrance of the Zion Narrows, one of the park’s most famous and unique hikes. The Riverside Walk is a great option for visitors of all ages and abilities and offers a chance to experience the park’s incredible canyon walls and lush vegetation up close.
Another easy hike in Zion National Park is the Pa’rus Trail, a 3.5-mile round-trip paved trail that winds through the park’s stunning scenery, following the Virgin River and offering spectacular views of the Watchman, one of the park’s most iconic peaks. This trail is suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities, and is also dog-friendly, making it a great option for those who want to explore the park with their furry friends.
For visitors looking for a little more adventure, the Lower Emerald Pool Trail is a great option. This 1.2-mile round-trip trail takes hikers through a lush and verdant canyon to the lower pool, a tranquil oasis surrounded by lush vegetation and stunning sandstone cliffs. The trail is easy and well-maintained, making it a great option for families and those who are new to hiking.
Our Recommended Easy Hikes in Zion National Park
In addition to these options, there are several other easy hikes in Zion National Park that offer visitors a chance to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty without the need for extensive hiking experience or equipment. These include the Timber Creek Overlook Trail, the Emerald Pools Trail, and the Canyon Overlook Trail, among others.
Below are my top five recommended easy hikes in Zion National Park.
Zion Narrows Riverside Walk
The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk is one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park, offering visitors a chance to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty up close. This hike takes visitors along the Virgin River, with towering canyon walls rising up on either side and leads to the entrance of the Zion Narrows, one of the park’s most iconic hikes. Here is some key information about this incredible hike:
Fast Facts
- Hike Distance: The Riverside Walk is a 2.2-mile round-trip hike.
- Time To Complete: The hike typically takes 1-2 hours to complete, depending on how far you choose to hike.
- Total Elevation Gain: The Riverside Walk is a mostly flat hike, with very little elevation gain. It is suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities.
- Hike Type: The Riverside Walk is an out-and-back hike, meaning you will retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
More About This Hike
One of the most unique aspects of the Riverside Walk is the chance to experience the park’s towering canyon walls up close. The hike takes visitors along a paved path that follows the Virgin River, with lush vegetation and hanging gardens lining the banks of the river. As you walk, the canyon walls rise up around you, offering stunning views of the park’s unique and awe-inspiring landscape.
The Riverside Walk is also the entrance to the Zion Narrows, a hike through the park’s most famous and awe-inspiring slot canyon. While the Zion Narrows is a more challenging hike that requires specialized equipment and experience, the Riverside Walk offers a chance to experience the beauty and grandeur of this incredible canyon without the need for extensive hiking experience or equipment.
Overall, the Zion Narrows Riverside Walk is a must-see hike in Zion National Park, offering visitors a chance to experience the park’s unique and awe-inspiring landscape up close. With stunning views, lush vegetation, and towering canyon walls, this hike is a great option for families, those who are new to hiking, or anyone who wants to take a leisurely stroll through one of the most beautiful national parks in the world.
Zion Canyon Overlook Trail
The Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is a short but spectacular hike in Zion National Park, offering visitors stunning views of the park’s iconic canyon and unique rock formations. The hike takes visitors along a well-maintained trail that winds through a narrow canyon, leading to a viewpoint that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Zion Canyon. Here is some key information about this incredible hike:
Fast Facts
- Hike Distance: The Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is a 1-mile round-trip hike.
- Time To Complete: The hike typically takes around 1 hour to complete, depending on how much time you spend at the overlook.
- Total Elevation Gain: The Zion Canyon Overlook Trail gains approximately 163 feet in elevation.
- Hike Type: The Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is an out-and-back hike, meaning that you will retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
More About This Hike
The Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is a relatively easy hike, making it a great option for families or those who are new to hiking. The trail starts from the east end of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel and winds through a narrow canyon, offering stunning views of the surrounding rock formations and vegetation. As you hike, the canyon gradually widens, and the views become even more spectacular.
At the end of the trail, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Zion Canyon, including the stunning West Temple, the Towers of the Virgin, and other iconic peaks and rock formations. The viewpoint is perched high above the canyon, offering an unobstructed view of the park’s unique and awe-inspiring landscape.
Overall, the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is a must-see hike in Zion National Park, offering visitors a chance to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty up close. With breathtaking views, unique rock formations, and lush vegetation, this hike is a great option for families, those who are new to hiking, or anyone who wants to take a leisurely stroll through one of the most beautiful national parks in the world.
Pa’rus Trail
The Pa’rus Trail is a popular and scenic hiking trail located in Zion National Park, Utah. This trail offers stunning views of the park’s stunning natural beauty and is perfect for visitors of all ages and abilities. Here is some key information about this incredible hike:
Fast Facts
- Hike Distance: The Pa’rus Trail is a 3.5-mile round-trip hike.
- Time To Complete: The hike typically takes around 1-2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the scenery.
- Total Elevation Gain: The Pa’rus Trail is a relatively flat hike, with very little elevation gain.
- Hike Type: The Pa’rus Trail is an out-and-back hike, meaning that you will retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
More About This Hike
The Pa’rus Trail winds along the Virgin River and offers visitors a chance to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty up close. This paved trail is perfect for families, walkers, joggers, and anyone who wants to take a leisurely stroll through the park’s stunning landscape. The trail is also dog-friendly, so visitors can bring their furry friends along for the adventure.
As you hike along the Pa’rus Trail, you will enjoy stunning views of the park’s towering canyon walls, lush vegetation, and unique rock formations. The trail winds through the park’s stunning canyon, and the river offers a tranquil soundtrack to your hike. You’ll also be able to spot an abundance of wildlife along the trail, including deer, squirrels, and a variety of bird species.
The Pa’rus Trail is a great option for visitors who want to explore Zion National Park without the need for extensive hiking experience or equipment. With stunning views, lush vegetation, and a peaceful atmosphere, this trail is a great option for families, those who are new to hiking, or anyone who wants to take a leisurely stroll through one of the most beautiful national parks in the world.
Lower Emerald Pool Trail
The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is a popular and easy hike in Zion National Park, offering visitors a chance to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty up close. This trail is perfect for visitors of all ages and abilities and is a great option for families with children. Here is some key information about this incredible hike:
Fast Facts
- Hike Distance: The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is a 1.2-mile round-trip hike.
- Time To Complete: The hike typically takes around 1-2 hours to complete, depending on how often you stop to take in the scenery.
- Total Elevation Gain: The Lower Emerald Pool Trail gains approximately 69 feet in elevation.
- Hike Type: The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is an out-and-back hike, meaning that you will retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
More About This Hike
The Lower Emerald Pool Trail takes visitors through a lush and verdant canyon, with towering canyon walls rising up on either side. The trail is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it a great option for families with children or those who are new to hiking. As you hike, you’ll be surrounded by a variety of plant species, including ferns, mosses, and wildflowers.
At the end of the trail, hikers are rewarded with stunning views of the Lower Emerald Pool, a tranquil oasis surrounded by lush vegetation and stunning sandstone cliffs. The pool itself is fed by a waterfall, which adds to the serene and peaceful atmosphere. The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is a great option for visitors who want to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty without the need for extensive hiking experience or equipment.
Overall, the Lower Emerald Pool Trail is a must-see hike in Zion National Park, offering visitors a chance to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty up close. With breathtaking views, lush vegetation, and a peaceful atmosphere, this hike is a great option for families, those who are new to hiking, or anyone who wants to take a leisurely stroll through one of the most beautiful national parks in the world.
Timber Creek Overlook Trail
The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is a hidden gem in Zion National Park, offering visitors a chance to escape the crowds and experience the park’s stunning natural beauty up close. This trail is perfect for visitors who want to explore a less-traveled part of the park and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Here is some key information about this incredible hike:
Fast Facts
- Hike Distance: The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is a 1.5-mile round-trip hike.
- Time To Complete: The hike typically takes around 1-2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the scenery.
- Total Elevation Gain: The Timber Creek Overlook Trail gains approximately 200 feet in elevation.
- Hike Type: The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is an out-and-back hike, meaning that you will retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
More About This Hike
The Timber Creek Overlook Trail takes visitors through a lush and verdant canyon, with towering canyon walls rising up on either side. The trail is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it a great option for families with children or those who are new to hiking. As you hike, you’ll be surrounded by a variety of plant species, including juniper trees, pinion pines, and sagebrush.
At the end of the trail, hikers are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including a panoramic view of the Kolob Canyons section of the park. The overlook offers views of the Timber Creek Canyon and the distant peaks of the Pine Valley Mountains. The Timber Creek Overlook Trail is a great option for visitors who want to experience the park’s stunning natural beauty without the need for extensive hiking experience or equipment.
Overall, the Timber Creek Overlook Trail is a must-see hike in Zion National Park, offering visitors a chance to explore a less-traveled part of the park and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. With stunning views, lush vegetation, and a peaceful atmosphere, this hike is a great option for families, those who are new to hiking, or anyone who wants to take a leisurely stroll through one of the most beautiful national parks in the world.
Final Thoughts: Easy Hikes in Zion National Park
Overall, Zion National Park’s easy hikes offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the park’s unique and awe-inspiring landscape without the need for extensive hiking experience or equipment. With stunning views, lush vegetation, and iconic peaks and canyons, these trails are a great option for families, those who are new to hiking, or anyone who wants to take a leisurely stroll through one of the most beautiful national parks in the world.