4 Family Friendly Hikes at Zion National Park
Situated in Southern Utah, Zion National Park is a lush, red-rock lined canyon bisected by the Virgin River. The walls, rim, valley floor, and river itself are home to some of the most iconic hiking trails on Earth, and attract nearly 5 million visitors annually to this amazing park.
Welcome to Zion National Park
While many of the trails in Zion National Park create once-in-a-lifetime experiences for the most adventurous explorers, what about those of us traveling to this majestic landscape with young ones in tow? Well, here we present 4 hikes through Zion National Park that are perfectly suited for families looking to explore Zion Canyon and beyond!
For those looking for a comprehensive list of hikes through Zion National Park, be sure to check out our Guidebook for all the details of the most popular trails within the park!
The Watchman overlooking Zion Canyon at Zion National Park
Weeping Rock Trail
The Weeping Rock Trail is a short 0.4 mile round trip trail beginning at Shuttle Stop 7 within Zion Canyon. The paved trail climbs about 100 ft before reaching the phenomenal Weeping Rock.
Weeping Rock at Zion National Park
The Weeping Rock is constantly dripping, and all of that moisture results in lush hanging gardens throughout the area. Of course, be careful near the top of the trail as the wet surface can be a bit slippery!
All smiles atop the Weeping Rock Trail at Zion National Park
The short, but steep trail provides an excellent opportunity for families to experience Zion National Park from beyond the Shuttle, and get up close to one of the best examples of hanging gardens found within the park!
2. Riverwalk Trail
The Riverwalk Trail, located at the Temple of Sinawava (shuttle stop 9) at the back of Zion Canyon, is a breathtaking trail leading towards the Narrows of Zion Canyon. The 2.2 mile round trip hike is primarily paved throughout with no significant elevation gain, and runs along the banks of the Virgin River.
Riverwalk Trail at Zion National Park
As many visitors come to Zion National Park for the infamous Narrows, the volatile Virgin River has final say on who will be going into the Narrows. High water flow will shut down the “trail”, but the gorgeous Riverwalk trail gives you an excellent (and far less wet) experience of walking the narrow Zion Canyon. Additionally, the view of the canyon from the Temple of Sinawava is fantastic, as are the multiple hanging gardens clinging to the sandstone walls.
A roaring Virgin River means the Narrows are a no-go at Zion National Park
One additional note on the Riverwalk Trail: Very little sunlight reaches the canyon floor in this narrow section of the canyon resulting in significantly colder temperatures than what is felt elsewhere in the park. Be sure to layer accordingly!
3. Kayenta Trail
The fabulous Kayenta Trail runs from The Grotto to the Zion Lodge as it rises above the Virgin River. This 2.2 mile (point to point) trail takes you along a rocky edge and provides some of the best views of the Zion Canyon.
Zion Canyon from the Kayenta Trail at Zion National Park
The moderate climbing, mild exposure, and incredible views make this a fantastic hike for families to leave the canyon floor and take in the breathtaking views of the park.
4. Emerald Pools Trail
The Emerald Pools trail begins at the Zion Lodge Shuttle Stop and rises anywhere between 200-400 feet (depending on which pool you go to) over the course of the 2 mile round trip journey.
Currently the bridge to access the trailhead at Zion Lodge is closed, and the trail must be accessed via the Kayenta Trail at The Grotto, or the Sandy Riverside Horse Trail from Court of the Patriarchs.
Upper Emerald Pool at Zion National Park
This trail is full of excellent scenery and wildlife throughout! From deer resting in the valleys and openings alongside the trail, to the canyon views and waterfalls found at the pools themselves, Emerald Pools Trails provides something for everyone. Families with younger kids may want to stop at the Lower Emerald Pool, rather than continuing the climb to the Upper Emerald Pool which does include some relatively steep and mildly exposed sections.
The misty waterfall of the Lower Emerald Pool at Zion National Park
Bonus Trail: Scout Lookout
For those with older children (10 and older) that are looking for a bit more adventure, the hike to Scout Lookout is exhilarating! This nearly 5 mile round trip hike climbs over 1000 feet and takes you to the start of Angel’s Landing.
One of the many switchbacks up to Scout Lookout at Zion National Park
While the trail is almost 100% paved, it is a steep and fully exposed hike rising high above the canyon floor. The trail begins at The Grotto and does not require a permit.
The famous Walters Wiggles (from the top) at Zion National Park
The hike is tough, but the reward at the top is well worth it! While this is definitely not a trail we suggest for young ones, those with adventurous and experienced tweens, teens, and beyond will find the hike to Scout Lookout one they remember forever! Just a note that you may see other adventurous hikers descending in a sprint, so keep close eye on your steps and in front of you.
Scout Lookout takes you to the start of Angel’s Landing at Zion National Park
