Hiking is one of the most rewarding activities that you can do in any national park, and especially in Zion. Whether you are a first time visitor to the park, or a veteran visitor looking to make the most of your trip, finding one (or more!) day hikes in Zion is almost certainly on your to-do list. We have compiled a list of some of the most popular, most beautiful, and most enjoyable hikes in Zion, for hikers of all different backgrounds and experience levels. Hopefully, this list can help you find the right hike for you and your family.
Hiking in Zion is a truly incredible experience. There are miles of trails, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a physically grueling experience, or a leisurely stroll, there is something to fit your needs in Zion. The views in Zion are unmatched, and hiking is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the park up close and personal. Here are a few of the hikes offered in Zion.
Pa’rus Trail
The Pa’rus Trail, one of the newer parks, is the perfect combination of leisurely and beautiful. This trail, which is entirely paved and mostly flat, is perfect for anyone from experienced hikers to wheelchair users, as this trail is wheelchair accessible. The trail itself zig-zags along the Virgin River, and offers river access, which your kids will definitely enjoy. This trail is open to pets and bicycles as well, and begins near South Campground, ending near Canyon Junction. Specifically, the trailhead begins at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. It is 3.5 miles round trip, and takes two hours to complete on average.
Lower Emerald Pools Trail
This hike is one of the most popular in Zion. It leads down to the lower section of the Emerald Pools. This is a short, leisurely hike, that is perfect for families and anyone looking for beautiful views and relaxation. The Emerald Pools are a must see for anyone visiting Zion. The trail begins at Zion Lodge and is 1.2 miles in length, taking about an hour to complete, even for families with small children. This trail continues on to the more strenuous hike to the middle and upper Emerald Pools, and connects to the Kayenta Trail, making it a great starting point for more strenuous hikes.
Weeping Rock Trail
This trail is one of the shortest in the park, and also one of the most popular! The hike is steep and rock paved, and leads to the weeping rock landmark, a unique, watery alcove with a beautiful garden surrounding it. Hikers will often experience mist coming off of the alcove, making this a great walk to cool down. There is river access, and it is considered one of the most magical places in the park. This is one hike where we recommend coming if there is rain- rainy conditions create a waterfall off of the alcove, which is a truly beautiful sight to see! Weeping Rock Trailhead also connects to a number of other hikes. The trail itself is a brief 0.4 miles, and takes about half an hour to complete.
Watchman Trail
Watchman’s Trail is perfect for anyone looking for a more strenuous hike, and anyone who wants to leave the crowds behind. This trail is more isolated than most in the park, and leads to an incredible viewpoint that overlooks Watchman Peak and the lower Zion canyon. This hike has very little shade, so we recommend hiking in the early morning to avoid the sun. It is family friendly. The hike begins at Zion Canyon Visitor Center, is about 2.7 miles roundtrip, and takes between 1 and 2 hours to complete.
Upper Emerald Pool Trail
For those who want to experience the Emerald Pools with a little extra exercise, the Upper Emerald Pool Trail might be a good fit for you! Beginning at the Lower Emerald Pools Trail, this trail continues upwards for an extra 400 feet of elevation gain. The hike begins to get strenuous around the middle section of the Emerald Pools. The beauty of the middle and upper pools are well worth a little extra effort. The trail begins at Zion Lodge, and the upper section is approximately 1 mile long. Hiking all three of the pool sections takes between 2 and 4 hours.
Angel’s Landing via West Rim Trail
Angel’s Landing is one of the most beautiful locations in Zion Park, and is on the bucket list of travelers everywhere. Of course, you shouldn’t expect to see something so beautiful without a bit of effort- this is a very challenging hike, and not recommended for inexperienced hikers. There are many long drop offs along the trail, and the final section is a very steep and narrow ridge up to the summit. If you have a fear of heights, or small children, this hike may not be for you. We highly recommend getting an early start for this one. This may be challenging, but the view is so, so worth it. People return year after year to the park just for this hike, which tells you just how incredible it really is! The hike itself begins at the Grotto, is 5.4 miles long, and takes between 4-5 hours to complete.
Find the perfect hike for you and your family!
