Zion National Park has a reputation for dramatic, adrenaline-pumping hikes, with trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows often stealing the spotlight. But here’s something many first-time visitors quickly discover: Zion isn’t just a park for thrill seekers. It’s also one of the best national parks in the American Southwest for families, beginner hikers, and anyone looking for incredible scenery without terrifying drop-offs or exhausting climbs.
If you’re visiting Zion with kids, hiking with less experienced family members, or simply looking for scenic Zion trails without intense exposure, there are plenty of excellent options.
All hikes in this guide are located in Zion Canyon along the park’s main scenic corridor, with most following the canyon floor or lower canyon walls along the Virgin River. Each trail listed offers something a little different — river strolls, natural pools, dripping rock walls, desert climbs, scenic overlooks, or quiet paths away from the busiest clusters. Best of all, none of them require nerves of steel to enjoy.
From roughly March through November, private vehicles are not allowed in the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive section. Instead, visitors access the canyon using the park’s free shuttle system. If you’re new to the park, it helps to understand how the Zion Canyon Shuttle works before planning your hikes.
Don’t miss: 9 Surprising Facts About Zion National Park
Quick comparison of family-friendly Zion hikes
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Stroller Friendly | Shuttle Stop | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside Walk | 2 mi | Easy | Yes | #9 | Dramatic canyon scenery |
| Pa’rus Trail | up to 3.4 mi | Easy | Yes | #1–3 | Relaxed river stroll |
| Weeping Rock | 0.4 mi | Easy (but steep) | No | #7 | Short paved adventure |
| Lower Emerald Pool | 1.2 mi | Easy | Mostly yes | #5 | Waterfalls |
| Middle & Upper Pools | 2–3 mi | Moderate | No | #5–6 | Variety |
| Watchman Trail | 3.2 mi | Moderate | No | #1 | Scenic overlook |
| Grotto Trail | 0.5–1 mi | Easy | Technically yes, but uneven | #5–6 | Connector trail |
| Kayenta Trail | ~2 mi | Moderate | No | #6 | Canyon views |
| Archeology Trail | 0.4 mi | Easy | No | #1 | Quick history stop |
Most of these hikes are connected by the Zion Canyon shuttle route, making Zion easier to explore than it first appears. This map shows where each trail is located along the canyon.
👉 Use the links below to jump directly to a hike that interests you:
- Riverside Walk
- Pa’rus Trail
- Lower Emerald Pool Trail
- Middle and Upper Emerald Pools
- Weeping Rock Trail
- Watchman Trail
- Grotto Trail
- Kayenta Trail
- Archeology Trail
9 Family-friendly hikes in Zion National Park
Riverside Walk (best paved family hike in Zion)
Type: Out-and-back
Distance: 2 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Temple of Sinawava (Shuttle Stop #9)
The Riverside Walk is one of the most relaxing ways to experience the dramatic scenery of Zion Canyon.
This paved path follows the Virgin River deeper into the narrowing canyon, with towering sandstone cliffs rising straight up on both sides. At the end of the trail, the pavement disappears and the famous Narrows hike begins.
Because the trail is mostly flat and fully paved, it’s one of the best stroller-friendly hikes in Zion National Park. That said, as easy as it is, don’t let that stop you from adding it to your Zion itinerary — this is a must-do trail in Zion Canyon because you simply won’t get the same views anywhere else in the park.
Cottonwood trees provide occasional shade, wildlife sightings are common, and several small river access points allow visitors to dip their feet in the cool water during warmer summer months.
Good to know
- Paved trail
- One of the busiest trails in the park
- Perfect for families, beginners, and all skill levels
- Amazing views of the Virgin River and canyon walls
Pa’rus Trail (best stroller-friendly trail in Zion)
Type: Out-and-back
Distance: up to 1.7 miles one way (multiple connections)
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Zion Canyon Visitor Center (Shuttle Stop #1); Zion Human History Museum (Shuttle Stop #2); Canyon Junction (Shuttle Stop #3)
The Pa’rus Trail is one of the easiest and most flexible trails in Zion Canyon. This wide paved path follows the Virgin River through open sections of the canyon and connects several key areas of the park near the Visitor Center. It’s also within walking distance from the campground.
Unlike most trails in Zion, the Pa’rus Trail is fully accessible and one of the few truly stroller-friendly hikes in the park. The wide paved path also allows bicycles and leashed pets, making it one of the most flexible and family-friendly trails in Zion Canyon. Thanks to its flat surface and lack of exposure, it’s an excellent option for younger kids and visitors looking for an easy, low-stress walk.
The views here are quieter and more open than in the deeper canyon, but the surrounding cliffs still provide a beautiful backdrop for a casual walk. Several areas along the river allow easy access to the water, making this a great place to relax on warm days.
You can walk the entire trail out and back, hike only a section, or combine it with shuttle stops along the way (FYI: Shuttle Stops 2 and 3 are typically down-canyon stops only, meaning only shuttle buses returning back to the Visitor Center make a stop here.)
Good to know
- Paved trail
- Little shade midday
- Popular sunset spot at the end (Canyon Junction)
Lower Emerald Pool Trail (best short waterfall hike)
Type: Out-and-back
Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop #5)
The Emerald Pools Trail is a network of trails leading to three different natural pools. The first in the series is Lower Emerald Pool, which is the quickest and easiest to reach.
Starting near Zion Lodge, this easy paved path gradually climbs toward a large sandstone alcove with hanging gardens clinging to the cliff face and seasonal waterfalls spilling over the shelf above, creating a lush pocket in the middle of Zion’s desert landscape. The Lower Pool itself sits below the trail and is mostly viewed from above, but the real highlight is walking beneath the dripping alcove when seasonal waterfalls are flowing. Watch your footing here, as the ground underneath the alcove is often slippery.
The trail then curves gently upward toward a small overlook where you can get another perspective of the massive rock wall above the pool. This segment includes a short section with exposed edges (easily manageable with basic awareness). From here the route continues toward the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools, but many visitors turn around at this point.
If you’re visiting Zion with younger kids or short on time, the Lower Pool and the nearby viewpoint make for a great short outing.
Good to know
- Paved trail
- Gentle climb
- Slippery beneath the waterfall alcove
- One of the most popular short hikes in Zion
Middle and Upper Emerald Pools (best moderate Emerald Pools route)
Middle Pool area
The trail to the Upper Pool
Type: Out-and-back
Distance: up to 3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop #5) or The Grotto (Shuttle Stop #6)
Continuing beyond the Lower Emerald Pool leads to the quieter Middle and Upper Emerald Pools.
As the trail climbs higher, the character of the hike changes noticeably. Pavement gives way to rocky steps and dirt paths as you gain elevation and leave the busiest section behind. The further up you go, the more strenuous (and rugged) the trail becomes. Older kids who enjoy climbing over rocks and uneven terrain often find this section more exciting than the paved lower trail.
The Middle Pools sit on a sandstone ledge surrounded by trees, shallow streams, and slickrock. From there, a steeper climb leads to the Upper Pool, tucked beneath a towering cliff wall. Massive boulders and shaded rock walls give this upper basin a more rugged feel than the lower sections of the hike.
Visitors who continue all the way up are rewarded with a surprisingly peaceful setting compared to the crowds below, and dramatic canyon views.
Good to know
- Rocky trail beyond the Lower Pool
- Becomes steeper
- A few exposed ledges near the Middle Pools (chained-off sections)
Weeping Rock Trail (best short adventure for kids)
Type: Out-and-back
Distance: 0.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Trailhead: Weeping Rock (Shuttle Stop #7)
The Weeping Rock Trail may be one of the shortest hikes in Zion National Park, but it delivers a surprisingly memorable experience.
A short climb on a paved path leads to a shaded sandstone alcove where water seeps slowly through the rock above (nature’s own filtering process that can take thousands of years to complete), feeding lush hanging gardens that cling to the canyon wall. These small springs create a cool, green pocket of vegetation that feels completely different from the dry desert landscape surrounding it.
Despite the trail’s short length, the climb is fairly steep and includes several stone steps, which gives it a slightly more adventurous feel than the distance suggests.
It’s an excellent quick stop along the Zion Canyon shuttle route and one of the most unique short hikes in the park, suitable for beginner hikers and families with kids. It’s also the perfect pick for a hot summer day, even at midday.
Good to know
- Paved but steep
- Slippery surfaces near the alcove
- Kid bonus: little frogs along the trail
Watchman Trail (best longer hike for active families)
Type: Out-and-back
Distance: 3.2 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Zion Canyon Visitor Center (Shuttle Stop #1)
The Watchman Trail climbs gradually above the Zion Canyon Visitor Center toward panoramic views of Zion Canyon and the iconic Watchman peak, with an optional short loop at the top.
Compared to many trails deeper in the canyon, this one tends to be less crowded while offering fantastic views. The route follows a well-defined path across rocky desert terrain with a steady but manageable climb.
It’s a great option for visitors who want a slightly longer hike without dealing with the exposure found on Zion’s more famous routes.
This hike is family-friendly but best suited for older kids comfortable with uphill hiking. Near the end of the trail and along the optional loop in the upper mesa area, there are some exposed edges typical of Zion hikes, so younger children should be supervised closely near the final climb and viewpoints.
Good to know
- Quiet hike
- Steady climb
- Limited shade
- Best saved for early morning or late afternoon
Grotto Trail (best easy connector trail in Zion)
Type: Point-to-point (or out-and-back)
Distance: ~0.5 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop #5) to The Grotto (Stop #6)
The Grotto Trail is a short, mostly flat path that connects Zion Lodge to The Grotto, making it one of the easiest ways to move between two of the park’s busiest areas without using the shuttle. While you could technically bring a stroller on this trail, the uneven unpaved surface can make parts of the trail bumpy and difficult to navigate.
Unlike some of the more scenic trails in Zion, this one is less about dramatic views and more about convenience and a quieter walking experience. The trail follows the valley floor through open areas of grass and scattered trees, with occasional views of the surrounding red rock cliffs.
It’s especially useful if you’re heading toward the Kayenta Trail or Emerald Pools and want to skip waiting for the shuttle, or if you’re staying at the lodge and prefer to explore on foot.
Good to know
- Mostly flat and easy to follow
- Not as scenic as other Zion trails
- Great alternative to the shuttle between stops #5 and #6
Kayenta Trail (best moderate canyon views without chains)
Type: Out-and-back or loop option
Distance: ~2 miles (depending on route)
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: The Grotto (Shuttle Stop #6)
The Kayenta Trail offers some of the most scenic views in Zion Canyon without the narrow ridges and long stretches with steep drop-offs found on the park’s more intense hikes. Still, the trail has a few trickier sections where caution is advised with young children.
This hike begins near the Grotto shuttle stop and climbs gradually along the canyon wall, providing wide open views of the surrounding cliffs and rock formations. Many hikers use Kayenta as a scenic connector between the Grotto and the Emerald Pools trail system, creating a loop that adds variety to the Emerald Pools hike.
Because the trail stays higher along the canyon wall, it offers a slightly different perspective of Zion’s landscape than the trails along the canyon floor.
Good to know
- Moderate climb in places
- Beautiful views throughout the route
- Some exposed sections
Archeology Trail (best quick history walk)
Type: Out-and-back
Distance: 0.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Zion Canyon Visitor Center (Shuttle Stop #1)
The Archeology Trail is a short but interesting detour near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and Watchman Campground.
This sandy path climbs quickly to the remains of an Ancestral Puebloan site, which was used for food processing and storage between approx. AD 700 and 1200. You can actually see some of the artifacts excavated from this site at the Zion Human History Museum (Shuttle Stop #2).
While the site itself is modest at best — a few stones that were once part of a structural foundation (nothing like Bandelier’s Tsankawi!) — this short kid-friendly hike still has its charm. It provides a glimpse into the human history of Zion Canyon long before the area became a national park, and the elevated views of Zion Canyon from the mesa top are worth the brief climb.
Because the hike is so short and not significant in where it leads, it’s often visited at the end of the day without any worry for catching the last shuttle.
Good to know
- Steep but very short climb
- A convenient option at the end of the day
Best time to visit Zion National Park
Spring and fall are generally the most comfortable seasons for hiking in Zion. Summer brings intense heat, while winter can bring cooler temperatures and occasional snow at higher elevations.
🚨 Seasonal water advisory
During warmer months, cyanobacteria and harmful algal blooms can occasionally occur in the Virgin River and other water sources in Zion National Park. Conditions change regularly, so it’s a good idea to check current park alerts before swimming, wading, or allowing children to enter the water.
How to choose the best family-friendly hike in Zion
When hiking with younger kids or anyone less comfortable with steep terrain and exposure, choosing the right trail in Zion can make a huge difference.
Some of the relatively easy Zion Canyon hikes are fully paved and stroller-friendly, while others involve rocky terrain, steady climbs, or narrow sections better suited for older kids and more confident hikers.
- For the easiest experience, trails like the Pa’rus Trail and Riverside Walk are excellent starting points. Both are mostly flat, paved, and accessible for nearly all skill levels, including families with strollers.
- Lower Emerald Pool is another great family-friendly option if you want something short and scenic with a little more variety. The paved climb is manageable for most visitors, though the trail can become slippery beneath the dripping alcove.
- Families with older kids who enjoy longer walks or more rugged terrain may prefer hikes like the Watchman Trail, Kayenta Trail, or the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools routes. These trails involve more elevation gain and uneven footing but still avoid the extreme exposure Zion is famous for.
- Shorter hikes like Weeping Rock and the Archeology Trail also make fun additions to a Zion itinerary. Both are quick, rewarding, and manageable for many families, though they include brief uphill sections.
As with most hikes in Zion National Park, basic awareness is important. Some trails pass near cliffs or uneven rock ledges, so children should always be supervised.
This same mindset applies when Zion is just one stop on a longer Southwest road trip with kids. Planning drive times, snacks, and overnight stops ahead of time makes everything run more smoothly. If you want a deeper breakdown of how we plan road trips with kids, you’ll find it here: 👉 Road trip tips for traveling with kids.
Final thoughts
You don’t need to hike Angels Landing to experience the magic of Zion Canyon.
Zion may be famous for dramatic cliff-edge hikes, but some of the park’s most memorable experiences happen on its easier family-friendly trails. And thanks to the shuttle system and interconnected trail network, many of these hikes can easily be combined in a single day.
Trail conditions in Zion National Park change regularly due to rockfalls and weather. Before heading out, it’s always a good idea to check the latest updates on the official park website.
Hi, I’m Marketa!
Mom of two, Malinois wrangler, and the voice behind this blog. I share places worth the detour across the U.S., from remote backroads to favorite Chicago-area finds. Always chasing good views, great memories, and dog-friendly stops. More about us →
This is such AWESOME info, thank you so much. trying to plan which park to go to, Zion/Bryce and this has really helped me.
I’m so glad you found the post helpful! Have fun on your trip!
Hi, just a question, I was wondering where do all these hike end at at? Do you enter one way and then come back out a different way but still end up at the entrance of the trail?
Hi Jeanette! Most of the hikes listed start and end in the same spot. The only exception is the Emerald Pools Trail that can be a tad confusing because it’s part of a more elaborate trail system (not difficult – just a little confusing with a few options to choose from – I go over that in the Emerald Pools trail guide here). In addition, the Pa’rus Trail has three optional starting/end points, but it’s really one long walk along the river so not confusing. The three points along the Pa’rus Trail just give you easy access to the shuttle should you wish to not hike the entire trail.
If you click on the links under the hikes you like you will find much more detailed information about each hike, and a map I’ve made that includes trail routes, shuttle stops, and points of interests. The Pa’rus trail does not have a link to a trail guide but is included in the Zion Canyon hikes map. All hikes listed in this post are mapped out.
This is great! Thank you!
Glad you found the information helpful, Jenny! Have an awesome trip! 🙂
talk about bliss!!
Right?! Zion does that to people 😌