The 7 Best Easy Hikes in Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of the Utah Mighty Five national parks and is one of the most impressive parks in the USA. Five million other people agree with me since that’s how many people visit this park every year, making it the 2nd most visited in the USA. Zion is best known for its most challenging hikes: Angel’s Landing, The Narrows, and Subway Cave. But what if you are looking for less difficult hikes? Do not worry! Zion has some of the most beautiful less difficult hikes as well. Here are the 7 best easy hikes in Zion National Park!

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The Best Time to Visit Zion National Park

The best time of year for easy hikes in Zion is in the Spring and Fall months. These months are generally cool unlike the extreme cold and heat in the Summers. However, you are more likely to encounter rainstorms during the Spring. The park is also the most crowded during the summer. The least crowded time is in the winter, but you will likely have to deal with snowy and icy conditions as well as some of the trail will close.

How to Get to Zion National Park

The closest large airport is Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. The drive from Las Vegas is about 2.5 hours to the Springdale entrance where the visitor’s center is located. Another airport option is St. George Regional Airport. While you are less likely to be able to fly nonstop into St. George, the flights are reasonably priced and you will be able to shorten your drive to Zion. It is only a 1-hour drive from St. George.

Entrance Fees for Zion National Park

You will need to purchase a park pass to enter most national parks, including Zion. The entrance fee for Zion National Park is $35/vehicle, $30/motorcycle, or $25/snowmobile for a 7-day pass. If you plan to visit multiple national parks, I recommend purchasing an America the Beautiful park pass, which will allow you into all NPS lands for a year. The American the Beautiful Interagency pass is $80 plus a $9 shipping fee if you purchase online. However, you can purchase the interagency pass in person at all park entrances and avoid the shipping fee.

Also, if you have a 4th grader in your household, you can get a family pass to the national parks that is good for a year. Find out more about that benefit here.

What to Pack for Your Easy Hikes in Zion

Water!! Whether you use a hydration backpack or carry bottled water, make sure to pack plenty of water when outdoors! The visitor centers at each national park have water filling stations.
Sunscreen – Protect your skin from the sun, and do not forget to reapply.
Hat – More sun protection to block the sun from your face
Hiking shoes/boots – Some of the hikes are on steep, slick rock, and people wearing regular tennis shoes struggled to keep their footing. Here are the men‘s version of the hiking shoes I love.
Hiking socks – The best way to prevent blisters is by keeping your feet dry. Moisture-wicking socks are the best way to do that.
Backpack – A backpack is a necessity when hiking to carry your water, snacks, sunscreen, etc. that you may need on your longer hikes.
RTIC Soft-Sided Cooler – Keep your drinks and sandwich stuff cool in this cooler.
Jacket – Even in warmer months, the temps can be cool in the mornings and evening so pack a light men’s or women’s jacket.
Printed Maps/Directions – Cell service is spotty, so I recommend you print maps/directions or download offline maps to all hiking trails and parks you plan to visit.

1. Riverside Walk

Trail Length – 1.9 miles
Elevation Gain – 193 feet
Route Type – Out and back

The Narrows Riverside Walk is one of the most popular and scenic easy hikes in Zion. This hike begins at the Temple of Sinawava, which is the final stop on the Zion Canyon shuttle. The trail is a paved path that follows the Virgin River between red rock canyon walls. The soothing sounds of the river, sights of mule deer, and cottonwood trees make this easy hike a tranquil one. Once you get to a river crossing, the official trail ends. This is the beginning of The Narrows trail. You can watch as adventure seekers begin their hike in the Virgin River as the canyon walls narrow.

This trail is mostly flat with a well-maintained path that make it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs with assistance. There are benches and other places to stop along the way.

2. Pa’rus Trail

Trail Length – 3.3 miles
Elevation Gain – 141 feet
Route Type – Out and back

The Pa’rus Trail is one of the most accessible and relaxing hikes in Zion National Park, making it perfect for all ages and fitness levels. This paved, mostly flat trail stretches for about 3.3 miles roundtrip and follows the scenic Virgin River through the lower canyon. Unlike most trails in Zion, it’s also open to bicycles and pets, which makes it especially popular for families and those looking for a leisurely outdoor experience.

As you walk, you’ll be surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife like mule deer or birds along the riverbanks. The trail is particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset, when the canyon walls glow with warm shades of red and orange. There are several bridges along the route, offering excellent vantage points for photos.

Because of its gentle terrain and accessibility, the Pa’rus Trail is ideal if you want to experience Zion’s beauty without committing to a strenuous hike. It’s also a great option for a first day in the park, helping you ease into the landscape while still enjoying incredible views.

3. Lower Emerald Pool Trail

Trail Length – 1.4 miles
Elevation Gain – 127 feet
Route Type – Out and back

The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is one of Zion’s most popular easy hikes, offering a rewarding destination with minimal effort. This short trail leads to an alcove with a seasonal waterfall trickling down the rock face into small pools below.

Starting near the Zion Lodge, the trail gradually winds through shaded areas and along a well-maintained path, making it a great option for families or anyone looking for a quick but scenic outing. The highlight of the hike is walking behind the waterfall when conditions allow, giving you a unique perspective of the canyon and a refreshing mist on warmer days.

Even though it’s a relatively easy hike, the views are still impressive, with lush vegetation contrasting against Zion’s iconic red rock cliffs. It’s also a good starting point if you want to extend your hike to the Middle or Upper Emerald Pools for more elevation and fewer crowds.

Because of its popularity, the trail can get crowded, especially midday, so visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon will give you a more peaceful experience.

4. Canyon Overlook Trail

Trail Length – 0.9 miles
Elevation Gain – 157 feet
Route Type – Out and back

If you’re looking for one of the best views in Zion without a long hike, the Canyon Overlook Trail is hard to beat. At just about 1 mile roundtrip, this short but memorable trail delivers sweeping panoramic views of the canyon that rival much longer hikes.

Located near the Mount Carmel Tunnel, the trail begins with a series of stone steps and quickly transitions into a path that hugs the canyon walls. While the hike is considered easy, there are sections with drop-offs, though they are well protected with railings. Along the way, you’ll pass through small rock overhangs and narrow sections that add a bit of adventure without being too challenging.

The real payoff comes at the end, where you’re greeted with a stunning overlook of Zion Canyon, including views of the winding road below and the towering cliffs that define the park. It’s especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset, when the lighting enhances the dramatic landscape.

Because of its short length and incredible payoff, this trail is extremely popular, so plan to arrive early to secure parking and enjoy a less crowded experience.

5. Grotto Trail

Trail Length – 1.2 miles
Elevation Gain – 62 feet
Route Type – Out and back

The Grotto Trail is an often overlooked hike that connects Zion Lodge to The Grotto picnic area. At just about 1 mile one way, this flat and easy trail runs alongside the Virgin River, offering a quiet alternative to some of the park’s busier paths.

What makes this trail special is its serene atmosphere. While many visitors use it simply as a connector between shuttle stops, it’s worth slowing down and enjoying the scenery. The path winds through grassy areas, shaded groves, and open stretches with beautiful views of Zion’s towering canyon walls.

Because it’s less crowded than many of Zion’s more famous hikes, the Grotto Trail is a great place to escape the hustle and take in the natural beauty at a slower pace. It’s also an excellent option for families, casual walkers, or anyone looking for a relaxing stroll.

You can easily combine this trail with other nearby hikes, making it a convenient and flexible addition to your itinerary. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk or a scenic connector, the Grotto Trail is a hidden gem worth exploring.

6. Timber Creek Overlook Trail (Kolob Canyons section)

Trail Length – 1.2 miles
Elevation Gain – 248 feet
Route Type – Out and back

Located in the quieter Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, the Timber Creek Overlook Trail offers a peaceful escape from the crowds found in the main canyon. This short, half-mile roundtrip hike is paved and gently uphill, making it accessible to most visitors.

The trail leads to a stunning viewpoint overlooking Timber Creek and the surrounding red rock canyons. Along the way, you’ll pass through pinyon pine and juniper trees, adding a different landscape compared to the main section of the park. Interpretive signs provide insight into the geology and ecology of the area.

At the overlook, you’ll be rewarded with expansive views that stretch across the rugged canyon terrain. It’s a fantastic spot for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset when the colors of the rocks become even more vibrant.

Because Kolob Canyons is less visited, you’ll often find a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere here. If you have extra time in Zion, this trail is well worth the drive for a unique perspective of the park.

7. The Watchman Trail

Trail Length – 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain – 646 feet
Route Type – Out and back

The Watchman Trail is a great choice if you’re looking for a slightly more challenging hike that still falls within the “easy to moderate” range. Starting near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, this 3.2-mile roundtrip trail gradually climbs above the valley, offering increasingly impressive views as you gain elevation.

The trail follows a well-maintained dirt path with a steady incline, making it manageable for most hikers with a moderate level of fitness. Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of the Watchman peak, the Virgin River, and the surrounding canyon landscape. The higher you climb, the more expansive the scenery becomes.

At the top, you’ll reach a viewpoint that overlooks the town of Springdale and the entrance to Zion National Park. It’s a fantastic spot to take a break, snap photos, and soak in the scenery.

This trail is particularly beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon, when the lighting enhances the red rock formations. If you want a bit more of a workout without tackling Zion’s most strenuous hikes, the Watchman Trail is a perfect option.