6 Easy Hikes In Zion National Park

Planning a trip to Zion National Park but not looking for intense hikes like Angels Landing or The Narrows?

While Zion is best known for its steep canyon hikes and challenging trails, there are still quite a few easier hikes throughout the park. Some are fully paved, some follow the Virgin River, and others provide excellent canyon views without requiring a strenuous climb.

That said, keep in mind that “easy” in Zion can still mean hiking in extreme summer heat, dealing with crowds, or encountering a few steep sections.

These are some of the best beginner-friendly hikes in Zion National Park.

Easy Hikes In Zion National Park

Pa’rus Trail

3.2 miles round trip | paved trail | rated easy | Zion Canyon

Pa’rus Trail is one of the easiest and most accessible hikes in Zion National Park. The paved trail follows the Virgin River through Zion Canyon, providing beautiful canyon views with very little elevation change.

This is one of the park’s best sunrise and sunset hikes, and thanks to the paved path it’s also popular with families, bikers, strollers or wheelchairs, and happens to be the park’s only pet-friendly trail. There’s little shade along the trail though, so summer afternoons can feel extremely hot here.

Pa’rus Trail starts near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and shuttle stop #1.

Zion Grotto Trail

1 mile round trip | flat dirt trail | rated easy | Zion Canyon

Zion Grotto Trail is a short and relatively quiet trail connecting Zion Lodge with The Grotto shuttle stop. The flat trail winds through grassy areas and trees alongside the Virgin River, making it feel more shaded than many hikes in Zion.

While this isn’t the most dramatic hike in the park, it’s a great easy option for those wanting a peaceful walk in Zion Canyon without much elevation gain. Wildlife sightings are also fairly common in this area, especially early and late in the day.

The trail begins near Zion Lodge and The Grotto stop and can also be used to avoid shuttle lines from the Lodge during busy season.

Weeping Rock

0.8 miles round trip | short but steep paved trail | rated easy | Zion Canyon

Weeping Rock is a short hike leading to a rock alcove where water drips from the canyon walls, allowing hanging gardens and moss to grow directly from the sandstone. These hanging gardens are one of my favorite features of the park, they’re stunning in late spring and summer.

Although the hike is very short, the trail is fairly steep on the way up, which contributes to its moderate feeling despite the official easy rating. Thankfully, the climb is over quickly.

The trail begins at the Weeping Rock shuttle stop.

Note: This trail has experienced temporary closures following rockslides in recent years, so it’s always a good idea to double check current trail conditions before visiting.

Riverside Walk

2 miles round trip | paved trail | rated easy | Zion Canyon

Riverside Walk is one of the most popular easy hikes in Zion National Park. The mostly paved trail follows the Virgin River deeper into Zion Canyon, ending at the beginning of The Narrows.

Towering canyon walls lined with hanging gardens surround much of the trail, providing shade much of the day. Combine that with the river nearby, and this hike often feels slightly cooler than other areas of the park. Wildlife sightings are also fairly common here.

Riverside Walk begins at Temple of Sinawava, shuttle stop #9, the final stop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle.

Lower Emerald Pools

1.2 miles round trip | partially paved trail | rated easy | Zion Canyon

Lower Emerald Pools is one of the most family-friendly hikes in Zion National Park. The short trail leads to small waterfalls and hanging gardens beneath the canyon walls.

This trail is partially shaded and relatively easy overall, though there are a few uneven and rocky sections along the way. Water flow varies significantly throughout the year, with spring usually providing the best waterfall conditions.

The trail begins near Zion Lodge and shuttle stop #5.

It’s important to know this guide specifically refers to Lower Emerald Pools. Continuing onward to Middle or Upper Emerald Pools becomes more difficult and strenuous.

Zion Canyon Overlook Trail

1 mile round trip | rocky trail with some steep sections | rated moderate | east side of Zion

Finally, Canyon Overlook Trail is one of the best short hikes in Zion National Park, providing sweeping views over Zion Canyon and the surrounding sandstone cliffs.

While some sources rate this hike as easy, I personally think it fits better into the easy-to-moderate category. The trail is short, but there are stairs, uneven rocky sections, a few steep drop-offs, and some areas which may feel slippery or uncomfortable for those with a fear of heights.

Still, compared to many other Zion hikes, this is a relatively approachable trail with a huge payoff.

The trailhead is located just outside the Mount Carmel Tunnel on the east side of the park. Parking here is very limited and often more difficult than the hike itself, especially midday.

Things To Know Before Hiking In Zion

Below are a few important things to know before hiking in Zion National Park:

• Most of these hikes are located along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which is accessed by shuttle bus for much of the year. Outside of a few weeks in winter, private vehicles are not allowed on the scenic drive.
• Summer temperatures in Zion can become dangerously hot, even on easy hikes. It’s best to hike early in the morning or later in the evening during summer.
• Bring more water than you think you need. The dry desert climate and heat can be exhausting very quickly.
• Afternoon thunderstorms are common during portions of summer and can create dangerous conditions including flash flooding and lightning. When in doubt, check with park rangers regarding today’s weather forecast.
• Crowds start very early in Zion National Park, especially throughout summer and during spring and fall weekends.
• Paved trails do not necessarily mean shaded trails. Several of these hikes have long exposed sections with direct sun.
• Cell service is limited throughout most of the park. Download maps ahead of time if needed.

Despite Zion’s reputation for strenuous hiking, there are still plenty of easier trails allowing visitors to experience the park’s beautiful canyon scenery without an intense climb. I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your trip and have the best time exploring Zion National Park!

Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.

Below are additional Zion guides for your visit or head on over to Zion NPS.

More Information For Your Zion National Park Visit:

• Zion National Park 2-Day Guide
• Top Things To Do In Zion (Besides Hiking)
• Where To Stay Near Zion National Park
• Most Famous Things To Do In Zion National Park
• Best Time To Visit Zion National Park: What To Know About Each Season

More Utah Guides:

• Arches National Park Guides
• Bryce National Park Canyon Guides
• Canyonlands National Park Guides
• Moab, Utah Guides