Zion National Park can look intimidating to families, with its famous Angels Landing chains and the deep wade of The Narrows. But the truth is that Zion is one of the most kid-friendly parks in the Southwest. The Zion Canyon shuttle drops you right at the trailheads, the canyon floor is mostly flat, and the towering sandstone walls keep little ones staring upward instead of asking how much farther. Here are the six easiest Zion hikes with kids, all reachable from Springdale and the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
Riverside Walk: The Easiest Hike in Zion Canyon
If you do only one trail with small children, make it the Riverside Walk. This paved, 2.2-mile round-trip path follows the Virgin River from the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop (the last stop, number 9) to the mouth of The Narrows. It is stroller-friendly for most of its length, shaded by cottonwoods, and dotted with hanging gardens that drip from the canyon walls. Kids love spotting wild turkeys and rock squirrels along the way. In summer, go early; this stop fills up fast.
Lower Emerald Pools: Waterfalls Kids Can Reach
The Lower Emerald Pools Trail starts at the Zion Lodge shuttle stop and runs about 1.2 miles round trip to a pair of seasonal waterfalls that spill over an overhang you actually walk behind. It is paved and gently graded, perfect for ages four and up. Ambitious families can continue to the Middle and Upper Pools, but the Lower Pool alone is a satisfying turnaround with shade and a payoff.
Pa'rus Trail: Bikes, Strollers, and Sunset Views
- Distance: 3.5 miles round trip, fully paved
- Start: Zion Canyon Visitor Center (no shuttle needed)
- Why kids love it: It is the only trail in the canyon that allows bikes and pets, and it crosses the Virgin River on several bridges
- Best for: Strollers, scooters, and a mellow morning or sunset stroll
The Pa'rus Trail is a brilliant choice when the shuttle line is long. You can turn around at any bridge, so it scales easily to a toddler's stamina.
Weeping Rock: Short, Steep, and Memorable
At only about 0.4 miles round trip, Weeping Rock is the shortest real hike in the park. The trail climbs a short but steep paved grade to an alcove where spring water seeps out of the cliff face and rains down on you. Note: this trail has closed periodically after rockfall, so check the Zion National Park current conditions page before counting on it.
Canyon Overlook Trail: A Big View Without the Crowds
For older kids (roughly seven and up) who can handle some exposure, the Canyon Overlook Trail on the east side of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel delivers one of the best views in the park for just one mile round trip. There are some drop-offs with railings in the steepest spots, so keep hands held. The reward is a sweeping look down into lower Zion Canyon and toward the West Temple.
Planning a Full Utah Family Trip
Zion is the gateway park for most families, but it is just one stop on a classic loop. If you want to combine these easy hikes with Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands, our Utah Mighty Five family road trip itinerary lays out day-by-day driving distances, kid-friendly trails at every park, and where to base yourselves each night. It is built around short hikes and short drives so nobody melts down in the back seat.
Tips for Hiking Zion With Kids
- Ride the shuttle: from spring through fall private cars are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, so plan your day around shuttle stops 5 (Zion Lodge) and 9 (Temple of Sinawava)
- Start by 8 a.m. in summer to beat the heat and the lines
- Carry more water than you think; the high desert dries kids out fast
- Grab a Junior Ranger booklet at the visitor center to keep older kids engaged
- Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) bring the most comfortable temperatures
With the right trail choices, Zion is genuinely magical for families. Stick to the canyon floor, follow the river, and let the scale of the place do the work.
