The 5 Best Easy Hikes in Zion National Park

When I first visited Zion National Park, I thought I’d need to be an expert hiker to see the best views. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Some of the park’s most stunning landscapes are accessible via gentle paths that won’t leave you gasping for breath. 

After several visits to Zion, I’ve found the perfect mix of easy trails that deliver big on scenery without demanding too much effort. These paths let you experience Zion’s towering cliffs, flowing rivers, and hidden waterfalls – all while keeping your feet firmly planted on well-maintained ground. 

Let’s take a look.

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1. Pa’rus Trail 

Stretching 1.7 miles one way from the Visitor Center, the Pa’rus Trail is one of the most accessible paths in Zion National Park. I love this trail because it’s completely paved, making it perfect for everyone from families with strollers to wheelchair users. 

Walking along the Virgin River, you’ll get amazing views in every direction. The trail’s gentle grade means you won’t break a sweat, and there’s plenty to see as you go. I’ve spotted deer grazing near the path in the early morning, and the wildflowers in spring are really something special. 

You can bike on this trail too – it’s actually the only trail in Zion where cycling is allowed. I’ve noticed lots of people using e-bikes here, which is a fun way to cover more ground.

The path starts at the Visitor center and ends at Canyon Junction, both shuttle stops. There’s also a short side trail to the Museum of Human History about half way along. All these are shuttle stops.  

The Pa’rus Trail is great for photography. The morning light hits the canyon walls beautifully, and sunset here is absolutely stunning. There are plenty of spots to stop and take pictures, with several bridges crossing over the Virgin River offering perfect viewpoints. 

The trail gets busy during peak season, but it’s wide enough that it rarely feels crowded. I’ve found early mornings are quietest, and you’ll get the best light for photos too.

In winter, it’s usually snow-free and makes for a peaceful walk with views of snow-dusted peaks. 

You’ll find benches along the way for rest stops, and the flat terrain means you can turn around whenever you want.

It takes about 1-2 hours to walk the whole thing round trip, depending on how often you stop for photos or just to take in the views. The trailhead’s location right at the Visitor Center makes it super easy to find, and there’s plenty of parking nearby. 

‼️ TIP: I actually prefer to hike it one way – then hop on the shuttle at Canyon Junction (or take the shuttle to Canyon Junction and hike back to the Visitor Center). That way, you get to enjoy the trail, but don’t overdo it but hiking it in both directions.

2. Riverside Walk 

The Riverside Walk is a perfect starter trail in Zion National Park, running 2 miles round trip along the Virgin River. I’ve done this hike multiple times, and it never gets old – the paved path makes it suitable for most people, including people pushing strollers or using wheelchairs. 

Starting at the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop (the last stop on the route), you’ll follow a mostly flat path that hugs the river. The towering canyon walls create plenty of shade, which is super welcome during hot summer days. The trail ends where the famous Narrows begin, giving you a peek at one of Zion’s most iconic hikes. 

What I love about this trail is how much life you see along the way. Hanging gardens drip from the canyon walls, and you might spot squirrels, deer, or even wild turkeys if you’re lucky. The sound of flowing water accompanies you the whole way, making it really peaceful. 

It usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete the walk, depending on how often you stop for photos. I’d suggest hiking the trail early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and get better lighting for pictures. In summer, the morning hours are definitely cooler and more comfortable. 

The path is well-maintained and has plenty of spots to rest and take in the views. You’ll find drinking water at the shuttle stop, but I always recommend bringing your own bottle. Even though it’s an easy and relaxing day, the desert environment can be pretty dry. 

Keep in mind that if you’re planning to go beyond the paved trail into The Narrows, you’ll want to check the water conditions first. But even if you just stick to the Riverside Walk itself, you’ll get an amazing taste of what makes Zion so special. 

3. Lower Emerald Pool Trail 

This 1.2-mile round trip trail is one of my favorites in Zion. You’ll start at Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop 5), and the path leads you under dripping waterfalls and past stunning red rock formations. I love doing this trail in the morning when the sun hits the canyon walls just right. 

The path has some gentle ups and downs with a few sets of stairs, but it’s totally doable for most hikers. You’ll gain about 70 feet in elevation as you make your way to the pools. I’ve seen plenty of families with kids enjoying this trail – it’s just challenging enough to be fun without being too hard. 

Spring is absolutely the best time to visit when the waterfalls are flowing strong. The trail takes you behind these falls, which is really cool, but watch your step – those rocks can get slippery! I always tell friends to bring good shoes with grip, especially if they’re planning to get close to the water. 

The whole hike usually takes about an hour, but I like to budget extra time for photos and just sitting by the pools. The morning light makes the water shimmer, and sometimes you’ll catch rainbows in the waterfall mist. The trail can get pretty busy by mid-morning, so I’d suggest starting early if you want some quiet time. 

Along the way, you’ll find plenty of spots to rest and take in the views. The trail is partly shaded, which makes it nice even on warmer days. You might spot some wildlife too – I’ve seen lizards sunning themselves on rocks and different birds swooping through the canyon. 

If you’re steady on your feet but want to avoid major climbing, this trail hits the sweet spot. It gives you a taste of Zion’s beauty without wearing you out. Just remember to bring water – even on this shorter trail, the desert air can really dry you out. 

‼️ If you’re still feeling OK, the trail can be combined with the Middle Emerald Pools Trail and you can return (to the Grotto Shuttle stop – Stop no. 6) via the Kayenta Trail. The trail to the Upper Emerald Pools is steeper and harder, so I don’t recommend that if you’re looking for easy trails.

4. Canyon Overlook Trail 

This trail packs big views into a short 1-mile round trip hike.

The views along the way are fantastic, but nothing beats the overlook at the end. You’ll get an amazing look at the east side of Zion Canyon, including the Great Arch below (which most visitors miss). It’s one of the best photo spots in the park – I’ve spent way too much time trying to get that perfect shot! 

Starting just east of the Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel, you’ll climb about 100 steps right at the beginning – but don’t let that scare you off! Once you’re past those initial steps, the trail levels out nicely. 

It usually takes about an hour to complete the hike, including plenty of stops for photos. The trail has some shade, but it can get hot in summer.

You’ll want good walking shoes for this one. While it’s not a tough hike, there are some uneven rocky sections. I’ve seen people trying it in flip-flops, and trust me, that’s not the way to go! There’s no water available at the trailhead, so bring your own bottle. 

Despite being short, this trail gives you some of the most impressive views in Zion for the least amount of effort. Just remember to stay back from the edges at the viewpoint – those drop-offs are no joke! 

‼️ The parking lot is tiny, so getting there early (before 8:00 AM) makes a huge difference.

‼️ The trail isn’t stroller-friendly, but young children can generally handle it fine. You’ll find railings along most of the path, which really helps with any slightly exposed sections. But keep a careful eye on young children, as there some exposed sections.

5. Watchman Trail 

The Watchman Trail starts right at the Visitor Center, making it super easy to find. And it means you don’t need to wait for a shuttle.

I’ve hiked this 3.3-mile round trip trail several times, and it gives you some of the best views of Springdale and the southern end of Zion National Park. While it’s a bit more challenging than the other trails I’ve mentioned, it’s still totally doable for most hikers. 

You’ll climb about 368 feet as you zigzag up the trail, but there are plenty of spots to catch your breath and take in the views. The path is well-marked and maintained, though it can get pretty sunny since there’s not much shade.

I always start this hike before 7:00 AM or after 4:00PM in summer – it makes a huge difference in comfort level. 

The trail levels out and then is pretty flat. It leads to a viewing area with benches where you can rest and take photos. I love watching the morning light hit the Watchman peak and the surrounding formations. You might spot some desert wildlife too – I’ve seen lots of lizards and even a few bighorn sheep on early morning hikes. 

It usually takes about 2-3 hours to complete the hike, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the viewpoint. The path is mostly dirt and rock, so good hiking shoes are a must. I’ve seen too many people struggle in sandals! 

The best views come after you’ve done most of the climbing. You’ll get an amazing look at the town of Springdale below, the Towers of the Virgin, and West Temple. Sunrise is particularly stunning here – the way the light hits the red rocks is just incredible. 

Don’t forget to bring plenty of water – there’s no water source on the trail. Even though it’s not the longest hike in Zion, the exposure and elevation gain can make it feel more challenging than you’d expect. But those views at the top? Totally worth every step! 

Final Thoughts 

These five trails show off the best of Zion without pushing you to your limits. From the wheelchair-friendly Pa’rus Trail to the slightly more challenging Watchman Trail, there’s something here for every ability level. I’ve hiked them all several times, in different seasons, and they never disappoint. 

The best part? You can mix and match these hikes based on how you’re feeling or how much time you have. Start with the Pa’rus Trail in the morning, catch the Riverside Walk before lunch, and maybe tackle the Canyon Overlook for sunset. Just remember to bring water and wear good shoes! 

Enjoy these easy hikes in Zion National Park!

More Planning Resources for Zion National Park

Do you have other favorite Zion easy hikes that aren’t included here?  I’d love to hear what they are.  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).  

 If you liked this guide to the best easy Zion hikes, Pin It to your Zion National Park board! 

About the Author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

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