Best Short Hikes in Zion

Are you planning on visiting Zion National Park and are looking at hiking and want to know the best short hikes in Zion, then look no further than our list below. All these hikes are under 5 miles.

There are many short hikes in Zion National Park, if you are looking for something quick and easy to do during your visit.

a building hidden in the trees and in the distance orange and grey cliffs on a cloudy fay

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Table of Contents

Court of the Patriarchs Viewpoint Trail

Shuttle Stop: #4 Court of the Patriarchs
Distance: 0.1 mi / 0.2 km roundtrip
Elevation change: 26 ft / 8 m
Estimated Time to Hike: 3 minutes
Pets: No
Trailhead location: The trail can be accessed from behind the shuttle stop.

The court of the Patriarchs viewpoint trail, is the shortest hike in Zion at just 0.1 mile roundtrip. In reality it is not really a hike, it is just a short steep walk up a paved path, which should take you around 3 minutes. Once at the viewpoint though, you get a beautiful view of the three patriarch peaks.

Grotto Trail

Shuttle Stop: #5 Zion Lodge or #6 The Grotto
Distance: 0.5 mi / 0.8 km one way
Elevation change: 35 ft / 11 m
Estimated Time to Hike: 15 minutes
Pets: No
Trailhead location: The trail can be accessed either, from behind the shuttle stop at Zion Lodge or from The Grotto, behind the historic building walking towards the visitor center.

The Grotto Trail is a short, easy hike connecting The Grotto and Zion Lodge. For those seeking a longer hike, it can be combined with the Kayenta Trail, Sand Bench Trail and finally the Pa’rus Trail, which creates a route that takes you all the way to the visitors center. On my way out of the park, I chose to get off the shuttle at The Grotto and hike all the way back to the Visitor Center, as there was still enough daylight.

Hiking at dusk turned out to be a magical experience, as I spotted mule deer foraging along the trail. After I finished this short hike, I hopped on the bus at #5 Zion Lodge until #3 Canyon Junction and then hiked the 1.75 miles to the visitor center.

Lower Emerald Pool Trail

a small waterfall, falling over the side of a cliff, surrounded by trees and bushes

Shuttle Stop: #6 The Grotto (Access is no longer possible at #5 Zion Lodge, due to damage to the bridge)
Distance: 2.2 mi / 3.5 km roundtrip
Elevation change: 150 ft / 46 m
Estimated Time to Hike: 1.5 hours
Pets: No
Trailhead location: On the other side of the road to the Grotto, you will see signs for the Kayenta Trail.

This is a beautiful trail that goes to the lower emerald pool trail, and depending on the time of year, you may find a waterfall, going into the pool. Unfortunately the closest entrance to the hike is closed due to damage to the bridge and so you will need to hike the Kayenta Trail via the Grotto to get to the pools, meaning the hike is not as short as listed above.

Kayenta Trail

Shuttle Stop: #6 The Grotto
Distance: 2 mi / 3.2 km roundtrip
Elevation change: 150 ft / 46 m
Estimated Time to Hike: 1.5 hours
Pets: No
Trailhead location: Across the road from the Grotto, you’ll find signs directing you to the Kayenta Trail.

This hike is now the only path to access the Emerald Pools and if you are wanting to hike to any of the Emerald pools you will need to access them this way rather than at #5 Zion Lodge. Here you will be hiking close to the edge of the canyon face on an uneven and unpaved path. It is difficult in places with the steep inclines but worth it to see the Emerald Pools at the end.

Pa’rus Trail

Shuttle Stop: #3 Canyon Junction or #1 The Visitor Center
Distance: 1.75 mi / 2.8 km one way
Elevation change: 50 ft / 15 m
Estimated Time to Hike: 1 hour
Pets: Yes
Trailhead location: The trail can be accessed either, from behind the shuttle stop at Zion Lodge or from The Grotto, behind the historic building walking towards the visitor center.

This is a wonderful hike to enjoy, whether you’re heading into the canyon or returning from it. The views down the canyon, with the river flowing alongside, are absolutely stunning, making it a must for every visitor. The trail is paved and mostly flat, making it an easy and accessible hike for all.

Personally, I got off at stop #3, Canyon Junction, and walked back to the visitor center along the trail.

Weeping Rock Trail * Currently Closed due to a Rockslide *

Shuttle Stop: #7 Weeping Rock
Distance: 0.4 mi / 0.6 km roundtrip
Elevation change: 98 ft / 30 m
Estimated Time to Hike: 30 mins
Pets: No
Trailhead location: Cross the bridge next to the parking lot.

The Weeping Rock Trail is a great little hike, here you find yourself walking up to the canyon walls, where you can see a waterfall if it has been raining recently. If not it will be more like drips from the top of the overhang you can walk underneath. This area is generally very green and a beautiful short hike.

Riverside Walk

a muddy river flowing through a canyon with steep orange sides and trees and bushes on either side of the river

Shuttle Stop: #9 Temple of Sinawava
Distance: 2.2 mi / 3.5 km roundtrip
Elevation change: 57 ft / 17 m
Estimated Time to Hike: 1.5 hours
Pets: No
Trailhead location: Next to the restrooms and water filling station

This is a nice gentle walk and paved a lot of the way, though there are a few steep parts in places. If you are planning on hiking the Narrows, then this is the way that you will do to get to the start of it. If you don’t want to hike the Narrows, you can still see the start of it and how the canyon gets narrower the further you walk, until you finally can walk no further as you meet the river.

This is a great hike, that is normally open all year round, though if there has been a lot of rain then it can get quite muddy.

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