Easy Hikes in Zion National Park

Zion National Park is loved by outdoor enthusiasts and most of the things to do while visiting Zion National Park centers around hiking areas of the park.

While some of its most famous hikes, like Angels Landing or The Narrows, may seem daunting, too difficult or too long to do, there are also many easy hikes in Zion National Park, perfect for beginners, families, or anyone looking for a leisurely way to enjoy Zion’s beauty.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the park’s easiest hikes, showcasing stunning views and natural wonders without requiring a lot of effort. Whether you’re short on time or just want a relaxed adventure, these trails are the perfect way to experience Zion.

a girl in a white tshirt and black shorts stood in front of a small pool with a orange cliff behind her

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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 Zion’s shortest hike, at just 0.1 miles roundtrip. Technically, it’s more of a brief, steep walk along a paved path, taking about 3 minutes rather than a hike, but at the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the three Patriarch peaks, which is why I have included it on this list.

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: Across the bridge next to the parking lot.

The Weeping Rock Trail is a beautiful short hike that takes you right up to the canyon walls. After recent rain, you may be treated to a waterfall, but even during dry spells, you’ll see gentle drips falling from the overhanging cliffs above. The area is stunning and green, making it a beautiful and tranquil spot to explore.

Grotto Trail

two deer eating the grass below some trees

Shuttle Stop: #6 The Grotto or #5 Zion Lodge
Distance: 0.5 mile / 0.8 km one way
Elevation change: 35 feet / 11 meters
Estimated Time to Hike: 15 minutes
Pets: None allowed
Trailhead location: The trail can be accessed either from The Grotto, behind the historic building walking towards the visitor center or from behind the shuttle stop at Zion Lodge.

The Grotto Trail is a short hike from either the Grotto Trail or Zion Lodge to each other and back again. If you prefer a longer hike then you can combine it with Kayenta Trail, onto the Sand Bench Trail and then Pa’rus Trail if you want to hike all the way back to the visitors center!!

Doing the hike at dusk is a great experience, as I got to see the mule deer’s foraging for food along the trail. After this hike I decided to get the bus back to stop #3 Canyon Junction and walk the 1.75 miles from there to the visitor center.

Archaeology Trail

Shuttle Stop: #1 Visitors Center
Distance: 0.5 mile / 0.8 km roundtrip
Elevation change: 52 feet / 16 meters
Estimated Time to Hike: 8 minutes
Pets: None allowed
Trailhead location: Across from the entrance to the parking lot of the visitors center.

This is a short trail that climbs steeply to several prehistoric buildings in the area. From the end of the trail you get to see some nice views down into the valley.

Zion Canyon Overlook Trail

Hike Location: You will need a car to do this hike, as the car park for the trailhead is located on the other side of the tunnel from Zion Canyon.
Distance: 1 mile / 1.6 km roundtrip
Elevation change: 163 feet / 50 meters
Estimated Time to Hike: 1 hour
Pets: Not allowed
Trailhead location: You will find it on the opposite side of the road to the car park just as you leave the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel.

This is a hike that is certainly worth doing for the views of the canyon, it is a different perspective of the canyon that you don’t get elsewhere in the park. The path is a little uneven and steep, but it is quite a short a hike and one not to miss if you have a car with you.

Riverside Walk

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 an enjoyable and mostly gentle walk, with much of the path paved. However, there are a few steep sections along the way. If you’re planning to hike the Narrows, this trail serves as the route to reach the starting point. Even if you don’t plan to hike the Narrows, you can still explore the beginning of the trail and witness how the canyon narrows as you progress, eventually reaching the point where the river blocks further passage.

This hike is generally accessible year round, though heavy rain can make the path quite muddy.

Lower Emerald Pool Trail

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 scenic trail leads to the Lower Emerald Pool, where you might spot a waterfall flowing into the pool, depending on the season. Unfortunately, the nearest entrance to the hike is currently closed due to bridge damage. To reach the pools, you’ll need to take the Kayenta Trail via the Grotto, which makes the hike longer than the originally listed distance.

Pa’rus Trail

a river running through a valley with trees on either side and the side of the orange canyon is on the left hand side

Shuttle Stop: #3 Canyon Junction or #1 The Visitor Center
Distance: 3.5 mi / 5.6 km roundtrip
Elevation change: 50 ft / 15 m
Estimated Time to Hike: 2 hours
Pets: Yes
Trailhead location: The trail can be accessed from two points: behind the shuttle stop at Zion Lodge or at The Grotto, near the historic building heading toward the visitor center.

This is a great hike to do, either on your way out to the canyon or on your way back from canyon. The views from it, looking down into the canyon with the river alongside are stunning and it shouldn’t be a hike that any misses. It is a nice easy hike as the trail is paved and feels pretty flat when you are walking.

I personally got off at stop #3 Canyon Junction and walked back to the visitors center along the trail.

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