Top 5 Hikes in Zion National Park

And which is right for your family…

Hikes in Zion are what families come to enjoy! Popular trails like Angels Landing, The Narrows, and Emerald Pools are popular with the hiking crowds, but may not be entirely safe when you go with little ones (though young children have done those hikes). When you come to Zion for your family, you will want to know which hikes are best (whether your kids are big, small, or a mix of both).  Below you will find the top rated hikes Zion has to offer! Also here are some tips how to be extra prepared for your hike). 

See also:
• Top Books Kids National Parks
• Top 5 Family Friendly Hikes In Bryce Canyon National Park
• How Far is Zion from Bryce Canyon National Park

1. ANGELS LANDING

Length:      ^​5 Miles
Difficulty:  Hard
There’s a reason we put this at the top of the list– the view is unbelievable! See the shot below (which we feature in Dilbert’s first book). But it’s also one of the toughest. It’s crowded because, well, it’s super the most popular!  Will kids love it? Some will, and even if they don’t get all the way to the top, that’s okay. On the day we shot Dilbert Visits Zion National Park, our three girls actually stopped at Scout’s Lookout.   But we won’t lie, the view makes the whole hike worth it! We’d probably recommend it if you have kids over 8, but maybe consider some of the other hikes below for younger travelers.

2. RIVERSIDE WALK

Length:     1.9 Miles
Difficulty:  Easy
This trail is literally one of the few flat and easy trails of Zion. It’s so easy you can even push a stroller along the trail.  So if you have kids that are 7 and under, this shouldn’t be too much of a strain. To get there, just take the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava and it’s just the walk after you disembark.

3.  THE WATCHMAN TRAIL

Length:     3.1 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
This trail takes the hiker up to view the spectacular views Springdale has to offer!

4.  ZION CANYON OVERLOOK

Length:      1 Mile
Difficulty:  Moderate
This is also a very popular spot for photographs.  Zion Canyon Overlook is the best view for the least hike in the park

5.  THE NARROWS

Length:     8.6 Miles
Difficulty: Hard
The most popular way to hike the narrows is the bottom up method.  This way, you start at The Riverside walk and just wade into the water until you reach the furthest point you can go without a permit, and then you hike back the way you came.  You will be met with spectacular views at every turn, and its a great way to cool off in the Summer months.  Note:  The top bottom method of hiking the narrows requires a permit.