Zion National Park is an awesome place to bring the kids, toddlers, babies, grandparents, doggies – whoever, really – and explore the outdoors! It’s just beautiful. You have to see it for yourself. And with so many hikes at your fingertips you can do so much in a short amount of time.
We did four hikes in four days. Maybe a bit too much at the time. But looking back, so glad we did it!
See below my list of kid-friendly hikes, with more details on my favorites.
There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in Zion. Their map and information guide rates the hikes by difficulty, but it can be vague and misleading. Also, during both of our visits to Zion some of the trails were closed.
These estimated hike times are the standard estimates from the Zion guide. Don’t forget to tack on at least another 20-30 minutes to each hike if you are taking small children or babies. Your pace will be slower, and the rest breaks will start to add up.
These hikes are easy-peasy:
- Pa’rus Trail (the only dog / bike / stroller-friendly paved trail)
- 2-hour hike from the Visitor Center
- Popular for bikes
- Lower Emerald Pool
- 1-hour hike from Zion lodge to the pools and small waterfall (not swimmable, bummer)
- Riverside Walk
- Paved, first part is stroller-friendly
- 1.5-hour hike from shuttle stop #9 (the last stop)
These are moderately difficult and more exciting, but that’s because I love a good challenge (my favorites are noted with the *):
- Canyon Overlook*
- Watchman Trail*
- Middle Emerald Pool
- 1.5-hours, 150 foot climb
- Upper Emerald Pool
- 1-hour, 200 foot climb, with minor drop-offs
Canyon Overlook Trail
| Duration | Difficulty | Elevation Gain | Pets Allowed |
| 1 hour (1 mi) | Moderate | 163 feet | No |
Canyon Overlook Trail is at the other (East) entrance of the park. There is no shuttle drop-off for this trail and it’s a short hike. So it’s a good one to do if you can’t get shuttle tickets or if it’s late in the day to do a longer hike. Just drive there and hope for parking.
We somehow scored a parking spot in the very small lot by the trailhead. But there is also limited parking along the highway near the trailhead The trailhead is immediately past the Zion-Mt.Carmel tunnel. Just a heads up that oversized vehicles can only drive through at certain times but it usually from 8am to 6-8pm versus until 4:30pm in the winter.
The kids should love the drive through the Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel. It can get pretty dark in there so a heads up if they get easily frightened. Mine is going through a “it’s too dark phase” at night. Well, it is a phase right? Anyway, he was totally fine.
There are restrooms in the small parking lot. I didn’t use them so I’m not sure about a changing table – but I usually do changings from the back of the SUV or truck on road trips.
This hike is shorter so we did it the first day we arrived.
The Zion guide warns you about minor drop-offs and a railing. Umm, ya think? I don’t know if it was just because it was our first adventurous hike in a while and after a long drive, but I felt like that was an understatement.
I was glad this hike was pretty short, because it was mentally challenging – holding my son’s hand, keeping a close eye on him, watching my footing, being careful not to bonk our heads on overhanging rocks, and reluctantly hold the germy handrail (during COVID pandemic).
Totally worth the spectacular views though. Ahh!
Our little guy loved playing with the sandy red dirt – as he did during all the Utah hikes.
Watchman Trail
| Duration | Difficulty | Elevation Gain | Pets Allowed |
| 2 hours (3.3 mi) | Moderate | 368 feet | No |
Watchman Trail is another great option if you can’t get shuttle tickets or just don’t want to try.
It has plenty of areas where a 3+ year old could hike with close supervision. Keep in mind our 3 year old does 2-3 mile hilly walks daily when we are home. Some parts of the trail are rocky and there are minor drop offs, so that age would need a hand-hold or to be carried at times.
Watchman is my favorite hike in Zion with kids. It’s a fun, challenging hike with little ones on your back, but still do-able.
There’s a beautiful area at the top where you can sit and snack, bottle feed, play, relax, and put your selfie stick to work.
Start your hiking and walking now to get in shape. Or, screw it, and just head out there early and take your sweet time on those hikes, resting as much as your legs need to. It’s not easy with that extra cargo, I know. But totally worth it.
Take in the beautiful scenery, and show your kids how fun the outdoors can be!
If you want the complete guide on Zion and Springdale, UT, read my Guide to Zion National Park.
