Three family friendly hikes in zion national park

Hiking with kids can either go very well or end up an utter debacle with them stopping on the trail saying “I’m tired and don’t want to walk anymore! Carry me!!!” So preparing for hikes beforehand and figuring out the best ones to take younger kids on can be so helpful when traveling. Let’s face it though, no matter how prepared we are, kids are so unpredictable you never know what you’re going to get.

In my search for family-friendly hikes in Zion National Park, I discovered Arika at Zion Adventure Photog Her website is filled with info on hikes in Southern Utah and her photography is amazing! After downloading her 6-page family guide to Zion, I was able to narrow down the hikes and places to visit during our stay.

Here are the three family-friendly hikes in Zion National Park we explored and enjoyed during our visit to the park and the ones that the whole family will enjoy!

Zion National Park Hike

Weeping Rock

This hike is an easy 1/4 mile round trip. Although the trek up is steep, it is still very doable for small kids. You can see the waterfall as you work your way up to the top and once at the top there is a little alcove where you can relax and enjoy the breathtaking views from above.

Zion National Park Hike

Emerald Pools

The hike to Emerald Pools consists of the lower, middle, and upper pools. The lower pool is a 1-mile hike round trip while all three will be 2.5 miles round trip. The waterfalls at this spot make it a fun one for the kids and a great place to take a break after or grab some lunch, as it is located right across the street from the Zion Lodge. Enjoy the large grassy area to sit and relax a bit before fueling your bodies with some lunch at the Castle Dome Cafe or the Red Rock Grill, which are both located at the lodge.

Canyon Overlook

Okay, so this one was a fan favorite for our family.. From the scenic drive – to the trail, we loved it all. However, I do have to say that this trail does have a few nail-biting spots that make you a wee bit nervous. Some areas have drop-offs, so make sure to keep your kiddos close and not running off. You will also drive through the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel that makes for a fun experience and the views on the drive are breathtaking!

Canyon Overlook is 1.25 miles round trip that has so many fun features. There is a cave that has a bridge to walk across and then the top has the most amazing views!

Great Views are not meant to be captured. They are meant to be experienced.

JJ Wilx

More info & Things you should know about Zion National Park

Location

Zion National Park is located in Southern Utah, near the town of Springdale. Situated in the southwestern corner of Utah near the Nevada and Arizona borders, Zion National Park is a convenient stop for those visiting Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, or Grand Canyon National Park. 

Zion National Park was the first National Park in Utah and features over 220 square miles. It is surrounded by reddish tan-colored rock formations and beautiful landscapes, making it an outdoorsy paradise!

Getting around inside the park

Zion National Park is a very popular park with millions of visitors each year. With that said, to eliminate parking problems, protect vegetation and restore tranquility in Zion Canyon, the park does run on a shuttle system during the busy seasons. For more information on the bus system, you can find all the info here.

If you know us, you know how much we love exploring National Parks! So many more to explore but another one crossed off the list. There are many other amazing hikes in Zion, that we look forward to coming back again to adventure more!

Would love to hear in the comments your favorite hike in Zion? Or if you haven’t been, what hike are you looking forward to doing the most?