Description:
Sometimes all you want is an easy jaunt. These are the most casual strolls (hikingwise, that is!) in Zion National Park, but they certainly don't lack for spectacular views. To start with, hop on Zion's clean-fuel shuttle (April-October). The trails are listed in order of shuttle stop, beginning with the Visitor's Center. Canyon Overlook Trail is reached by driving up the switchback road toward the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. The trailhead parking lot will be on your right (south) after you leave the tunnel. The Timber Creek Overlook is in the Kolob Canyons section of the Park, off the main Kolob Canyons Road. This part of Zion is less visited, so less crowded, and just as stunning (if not more than) the popular main canyon.
Each of these hikes can be completed in about an hour. Some have elevation gains, such as Canyon Overlook Trail and The Watchman overlook, but they're still quite short. You can wander the Pa'rus Trail for a couple of hours if you want, but it's flat the entire way. Remember, since they're easy, they're very popular and thus can be crowded. Try for off-season or early morning if you'd rather observe Zion's glories in quieter peace.
[photo courtesy of sendlink]
View Iternary map-
Zion Shuttle
Contact:
- (435) 772-3256
- visit website
Location:
- Zion National Park
- Zion National Park,UT84767
-
Map
- user rating
Our Local Expert Says:
This is the way to see Zion during the on season. Save the trees and your sanity—take the shuttle. (You have no choice April-October anyway.)
Description:
This spring-through-fall shuttle is free, green, and friendly to all, from babies to elderly folks to people with bikes. It is the only way to get around when in season, and it even runs to the gateway town of Springdale. The ease and importance of taking the Zion Shuttle can't be emphasized enough. Ride clean! Save the environment! And allow yourself to settle back and enjoy unparalleled views as someone else steers you through Zion National Park. Bikes, strollers, wheelchairs all welcome aboard as well.
-
Pa'rus Trail
Contact:
- (435) 772-3256
- visit website
Location:
- Zion National Park
- Zion National Park,UT84767
- user rating
Our Local Expert Says:
The most user-accessible trail in Zion, it follows the Virgin River in a leisurely fashion.
Description:
This is your bet if you meet one or all the following criteria: you want to ride a bicycle without getting hit by a car or the shuttle bus. You are pushing a stroller and it does not come equipped with 4-wheel drive. You have a cute lil' pooch (on a leash, of course) who needs to stretch its cute lil' legs. You are in a wheelchair and plan on seeing the best Zion offers. Welcome to the Pa'rus Trail! While some might decry a paved trail in a national park, Zion's rangers long ago saw the need for accessibility by the many different visitors. Bravo to them. Note: be kind to all the different travelers on this trail, and bicyclists please give way to others.
-
The Watchman
Contact:
- (435) 772-3256
- visit website
Location:
- Zion National Park
- Zion National Park,UT84767
-
Map
- user rating
Our Local Expert Says:
A short Zion classic that pumps air into your lungs and rewards with gorgeous views.
Description:
Leading to a mesa above the Visitor Center, this overview trail does not disappoint. It does not take you to the top of the Watchman, but you have a great view of that Zion landmark. Try it in the winter for a memorable experience. Not as many people sample this trail as some other Zion classics, which is a shame because it's gorgeous. On the plus side, though, this trail can be somewhat less crowded.
-
Lower Emerald Pools
Contact:
- (435) 772-3256
- visit website
Location:
- Zion National Park
- Zion National Park,UT84767
-
Map
- user rating
Our Local Expert Says:
Possibly Zion's best hike for younger kids and less ambitious hikers
Description:
Shaded by leafy cottonwood and boxelder trees, this trail is easy with minor drop-offs. Barely a half-mile long, the paved trail takes you to the lower pool and small waterfalls. Super lush and beautiful, the pool is surrounded by blissfully cooling vegetation and even a fine mist from the waterfall.
-
Weeping Rock
Contact:
- (435) 772-3256
- visit website
Location:
- Zion National Park
- Zion National Park,UT84767
-
Map
- user rating
Our Local Expert Says:
Simply gorgeous, and at a 1/2 mile roundtrip, so easy for most people.
Description:
No, the rocks aren't sad, although you may have melancholy thoughts if you're there on a crowded summer day! Wrap your mind around these facts: the "weeping" water comes from a spring 100 feet above and took almost 1,000 years to get to where you can see it. Navajo sandstone is fairly porous, allowing the water to travel through over time. Best time of day to go: early morning if you crave peace and quiet. Best time of year to go: spring, when wildflowers are in riotous bloom alongside the trail. Bring a camera with a great macro zoom for your jaunt to Weeping Rock.
-
Riverside Walk
Contact:
- (435) 772-3256
- visit website
Location:
- Zion National Park
- Zion National Park,UT84767
-
Map
- user rating
Our Local Expert Says:
A fairly simple hike for most people, from the very young to senior citizens. Shaded during the popular summer months.
Description:
It's cool, it's shaded, it's short, it's flat, it's gorgeous. What's not to like? Well, it can be a bit crowded, so pick your time of travel with care. Early mornings are always best, of course, although an evening stroll might also afford more solitude. Take the time to skirt off-trail and find a nice spot to sit by the river and contemplate the beauty, as well as the splashing coolness of the water. In wintertime, the trail can be iced over and closed due to safety concerns, so check at the visitor's center before attempting the Riverside Walk in questionable weather.
-
Canyon Overlook Trail
Contact:
- (435) 772-3256
- visit website
Location:
- Zion National Park
- Zion National Park,UT84767
-
Map
- user rating
Our Local Expert Says:
Amazing views for such a short hike -- only one mile roundtrip. Great for kids.
Description:
It's short but a bit strenuous, and the views you're rewarded with are fantastic. Great kid hike or for those with less stamina or little time who still want to see Zion's best. Make sure to pick up a trail guide at the hike's start so you can find out all about plants, animals, and geologic features along the way. Have fun checking out the hoodoos close to the top and imagining them to be funky creatures from outer space. At the lookout end of the Canyon Overlook Trail, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep-bring binocs.
-
Timber Creek Overlook
Contact:
- (435) 772-3256
- visit website
Location:
- Zion National Park
- Zion National Park,UT84767
-
Map
- user rating
Our Local Expert Says:
An easy view of the Kolob Terrace section. Small kids, the less-ambulatory, and quick-stop viewers should enjoy it.
Description:
This is a very simple stroll to a gorgeous overlook in the underappreciated northern section of Zion. Just over a mile roundtrip, the overlook is a great choice to get out and stretch your legs during travel over the Kolob Canyons Road. There's a picnic area too if you want to have a bite while enjoying the views.
- Destination(s): Zion National Park
- Type: Active/Adventure,Best of...,First time visit,Kid Friendly
- 1 DAY
-
User Rating sign in to rate it - Download This Guide
- Explore
- There are 21 Guides in Zion National Park.
- Find More Zion National Park Guides
- Top Categories
- Explore Zion National Park travel or check out Active Things to Do, American Food, Hotels Near Pa'rus Trail, and more on NileGuide. You can also check out top itineraries in Zion National Park
