Zion National Park is known for some pretty magnificent, but also extremely challenging hikes. However, you don’t have to be a strong hiker or risk your life to enjoy Zion National Park.
In this post we’ve picked the best short hikes in Zion. All of them take 2 hours or less and are graded easy to moderate.
Canyon Overlook Trail
One of our favorite short hikes in Zion National Park is not in the main canyon. To reach the Canyon Overlook Trail you’ll need your own transportation. The trail is on the east side of the park, near the Zion – Mt. Carmel Tunnel.
There’s a bit of an elevation gain over a short rock scramble right at the start. After that, it’s a relatively easy hike. From the top are rewarding views of Pine Creek Canyon.
Length: 1 mile round trip
Time: 1 hour out and back (plus time to enjoy the view)
Difficulty: Moderate
Read why the Canyon Overlook Trail is the best hike for sunrise in Zion.
Riverside Walk
One of the easiest short hikes in Zion is also one of the best. The Riverside Walk is a paved trail that mostly follows alongside the Virgin River through the narrow canyon. However, if you want to get closer to the river, there are tons of branch trails and it’s almost impossible to get lost.
Length: 2.2 mile round trip
Time: 1.5 hours out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Shuttle Stop: #9 Temple of Sinawava
The Riverside Walk ends at the start of The Narrows, a much more involved hike which requires wading through the river. If you plan on continuing, you’ll need to be prepared, and check for flash flood risk.
Emerald Pools Trails
Technically, there are three Emerald Pool Trails: a lower, middle, and upper.
The trails start by crossing the bridge over the Virgin River near the Zion Lodge, Stop #5. We suggest following the trail right. This goes to the lower pools which has the easiest incline.
From the lower pools, continue to the Upper Emerald Pool Trail. Then come back via the Middle Emerald Pool Trail. There are a few stairs to climb along the route, but nothing excessive.
If we are honest, the pools are not so “emerald,” or that spectacular, but the views are. Especially as you make you way back along the Middle Emerald Pool Trail where you get elevated views across the canyon. Well worth it.
Length: 3 miles full circuit
Time: 2 hours full circuit
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Shuttle Stop: #5 Temple of Sinawava
Pa'rus Trail
This short, paved hike is the only one in Zion National Park that allows bikes and leashed dogs. The trail follows the Virgin River from the Visitor Center to Canyon Junction.
Length: 1.75 Miles one way (3.5 round trip)
Time: 1 hour one way (2 hours round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Shuttle Stop: #1 Visitor Center to #3 Canyon Junction
*Fall/Winter 2021 – The museum connector trail to the Pa’rus trail is closed as the museum is being refurbished. It is expected to reopen March 2022.
*Check that the buses are stopping at #3 Canyon Junction, if not, plan to do the round trip.
Watchman Trail
The viewpoint on this moderate trail provides excellent elevated views of the Temples and Towers, Zion Canyon, Watchman Peak, and the town of Springdale. At the very end, there’s a little loop worth doing.
Length: 3.3 round trip
Time: 2 hours round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Shuttle Stop: #1 Visitor Center
Timber Creek Overlook Trail - Kalob Canyon
If you make it to the Kolob Canyon side of Zion National Park, follow the road to the very end. Here you’ll find a small parking lot and a short hike with some big views.
We caught it with a dusting of snow, which made for muddy trails but a nice view.
Length: 1 mile round trip
Time: 0.5 hour round trip
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Lambs Knoll Climbing Site - BLM
We debated and debated on whether to include Lambs Knoll. Technically, it’s not in Zion National Park, nor technically a hike, but it is short and interesting.
Taking the Kolob Terrace Road from the town of Virgin leads to a remote area of Zion National Park called Lava Point on the West Rim. Before reaching Lava Point, Lambs Knoll is one of the areas along the Kolob Terrace Road, managed by The Bureau of Land Management. There’s a sign and a small parking lot, so you’ll know you’re in the right place.
Lambs Knoll is popular with climbers. Once you see it, you’ll understand why.
A few quick warnings about this one.
1) As a hiker, it’s a short easy walk to the rock formations. There are paths everywhere, so keep track of where you are so you can find your way back, as it’s not sign posted.
2) Eventually you’ll get to a point where you may find it too strenuous to continue, or you need climbing gear. Just walking around the area is easy to moderate. We enjoyed wandering the nooks and crannies, and watching the climbers.
3) This area is known for snakes, so watch where you step and put your hands.
Length: 1 mile round trip
Time: 0.5 hour round trip (plus exploring time)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Continue with our Visitor’s Guide to Zion National Park or check out our other posts from Utah.
