1. Emerald Pools Trail

Emerald Pools offers guests a few options depending on how long you want to hike and desired complexity. Lower Emerald Pools Trail is only a 1 mile out and back, easy trail: perfect for little hikers! There’s another option to hike to the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools, adding another mile to the trip. These trails are listed as moderate. To reach the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools trail head, simply continue walking past the waterfall at Lower Emerald Pool.

The trail to Lower Emerald Pools is easy for little hikers! Our kids got a kick out of walking under the waterfall and climbing rocks. We also saw a deer while hiking, so be on the look out for wildlife!

How to get there…

From March through December, hop on the Zion Shuttle to stop #5 (Zion Lodge) and walk across the street and over the bridge to the trail start. In the winter months when the shuttle isn’t in service, just drive straight to the trailhead parking lot!

2. Canyon Overlook Trail

Mark this one down as a MUST hike in Zion. Instead of the nail-biting strenuous Angel’s Landing, opt for Canyon Overlook trail for a family friendly hike. The drive alone will leave you in awe. After a series of switchbacks, you’ll see a beautiful arch along the cliffs. This is where the trail overlook is located! Then, you’ll drive through the Zion-Mount Caramel Tunnel, which the kids should get a kick out of! The parking lot for Canyon Overlook Trail parking lot is on the right, immediately after the tunnel.

The Canyon Overlook Trail is a “moderate” 1 mile out and back hike, and it was fairly easy for our kids. There is a small section of the trail where you walk on wooden planks and hold on to a metal handrail. The trail has just enough challenging parts to keep the kids interested. Caution must be used at the overlook, so children don’t fall off a cliff!

I could imagine this hike would be hot in the mid-day sun, so I’d suggest going in the morning or evening. Definitely pack water, snacks (or even a picnic lunch!) and sunscreen.

We loved the views so much that we stayed until dark, and hiked back to the parking lot under the stars. All that to say, my 5 and 7 year olds hiked the trail in the dark, so I would consider it pretty family friendly.

How to get there….

To access the Canyon Overlook Trail, you will need a car. The Zion Shuttle does not go to Canyon Overlook Trail. From the Zion Visitor Center, take Highway 9 towards the east entrance of Zion. You’ll drive through a series of switchbacks, and drive through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. Parking for Canyon Overlook Trail is pretty scarce. The parking lot is right after the tunnel. A second, much smaller lot is located across the road, also by the trailhead. Otherwise you’ll have to park alongside the road and walk.

3. Riverside Walk

The Riverside Walk offers gorgeous views along a flat, paved, 1 mile out and back trail. This trail is stroller friendly too! We happened to see a deer grazing in the grasses by the trail, so be on the lookout for wildlife. Enjoy the scenery as the trail runs along the canyon walls, and the sounds of the Virgin River in the background.

The trail leads to the entrance of the Virgin River, where some will continue on to hike the Narrows (listed below). There are plenty of rocky river beds to walk out on, take pictures, and let the kids play with rocks or in the water. This area tends to be pretty crowded so we suggest going early in the day.

How to get there…

From May to October, take the Zion shuttle from the visitor center to the last stop at the Temple of Sinawava. Note: this is about a 45 minute trip. There is a bathroom right next to the bus stop. In the winter months when the shuttle isn’t running, you can just drive to the trailhead.

4. The Narrows

For a detailed post about hiking the Narrows with kids, see our blog post here.

The Narrows trail starts in the Virgin River where the Riverside Walk ends. The river IS the trail! You can decide how far up the river to hike, and just turn around when you are ready to head back. You don’t even need to hike far to feel humbled by the beauty of the towering canyons surrounding the river. Kids will love the Narrows because they can play in the water and rocks!

To make this a successful hike, you’ll need to come prepared. You may need to rent equipment (such as neoprene socks, boots, and a hiking stick) from a local rental company. If you choose not to rent gear (like we did), it is best to have comfy closed toed shoes and a hiking stick. The trail is made up of rocks of all sizes, which can be tricky for children (and adults!) to navigate.

The Virgin River is very cold, which may be uncomfortable for younger hikers. If possible, carry your child in a hiking pack or other carrier. We used our Piggyback Rider to carry our 5 year old because her legs weren’t up for the hike. The flow rate of the river is also something to consider. If there is a chance for rain, flash flooding, or a high flow rate of the river, it is wise not to hike the Narrows.

In the warmer months, make sure to wear sunscreen and pack plenty of water. We recommend packing a picnic lunch and take a break along the rocky riverbanks.

Tip: Make sure you use the bathroom BEFORE you start the hike.

How to get there…

From May to October, take the Zion shuttle from the visitor center to the last stop at the Temple of Sinawava. Note: this is about a 45 minute trip. Hike the Riverside Trail until you reach the entrance to the Virgin River. The Narrows hike begins in the river. In the winter months when the shuttle isn’t running, you can just drive to the trailhead.

5. Timber Creek Overlook Trail (Kolob Canyons)

Kolob Canyons is located on the Northwestern side of Zion and is often overlooked, but away from the crowds of the main canyon. Add this to your list of places to visit! Enjoy a scenic 5 mile drive through the winding roads.

There are a few family friendly hikes in Kolob Canyons, and we chose the Timber Creek Overlook Trail. There are restroom facilities by the entrance of the trail, and do not miss the overlook on the edge of the parking lot!

This trail is not stroller friendly, but easy enough for younger kids to hike along the 1.1 mile out and back trail. Along the way, we spotted a few lizards and a tarantula!  (I may or may not have screamed..) We hiked all the way to the end of the trail, and enjoyed views of the gorgeous canyons.

Tip: There is virtually no shade along this trail, so wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water. If you want a few awesome family shots, make sure to bring a travel tripod like this one!

How to get there…

Kolob Canyons is off exit 40 on I-15, between Cedar City and St. George, about 40 miles away from Springdale. After the visitor center, take the 5 mile scenic Kolob Canyons Road to the end, where the Timber Creek trailhead is located.

For information about Zion National Park, please visit their website here.