Three Great Hikes in Zion for Beginner and Intermediate Hikers

We love hiking as a family, but it usually ends up being more of a nature walk than a serious hike with toddlers in tow. When we visited Zion during one of my pregnancies, we knew we’d have to take things slow and steady. Fortunately, we found three great hikes for beginner and intermediate hikers, whether you’re looking for that easy nature walk, something slightly more challenging, or more of a traditional hike with some elevation gain and spectacular views. Read on to find the best one for you. 

Lower Emerald Pool Trail

Best for: true beginners, anyone with mobility concerns (this trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible), toddlers or kids who will not be in a carrier

This beautiful 1.4-mile out and back trail walks along a river in a valley between two mountain peaks. The terrain is mostly flat along the river bed, and your views will mostly be up into the mountains. As you progress along the trail, the terrain is paved with a slight elevation gain. There is some shade, especially in the early afternoon, and you can see a waterfall depending on precipitation levels. The waterfalls often have strong flow during spring runoff or after a recent rain storm, but may be down to a trickle during the drier summer months.

Middle Emerald Pools Trail

Best for: anyone who wants more of a challenge, toddlers in carriers, older children, those interested in a longer hike

There is a lot to see on this moderate difficulty trail, which is a 2.2-mile hike along an unpaved path above the Lower Emerald Pool Trail. The Middle Emerald Pools Trail is where the two streams that form the waterfall converge. The trail will take you underneath the waterfall. This is thought to be one of the more beautiful hikes in the area, and there’s a great chance you’ll spot wildlife on this hike. Note: there is also an Upper Emerald Pool Trail. The Upper Trail is the most strenuous of the three and not recommended for beginner or intermediate hikers. It is the trail in Zion with the most injuries. You do not have to continue to that portion if your skills don’t allow. 

Pro tip: Both of these trails are accessible via shuttle from the main Zion Park parking lot. The lot typically fills up by 8AM on nice weather days, holidays, and weekends. If the lot is full, parking anywhere along the road in town that does not have parking restrictions is permissible. Look for “Shuttle Parking” signs throughout town for shuttle stops that will take you to the park entrance. If there’s no town parking, park at Zion Park Lot 445 Zion Park Boulevard (11 minute walk to park entrance).

Canyon Overlook Trail

Best for: spectacular views, those who want a quick yet challenging hike, toddlers in low profile carriers (there are some sections where you’ll have rocks overhead—I do not recommend toddlers walking this one on their own), older children

This 1-mile out and back trail is short, but moderately challenging and the views are stunning. It will only take you about 30 minutes to hike, but you may spend just as long gazing at the amazing vista at the top. There is quite a bit of elevation gained, as you’re mainly hiking up, and there are some narrow trail sections including overhead rocks. This wouldn’t be ideal for anyone afraid of heights, but is great for those who want those amazing views and a little thrill on the way up. 

Pro tip: The trailhead is a collection of stone steps across the street from a parking lot. The parking lot is on south side, and the trailhead is across street on the north side of road. Follow Hwy 9 to the east entrance of Mount Carmel Tunnel, directly below the East Temple Saddle. You cannot make a left turn into the parking lot if you’re coming from the east, but there is parking along the road about a quarter mile before you reach the parking lot. The parking lot is quite small and can fill up quickly, so this is a good hike to take either first thing in the morning or later in the day once other hikers have left. 

Bonus: If you’re hungry for lunch, try Zion Brewing Company near the main park entrance. The views from the patio are amazing!

Want to see other national parks in Utah? Check out the ultimate road trip guide to Utah national parks.