RV trip planners always ask: Have you ever gone on a road trip and while you aren’t the super hiker (15+ miles), you do enjoy short and easy hikes that offer some great views, perhaps a waterfall, and it doesn’t take all day? These types of hikes are great for any age.
Utah’s high-altitude forests and spellbinding red-rock desert are just a few wonders to discover in Zion National Park, Utah’s first National Park! Hiking, camping, backpacking, climbing and more make it a popular vacation spot for families and adventurers.
Zion is full of great hiking trails that are short in length along with longer hikes for those who are more ambitious. Three of the most popular hikes in the Park are the Riverside Walk, The Narrows and the Emerald Pools (lower, middle and upper).
Zion is broken down into the Main Canyon and East Zion. If you are here for a short visit, you most likely are either staying at a campground in Springdale, Utah or inside the National Park. You will spend most of your time in the Main Canyon.
As RV. trip planners, we are going to focus on short trails that are mostly easy with a couple of moderate trails in the Main Canyon of Zion National Park.
Once you board the National Park’s shuttle, it is easy to find these short hikes. Alternatively, many rent bikes in lieu of the shuttle, with e-bikes being the most popular.
SHUTTLE STOP #1 – Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Watchman Trail – 3.3 miles round trip. This trail is often overlooked but it shouldn’t be. This trail offers stunning views of Zion and Watchman Mountain and is great for families with kids, new visitors and return visitors who may have missed it the first time.
Pa’rus Trail – 3.5 miles, leashed dogs welcome, paved trail. A classic and easy paved path hike for most everyone including being stroller friendly. Walk as far as you’d like and just turn around and head back when you have had enough. It runs right along the Virgin River, so you can take little side paths and splash in the river if you want to cool off. There is also a chance for you to see some wildlife on this hike such as mule deer and wild turkeys. You also get amazing views of Watchman rock formation. You will follow the sidewalk through the Visitor Center Plaza and past the shuttle stop to the bridge.
SHUTTLE STOP #4 – Court of the Patriarchs
This is where you can access the Patriarchs Trail and the Sand Bench Loop Trail.
Court of the Patriarchs Trail – 3.5 miles, estimate 3 hours. This hike takes an average of 3 hours to complete. It’s a popular area for walking with beautiful views. One of the challenges of this hike is walking along a sandy stretch through a field of sage. It’s considered an easy walk but you will walk over sandy sections and have some steep climbs. For those who just want to stroll along and see the views, give this trail a miss.
Sand Bench Loop – 3.5 miles round trip, estimate 2-3 hours. From the shuttle stop, walk across the bridge to the Sand Bench Loop. This hike is easy and less crowded so it’s a wonderful choice for everyone, not just beginners. This trail goes over a lovely bridge, passes a horse corral with gorgeous views of the mountains and access to the Virgin River. This hike has little elevation, but the majority of the hike is fine. It’s a short trail that gives you views of the Court of the Patriarch rock formations, and a little stream at the end filled with frogs and tadpoles in spring and summer. The trail is great for kids with plenty of space to run and play. It’s also a great spot to bring a packed lunch and have a picnic by the river.
SHUTTLE STOP #5 – Zion Lodge
Emerald Pool Trails – if you visit all 3 pools, it is around 2.5 miles. Depart the lodge, the Lower Pool is a 0.2 mile hike; continue 0.8 mile to the Middle Pool; and 0.3 miles take you to the Upper Pool. On this hike you will see beautiful pools and waterfalls.
Grotto Trail – this is a 1-mile round trip hike, est. 15-30 minutes. You start the trail behind the shuttle stop at the Zion Lodge and walk to the Grotto Picnic Area. A great leisurely hike to view wildlife.
SHUTTLE STOP #6 – The Grotto
Kayenta Trail – considered a moderate trail (2 miles) and estimated 1 hour, 15 minutes to complete. The trail follows the Virgin River and ascends to the Lower and Upper Emerald Pool trails. You can return on the same trail or explore the Emerald Pools Trails.
SHUTTLE STOP #7 – Weeping Rock
Weeping Rock trail – currently closed until further notice due to major rockfall.
SHUTTLE STOP #9 – Temple of Sinawava
Riverside Walk – 2.5 miles, est. 1-1/2 hours - This is an iconic short hike and follows a paved trail from the last stop on the Zion Canyon shuttle (#9, Temple of Sinawava) to the start of the Narrows. This hike is a great introduction to the canyon and gives you a chance to see The Narrows in person before committing to it.
A paved path with minimal elevation, its fairly easy for strollers and wheelchairs. Taking you on a stroll along the banks of the Virgin River, it’s a 2 mile round trip, taking you to the start of The Narrows and back. For a change of scenery, take the dirt path back to the shuttle stop (Temple of Sinawava stop #9), this path parallels the river and has fewer crowds.
The Narrows – We consider this a short hike because if you walk the entire 16 miles, you will need to obtain a permit. The Zion Narrows is an increasingly popular hike for families in Zion National Park, and for good reason. As RV trip planners, we have to warn you: BE PREPARED TO GET WET!
This walk through the Virgin River Gorge lets visitors see some of the most beautiful parts of the park – dramatic cliffs, hanging gardens and gorgeous colors. It can be considered a long or short hike and some say it is easy while others say it is hard. BUT it really is a “must” do on any trip to Zion. Just go slow and turn around when you are ready.
Interested in a RV adventure to Zion National Park to explore these easy hikes or perhaps visit the other Utah National Parks? Contact RV Adventure-USA to help you with your RV trip. We are RV trip planner experts!!