Short Hikes in Zion National Park – Overview
Zion National Park is full of wonderful short hikes, and some longer ones as well. The best short hikes in Zion National Park are Riverside Walk and The Narrows. They are arguably the most visited trails and, when combined, provide an unforgettable and iconic Zion experience.
Be sure to check in with the Visitor Center prior to hiking to make sure there aren’t any closures and bring a backpack with sunscreen, a water bottle, and snacks. Zion can get quite hot, especially in the summer!
Understanding Zion National Park
Zion National Park is broken down into four sections, all of which have excellent short hikes. The park itself is accessed via the town of Springdale, which is the preferred place to stay for access to the Main Canyon and East Zion.
The Main Canyon – Best Short Hikes
This section of the canyon is right outside of Springdale and accessible via shuttle bus from town. It is the busiest section of the park. Be sure to check the shuttle schedule when planning your day.
Best Short Hikes:
- Riverside Walk
- The Narrows
- Emerald Pools (all three)
East Zion – Best Short Hikes
This part of the park is accessible by car and is about 20 minutes outside of Springdale. It is generally less busy and more off-the-beaten-path.
Best Short Hikes:
- Canyon Overlook
Kolob Canyons – Best Short Hikes
Kolob is45 miles NW of Springdale. It has a small visitor center, but not much else. The red rock cliffs are a sight to see!
Best Short Hikes:
- Taylor Creek
- Timber Creek Overlook
Kolob Terrace – Best Short Hikes
Another smaller section of Zion on the south side of Kolob Canyons. It is only worth a visit if you are on a longer trip or end up staying out that way.
Best Short Hikes:
- Lambs Knoll
Short Hikes in Zion National Park – Main Canyon
The following short hikes are all in the Main Canyon of Zion National Park. In the winter, you can drive up the canyon road, however for most of the year they are only accessible via the free Zion Canyon Shuttle.
The Mian Canyon of Zion National Park is where the majority of visitors spend their tie and where most of the well-known attractions are located. If you are on a shorter trip, it is likely you’ll spend your entire visit in the Main Canyon.
1. Riverside Walk Trail | 2.5 miles | 1.5 hours | Easy
Riverside walk is an iconic short hike in Zion National Park. It follows a paved trail from the last stop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle (Stop #9, Temple of Sinawava) to the start of The Narrows, another excellent hike.
We recommend doing this hike first because it is a great introduction to the canyon AND gives you a chance to see The Narrows in person before committing to it.
This hike is similar to Pa’rus Trail with great canyon views and a chance to see local mule deer and wild turkeys. We found that our kids enjoyed Riverside Walk more than Pa’Rus Trail because there are tons of opportunities to climb rocks and play by the river. It is the perfect short hike in Zion National Park for a picnic.
The hike is not officially wheelchair accessible, however most visitors are able to navigate the hike with assistance. There are restrooms and water filling stations at Temple of Sinawava.
- Access: Official access is from the Shuttle Stop #9, Temple of Sinawava. Pay attention to the last bus times so you don’t end up walking back to park entrance
- Distance – 2.5 miles, however, you can turn around anywhere on the trail to make it shorter.
- Difficulty – Easy
2. The Narrows | Variable | Up to 8 hours | Difficult
The Narrows is the quintissential Zion Hike. Google Hikes in Zion National Park and you’ll see The Narrows and Angels Landing fighting for the top prize. And there’s a good reason for that. It is a once in a lifetime experience!
We struggled on whether to include The Zion Narrows in this list because it technically isn’t short and definitely isn’t easy. But, it can be turned into as short of a hike as you’d like.
We’ve seen folks just continue on past Riverside Walk with their normal clothes and hike for 10 minutes before turning around. Others rent full wetsuits and hike the entire 9.4 miles. We chose something in the middle and hiked for about an hour in rented gear before turning back.
Whatever you choose, at least consider creating a short hike in The Narrows. We promise you won’t regret it! Make sure you check with the park staff as the hike can be closed during flash floods or high water levels.
- Access: Shuttle Stop #9, Temple of Sinawava. The Narrows starts at the end of Riverside Walk
- Distance – 8.4 miles, however, you can turn around anywhere on the trail to make it shorter.
- Difficulty – Difficult
3. Pa’rus Trail | 3.5 miles | 2 hours | Easy
Pa’Rus Trail, which directly translates to ‘rushing water’, is a short and easy hike along a paved trail following Virgin River. It is handicap accessible, although wheelchairs may need some assistance, and is the only trail in Zion National Park that allows both pets and bicycles.
The trail extends from the South Campground to Canyon Junction. You’ll find beautiful views of Zion National Park and plenty of flora and fauna on this short hike.
- Access: Official access is from the Shuttle Stop #2, The Museum, however you can also access it via a short connector trail that is not designed for wheelchairs and is not approved for bikes or pets.
- Distance – 3.5 miles, however, you can turn around anywhere on the trail to make it shorter.
- Difficulty – Easy
4. Grotto Trail | 1 mile | 30 minutes | Easy
Grotto Trail is a short hike that connects Zion Lodge (shuttle stop #5) with The Grotto (shuttle stop #6). It follows the Virgin River and is a wonderful place to see wildlife. Zion Lodge is an excellent place for lunch, so we’d recommend starting at shuttle stop #6 and hiking down to Zion Lodge.
This short hike also connects to other routes, such as the Lower Emerald Pools Trail and Kayenta Trail. There are restrooms at both Zion Lodge and The Grotto.
- Access: Either Shuttle Stop #5 (Zion Lodge) or #6 (The Grotto)
- Distance – 1.0 mile
- Difficulty – Easy
5. Weeping Rock Trail | 0.4 miles | 30 minutes | Easy
Weeping Rock Trail is short (shortest hike in the whole park) but steep! The highlight is unique views of the Great White Throne from behind the dripping water of the small waterfall.
This hike is mostly paved and is surrounded by lush, hanging gardens that are continually moist due to water flow from the canyons above. There is a hikers bridge that provides access to the stream below, which is a fun stop if you brought your kids.
- Access: Shuttle Stop #7 (Weeping Rock)
- Distance – 0.4 mile
- Difficulty – Easy
6. Kayenta Trail | 2.0 miles | 1.5 hours | Moderate
The next set of trails all relate to Emerald Pools. Kayenta Trail takes you on a short, unpaved hike from shuttle stop #6 (The Grotto) to the Emerald Pools. The hike follows the Virgin River for a bit before turning in towards the pools.
If you are hiking Kayenta Trail, you do not need to also hike the Lower Emerald Pools Trail, as they both lead to the same place. You can however hike the Kayenta Trail to the pools and then take the Lower Emerald Pool Trail back to the shuttle at stop #5, or vice versa.
- Access: Shuttle Stop #6 (The Grotto)
- Distance – 2.0 mile
- Difficulty – Moderate
7. Lower Emerald Pool Trail | 2.2 miles | 1.5 hour | Moderate
Lower Emerald Pool Trail is a short hike that takes you up to one of two unique natural pools in Zion National Park. It parallels Middle Emerald Pool Trail, so if you hike one, you do not need to hike the other.
Or, like with Kayenta above, you can hike one trail up to the pool and the other down for a change of scenery. Many hikers are satisfied with the waterfalls at the lower pool, however if you are looking to extend your hike, continue on and hike the short Upper Emerald Pool Trail.
- Access: Shuttle Stop #5 (Zion Lodge)
- Distance – 2.2 miles
- Difficulty – Moderate
NOTE: The trail bridge near Zion Lodge was closed by the National Park Service to address foundation issues. For the time being, all access to Emerald Pools starts from Shuttle Stop #6 (The Grotto) via Kayenta Trail. This will cause the hike to get congested in the summer.
8. Middle Emerald Pool Trail | 2.2 miles | 1.5 hour | Moderate
Middle Emerald Pool Trail is a short hike in Zion National Park that is very similar to Lower Emerald Pool Trail above. It too takes you to Lower Emerald Pools, Middle Emerald Pools, and provides access to the upper pool via the Upper Emerald Pools Trail.
You can use Kayenta Trail, Lower Emerald Pool Trail, and Middle Emerald Pool Trail interchangeably. They are all the same difficulty level and same length.
- Access: Shuttle Stop #5 (Zion Lodge)
- Distance – 2.2 miles
- Difficulty – Moderate
NOTE: The trail bridge near Zion Lodge was closed by the National Park Service to address foundation issues. For the time being, all access to Emerald Pools starts from Shuttle Stop #6 (The Grotto) via Kayenta Trail. This will cause the hike to get congested in the summer.
9. Upper Emerald Pool Trail | 0.8 miles | 30 minutes | Moderate
The Upper Emerald Pool Trail is a very short hike that continues from the end of either Kayenta Trail, Lower Emerald Pool Trail, or Middle Emerald Pool Trail. In total, the hike is 3.0 miles from trailhead to trailhead.
Upper Emeral Pool Trail takes you to Upper Emerald Pool, which sits at the base of a huge cliff. It is a great spot to relax and enjoy the spray from the waterfall. Swimming is prohibited.
- Access: Kayenta Trail, Lower Emerald Pool Trail, or Middle Emerald Pool Trail
- Distance – 0.8 miles (3.0 including any of the three hikes above)
- Difficulty – Moderate
NOTE: The trail bridge near Zion Lodge was closed by the National Park Service to address foundation issues. For the time being, all access to Emerald Pools starts from Shuttle Stop #6 (The Grotto) via Kayenta Trail. This will cause the hike to get congested in the summer.
10. Watchman Trail | 3.3 miles | 2 hours | Moderate
This is the only hike on the list that starts directly from stop #1, the Zion Canyon Visitor Center! That being said, it is one of the less utilized trails in the main canyon and great if you are looking to escape the crowds.
The beginning of this short hike is rather bland, but don’t worry, it gets better. The trail starts along the Virgin River and then veers into the mountains, where the hiking becomes more challenging. You will see trail signs for The Watchman Trail right by the bus drop off zone.
The trail provides stunning views of Zion Canyon from a rock outcrop overlooking the valley.
- Access: Shuttle Stop #1 (Zion Visitor Center)
- Distance – 3.3 miles
- Difficulty – Moderate
11. Sand Bench Loop | 1 mile | 30 minutes | Easy
Sand Bench Loop is a super short hike in Zion National Park that is perfect for little kids. It covers the start of Sandbench Trail below.
This short hike will take you past a horse stable and watershed. The key to this hike is to turn right at the bridge. Soon thereafter you will see wooden posts where they tie the horses up. Make sure you alway turn left after that point and it will loop you right back to the bridge.
The trail is sandy and kids love it.
- Access: Shuttle Stop #4 (Court of the Patriachs)
- Distance – 1.0 miles
- Difficulty – Easy
12. Sandbench Trail | 4 miles | 3 hours | Moderate
Sandbench Trail moonlights as a commercial horse trail in the off season from March to October. The hike follows atop a massive landslide underneath The Sentinel, the 7, 157 foot Navajo Sandstone rock face near Court of the Patriarchs. It is the original source of materials that filled in Zion Canyon in one epic landslide!
This is one of the longer trails in our list of short hikes in Zion National Park, and as a result doesn’t get a lot of love. It is best in the Spring and Fall, as summers can be very hot. Much of the trail consists of deep sand, which can slow you down and increase the difficulty level.
Or you can head on over to www.canyonrides.com and hitch a ride on one of their horses!
- Access: Shuttle Stop #4 (Court of the Patriachs)
- Distance – 4.0 miles
- Difficulty – Moderate
Short Hikes in Zion National Park – East Zion
East Zion is often referred to as the quite side of zion. People often stay on this side of the park so they have better access to Bryce Canyon National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.
Most visitors barely touch East Zion, including yours truly! Even if you are pressed for time, it is still worth driving up and through Zion-Mouth Carmel Tunnel. The views are amazing, as is the tunnel. Much of the hiking is geared towards longer, harder routes.
13. Canyon Overlook Trail | 1 mile | 1 hour | Moderate
This is a wonderful hike, but if you are visiting during the summer months, parking will be a nightmare. The hike provides wonderful views of Pine Creek Canyon and Lower Zion Canyon via Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
Unlike the hikes above, it is not accessible via the Shuttle Bus. You’ll have to hop in your car and drive to the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel (which is worth doing anyway). The very small parking lot is located near the east entrance of the tunnel, which means you have to drive throug the entire tunnel.
We don’t want to scare you off, but if you are there during the peak season, it might be better to find a different hike.
- Access: Small Parking Lot by east entrance of Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel
- Distance – 0.4 mile
- Difficulty – Easy
Short Hikes in Zion National Park – Kolob Canyons
Kolob Canons covers nearly 150,000 acres and provides access beautiful box canyons and crimson walls of rock. It is far less busy than Zion Canyon and 100% worth the 45 minute drive from Springdale.
14. Timber Creek Overlook Trail | 1.1 miles | 1 hour | Easy
Taylor Creek Overlook Trail is an easy, short hike in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park. Parts of Kolob Canyon Road were closed in 2023. While this hike is still open, check with the Visitor Center to make sure it is accessible.
The hike provids rewarding vies of Shuntavi Butte, Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley Mountains.
- Access: Timber Creek Trailhead in Kolob Canyons
- Distance – 1.1 miles
- Difficulty – Easy
15. Taylor Creek | 5.5 miles | 4 hours | Moderate
This is the longest on our list of short hikes in Zion National Park, but a good one. It is a good excuse to leave the hustle and bustle of the main canyon behind for the serenety of Kolob Canyons.
Highlights are the two historic cabins along the trail and the double arch alcove at the end, which is a great picnic spot. Like with many trails, you do not have to complete the whole hike. Kids will love hiking alongside the small stream.
- Access: Taylor Creek Trailhead in Kolob Canyons
- Distance – 5.5 miles
- Difficulty – Moderate
Looking for more off-the-beaten-path Kolob Canyons hikes? Check out Off The Beaten Travel’s article on the 11 Places to Visit in the Southwest.
Short Hikes in Zion National Park – Kolob Terrace
Kolob Terrace is only 12 miles from Springdale. Many visitors come just for the scenic drive, however if you make the drive then be sure to check out Lambs Knoll. It is a fun chance to stretch your legs.
16. Lambs Knoll | 0.5 miles | 30 minutes | Easy
The Lambs Knoll area of Kolob Terrace is popular for rock climbing and canyoneering. The hike is short and leads to a small slot canyon for exploring. There are picnic tables so be sure to bring some food!
This hike is a 30 minute drive form the main entrance of Zion National Park. The hike itself is not technically in Zion, but close enough. It is 10 miles up Kolob Terrace Road.
- Access: 10 miles up Kolob Terrace Road from Virgin, UT
- Distance – 0.5 miles
- Difficulty – East
Short Hikes in Zion National Park – Round-up
Zion National Park is full of short hikes, and longer ones. If you are on a short trip and staying in Springdale, you can rest assured knowing you’ll stay plenty busy in Zion Canyon and Zion East.
If you have more time, or are looking to escape the crouds, then head on over to Kolob Canyons or Kolob Terrace for a quiet escape.
If you are looking for more challenging hikes, then check out Angel’s Landing via East Rim Trail, East Mesa Trail, Scout Lookout, Northgate Peaks Trail, and Hidden Canyon Trail. All are great options!
