Zion National Park: The Hikes We Would Prioritize
Zion gave us the best mix of water, canyon walls, exposed viewpoints and family-friendly adventure.
Our take: Zion is a must-do, and you do not have to complete the chain section of Angels Landing to have an outstanding trip.
The Narrows
This was excellent. We took the canyon shuttle to Temple of Sinawava and walked upstream until we had seen the tight canyon walls we came for, then returned the same way. We wore water shoes rather than specialized cold-water gear; what you need depends on water temperature, conditions and your tolerance for cold. Check current river and flash-flood conditions before entering.
Angels Landing without the chains
We had younger kids, climbed through Walter’s Wiggles and stopped before the final chain section. We still had outstanding views and a fun, challenging hike. The final Angels Landing chain section requires a permit; the West Rim approach to Scout Lookout does not.
Watchman
One of our favorites: open terrain, excellent views and a manageable length. It works particularly well later in the day. The trail starts near the visitor center, so it does not depend on the canyon shuttle.
Emerald Pools
From Zion Lodge, this interconnected trail network was incredibly convenient. The pools were pretty and the terrain was fun, with crowds thinning as we continued, but we would rank it below Zion’s marquee experiences.
Canyon Overlook
A real winner. Drive through the Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel and get a huge view for relatively little hiking effort. It is exactly the kind of short trail we love adding to a packed day.
Where we stayed
We stayed at Zion Lodge. Being inside the canyon made several hikes and shuttle logistics extremely convenient, although we would not call it necessary to enjoy the park.
Our unexpected nearby highlight
Coral Pink Sand Dunes was a surprise favorite: giant dunes plus sand sledding/boarding made an ideal break from hiking.