My 6-day Bryce and Zion itinerary is pretty ambitious, but there are plenty of easy/moderate hikes you can do in both parks. This post includes my 3 favorite easy hikes in Zion. I’ll also be posting shorter versions of Zion’s most iconic trails soon – subscribe so you won’t miss it!

Canyon Overlook Trail

This trailhead is located just past the Mount Carmel Tunnel heading to the east side of the park. Driving through the tunnel on your way to the trailhead is a great experience on its own.

Canyon Overlook is the easiest of the three hikes in this post. The trail is just over a mile long with little elevation gain. It’s an excellent sunset viewing spot, but be sure to bring a flashlight or headlight for the way back. Keep in mind: due to the topography, you won’t actually see the sun set. Instead, you’ll witness the warm colors of sunset on Zion’s vibrant cliffs.

Note: you’ll need to be in your location up to an HOUR BEFORE sunset.

While you’re here, make time for Checkeboard Mesa. This unique rock is great fun and accessible right from the road – no hiking required.

Emerald Pools

There are three tiers of natural ponds on this trail – lower, middle, and upper. Round-trip distances are 1.2, 2, and 3 miles, respectively, with some elevation gain for the middle and upper ones. The Lower and Middle Pools paths are wide and easy, but the Upper Pool trail has uneven sand and a rocky surface. It’s a moderate to strenuous grade, but it’s still very doable.

Watchman Trail

About a 3 mile roundtrip with only 300 ft of elevation, this trailhead is close to the visitor center, so you won’t even have to take the park shuttle. The beginning is pretty flat with gorgeous views of the canyon around you.

The trail leads to a viewpoint on top of the first layer of cliffs. The slope is gentle – great payoff for such a moderate hike.