Zion national park
 

We are planning a trip to Zion in June. Can anybody suggest what good trails would be to take with 11 year old kids? Can 11 year old take an Angel trail in Zion or it's too scary?

Of the strenuous hikes, these 3 are quite doable kids

1. Scout's landing, which is 2/3 of the way to Angels Landing. I don't like heights, so I am scared to death to try AL myself, and would be even more scared to take kids along. But if you and they are up for it, then no reason you can't go for it. Hiking to Scouts landing is anywhere from 1hr to 2hrs depending on your pace. Half that back down. If you do go to Scout's landing, go the 100 yards further where you have to use chains as handrails. That gets you to a landing directly facing AL.

2. Narrows, bottom up, for at least a few mi. This is a half day trek of you only go a few mile. Full day if you go all the way to the turn around point.

3. Observation point. Stunning views from waaaaay up high. Time up ranges from 1.5 hrs to 3+. Half that back down.

and any of the easier hikes - Overlook, Emerald pools, weeping garden, etc.

If they are mountain bikers, then consider renting bikes and going to Hurricane Rim trails about 20mi south of the park, near Hurricane UT. The bike shop in town can point you there w/ maps.

Also, consider canyoneering. The outfitters in town run excursions - I forget the name of the canyon they go to, but one of our Zion experts will likely chime in here.

Another thing to do just outside of Zion but you see the park is tubing in the Virgin River. You can rent the tubes in Springdale and access the river just across from the Watchman Campground. The last I heard, they will pick you up at a park at the other end of Springdale. We were lucky that they allowed tubing in the park when our boys were that age and they LOVED it.

We never did Angles Landing because I would freak me out to take my boys on that hike. I've heard enough horror stories to be glad that my DIL wouldn't let my grandson who is about that age do the hike either

Utahtea

I have taken a couple of trails that are not rated as strenuous. One is the Riverside Walk that goes along the Virgin River. I found it very tranquil. Watchman Trail is doable for kids. Another set of trails are the Emerald Pool trails. One of them is rated as easy the other, moderate. There were more kids on the Emerald Pool trails than others that I was on.

If you can read Kindle books, this will be the best $5.43 you will ever spend. Covers Zion, Bryce and Cedar Breaks
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008TT5Q1M

Vaga

Thank you very much for sharing.