Zion National Park
 

My three boys (ages 14, 11, and 9) and I have one day to hike at Zion. What trail would best suit us? We're all in great shape, so that isn't an issue.

My favorite is the trail to Observation Point. The views back down the canyon as you hike are spectacular, and the terrain is quite varied. It is about a 7-8 mi. round-trip hike.
I always enjoy the Angel's Landing hike, except I don't go past Scout Lookout. I tried, but it was too scary for me. As a mom, I would have a heart attack if my boys did that last section. But families do it all the time. This hike would not take all day.
A fabulous all-day hike is in the river - The Narrows. But this cannot be done when the water is too high and dangerous, and you must check the weather for flash-flood potential.

I had originally wanted to do the Narrows, but it seemed like it would take too long. I also like the idea of Angel's Landing, but I'm with you on the heart attack thing. I'm going to chec out the one you suggested -- Observation Point. Thanks!

The Narrows trail is as long or short as you want it, spectacular for the hike, not the destination. If the weather is good, (no flash flood potential), go for it. If it is really hot out, the cool water is great. If there is any question of flash-flooding, go on another trail. You need to speak with the rangers on this, as the rainstorms could be miles away, with no clouds in the local sky.

There are some other hikes that may be more approriate for children that age. Even if you're all in great shape. How many kids are not?

Canyon Overlook at the east entrance
Emerald Pools - all three.

If I wasn't there and found out someone took my kids (your kids of 9 and 11) up the Angel's Landing hike . . . .

The Narrows is a fantastic and unusual hike. DD14 and I did it a couple of years back and she still talks about it. We went into town the night before and rented the shoes and poles and headed out at daybreak. It was June and the water was chilly but refreshing. What a great day.

P.S. We also did Canyon Overlook and the Emerald Pools trail, which would be my second choice as a recommendation for your family.

Emerald pools is nice, but can also be anticlimatic. It's not a long hike.

Narrows is a definite. It's absolutely unique to Zion. You can rent water hiking shoes in Springdale for about $10-15/day, including a walking stick, or you can just use your own shoes and get them wet.

The Narrows is supposedly a great, if fairly demanding hike (haven't done it, myself), but if you don't want to expend a significant time and effort commitment, you can always just hike the Riverwalk, which the out-of-the-water start to The Narrows. The Riverwalk is not at all demanding.

The Emerald Pools Trail is very enjoyable and only moderately strenuous. Angel's Landing (haven't done this) is considered very strenuous, but supposedly has a stunning view as payoff. If you're in great shape and don't mind heights, the latter would likely be a good choice.

Kids would love the Narrow. Hey, I love the Narrows. I've seen even grown men act like kids there. I think we laughed half th etime we were in the water.

It can be as short or as long as you want. (Talking about from the bottom up, not the "top-down" all day hike, which is indeed a commitment.)

We hiked up to Observation Point, returned to Zion Lodge for lunch and a short business call, and hiked the Narrows for 2 hours in the afternoon. I call that a perfect day. The only thing that could make it better would have been more time for the Narrows.

but when are you going? In April, the water is cold may be too high.

My husband still says that hiking the Narrows was one of the most memorable vacation experiences he ever had. We also rented shoes, poles and waterproof packs in town and just walked part way. I highly recommend doing this hike.

I would suggest that the hike up to Scout's Overlook is worthwhile even if you don't continue on to Angel's Landing...especially for the kids. You can extend the hike by going out and back a way on the West Rim Trail which connects at Scout's Landing. The Emerald Pools would also be nice but why miss the cool Walters Wiggles set of switchbacks?

Here's some images from the hike up to Scout's Overlook (as far as I was willing to go :)

Heading up to Scout's Overlook...a paced trail with walls along the edge:

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/34706521

Walter's Wiggles

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/34706134

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/34706518

View from Scout's Overlook

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/34706135

Typical scenery along a bit of the West Rim Trail.

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/34706147

Looking back at Ange;s Landing from West Rim Trail.
Hikers must go along the edge in the foreground to the
top...none for me thanks!

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/34706139

Ugh...that would be 'paved trail' not 'paced trail'

The Narrows definitely! Absolutley not Angels Landing or Hidden Canyon(I think this is what it was called). Some trails are about 20 inches wide and all though there are chains if you slip, you die, no way would I take kids on this! Emerald Pools is nice. It still has steep edges but the trails are wide.

Definatly hike Angels Landing and The Narrows. Hike AL early in the morning and The Narrows in the afternoon. Our family has visited 21 National Parks, and I am sure these two hikes would rate #1 and #2. The time of year you go and weather will play a factor in The Narrows. Don't even consider it if rain is approaching or if The Virgin River is high.

we LOVED the Narrows..as mentioned, you can go as far as you want and turn around. the rental water shoes where such a help for us..and the walking pole. I fell twice with my camera in my hand but managed to keep it above water..we had the time of our lives!

Angels Landing is really fairly safe. Yes, people have died on the trail. I think the number is 8 or 9 since 1960. Far more have died in The Narrows. However, you are far more likely to die in a car on the way to visit the park. More people die on the rides at Disneyworld. If you have a 9 year old that doesn't respect your warnings, then by all means don't take them on any hike that has dropoffs. You are about as likely to die from a 50 foot fall as you are a 2000 foot fall.

Having just returned from this trip (for the 11th time), I can say that Angel's Landing cannot be called safe. Perhaps because of the time of year and recent storms, there was an abundant amount of loose sand on the rock, making the trail dangerously slippery. That said, many people were hiking to the end of Angel's Landing and were fine - but all it takes is a simple misstep. I had the shock of my life on this trip on the Hidden Canyon trail - a major slip and roll, luckily for me down into a water-filled pothole and not down the cliff. We are experienced hikers and were careful. It happens. So please be very very cautious on these trails - focus on each step! And enjoy the beauty.