5 Best Hikes Outside Zion National Park (Family-Friendly & Adventure Options)

Zion National Park may be one of Utah’s most popular parks, but some of the best hiking trails and unique landscapes are found just outside the park boundaries. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, discover hidden gems, and explore family-friendly adventures, these five hikes near Zion are must-sees if you are headed to the area.

1. Water Canyon Trailhead – A Quieter Alternative to The Narrows

Location: Hildale, Utah Best for: Moderate hikers, canyon lovers Distance: 4 miles round trip (more if you hike on but it gets technical)

If you love the idea of hiking The Narrows but want fewer people, Water Canyon is a phenomenal option that is both dog and family friendly. This trail takes you through a lush desert canyon with flowing water, shaded alcoves, and dramatic sandstone cliffs. As you climb, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Zion’s backcountry. It’s a moderate hike, perfect for adventurous families with teens. For little kids you can access the first part of the hike and hang out in a cool flowing waste deep pool of water, while the teens hike on another mile to the waterfall

Pro Tip: This is an awesome summer hike because it’s shady in the morning until about 1pm. Bring a suit for splashing. 2. Coral Pink Sand Dunes – Utah’s Desert Playground

Location: Kanab, Utah Best for: Families, photographers, sunset golden glow seekers Distance: Wide open sand dunes to run around in Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is unlike anywhere else near Zion. Towering red-orange sand dunes shift with the wind, creating a surreal desert playground. Kids love rolling and running down the dunes, while photographers capture stunning sunrise and sunset shots. You can hike anywhere across the soft sand—no set trails—making it an easy, flexible adventure.

Pro Tip: Visit at golden hour for glowing pink landscape and epic photos. 

3. Guacamole Trail – Slickrock Hiking with Epic Views

Location: Virgin, Utah Best for: Experienced hikers &bikers, solitude seekers, Epic Zion Views Distance: 11 Miles if you do the whole loop.

The Guacamole Trail is a slickrock wonderland that offers wide-open views of Zion’s mesas and cliffs. While popular with mountain bikers, hikers will find it just as rewarding. You’ll trek across massive rock domes dotted with desert vegetation, with panoramic views in every direction. Because it’s lesser-known, you’ll often have the trail to yourself. Look for prickly pear cactus blooms in the spring and huge chunks of petrified wood (250 million year old trees turned to rock) year round. 

Bring plenty of water—shade is limited here.

4. Red Reef Trailhead – Family-Friendly with Water Features

Location: Red Cliffs Recreation Area (near St. George, Utah) Best for: Families with young kids, history buffs Distance: 2 Miles

Red Reef is one of the most family-friendly hikes near Zion. The trail winds through a red rock canyon with seasonal waterfalls and small pools where kids can splash around. Look for the “elephant tree” at the beginning. Fun hollowed out old cottonwood tree that looks like an elephant and kids love to climb. Lots of caves and carved out slots along the hike. Look carefully and you’ll find 200 to 300 year old pictographs (Paiute paintings) drawn in white and red on the sandstone—adding an educational twist to your adventure. This hike is easy to moderate, making it ideal for families. Also great for groups. Make sure to get to the rock wall that you can climb up through using the old Paiute carved foot and hand holds that will take you up the seasonal waterfall to some slots. For free parking put your National Park pass on your dashboard. 

Pro Tip: Hike this in the spring or after a big rainfall to see waterfalls. Look for caves off of the trail to explore. 

5. Belly of the Dragon & Sand Caves – Fun & Easy Hikes for Kids

Location: Kanab, Utah Best for: Families, short hikes, unique photo spots Distance: Less than a mile roundtrip

Looking for short, kid-friendly hikes near Zion? Two of the best are Belly of the Dragon and the Kanab Sand Caves.

• Belly of the Dragon: A sandstone tunnel carved under Highway 89, perfect for kids to explore with flashlights. Fun to hike year round. 

• Sand Caves: A quick scramble leads to wide manmade chambers filled with soft sand, with incredible views over the red cliffs of Kanab.
  

Both are short, easy, and super fun for families—plus they make great Instagram-worthy stops on your Zion road trip.Pro Tip: Hike these on hot days when you are looking for something quick and interesting. Also the Sand Caves are near a wonderful FREE animal sanctuary called Best Friends that’s worth a stop. 

Final Thoughts: Best Hikes Near Zion Without the Crowds

If your Zion itinerary is packed, or you just want to explore off the beaten path, these hikes outside the park are amazing local spots. From slot canyons to sand dunes the Southwest of Utah has so much to offer beyond Zion National Park if you want to escape the 4 million visitors in the park.