Everything you need to know about hiking Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park with kids.
Canyon Overlook Trail is one of the best hikes in Zion National Park. It is a short hike loaded with exciting features and culminating with an incredible view.
While this hike can be conquered by people of varying ages and ability levels, it has steep drop-offs in some areas and could potentially be stressful for someone with a fear of heights or for parents with small children.
We have done this hike many times with our babies/toddlers, but we have always kept them in hiking carriers throughout the hike.
Young children could do this hike if they stay close to their adults and are educated about hiking safety.
Canyon Overlook Trail Logistics
Distance: 1 mile round trip (out-and-back)
Difficulty: moderate (some steps and uneven terrain)
Trailhead Location: East side of the park, just past the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel at the top of the switchbacks.
If you can do this hike early in the morning or later in the evening (or if you are visiting the park during the off-season), this hike will likely be more enjoyable. Canyon Overlook is a popular trail that can get very crowded (and parking can be difficult). I have found that I love a hike so much more when we have more solitude!
Parking
There are two parking lots available near the trailhead. The first parking lot can only be accessed if you are heading east (exiting the Mount Caramel Tunnel). You cannot access the parking lot from the other direction. This parking lot has __spaces.
The other parking lot is east of the trailhead and only has 2 spots. There is additional parking available along the road, but overall the parking is quite minimal and fills up quickly.
If you are visiting during a popular time of year or during peak times, you will need some good luck in order to snag a parking spot.
Canyon Overlook Trail Overview
The trail starts with a bang with a series of sandstone steps leading over rocky terrain. You will gain elevation quickly and have views of a canyon and the road, tunnel, and parking lot below.
There is a metal handrail along portions of the steps.
Some of the steps are steep and tall. The climb is a workout, but isn’t overly strenuous, especially if you take your time.
After the initial climb up the stairs, the rest of the trail is relatively flat. There are a few more small sections of stairs, but you have most of the elevation gain out of the way!
As you continue along the trail, you will have a tall sandstone wall on your right side and a deep canyon (Pine Creek Canyon) on your left.
There are railings among several of the more exposed sections of the trail, but you will want to keep young kids close throughout this section.
As you continue, many fun features along the hike make it feel like an exciting adventure. You will walk over a bridge, pass under a couple of caves, and step over various rocks and tree roots along the way.
These little obstacles aren’t overly challenging and keep the hike interesting.
The end of the trail opens up to one of the most incredible views in Zion National Park!
There is a fence along the cliff edge at the official trail end, but there are multiple spots you can walk to along the cliff to take in the view from different vantage points.
The view is incredible any time of day, but the lighting will vary based on the time. The picture above on the left was taken around midday. The picture on the right was taken around 8:30 am.
Sunrise and sunset are popular and beautiful times to take in the view.
Snap some photos and have a snack while enjoying the incredible view! When you are ready to head back, you will return the same way you came.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take the shuttle bus to Canyon Overlook Trail?
No, Canyon Overlook Trail is not on the shuttle bus route. You will need to drive to the trailhead.
You will have to go through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel to reach the trailhead if approaching from the west side of the park.
Is Canyon Overlook Trail safe for children?
Children can safely complete this hike if they are educated about hiking safety and know not to go close to sheer cliff edges.
I highly recommend keeping children of all ages close by when hiking this trail as there are many exposed long drop-offs.
Personally, I feel much safer and more at ease keeping our small children in child carriers when hiking this trail.
How difficult is it to hike Canyon Overlook Trail?
Canyon Overlook Trail is rated as easy to moderate in difficulty.
The elevation gain is only 163 feet, and the majority of the elevation gain is in the first few hundred feet of the trail (sandstone steps). The rest of the trail is mostly flat.
The terrain is uneven in some sections and portions of the trail have steep drop-offs.
Do you need a permit to hike Canyon Overlook Trail?
A permit is not currently required to hike Canyon Overlook Trail. However, it is a popular trail that can be very busy during peak times.
Are dogs allowed on Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion?
No, dogs are not allowed on Canyon Overlook Trail. Pets are not permitted on any trails in Zion National Park other than the Pa’rus Trail, which begins at the Zion Visitor Center.
What are the best hikes in Zion National Park for kids?
Riverside Walk and Pa’rus Trail are two paved trail options that are stroller accessible. A few more of our favorite family-friendly Zion hikes include Watchman Trail, Lower Emerald Pools Trail, and Lower Pine Creek Falls.
Canyon Overlook Trail is one of our favorite hikes in Zion National Park! I hope you get a chance to experience it and love it as well! Happy hiking 🙂
