Hiking in Zion
There are many easy trails suitable for larger groups in Zion National Park. Please allow no more than one class of students (20 - 30) on the same part of a trail at a time. One adult chaperone for at least every 10 students is highly recommended.
Pa'rus Trail: 1.7 miles one-way, start at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Trail ends at Canyon Junction.
Riverside Walk: Paved, 1 mile one-way, start at Temple of Sinawava. May be closed at times during the winter because of ice on trails or ice falling from above.
Emerald Pools Trails
If you are willing to split up large groups, you may want to try the Emerald Pools Trails. Zion Lodge or Grotto Picnic Area can be used as drop-off or pick-up points.
Lower Emerald Pool Trail: Easy, 0.6 mile one-way, 69 foot ascent. Paved trail to the pool, which goes behind the waterfalls that cascade from the Middle Pools into the Lower pool. Minor drop-offs. Connects to the Kayenta Trail to form a moderate, 2.1 mile loop. Trailhead is across from Zion Lodge. Once across the footbridge, turn right.
Kayenta Trail: Moderate, 1 mile one-way, 150 foot ascent. Unpaved climb to a sandstone ledge, connects The Grotto Picnic Area to the Emerald Pools. Trailhead is across from the Grotto Picnic Area.
Grotto Trail: Easy, .5 mile one-way, level. Trail connects Zion Lodge to The Grotto Picnic Area. Can be linked with Emerald Pools and Kayenta Trails allowing a 2.1 mile loop hike.
Safety
It is your responsibility to ensure the students maintain a safe attitude while hiking in the park. Take care to stay on the trails at all times. The trails parallel the top of the cliffs, and although they are marked and safe, several persons have fallen to their deaths going off-trail to the cliff edge. The cliff edges are unstable, down-sloping, and slippery. Supervise your students closely. There are other hikers below so do not roll rocks or drop anything.
Swimming, wading, and bathing are prohibited in all of the pools to due to bacteria in the water and to protect the aquatic wildlife.
The trails may be closed at times during the winter because of ice on the trails or ice falling from above.
For more information on trails in Zion National Park, check out the park newspaper.
