Please sign in to post.

Zion National Park - Hiking with a 1 year old

We have a short 3 day trip to Zion coming up and I'm wondering what I can realistically plan. My 1 year old son likes to walk, and obviously I'll let him walk some, but for time and safety he will be in a hiking carrier most of the time. Still, I understand there's a lot of places in Zion that require extra care and attention to safety. Neither my husband nor I are comfortable taking him to Angel's Landing, but I would love to see part of it.

Is it possible to do a partial hike for Angel's Landing? (Skipping the skinny trail hundreds of feet up) Maybe hiking a particular portion and then turning around? Would it be worth it all or do you need to do the complete trail to get the views?

What about the narrows? Safe with a young child bring in a hiking carrier? (Given the obvious weather and condition precautions)
Are there any suggested hikes/markers you suggest?

Thank you in advance!
(Also, we will be visiting mid September)

Posted by
401 posts

It’s quite the hike up Walters Wiggles to the start of Angels Landing. But the trail is wide and paved. I’d suggest a tots harness for your child when he’s walking. I would not take a child on the narrows.

Posted by
6713 posts

I agree with the above. I remember the trail up toward Angel's Landing being easy enough, though it gets steeper, and you can see into the valley without going too high. Start up and expect to turn around when (or before) it becomes too much for anyone in the party. The short paved stretch from the parking lot toward the Narrows is fine, but I wouldn't take him up into the river. There are also easy enough trails up and parallel to the river on both sides. Lucky little guy.

Posted by
1924 posts

You can hike to Scouts Lookout, which is most of the way to Angels Landing but without the last section. It's a difficult trail in terms of elevation gain, but it's very well maintained.