Zion was Utah’s first national park, and its luster has endured as it continues to be the most visited park in Utah as well as one of the most visited parks in the national parks system, with over 5 million visits each year. This 148,016 acre park has range, with abounding hikes for all difficulty levels as well as canyoneering, rafting, and rock climbing. Whether you’re planning a Zion-only trip or hitting up all the parks in Utah, you won’t regret spending two unforgettable days exploring the diverse topography and wilderness that make this vast park the crown jewel of Utah’s illustrious parks department.
Not only is the canyon astounding, but there are so many adventures to be had! There’s not many guarantees in life, but Zion Canyon is almost assuredly guaranteed to knock your socks off and leave you saying “WOAH“. How long do you need to take it all in? It depends on how full you want your days! Two days is enough to explore the park and leave feeling like you have an appreciation for the diverse wonders of Zion. Those will be two full days though!!!
Fast Facts About Zion National Park
Size: 232 square miles
Visitors: 5,039,835 visitors annually (data from 2021)
Highest elevation: 8,726 feet — Horse Ranch Mountain peak
Distance from St. George Airport: 45 miles — 1 hour drive
Distance from Las Vegas Airport: 170 miles — 3 hour drive
National Park Initiation: November 19th, 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson
Zion is truly one of our favorite national parks. You can see pictures and have some appreciation for the magnitude, but there’s nothing quite like going and experiencing it for yourself. While all land protected by the National Park Service is important and beautiful in its own way, some parks are just most engaging to visit than others. Sometimes spending just an afternoon wandering around is enough to wet your beak and feel as though you saw the gist. That will not be enough at Zion!!!
Below we have detailed all of our favorite hikes, where to grab a bite, how-to’s for navigating transportation, where to bunk down, and beautiful drives— as well as all the tips and tricks that will ensure you have the best time.
When to Visit
Best time to visit is approximately from the end of May through June and September into early November. The weather gets so hot in July and August, it becomes hard to maximize your outside time. If you visit too early into the spring, you might not be able to do one of the most amazing hikes, the Narrows, as melting snow increases the flow rate through the canyon making it unsafe for visitors. There’s certainly beauty to visiting in the dead of winter, it just makes for a completely different experience!
We visited Zion at the end of May and felt it was the perfect time of year to visit! All the hikes were open and weather was as perfect as it could be!
Packing Essentials
- water bottle — make sure you fill it before every hike!!
- snacks — if you’re not used to heat and elevation changes, it can fatigue you even more quickly. it’s never a bad idea to have a little extra sustenance… plus who doesn’t enjoy a little treat as they take in the views??
- hiking backpack — an 8-15L hiking backpack is usually pretty lightweight and it’s a nice not to worry about carrying your water bottle, phone, and snacks
- trekking poles — a walking stick or trekking poles are never a bad idea. These are beneficial for a multitude of hikes, especially if you would consider yourself a little on the de-trained side. even for fit individuals, some of the elevation climbs can be a kick in the pants!
- sunscreen — sun protection is important!
- hat — some of the trails have very minimal shade, so it’s never a bad idea to bring a little of your own
- Layers, layers, layers — despite hot temperatures during the day, the early mornings and evenings can still be quite chilly– plus the temperature can vary by elevation or lack of sun exposure (i.e. deep in a canyon)
- waterproof backpack (optional) — if you own one, bring it! one of the must-do hikes is pretty water immersive, so having a waterproof backpack is nice. alternatively, you could always put anything you don’t want soaked in a ziplock or drybag
- canyoneering boots (optional) — these are recommended for one of the planned hikes. there’s options to rent a pair if you don’t own them. alternatively you can get your hiking boots or trail runners soaked— you will just want to ensure you’re able to have them dry by the next day!
The Shuttle Scuttle
To minimize traffic through the park in busy months a free shuttle services run from March to November both in the park itself and in the adjacent town of Springdale. Both shuttles have nine stops. The shuttle in the park takes visitors to various areas in the park itself, while the Springdale shuttle transports people staying or parking in town up to the park entrance.
The Springdale shuttle service is more necessary than one might think due to parking in Zion typically being full by 8-9am. In the months the shuttles are running, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles, so using the shuttle system is the fastest way to maneuver through the park– unless you’re keen to rent a bike! There are a plethora of shuttles running, so one is never waiting too long for their ride. No tickets are issued. People simply fill the buses on a first come first serve basis.
Staying hydrated throughout the day is incredibly important. Water-bottle refilling stations can be found at Zion Canyon Line shuttle stops 1,2,5,6, and 9.
Catching Some Zzzzzzs
There are loads of accommodation options when you’re visiting Zion because Springdale is close enough that it makes for a convenient base camp. The only thing more convenient? Staying in the park! In-park accommodations tend to either be very economical (camping) or a little on the spendier side (lodge living). Either way you have lots of options to choose from— you can explore them all below. It’s worth noting, both camping and the lodges will fill up quickly. If you know this is where you want to stay, book sooner rather than later!
Watchman Campground
Watchman Campground is only a ¼ mile away from the South Entrance of the park. While tent and electric campsites are available year-round, group campsites are only available from March to November. Due to Zion’s illustrious draw, campsites fill up quickly and this campground requires reservations year-round. Mark your calendar if you’re keen to camp here because campsites become available six months in advance… and they will go fast!
South Campground
South Campground is similarly convenient in location, only a ½ mile from the South Entrance of the park. Available March through October, tent, dry RV, and group campsites are available by reservation. Making a reservation is important as this campground is routinely full. Taking a more spontaneous trip? These campsites become available for reservation 14 days in advance, so even if the Watchman campground is full months out, it’s possible to snag a gorgeous, centrally located campsite.
Both of these campgrounds are alongside the Virgin River. Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center upon arrival to check the water quality as bacteria blooms can be toxic.
Zion Lodge
The Zion Lodge is located in the middle of the park, placing guests in the heart of the excitement. The longstanding lodge can be found on the National Register of Historic Places as it was built in the 1920s and has withstood the test of time… and fire! Abounding in historical character, the Zion Lodge offers 76 rooms, six suites, and 40 cabins for visitors to choose from. We loved the historic character of our little cabin abode.
A huge perk of staying at the Zion Lodge is that you are permitted to drive on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive up to the Lodge (a restricted area to all other park visitors late spring through fall). This access is allotted via a code, which must be provided for gate entry. Why does this matter? If your Lodge reservation check-in is Monday at 4pm, but you wanted to arrive at the park and hike before your check-in time, you are able to park your car (for free) at the Lodge for that entire day. It is also super convenient to be able to come and go from the park as you please without reliance on the shuttle!
◁ DAY 1 ▷
If you’re going to Zion, crushing a few hikes is a must. The sandstone cliffs are as exhilarating to hike as they are gorgeous to observe. With over 90 miles of trails available to explore, the opportunities for exploration are endless. The first day will primarily be focused on hikes, so pack your good hiking socks and get excited!
Angels Landing
Starting your day on a high note… literally! While views abound throughout the park, there are a few hikes Zion is renowned for. The first of which is Angel’s Landing. This steep hike was once thought to be inaccessible to humans, hence its name. In the time since, it has become a well worn path, with chains for anxious hikers to hold onto as they make their accent.
Before you make it to the chains, you have to get through the wiggles— a series of switchbacks not toooo far before the viewpoint you hit before you make the climb up the chains.
Due to this trail’s popularity, crowding started to become an issue, so the park launched a lottery permit system for interested visitors to throw their hat in the ring. If you’re planning your trip in advance, this is something you will want to look into because the lottery system operates on windows. For example, if you plan to visit between March 1st – May 31st, the lottery is open January 1st – January 20th.
If you are one of the lucky ones in the lottery, try to snag one of the early morning time slots. Clocking in at a little under 2,000 ft of elevation, with varying amounts of exposure, this is not a hike I would be keen to start at 1pm.
For those that don’t win it big in the lottery, hiking to the Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail provides a pretty comparable view. If you are hiking all the way up to Angel’s Landing, you must start the hike in your given time window. For those hiking to Scout’s Lookout, we recommend getting an early start— especially if you are visiting in the summer months.
Lodge Lunch
The lodge is centrally located in the park at shuttle stop 5, but it’s also a pretty easy walk from the Angel’s Landing trailhead. The Red Rock Grill can be found within the lodge, and it makes for a perfect spot to rest your weary legs while you chow down, with a variety of delicious plate options. We both devoured 1/2 pound burgers after hiking Angel’s Landing, and I can honestly say a burger has never tasted better!
As another option, the Castle Dome Cafe serves coffee and light breakfast bites in the morning as well as burgers and hot dogs and french fries throughout the afternoon. Some local microbrews can be found in the beer cart on the cafe’s patio. It’s a breezy spot to hang out, or you can grab food to go and eat it out on the green in front of the lodge.
Watchman Trail
After a little rest and recovery, it’s time for another hike! Easy to access from the Visitor Center, the Watchman Trail is an excellent afternoon hike. The overlook at the top boasts 360 degree views, including Temples and Towers, the lower Zion Canyon, and Watchman Peak. The proximity to the Visitor Center is convenient to ensure bladders are empty and water bottles are full before departing. This trail has zero shade, which makes it a perfect choice for a late afternoon hike. As an alternative, the sweeping views of the canyon, make The Watchman an awesome sunset spot as well.
Zion Canyon Village
Just outside the entrance to the park, you will find the Zion Canyon Village. The Zion Canyon Brew Pub has both a restaurant as well as a beer garden area for weary hikers to rest their bones. This makes for a perfect spot to go grab a beer and rest a bit after a day full of hiking!
Just around the corner, Happy Camper Market is a small scale grocery store. They also have a wide array of sports drinks if you need a little post-hike hydration. We do recommend swinging by to grab a couple pre-made sandwiches— only if your have a way to keep them cold! The hike for day 2 stretches on 8-10 miles, so it’s recommended to pack a lunch. Grabbing it the night before just makes it even easier to get out early and hit the ground running in the morning!
◁ Day 2 ▷
Just when you think the views can’t get more astounding, it’s time to embark on a whole new round of jaw-dropping canyon views. Today’s highlights take you a bit deeper into the park, so get ready for some outdoor fun!
The Narrows
Arguably Zion’s most unique and iconic hike, the Narrows is an adventurous trek through the most narrow section of Zion Canyon. It feels surreal to hike through the gorge, with sandstone walls stretching up thousands of feet, but what makes this hike even more one-of-a-kind is that over half the trek is spent walking– or rather wading– through the Virgin River. In the spring, the melting snow can make the water flowing through the canyon too dangerous for hikers to endeavor, so be sure to check the flow rate to get an idea of the feasibility of going. The Narrows closes down if the river’s flow rate exceeds 150 cubic feet per second (CFS).
OOTD
Even when the conditions are right, you want to be dressed to impress. Depending on the time of year you might be able to get away with wearing your hiking boots or trail running in the river, but canyoneering boots are the shoe of choice for extra stability. Equipment rentals, such as Zion Outfitter, will provide canyoneering boots, neoprene socks, a wooden walking stick, and dry pants (as necessary). If you are considering doing any substantial portion of the water-trek, we highly recommend either packing or renting this gear as it can make or break your experience.
Zion Outfitter is in the Canyon Village area, just outside the park. They are pretty flexible and will let you pick up your equipment rental the evening before if you’re hoping to get out early the day of your hike!
Hike it Out
Most park visitors hike the Narrows bottom-up, and this does not require a permit. Hiking from the bottom up means starting at Temple of Sinawava (shuttle stop #9) and hiking as far as Big Spring. The beauty of the bottom-up hike is that there is no specific viewpoint you are hiking to, because hiking through the canyon itself is the view. This means you could spend an hour hiking or you could spend all day! A true choose-you-own-adventure kind of hike.
An early start to the day is advisable. Due to the popularity of this hike, it will get crowded. The silver lining is that even in the middle of the day, the farther you hike into the canyon, the less people you will see.
We made it to right around where Wall Street end before we decided to turn around. On our way back, we detoured down towards Veiled Falls. We definitely got wet, but it was such an awesome day of trekking, exploring, and climbing around.
Be sure to check the weather before you go hiking– especially if you plan to hike a slot canyon, like the Narrows. Even little rain can be dangerous because water levels rise exponentially faster, making flash flooding a real risk. The National Weather Service monitors ten park areas in southern Utah for likelihood of flash flooding and issues each one a flash flood potential rating. Checking for likelihood of flooding as well as keeping an eye on imminent weather is super easy to do, and just might save your life!
Taking It Low & Slow
Time to give your legs a break! Many of Zion’s most popular hikes can be found along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive; however, this section of the park only makes up a portion of the national park. Directly after crossing over the Canyon Junction Bridge a left turn will lead to the limited access scenic drive; however, if you continue straight, the road becomes Zion Park Boulevard also known as the Mount Carmel Highway. This winding road leads to some absolutely breathtaking views of the canyon.
After a long (but fun!!) morning and afternoon hiking adventure, the slower pace of a beautiful drive is a most relaxing way to finish the day.
As an alternate option, the Lodge also offers narrated tram ride tours late spring through fall. These tours traverse Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, showcasing keystone areas of the park with a colorful commentary throughout. As a note, this tram ride differs from the free shuttle rides.
If you’re legs are still feeling strong and you’re more interested in pedaling around, bikes are available to rent mid-March through November. Safety first, safety always! When you rent a bike, it will also include a helmet, safety vest, and bike lock. Additionally, all bikes are conveniently equipped with a front basket, safety lights, and a bell, so you will be prepared for all situations!
Sunset & Stargazing
The Zion Human History Museum is just north of the Visitor Center, and its patio provides great sunset views overlooking Bridge Mountain and the East Temple. Once the sun has set, the patio continues to serve looks, with expansive night sky stretched out above you. If you’d rather take a stroll as you take in the heavens, the Pa’rus Trail is an excellent option for both sunset and star gazers. Canyon Junction Bridge was once a lovely spot to watch the sun set, but it now has signs up prohibiting pedestrian loitering (park rangers will patrol the area around sunset to make people move).
Despite all the rush of snagging a top notch sunset spot, Zion’s grandiose topography prevents visitors from actually watching the sun settle into the horizon. The sunset hour still affords enviable views as the cotton candy colored clouds and watercolor sky make for a gorgeous backdrop to the tangerine canyons as the sunlight fades.
Zion goes to lengths to preserve the dark night sky that makes for excellent stargazing. Due to this dedication, there is very minimal outdoor lighting to illuminate your path, after the sun sets. If you’re planning to be out after sunset, be sure to bring a flashlight with you.
They say a picture’s worth a thousand words, but no picture truly captures how immense Zion Canyon is. The national parks system protects some of the most beautiful niches of the country, and Zion is a crown jewel in this collection. Let us know what you think of this immense testament to nature’s grandeur.
Zion is one of five national parks in Utah. Be sure to check out Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands as well, to truly appreciate all of the Utah national park topography!
written by Hannah
Hannah traded the warm beaches of southwest FL for the outdoor adventure locale that is Bend, OR. Despite the distance, Hannah maintains her bossy big sister role with regular phone calls to keep up with all the little sister shenanigans. Notoriously chatty with her patients as well, Hannah stays busy as a physical therapist, but loves making time to explore newfound hikes. These days she has some extra pack weight; however, Xavier is notorious for being unimpressed by sweeping vistas.
