Zion National Park
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
April-May and September-October for mild temperatures and fewer crowds; summer is hot and very busy, winter is quiet and cold
Language
English
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
MST (UTC-7), MDT (UTC-6) in summer — Utah observes daylight saving time
Airport
St. George Regional (SGU, ~1 hr); main gateways are Las Vegas Harry Reid (LAS, ~2.5 hrs) and Salt Lake City (SLC, ~4.5 hrs)
Population
the park is uninhabited; gateway town Springdale approx. 600 residents; the park draws ~4.6 million visitors a year
Climate
High desert (~1,200 m at the canyon floor): hot summers often topping 38°C, cold winters with occasional snow
Safety Rating
Very Safe (Level 1) — main hazards are heat, flash floods, and exposed cliff-edge trails
Park Entry Fee
$35 per private vehicle, valid 7 days; covered by the $80 America the Beautiful annual pass
Top Highlights
Angels Landing
Zion's most famous (and most exposed) hike, finishing along a knife-edge spine with chains bolted to the rock and 450 m drops on either side. A permit, awarded by lottery, is now required for the final chains section. About 5.4 miles round trip, 4-5 hours; not for anyone with a fear of heights. Start at dawn to beat heat and crowds.
The Narrows
A bucket-list hike straight up the Virgin River through a slot canyon where 300 m walls close to 6 m apart. From the bottom (Riverside Walk) no permit is needed — wade as far as you like and turn back. Allow 4-8 hours; rent neoprene socks, canyoneering boots, and a sturdy stick, and always check the flash-flood forecast first.
Emerald Pools Trail
A network of shaded trails past spring-fed pools and seasonal waterfalls tucked into the canyon wall, starting from Zion Lodge. The Lower Pool is an easy 1.2-mile loop; adding the Middle and Upper pools makes ~3 miles. Free with park entry; a great moderate option for families when bigger hikes are too crowded or hot.
Canyon Overlook Trail
A short, rewarding clifftop hike on the park's east side reached through the historic Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel, ending at a sweeping view down the main canyon. Just 1 mile round trip, ~1 hour, with some drop-offs but no permit needed. Free; a favourite for sunset and far less crowded than the canyon-floor trails.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive & Shuttle
The 6-mile road into the heart of the canyon, served by a free shuttle that's mandatory most of the year (private cars are barred March-November). Hop on and off at the Court of the Patriarchs, Weeping Rock, and the Temple of Sinawava. Free with entry; ride early or late for soft light and shorter trailhead queues.
Observation Point
A higher, less crowded viewpoint that actually looks down on Angels Landing, reached via the East Mesa Trail (~7 miles round trip, mostly flat) when the in-canyon route is closed by rockfall. Free; no permit needed. The reward is arguably the best panorama in the park — a quieter alternative to the famous chains hike.
Kolob Canyons
A separate, far quieter section of the park in the northwest, off I-15 about 40 minutes from the main entrance, with crimson finger canyons and the Timber Creek Overlook. Free with the same park pass; a 5-mile scenic drive plus short trails. A hidden gem for skipping the main-canyon crowds at sunset.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Zion National Park Itinerary
Arrival in Springdale & First Light on the Cliffs
Fly into Las Vegas (LAS) and drive the ~2.5 hours northeast on I-15 to Springdale, the gateway town pressed right against the park's south entrance. Pick up your $35/vehicle entrance pass (or the $80 America the Beautiful annual pass if you'll hit Bryce or the Grand Canyon later), settle into your lodging, and ease into canyon time with a flat evening walk.
Drive Las Vegas to Springdale(2.5 hours)
I-15 north to UT-9 east through the towns of Hurricane and Rockville; the cliffs come into view about 20 minutes out
Check in and stop at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center(45 min)
Grab the flash-flood forecast, shuttle schedule, and trail-condition board; the lot fills by mid-morning, so this is your scouting run
Evening stroll on the Pa'rus Trail(1.5 hours)
Paved, flat 3.5mi round trip from the Visitor Center along the Virgin River — the only trail where bikes and dogs are allowed, and the cliffs glow rust-orange at golden hour
Dinner at Oscar's Cafe in Springdale(1.5 hours)
Local favorite for green-chile burgers and big plates on a patio under the cliffs; budget ~$20-30 per person
Angels Landing or Scout Lookout
The marquee day. Angels Landing's chained final half-mile needs a permit awarded by lottery on recreation.gov (~$6 application fee plus a per-person fee) — apply weeks ahead or try the day-before lottery. Without a permit you can still climb the spectacular switchbacks to Scout Lookout. Either way, start at dawn to beat heat and crowds.
Catch the first Zion Canyon shuttle (~6-7AM in summer) to The Grotto(30 min)
Private cars are banned on the scenic drive March-November, so the free shuttle is mandatory; the first runs are blissfully empty
Hike the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout(2.5 hours)
2mi each way and ~1,000ft up via Refrigerator Canyon and Walter's Wiggles, the 21 tight switchbacks engineered into the rock
Angels Landing chains (permit required)(1.5 hours)
The exposed final 0.5mi clings to a knife-edge spine with 1,500ft drops on either side and chains bolted to the sandstone — not for anyone uneasy with heights; turn back at Scout Lookout if you don't have a permit
Lunch at the Zion Lodge / Red Rock Grill(1 hour)
The only food inside the canyon; book ahead for the sit-down grill or grab a quick bite at the cafe
Recover with the Lower Emerald Pool loop(1 hour)
Easy 1.2mi loop from the Lodge past a seasonal waterfall curtain — a gentle cooldown for tired legs
The Narrows — Bottom-Up
Wade straight up the Virgin River into the slot where 1,000ft walls close to 20ft apart. The bottom-up route from Riverside Walk needs no permit — go as far as you like and turn around. CRITICAL: check the NPS flash-flood potential rating that morning and never enter when it reads 'probable'; the canyon also closes when the river runs too high. Gear up in Springdale first.
Rent gear at Zion Outfitter or Zion Adventure Company(45 min)
Neoprene socks, canyoneering boots, and a sturdy walking stick run roughly $25-55 for the day; a dry pack keeps your phone safe
Shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava (last stop)(40 min)
Ride the canyon shuttle to its end; go early to beat the river-traffic-jam crowds
Walk the paved Riverside Walk to the river entry(30 min)
1mi flat path hanging gardens line the canyon wall before the pavement ends and the river becomes the trail
Wade upstream toward Wall Street(4-5 hours)
Most day-hikers reach the dramatic Wall Street narrows (~3.5mi up) and turn back; current is strong and rocks are slick, so the stick earns its keep
Rest Day in Springdale & Easy Canyon Trails
After two big days your legs have earned a slower pace. Sleep in, wander Springdale's galleries and shops along the main drag, and pick a gentle canyon trail in the afternoon when the morning crowds have cleared. The free Springdale town shuttle loops the length of town so you can leave the car parked.
Late breakfast at MeMe's Cafe(1.5 hours)
Crepes and strong coffee; a relaxed start to a non-hiking day, ~$15-20 per person
Browse Springdale's galleries and the Worthington Gallery(2 hours)
Local pottery, photography, and Navajo work; the town is one walkable street hugged by red cliffs
Full Emerald Pools circuit (Lower, Middle, Upper)(2.5 hours)
Shuttle to Zion Lodge and link all three spring-fed pools (~3mi total) — shaded, moderate, and far calmer than the headline hikes
Dinner at Whiptail Grill(1.5 hours)
A converted gas station serving inventive Southwestern plates; the prickly-pear margaritas are a local rite of passage
East Side — Mt. Carmel Highway & Canyon Overlook
Today you drive your own car east on the Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway, climbing switchbacks through the historic 1.1mi tunnel onto the slickrock east side. Note the tunnel's size restrictions: RVs and rigs over 7'10" wide or 11'4" tall need a $15 traffic-control permit and one-way escort. The landscape flips from canyon to a Dr. Seuss world of cross-bedded sandstone.
Drive the Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway through the tunnel(1 hour)
Six tight switchbacks then the dark, window-pierced 1927 tunnel; pull off at the gallery windows are not allowed, so soak it in while driving slowly
Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail(1.5 hours)
Just 1mi round trip from the lot east of the tunnel with some drop-offs but no permit needed; it ends at a sweeping view straight down the main canyon
Photograph Checkerboard Mesa(30 min)
A few miles east, this cross-hatched dome is one of the park's most photographed formations — best light is mid-to-late afternoon
Picnic lunch on the slickrock east side(1 hour)
Pack supplies from the Springdale market; the quiet pullouts here are a world away from the canyon-floor bustle
Kolob Canyons & Dark Sky Stargazing
Escape the main-canyon crowds at Kolob Canyons, a separate northwest section reached off I-15 about a 40-minute drive from Springdale. Crimson finger canyons, the Timber Creek Overlook, and the Taylor Creek trail reward you with near-solitude. Zion is an International Dark Sky Park, so cap the night with stargazing back near the main canyon.
Drive to the Kolob Canyons entrance off I-15 (exit 40)(45 min)
Same $35 park pass; the small visitor center has the trail board and current conditions
Drive the 5mi Kolob Canyons Scenic Road(1 hour)
Crimson Navajo-sandstone finger canyons rise on both sides; pull off at the viewpoints along the climb
Hike Taylor Creek to Double Arch Alcove(2.5 hours)
5mi round trip crisscrossing a creek past two historic homestead cabins to a towering streaked alcove — a quiet gem
Sunset at the Timber Creek Overlook(1 hour)
A short 1mi round-trip stroll from the road's end to a panorama of the finger canyons going crimson at dusk
Stargazing near the main canyon(1 hour)
Drive back and find a dark pullout; with little light pollution the Milky Way is vivid on clear, moonless nights
Sunrise Watchman Trail & Departure
Squeeze in one last hike before the drive out. The Watchman Trail starts right at the Visitor Center — no shuttle needed — and the morning light on the cliffs is the best of the trip. Then pack up and return to Las Vegas (~2.5 hours), or push on to your next park if you're road-tripping the Southwest.
Hike the Watchman Trail at sunrise(2 hours)
3.3mi round trip with ~370ft of gain from the Visitor Center to a bench overlooking Springdale and the Watchman peak — early light makes it glow
Final coffee and breakfast at Deep Creek Coffee or the Spotted Dog(1 hour)
Fuel up before the road; the Spotted Dog does a hearty breakfast at the Flanigan's Inn
Drive Springdale to Las Vegas (LAS)(2.5 hours)
Allow buffer for the airport return; if you're continuing the Southwest loop, Bryce Canyon is only ~1.5 hours northeast on UT-9 and UT-12
14-Day Zion National Park Itinerary
Arrival in Springdale & First Light on the Cliffs
Fly into Las Vegas (LAS) and drive the ~2.5 hours northeast on I-15 to Springdale, the gateway town pressed against the park's south entrance. Buy the $80 America the Beautiful annual pass rather than the $35/vehicle pass — over two weeks you'll likely visit Bryce, Grand Canyon, and Capitol Reef, and it pays off after three parks. Settle in and ease into canyon time.
Drive Las Vegas to Springdale(2.5 hours)
I-15 north to UT-9 east through Hurricane and Rockville; the cliffs appear about 20 minutes out
Stop at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center(45 min)
Grab the flash-flood forecast, shuttle schedule, and trail board; the lot fills by mid-morning so scout it now
Evening stroll on the Pa'rus Trail(1.5 hours)
Paved, flat 3.5mi round trip along the Virgin River from the Visitor Center; the cliffs go rust-orange at golden hour
Dinner at Oscar's Cafe(1.5 hours)
Green-chile burgers and big plates on a patio under the cliffs; budget ~$20-30 per person
Angels Landing or Scout Lookout
The marquee day. Angels Landing's chained final half-mile needs a permit awarded by lottery on recreation.gov (~$6 application fee plus a per-person fee) — apply weeks ahead or try the day-before lottery. Without one you can still climb to Scout Lookout. Start at dawn to beat heat and crowds.
Catch the first Zion Canyon shuttle (~6-7AM) to The Grotto(30 min)
The free shuttle is mandatory March-November; the earliest runs are nearly empty
Hike the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout(2.5 hours)
2mi each way and ~1,000ft up via Refrigerator Canyon and Walter's Wiggles, the 21 engineered switchbacks
Angels Landing chains (permit required)(1.5 hours)
The exposed final 0.5mi follows a knife-edge spine with 1,500ft drops and bolted chains — turn back at Scout Lookout if you lack a permit or dislike heights
Lunch at the Zion Lodge / Red Rock Grill(1 hour)
The only food inside the canyon; book the sit-down grill ahead
Lower Emerald Pool cooldown loop(1 hour)
Easy 1.2mi loop from the Lodge past a seasonal waterfall curtain
The Narrows — Bottom-Up
Wade up the Virgin River into the slot where 1,000ft walls close to 20ft apart. The bottom-up route from Riverside Walk needs no permit. CRITICAL: check the NPS flash-flood potential rating that morning and never enter when it reads 'probable'; get out at once if the water turns muddy or rises. Gear up in Springdale first.
Rent gear at Zion Outfitter or Zion Adventure Company(45 min)
Neoprene socks, canyoneering boots, and a sturdy stick run ~$25-55 for the day; add a dry pack
Shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava (last stop)(40 min)
Ride the canyon shuttle to its end and go early to beat the river crowds
Walk the Riverside Walk to the river entry(30 min)
1mi flat paved path past hanging gardens before the river becomes the trail
Wade upstream toward Wall Street(4-5 hours)
Most day-hikers reach Wall Street (~3.5mi up) and turn back; the current is strong and rocks slick
Rest Day in Springdale
Two big days deserve a slow one. Sleep in, wander Springdale's single cliff-hugged street, browse galleries, and take only a gentle trail if the mood strikes. Use the free Springdale town shuttle and leave the car parked.
Late breakfast at MeMe's Cafe(1.5 hours)
Crepes and strong coffee, ~$15-20 per person
Browse Springdale galleries and the Worthington Gallery(2 hours)
Local pottery, photography, and Navajo work along the main drag
Soak and relax(2 hours)
Pool time or a riverside read; the goal today is genuinely doing little
Dinner at Whiptail Grill(1.5 hours)
Inventive Southwestern plates in a converted gas station; the prickly-pear margaritas are a local rite
East Side — Mt. Carmel Highway & Canyon Overlook
Drive your own car east on the Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway, climbing switchbacks through the historic 1.1mi tunnel onto the slickrock east side. RVs and rigs over 7'10" wide or 11'4" tall need a $15 traffic-control permit and one-way escort through the tunnel. The terrain flips from canyon to cross-bedded sandstone domes.
Drive the Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway through the tunnel(1 hour)
Six tight switchbacks then the dark, window-pierced 1927 tunnel; drive slowly and soak it in
Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail(1.5 hours)
1mi round trip from the lot east of the tunnel with drop-offs but no permit; ends at a view straight down the main canyon
Photograph Checkerboard Mesa(30 min)
The cross-hatched dome a few miles east photographs best in late-afternoon light
Picnic on the slickrock east side(1 hour)
Pack supplies from the Springdale market; the quiet pullouts here are a world away from the canyon floor
Kolob Canyons & Dark Sky Stargazing
Escape the crowds at Kolob Canyons, a separate northwest section off I-15 about 40 minutes from Springdale. Crimson finger canyons and near-solitude. Cap the night with stargazing — Zion is an International Dark Sky Park.
Drive to the Kolob Canyons entrance (I-15 exit 40)(45 min)
Same park pass; the small visitor center has the trail board
Drive the 5mi Kolob Canyons Scenic Road(1 hour)
Crimson finger canyons rise on both sides; stop at the viewpoints on the climb
Hike Taylor Creek to Double Arch Alcove(2.5 hours)
5mi round trip crossing a creek past two homestead cabins to a streaked alcove
Sunset at the Timber Creek Overlook(1 hour)
Short 1mi round trip to a panorama of the finger canyons going crimson
Stargazing near the main canyon(1 hour)
Find a dark pullout; the Milky Way is vivid on clear, moonless nights
Observation Point via East Mesa
Look DOWN on Angels Landing from a higher, quieter perch. With the in-canyon route closed by rockfall for years, the standard approach is the East Mesa Trail from outside the park near Zion Ponderosa — a high, mostly flat forest walk. Arrange a shuttle from a Springdale outfitter or drive the dirt road in (high-clearance helps when wet).
Shuttle or drive to the East Mesa trailhead(1 hour)
Outfitters in Springdale run shuttles to the trailhead off the east side; the dirt access road can be rough after rain
Hike the East Mesa Trail to Observation Point(3.5 hours)
~7mi round trip, mostly flat through ponderosa pine, ending 700ft above Angels Landing for arguably the best panorama in the park; no permit needed
Quiet lunch at the overlook(45 min)
Far fewer people than the canyon floor; savor the view over Zion Canyon spread out below
Return and easy evening in Springdale(2 hours)
Wind down with dinner at the Spotted Dog at Flanigan's Inn
Day Trip to Bryce Canyon — Hoodoo Amphitheater
Drive ~1.5 hours northeast on UT-9 then UT-12 to Bryce Canyon, a wholly different world of orange hoodoos stacked in vast amphitheaters at 8,000ft (dress warmer — it's much cooler than Zion). Your annual pass covers entry. This is a full day trip; you'll return to Springdale tonight.
Drive Springdale to Bryce Canyon(1.5 hours)
UT-9 east through Mt. Carmel Junction, then UT-12; the elevation climbs sharply
Hike the Navajo Loop / Queen's Garden combo(3 hours)
~3mi descending through Wall Street's switchbacks among towering hoodoos and looping back up — the classic Bryce hike
Drive to Bryce, Inspiration, and Sunset Points(1.5 hours)
The rim viewpoints over the Bryce Amphitheater; Inspiration Point gives the widest hoodoo panorama
Drive back to Springdale(1.5 hours)
Time it for sunset light on the drive home through Mt. Carmel
Rest & Recharge Day
A deliberate buffer after the Bryce day trip. Keep it loose — laundry, a long breakfast, a riverside nap, or a short flat walk. National-park trips reward pacing, and you have a full second week ahead.
Slow breakfast at Deep Creek Coffee(1.5 hours)
Excellent espresso and breakfast burritos at the foot of the canyon
Pa'rus Trail bike or walk(1.5 hours)
Rent a bike in town and roll the flat paved trail along the Virgin River at an easy pace
Springdale shops and supplies restock(1.5 hours)
Top up trail snacks and water at the Springdale market for the days ahead
Riverside dinner at the Bit & Spur(1.5 hours)
Long-running Springdale cantina with hearty Southwestern fare
Slot-Canyon Canyoneering Day
Go beyond hiking with a guided canyoneering descent — rappelling through narrow sculpted slots is the quintessential Zion adventure. Book a permitted route (e.g. the Subway bottom-up, or a guided trip in nearby slots outside the wilderness permit zone) through Zion Adventure Company or East Zion Adventures. Full day, gear and instruction included.
Meet your guide and gear up(45 min)
Harnesses, ropes, wetsuits, and a safety briefing; guided trips run ~$150-200+ per person and handle permits
Guided canyoneering descent(5-6 hours)
Rappel and downclimb through a sculpted slot — beginner-friendly routes exist on the east side outside the main wilderness lottery
Debrief and return to Springdale(1 hour)
Return gear and swap stories; a hot shower has rarely felt better
Celebratory dinner at Oscar's Cafe(1.5 hours)
Reward the effort with the patio and a cold drink
Grafton Ghost Town & Rockville Backroads
Skip the park entirely and explore the human history just downstream. Grafton, a Mormon pioneer town abandoned after repeated Virgin River floods, is one of the most photographed ghost towns in the West (it featured in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid). Reached via a dirt road from quiet Rockville, just minutes from Springdale.
Drive to Grafton via Rockville's Bridge Road(30 min)
Cross the historic 1924 Rockville Bridge, then follow the dirt road (passable for most cars in dry weather) to the townsite
Explore the Grafton ghost town and cemetery(1.5 hours)
A restored schoolhouse, weathered cabins, and a pioneer cemetery set against the cliffs; free and rarely crowded
Drive the Smithsonian Butte Backway(1.5 hours)
A scenic dirt route (high-clearance recommended) climbing toward Gooseberry Mesa with sweeping views back over Zion's cliffs
Lunch back in Rockville or Springdale(1 hour)
Quiet small-town pace before heading back
Snow Canyon State Park Day Trip
Drive ~1 hour southwest toward St. George to Snow Canyon State Park, a compact gem of red-and-white Navajo sandstone, petrified dunes, and lava tubes — and far less busy than Zion. A relaxed contrast with short, family-friendly trails and great photography. ($15 vehicle entry, separate from your park pass.)
Drive Springdale to Snow Canyon(1 hour)
West on UT-9 to I-15, exit near St. George/Ivins; the red rock here glows differently from Zion's
Hike the Petrified Dunes and Jenny's Canyon(2 hours)
Short trails over swirling frozen sand dunes and into a tiny slot — easy and photogenic
Explore the Lava Flow Trail and tubes(1.5 hours)
Walk across ancient black lava and peer into collapsed lava tubes; bring a headlamp to venture in
Dinner in St. George before returning(1.5 hours)
More dining variety than Springdale; refuel before the drive back
Rest Day & Sunset Canyon Overlook Encore
Your last full day — keep it gentle. Sleep in, pack at leisure, and end the trip with a return to the Canyon Overlook for sunset, when the crowds thin and the main canyon fills with golden light. A quiet, fitting farewell to the cliffs.
Relaxed late breakfast(1.5 hours)
One more morning at MeMe's or the Spotted Dog with no agenda
Pack and organize for departure(1.5 hours)
Return any rental gear, sort photos, and prep the car for the drive out tomorrow
Sunset on the Canyon Overlook Trail(1.5 hours)
Drive up the Mt. Carmel Highway and walk the 1mi out for golden hour over the main canyon — a favorite for sunset and far calmer than the floor trails
Farewell dinner at the Red Rock Grill (Zion Lodge)(1.5 hours)
Book ahead for a last meal inside the park itself
Sunrise Watchman Trail & Departure
One last hike before the road. The Watchman Trail starts right at the Visitor Center — no shuttle needed — and the morning light is the best of the trip. Then drive back to Las Vegas (~2.5 hours) for your flight, or continue your Southwest loop.
Hike the Watchman Trail at sunrise(2 hours)
3.3mi round trip with ~370ft of gain from the Visitor Center to a bench overlooking Springdale and the Watchman peak
Final coffee at Deep Creek Coffee(45 min)
Fuel up and grab a road snack
Drive Springdale to Las Vegas (LAS)(2.5 hours)
Allow buffer for the airport return; if continuing, Capitol Reef is ~3.5 hours and the Grand Canyon North Rim ~2.5 hours away
21-Day Zion National Park Itinerary
Arrival in Springdale & First Light on the Cliffs
Fly into Las Vegas (LAS) and drive ~2.5 hours northeast on I-15 to Springdale at the park's south entrance. For a three-week Southwest loop the $80 America the Beautiful annual pass is a no-brainer — it covers Zion, Bryce, the Grand Canyon, and Capitol Reef. Settle in and ease into canyon time.
Drive Las Vegas to Springdale(2.5 hours)
I-15 north to UT-9 east through Hurricane and Rockville; cliffs appear about 20 minutes out
Stop at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center(45 min)
Grab the flash-flood forecast, shuttle schedule, and trail board; the lot fills by mid-morning
Evening stroll on the Pa'rus Trail(1.5 hours)
Flat, paved 3.5mi round trip along the Virgin River; cliffs go rust-orange at golden hour
Dinner at Oscar's Cafe(1.5 hours)
Green-chile burgers on a patio under the cliffs, ~$20-30 per person
Angels Landing or Scout Lookout
The marquee day. The chained final half-mile of Angels Landing needs a permit awarded by lottery on recreation.gov (~$6 application fee plus a per-person fee) — apply ahead or try the day-before lottery. Without one you can still climb to Scout Lookout. Start at dawn.
First Zion Canyon shuttle (~6-7AM) to The Grotto(30 min)
The free shuttle is mandatory March-November; earliest runs are nearly empty
West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout(2.5 hours)
2mi each way, ~1,000ft up via Refrigerator Canyon and Walter's Wiggles' 21 switchbacks
Angels Landing chains (permit required)(1.5 hours)
Exposed final 0.5mi along a knife-edge spine with 1,500ft drops and bolted chains; turn back at Scout Lookout without a permit
Lunch at the Zion Lodge / Red Rock Grill(1 hour)
The only food inside the canyon; book the grill ahead
Lower Emerald Pool cooldown loop(1 hour)
Easy 1.2mi loop from the Lodge past a seasonal waterfall curtain
The Narrows — Bottom-Up
Wade up the Virgin River into the slot where 1,000ft walls close to 20ft apart. No permit needed bottom-up. CRITICAL: check the NPS flash-flood potential rating that morning and never enter when it reads 'probable'; exit at once if the water rises or turns muddy. Gear up in Springdale.
Rent gear at Zion Outfitter or Zion Adventure Company(45 min)
Neoprene socks, canyoneering boots, sturdy stick ~$25-55/day; add a dry pack
Shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava(40 min)
Ride the canyon shuttle to its end; go early
Riverside Walk to the river entry(30 min)
1mi flat paved path past hanging gardens before the river becomes the trail
Wade upstream toward Wall Street(4-5 hours)
Most day-hikers reach Wall Street (~3.5mi up) and turn back; strong current, slick rocks
Rest Day in Springdale
Two big days deserve a slow one. Sleep in, wander Springdale's cliff-hugged main street, browse galleries, and take only a gentle trail if you feel like it. Use the free town shuttle and leave the car parked.
Late breakfast at MeMe's Cafe(1.5 hours)
Crepes and strong coffee, ~$15-20 per person
Browse Springdale galleries and the Worthington Gallery(2 hours)
Local pottery, photography, and Navajo work
Pool time and riverside reading(2 hours)
The point today is doing little
Dinner at Whiptail Grill(1.5 hours)
Inventive Southwestern plates in a converted gas station
East Side — Mt. Carmel Highway & Canyon Overlook
Drive your own car east on the Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway through the historic 1.1mi tunnel onto the slickrock east side. RVs/rigs over 7'10" wide or 11'4" tall need a $15 traffic-control permit and one-way escort. The terrain flips from canyon to cross-bedded sandstone domes.
Drive the Mt. Carmel Highway through the tunnel(1 hour)
Six tight switchbacks then the dark, window-pierced 1927 tunnel; drive slowly
Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail(1.5 hours)
1mi round trip with drop-offs but no permit; ends at a view straight down the main canyon
Photograph Checkerboard Mesa(30 min)
Cross-hatched dome a few miles east, best in late-afternoon light
Picnic on the slickrock east side(1 hour)
Quiet pullouts a world away from the canyon floor
Kolob Canyons & Dark Sky Stargazing
Escape the crowds at Kolob Canyons, a separate northwest section off I-15 about 40 minutes from Springdale. Crimson finger canyons and near-solitude, then stargazing — Zion is an International Dark Sky Park.
Drive to the Kolob Canyons entrance (I-15 exit 40)(45 min)
Same park pass; small visitor center has the trail board
Drive the 5mi Kolob Canyons Scenic Road(1 hour)
Crimson finger canyons on both sides; stop at the viewpoints
Hike Taylor Creek to Double Arch Alcove(2.5 hours)
5mi round trip past two homestead cabins to a streaked alcove
Sunset at the Timber Creek Overlook(1 hour)
Short 1mi round trip to a finger-canyon panorama going crimson
Stargazing near the main canyon(1 hour)
Find a dark pullout; the Milky Way is vivid on clear, moonless nights
Observation Point via East Mesa
Look DOWN on Angels Landing from a higher, quieter perch. With the in-canyon route long closed by rockfall, the standard approach is the East Mesa Trail from outside the park near Zion Ponderosa. Arrange a Springdale outfitter shuttle or drive the dirt road in.
Shuttle or drive to the East Mesa trailhead(1 hour)
Outfitters run shuttles to the east-side trailhead; the dirt access road can be rough after rain
East Mesa Trail to Observation Point(3.5 hours)
~7mi round trip, mostly flat through ponderosa pine, ending 700ft above Angels Landing for the best panorama in the park; no permit
Quiet lunch at the overlook(45 min)
Far fewer people; savor Zion Canyon spread below
Easy evening in Springdale(2 hours)
Dinner at the Spotted Dog at Flanigan's Inn
Drive to Bryce Canyon — Two-Night Side Trip
Leave Zion for a two-night base near Bryce Canyon (~1.5 hours northeast via UT-9 and UT-12). At 8,000ft Bryce is much cooler — pack layers. Settling in here, rather than day-tripping, lets you catch both sunset and sunrise over the hoodoos.
Drive Springdale to Bryce Canyon(1.5 hours)
UT-9 east through Mt. Carmel Junction, then UT-12; the elevation climbs sharply
Check in near Bryce (Bryce Canyon City or Tropic)(45 min)
Bases just outside the park gate; your annual pass covers entry
Drive the rim to Bryce, Inspiration, and Sunset Points(1.5 hours)
Inspiration Point gives the widest amphitheater panorama
Sunset over the Bryce Amphitheater(1 hour)
The low sun lights the hoodoos on fire from Sunset Point
Bryce Canyon — Hoodoos & Scenic Drive
A full day inside Bryce. Descend among the hoodoos on foot in the morning, then drive the 18mi scenic road south to the high viewpoints in the afternoon. Catch sunrise first if you can — it's the park's signature light.
Sunrise at Sunrise or Bryce Point(1 hour)
The amphitheater glows orange as the sun crests; bundle up, it's cold at dawn at 8,000ft
Navajo Loop / Queen's Garden combo(3 hours)
~3mi descending Wall Street's switchbacks among towering hoodoos and looping back — the classic Bryce hike
Drive the scenic road to Rainbow and Yovimpa Points(2 hours)
18mi south to the highest overlooks (9,100ft) with views toward the Grand Staircase
Dinner in Bryce Canyon City(1.5 hours)
Relaxed evening before the next leg
Grand Staircase–Escalante & Drive Back to Zion
Take the scenic route back toward Zion via a slice of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. Stop for a slot canyon and a roadside hike on UT-12, one of America's most scenic byways, then return to a Springdale base for the rest of the trip.
Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls (optional, off UT-12)(3 hours)
6mi round trip through Escalante canyon to a 126ft waterfall and emerald pool; sandy and exposed, carry water
Stop at Kodachrome Basin or Mossy Cave(1.5 hours)
Shorter alternatives if Calf Creek is too long — Mossy Cave near Bryce is just 1mi to a waterfall and grotto
Drive back to Springdale(2 hours)
Retrace UT-12 and UT-9 to your Zion-area base
Easy dinner in Springdale(1.5 hours)
The Bit & Spur cantina for hearty Southwestern fare
Rest & Recharge Day
A deliberate buffer after three days on the road. Keep it loose — laundry, a long breakfast, a riverside nap, or a short flat walk. You're at the trip's midpoint with plenty still ahead.
Slow breakfast at Deep Creek Coffee(1.5 hours)
Espresso and breakfast burritos at the foot of the canyon
Pa'rus Trail bike or walk(1.5 hours)
Rent a bike and roll the flat paved river trail at an easy pace
Restock supplies at the Springdale market(1 hour)
Top up trail snacks and water for the second half
Relaxed riverside dinner(1.5 hours)
No agenda tonight
Slot-Canyon Canyoneering Day
Go beyond hiking with a guided canyoneering descent — rappelling through sculpted slots is the quintessential Zion adventure. Book through Zion Adventure Company or East Zion Adventures; gear, instruction, and permits are included. Full day.
Meet your guide and gear up(45 min)
Harnesses, ropes, wetsuits, and a briefing; guided trips run ~$150-200+ per person
Guided canyoneering descent(5-6 hours)
Rappel and downclimb a sculpted slot; beginner-friendly routes exist on the east side outside the wilderness lottery
Debrief and return(1 hour)
Return gear and swap stories
Celebratory dinner at Oscar's Cafe(1.5 hours)
Reward the effort on the patio
Grafton Ghost Town & Rockville Backroads
Skip the park and explore the human history downstream. Grafton, a Mormon pioneer town abandoned after repeated Virgin River floods, is one of the West's most photographed ghost towns (Butch Cassidy was filmed here). Reached via a dirt road from quiet Rockville, minutes from Springdale.
Drive to Grafton via Rockville's Bridge Road(30 min)
Cross the 1924 Rockville Bridge, then the dirt road (dry-weather passable for most cars) to the townsite
Explore the Grafton ghost town and cemetery(1.5 hours)
Restored schoolhouse, weathered cabins, and a pioneer cemetery against the cliffs; free, rarely crowded
Drive the Smithsonian Butte Backway(1.5 hours)
Scenic dirt route (high-clearance recommended) toward Gooseberry Mesa with sweeping views back over Zion
Lunch in Rockville or Springdale(1 hour)
Quiet small-town pace
Rest Day & Snow Canyon Afternoon
A lighter day. Sleep in, then drive ~1 hour southwest toward St. George for an easy afternoon at Snow Canyon State Park — red-and-white sandstone, petrified dunes, and lava tubes, far quieter than Zion. ($15 vehicle entry, separate from your park pass.)
Slow morning in Springdale(2 hours)
Late breakfast and a gentle start
Drive to Snow Canyon State Park(1 hour)
West on UT-9 to I-15 near St. George/Ivins
Hike the Petrified Dunes and Jenny's Canyon(2 hours)
Short trails over frozen sand dunes and a tiny slot — easy and photogenic
Dinner in St. George before returning(1.5 hours)
More dining variety than Springdale; refuel before the drive back
Drive to the Grand Canyon North Rim — Two-Night Side Trip
Head south to the Grand Canyon's North Rim (~2.5 hours), the higher, quieter side of the canyon at 8,000ft (open mid-May to mid-October only). Far fewer crowds than the South Rim and your annual pass covers entry. Base for two nights at the Grand Canyon Lodge or nearby Kaibab forest lodging — book well ahead.
Drive Springdale to the North Rim(2.5 hours)
South through Kanab and up the Kaibab Plateau; the last stretch winds through ponderosa forest
Walk to Bright Angel Point(1 hour)
Short 0.5mi paved walk from the Lodge to a jaw-dropping promontory over the canyon
Sunset from the Grand Canyon Lodge terrace(1 hour)
The classic North Rim sunset; grab a drink on the historic stone terrace
Dinner at the Grand Canyon Lodge dining room(1.5 hours)
Reservations essential; the window views over the canyon are unmatched
North Rim — Cape Royal & Point Imperial
A full day exploring the North Rim's scenic drives and viewpoints. The Cape Royal Road threads to the highest and most dramatic overlooks, with short walks at each. A relaxed, view-rich day at altitude.
Drive to Point Imperial (the highest viewpoint)(1 hour)
8,800ft overlook of the eastern canyon and the Painted Desert beyond
Drive the Cape Royal Road to Cape Royal(2 hours)
Stop at Vista Encantada and Walhalla Overlook; the short paved walk at Cape Royal frames Angels Window arch
Hike a stretch of the Transept or Widforss Trail(2 hours)
Quiet rim-edge forest trails; the Widforss is ~5mi to a panoramic point if you want more
Second sunset on the rim(1 hour)
A final North Rim evening before tomorrow's drive
Drive Back via Kanab — Wave Country & Sand Caves
Return toward Zion via Kanab, the small movie-Western town that's the staging point for the famous Wave permit lottery (Coyote Buttes). Even without a Wave permit, the area around Kanab has accessible slot canyons and sand caves. Settle back into a Springdale base.
Drive North Rim to Kanab(1.5 hours)
Back down the Kaibab Plateau into the Utah-Arizona border country
Explore the Kanab Sand Caves and Moqui Cave(2 hours)
A short scramble to hand-carved sandstone caves above the highway; Moqui Cave is a quirky roadside museum
Drive Kanab to Springdale(1.5 hours)
West on UT-9 back through the Mt. Carmel side of the park
Dinner in Springdale(1.5 hours)
Settle back into your gateway base
Rest & Recharge Day
After the Grand Canyon loop, a genuine down day. Laundry, photo backup, a long lunch, maybe a flat riverside walk. Three weeks of travel rewards real rest.
Leisurely breakfast at MeMe's Cafe(1.5 hours)
No alarm, no agenda
Photo organizing and downtime(2 hours)
Back up the trip's images and rest your legs
Optional easy Pa'rus Trail walk(1 hour)
Flat riverside stroll only if you feel like moving
Relaxed dinner at Whiptail Grill(1.5 hours)
Prickly-pear margarita on the patio
Capitol Reef Day Trip — Slow Canyon Country
A long but rewarding day trip to Capitol Reef (~3.5 hours each way via UT-12, the scenic byway over Boulder Mountain) — or substitute a closer slow day if the drive's too much. Capitol Reef's Waterpocket Fold, historic Fruita orchards, and quiet trails are the least-crowded of Utah's Mighty 5. Annual pass covers the scenic-drive fee.
Drive Springdale to Capitol Reef via UT-12(3.5 hours)
One of America's most scenic drives, climbing over 9,000ft Boulder Mountain; leave at dawn
Walk the Fruita Historic District and orchards(1.5 hours)
Pioneer barn, one-room schoolhouse, and (seasonally) pick-your-own fruit in the orchards
Hike Hickman Bridge or the Capitol Gorge(2 hours)
Hickman Bridge is a 2mi round trip to a 133ft natural arch; Capitol Gorge passes pioneer petroglyphs and the Pioneer Register
Drive back to Springdale(3.5 hours)
A big day — or overnight in Torrey if you'd rather split it
Rest Day & Sunset Canyon Overlook Encore
Your last full day — keep it gentle after the long Capitol Reef run. Sleep in, pack at leisure, return any rental gear, and end with a sunset return to the Canyon Overlook when the crowds thin and the canyon fills with golden light.
Relaxed late breakfast(1.5 hours)
One more unhurried morning at the Spotted Dog or Deep Creek Coffee
Pack and return rental gear(1.5 hours)
Sort photos and prep the car for tomorrow's drive out
Sunset on the Canyon Overlook Trail(1.5 hours)
Drive up the Mt. Carmel Highway and walk the 1mi out for golden hour over the main canyon
Farewell dinner at the Red Rock Grill (Zion Lodge)(1.5 hours)
Book ahead for a last meal inside the park
Sunrise Watchman Trail & Departure
One last hike before the road. The Watchman Trail starts right at the Visitor Center — no shuttle needed — and the morning light is the best of the trip. Then drive back to Las Vegas (~2.5 hours) for your flight home.
Hike the Watchman Trail at sunrise(2 hours)
3.3mi round trip, ~370ft gain from the Visitor Center to a bench overlooking Springdale and the Watchman peak
Final coffee at Deep Creek Coffee(45 min)
Fuel up and grab a road snack
Drive Springdale to Las Vegas (LAS)(2.5 hours)
Allow buffer for the airport return and rental-car drop-off
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
ESTA or Visa for the USA
Visa Waiver Program travellers (UK, EU, Australia, Japan, and others) need an approved ESTA (US$21, valid 2 years) before flying; most other nationalities need a B-2 visitor visa. There's no separate entry process for the park itself — just standard US entry at your arrival airport, typically Las Vegas or Salt Lake City for a Zion trip.
Safety
Check the Flash-Flood Forecast for the Narrows
The Narrows is a slot canyon with no escape from rising water — flash floods from storms miles away have killed hikers here. Always check the National Park Service flash-flood potential rating that day, never enter when it's 'probable', and get out immediately if the water turns muddy or rises. The canyon also closes when the river runs too high.
transport
Park in Springdale and Ride In
Zion's small lot fills by mid-morning in season, and private cars are banned on the scenic drive most of the year. Stay or park in the gateway town of Springdale and take the free town shuttle to the pedestrian entrance, then the free park shuttle up the canyon. Arrive before 8AM or after 3PM to find parking and shorter shuttle lines.
Local Customs
Win the Angels Landing Permit Lottery
Since 2022 the chained final section of Angels Landing requires a permit (~$6 application fee plus per-person fee) awarded by lottery — there are seasonal advance lotteries and a day-before lottery. Apply on recreation.gov before you go; without a permit you can still hike the spectacular switchbacks up to Scout Lookout but not the summit ridge.
Budget
Annual Pass and Free Days
Entry is $35 per vehicle for 7 days, but the $80 America the Beautiful annual pass covers Zion plus Bryce, the Grand Canyon, and other parks on a Southwest road trip — it pays off after roughly three parks. The NPS also waives entry fees on a handful of designated free days each year; check the calendar before you book.
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