Introduction
Surrounded by arid countryside and flat landscape, Zion National Park stands out among the landscape. The lush landscape and towering rock walls give ways to stunning views above and inside the canyon. It’s no wonder millions of people come to visit every year. With a number of hikes, viewpoints, camping and sightseeing, Zion has everything you could want in a National Park. Though the park is not large in respect to other national parks, it can take a few days to fully explore the park in full. In this guide, we will give you the perfect 1 day Itinerary for Zion.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Preparing for your visit
- Best time to visit Zion
- What to Pack
- Where to Stay Nearby
- The Perfect 1 Day Itinerary
- Overall
Preparing for your visit
Best time to visit Zion
Zion National Park experiences all 4 seasons and is stunning year round. From autumn colors in the Fall to snow covered peaks in the winter, each season brings a new view to Zion. Temperatures during the summer time can reach close to 100℉ during mid day, so if you plan to do a lot of hiking, visiting during the Fall time might be the best time. The temperature in Zion during the Fall cool off to around 75℉ around October, making it the ideal season for hiking. The water temperature in the Virgin River is still comfortable from the summer which means the Narrows is still an option if it’s on your list of hikes. Crowd sizes are smaller as well in the Fall and Spring meaning it’s easier to catch the shuttle and see more of the park instead of having to stand in the long lines.
Entrance to the park is the same year round. Entrance price per day, per vehicle, is $35. The price for the Annual National Park Pass is $80. Though this might seem high, if you plan to visit the park (or others) for multiple days, an Annual Pass will save you money in the long run.
What to Pack
Though hiking is very popular in Zion, there are several walking trails that you can take to visit different locations in the park. That being said, here is what we recommend to bring to fully enjoy all Zion has to offer:
Hiking boots
A good pair of hiking boots can be the difference between a fun hike or a miserable one. Make sure the boots are waterproof and comfortable.
Sunscreen
During the day time, the sun can be quite intense and the canyon does not provide much coverage if you are out walking around.
Water
It’s very important that you make sure you bring enough water on your hike. Along hikes such as Angel’s Landing, there is nowhere to stop for water to pack enough. We recommend having a Cammelbak with a built in bladder.
Food
To avoid having to leave the park to get food, we recommend packing lunch and snacks. This will avoid having to take the shuttle all the way back to the parking lot and going into the town of Springdale. Parking at Zion is limited and the lots fill up fast during peak season. If you leave, you may have trouble finding a spot on the way back.
Hiking Poles
This is more of a preference than a necessity. But, hiking polls definitely make the descent a little easier on the knees and help with balance.
Camera
I mentioned before how incredible the views of the canyon are in Zion. Make sure you have your phone charged or your camera packed. Bringing a small portable charger makes sure you won’t lose power while you are enjoying the hikes. These are memories you are going to want to capture and relive again and again.
Waterproof Boots
If you plan to hike the Narrows, waterproof hiking boots and booties are a must. This will keep your own gear dry, while keeping your feet warm since the water can be cold! Boots can be rented at Zion Outfitters which is located right outside the park entrance.
Permit
This one is only applicable for Angel’s Landing. If you plan to hike Angel’s Landing, a permit is required after you pass the Scout Overlook Lookout Point. There are 2 kinds of permits, Seasonal and Day Before Lottery Permits. Permits can be applied for at Angels Landing Permits & Hiking – Zion National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). Since it is a lottery system however, there is not a guarantee that you will receive a permit even if you apply. Park rangers are stationed at the beginning of Angel’s Landing to check permits before you begin the hike and after you finish. If you are caught without a permit hiking Angel’s Landing you will be subject to a hefting fine or jail time.
Where to Stay Nearby
This family friendly hotel is located right near the shuttle stop for Zion National Park. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and breakfast.
Staybridge Suites – St George, an IHG Hotel, St. George (updated prices 2024) (booking.com)
This luxury hotel has everything! A pool, basketball court and more! Located about an hour from the park in St. George, this hotel has all the amenities you could ask for.
Watchman Villas, Springdale (updated prices 2024) (booking.com)
These villas offer 1 and 2 bedroom apartments and is located close to the shuttle stop for Zion National Park.
Cable Mountain Lodge, Springdale (updated prices 2024) (booking.com)
Located right next to the Zion Vistor Center in Springdale, this lodge is in the perfect location to enjoy inside and outside the park. Amenities include hot tub, outdoor pool and air conditioning.
Breathtaking Zion Views! Modern Upstairs Suite – Guest suites for Rent in Toquerville, Utah, United States – Airbnb
This stunning home, perched on a hill provides stunning views of the surrounding area. This home is ideal for up to 6 guests and has plenty of amenities such as outside lounging area, fully stocked kitchen and air conditioning.
The Perfect 1 Day Itinerary
Arriving at Zion National Park
Zion receives about 4 million visitors each year. Getting to Zion early in the morning guarantees you parking at the Visitor Center lot and makes accessing the shuttle much easier. The alternative to parking in the main lot is Springdale. Parking in Springdale can cost around $30 for the day and you will still have to pay the entrance fee for the park.
Zion National Park has two entrances to the Canyon.
- South Entrance: Located near the town of Springdale, the south entrance is the best way to enter the canyon. After entering the park, you can park for free at the Vistor Center parking lot. The best time to arrive is before 9am before the park gets crowded.
- East Entrance: If are driving from Mt Carmel Junction the East Entrance is the best for you depending on the season. During the peak season or Summer, the shuttle is the only way in or out of the Canyon on the Scenic Drive. Be sure to check the National Park Service site to check for road closures and updates.
- Kolob Terrace Rd: Located off Zion Canyon Rd, this entrance brings you to where some of the longer hikes are located. These hikes include Lava Point, The Subway and Canyon Overlook Trail.
- Kolob Canyon Entrance: Located off I-15, this entrance includes hikes such as Taylor Creek Trail and Timber Creek Overlook Trail.
For this itinerary, we recommend entering through the South Entrance via Springdale and parking in the Visitor Center lot. From there, you will head to the shuttle pick up to begin your journey into the park.
Hiking in Zion
Hiking in Zion is a picturesque but challenging experience. Certain hikes range from moderate to difficult so it’s important to start early to avoid crowds and enjoy the cool morning air. It’s best to start no later than 6am to give yourself enough time. The canyon landscape provides the perfect backdrop as you climb so remember to stop and take plenty of photos! We laid out the 2 hikes that you can do in 1 day.
Angel’s Landing via West Rim Trail
Difficulty: Hard
Time: 5 hours
Trail Length: 4.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1827 ft
Angel’s Landing is Zion’s most iconic hike. The hike requires a permit so make sure you have one before beginning this hike. You can hike to Scout’s Lookout without a permit, but to begin Angel’s Landing, you must show your permit to the Rangers. If you are caught hiking Angel’s Landing without a permit, you will be subject to fine or possible jail time.
The hike begins at shuttle stop 6. Following the West Rim Trail, the climb gets steep pretty quickly as you climb Walter’s Wiggles (21 switchbacks). Once you reach the top, you are greeted with stunning views of the canyon at Scout’s Lookout. Take a short rest here as the next part of the climb is narrow and there’s no space to stop.
The hike from Scout’s Lookout to Angel’s Landing is tricky and narrow. It’s important to be patient and take your time. There are chains set up along the trail to help you but the narrow footing and steep drop off require balance and good concentration.
Once you reach the top, you are greeted with one of the best views of the park. The view of Angel’s Landing is stunning as you look down the canyon gorge. It’s no wonder so many people flock to do this year yearly!
The way back can be difficult as well, especially if crowds have picked up by now. Again, take your time and use the chains where available. Once you reach Scout’s Overlook, take a short break and head back down Walter’s Wiggles to the Shuttle.
Alternate Hikes:
Scouts Lookout Trail: This trail mentioned above, gives you the stunning views of the canyon, without the added risk and permitting associated with Angel’s Landing. The trail length is 3.6 miles and takes about 2 hours 15 mins out and back.
Observation Point via East Mesa Trail: This trail is located at a different section of the park, but some argue it provides the best view of the canyon. This 7 mile out and back trail takes about 2 hours 45 mins to complete and you are greeted with stunning views looking into Zion Canyon. This hike is accessed by entering through Kolob Terrace Rd Entrance which is about 30 mins from the South Entrance we mentioned above, so if you plan to hike Observation Point, plan accordingly.
The Narrows
Difficulty: Hard
Time: 4 hours
Trail Length: –
Elevation Gain: 300 ft
The Narrows is one of the most unique hikes you can do in any National Park. The hike involves trekking through cold, rocky waters to see waterfalls, carved out sections of the canyon and much more. Hiking time for the Narrows is entirely up to you, but if you are planning to do Angel’s Landing listed above, you won’t have enough time to do the entire Narrows River hike. The hike from the start of the river to the end is 16 miles and requires planning since it finishes outside of Zion Canyon. So we recommend hiking about 3 miles into the river and then hiking back to the shuttle drop off. This will give you a good amount of time and distance to enjoy the hike without taking you too far into the river.
You will want to make sure you have your waterproof boots and booties from the recommended list above. This will keep your feet nice and warm while they are submerged in the water. Depending on the time of year, the water can be a bone chilling 40℉ so if you plan to do this hike in the winter, you will need more than just the boots to keep you warm. In the summer and fall, the water is a crisp 60℉ and the boots do a great job of keeping your feet warm.
Timber Creek Trailhead
With one of the best sunset views in the park, Timber Creek is the best way to finish off a day at Zion. Located off the Kolob Canyon Entrance, this short 1 mile hike out and back provides perfect backdrops for watching the sun set over the horizon.
Overall
It’s no wonder Zion National Park is considered a marvel due to its stunning beauty and incredible landscape. A trip to Zion is a memory that will last a lifetime!
