Ultimate Zion National Park Guide and Itinerary
- ultimatevacationn
- Apr 18
- 9 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Introduction to Zion National Park
Zion National Park is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the U.S. Dramatic red cliffs, slot canyons, and some of the most famous hikes in the world make Zion a must-visit destination. Although Zion has some of the best hiking trails in the world, it isn’t all about hiking–it’s also full of scenic drives, epic overlooks, and so much more. In this comprehensive Zion National Park guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know to help you plan an unforgettable trip to one of America’s most breathtaking national parks!
History and Conservation at Zion
Zion National Park is a place with an incredible history and a delicate ecosystem that needs protection. The parks cliffs and canyons were shaped by the Virgin River, creating the beautiful landscapes we see today. Zion has also been home to indigenous communities for thousands of years, including the Southern Paiute people, who have lived in and cared for this land before it even became a national park.
When Zion was officially designated as Utah’s first national park in 1919, it ensured that these landscapes would be preserved for future generations. Today, Zion sees over 4 million visitors per year, making it one of the busiest national parks in the U.S. With that popularity comes responsibility, practicing leave no trace principles is essential to help protect Zion’s fragile ecosystem. Whether you’re hiking through The Narrows, standing atop Angel’s Landing, or exploring the quieter corners of the park, being mindful of conservation efforts ensures that Zion remains just as beautiful for years to come.
Where is Zion National Park?
Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah, near the town of Springdale. It’s one of the most accessible national parks in the Southwest, just a few hours away from major cities like Las Vegas (160 miles away) and Salt Lake City (300 miles away).
Getting to Zion National Park
Zion may seem like it’s in the middle of nowhere, but it’s actually one of the easiest national parks to reach in the Southwest. The best way to visit is by roadtrip with most travelers driving from Las Vegas or Salt Lake city. Zion is a popular stop for those exploring Utah’s Mighty 5 or roadtripping through the Southwest, often combined with nearby parks like the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon.
Closest Airport to Zion National Park
The closest major airports to Zion National Park are Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Las Vegas is the most popular option as it’s just a 2.5 hour drive from the park, while Salt Lake City is about a 4.5 hour drive away. There’s also a smaller regional airport in St. George, Utah (SGU), located just an hour from Zion, but with very limited flight options.
If you’re flying in, Las Vegas is the best choice for most travelers. You can also spend a day or two exploring the city before renting a car and heading to Zion to kick off you’re Utah roadtrip!
Getting Around Zion National Park
Having a car or rental vehicle is the best way to explore Zion National Park, especially if you plan to visit other nearby destinations. While much of the park is accessible by the Zion Shuttle (March-November), driving is necessary for reaching scenic areas like Kolob Canyon, Kolob Terrace Road, and the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.
If you’re flying in, be sure to reserve your rental car in advance, especially during peak season, as availability can be limited at nearby airports like Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Also make sure to check the Zion Shuttle schedule ahead of time to plan out your day!
Zion National Park Entrance Fee
To visit Zion National Park, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee or have a National Park Pass. The best option for frequent visitors or travelers visiting three or more national parks during the year, is the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, which grants access to all U.S. national parks for a full year. This is a great option if you plan on visiting more parks beyond Zion, it will save you a lot of money in the long run!
If you’re only planning on visiting Zion the entrance fee costs $35 per vehicle, $30 for motorcycles, or $20 per person if entering by foot or bicycle. Keep in mind buying a pass lasts for seven days, so make sure to keep your receipt if you plan on visiting for multiple days!
Best Time to Visit Zion National Park
In our opinion, fall is one of the best times to visit Zion National Park. The summer crowds have started to thin out, the weather is much more comfortable, and the changing leaves add a beautiful pop of color to the red rock landscape.
Summer is Zion’s busiest season, but it also comes with extreme heat–temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making mid-day hiking more challenging. Winter offers a unique experience with fewer crowds and the chance to see light snowfall dusting the cliffs, but some trails may be icy or closed due to conditions.
No matter when you visit, each season offers something special in Zion–it all depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for!
What to Pack for Zion National Park
What you pack for Zion depends on when you visit and what you plan to do. If you’re visiting in summer, expect extreme heat–lightweight, breathable clothing, a sun hat, and plenty of water are must-haves. In fall and spring, the weather is more mild, but layers are still a good idea for chilly mornings and evenings. Winter can bring cold temperatures and even snow, so packing warm layers, gloves, and waterproof gear is essential.
This packing guide is tailored for hikers and adventure seekers, but if you’re just planning to do scenic drives and viewpoints, you can skip the hiking-specific items. If you need any of the items listed, be sure to check out our Amazon Storefront for all the gear we love from brands we trust!
Hiking Shoes (Waterproof depending on the season)
Hydration Pack or Reusable Waterbottles
Sunscreen
Lightweight, Breathable Clothing
Daypack or Backpack
Snacks & High-Energy Food
Trekking Poles
Headlamp or Flashlight + Extra Batteries (If your hiking in the dark)
Wool Socks (For winter)
First Aid Kit
Where to Stay Near Zion National Park
Zion Lodge is the only accommodation within Zion National Park, but it gets booked out quickly! If you’re looking for more options, the best places to stay are in Springdale, Hurricane, and St. George, Utah–each offering a range of lodging choices based on your budget and preferences.
Springdale, Utah: the closest town to Zion’s entrance, offering the best access to the park with hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals.
Hurricane, Utah: A more budget friendly option, located about 30 minutes from Zion.
St. George, Utah: About an hour from Zion National Park, but great for those wanting more amenities and a wider range of accommodations.
Best Camping in Zion National Park
Watchman Campground: the most popular campground, located near the park entrance. Reservations Required.
South Campground: a great alternative to Watchman, offering shaded sites. Reservations Required.
Lava Point Campground: a remote campground, an hour away from Zion Canyon. Reservations Required.
Backpacking: if you’re interested in backcountry camping, Zion offers remote overnight options, but permits are required.
How Many Days to Spend in Zion National Park?
You can explore Zion in just one day, but if you want to experience more than just a quick stop, spending at least two or three days here is ideal. A single day allows you to see some of the park’s most famous spots, but you’ll likely be rushing to fit everything in. With two days, you’ll have time for a mix of hikes, scenic drives, and iconic viewpoints. If you have three or more days, you can slow down and explore areas beyond Zion Canyon like Kolob Canyons or Kolob Terrace Road.
Further down in this guide, you’ll find a suggested two day Zion National Park itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.
Best Things to Do in Zion National Park
Zion is filled with so many incredible adventures for every type of traveler. The park is best known for its epic hiking trails, and we highly recommend experiencing one during your visit. But even if you’re not a big hiker, there are plenty of scenic drives, overlooks, and easy walks that showcase Zion’s beauty.
For a full list of must-see places, check out our 10 Things You NEED to Do in Zion National Park guide!
Wildlife Spotting in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, from rattlesnakes you never want to step on to the common mule deer that are often seen grazing in the meadows. On our first visit to Zion, we saw a bighorn sheep scaling a cliff, countless mule deer, and even a fox–and this was all in the middle of winter! Wildlife is active year-round, but early mornings and late evenings are the best times to spot animals. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a California Condor, one of the rarest birds in the world. We still haven’t seen one yet, but can’t wait for the day we finally do!
While most wildlife encounters in Zion are harmless and incredible to see from a distance, it’s important to respect their space, here are a few animals to be mindful of:
Rattlesnakes: Zion is home to the Great Basin Rattlesnake, a venomous snake often found sunbathing on trails. They typically will avoid you, but may strike if they feel threatened. Always watch your step and give them plenty of space if you see one.
Mountain Lions: Everyone says you will probably never see one, but while visiting our 7th national park, I (Audri) came face to face with one when I rounded a corner mid-day! Not to worry though, our encounter was NOT in Zion, it was actually in one of California’s least visited national parks, Pinnacles National Park. Although they’re rarely seen, they do live in Zion. You are most likely to encounter one in the early morning or late at night, especially in remote areas. If you ever encounter one, make yourself look big, don’t run, and back away slowly!
Scorpions: Zion is home to scorpions, including the Bark Scorpion, which can deliver a painful sting. They are mostly active at night and hide under rocks, logs, and in crevices. If you’re camping or hiking after dark, shake out your shoes, check your sleeping bag, and use a flashlight before sitting or reaching into a rocky area.
Zion National Park 2-Day Itinerary
There are many ways to experience Zion National Park, but we think this two-day itinerary is the best way to see the park’s highlights while still leaving room for adventure. You can easily customize it based on your travel style, whether you’re staying in Springdale, camping inside of the park, or roadtripping Utah. Depending on where you're coming from, you may want to adjust the activities to fit your schedule.
Zion Itinerary - Day 1
This itinerary starts in Zion Canyon, where some of the most popular trails and viewpoints are located. How much hiking you do is up to you! Start the morning with The Narrows (Bottom-Up Route, up to 8.9 miles roundtrip, but you can turn around at any point), one of the most unique hikes in the world, where you’re wading through the Virgin River and in between the massive canyon walls.
After The Narrows, take a break at Zion Lodge or bring a picnic to enjoy some of the beautiful views in the park. In the afternoon, hop on the Zion Shuttle and stop at the various overlooks along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive to take in the breathtaking views. End your day with a sunset at Canyon Overlook (1 mile roundtrip), one of the best viewpoints in the park!
Zion Itinerary - Day 2
Day two of this itinerary takes you to one of the highest points you can hike to in the park. Start your morning with Angel’s Landing (Permit Required, 4.3 miles roundtrip), one of Zion’s most famous hikes. If you’re unable to get a permit for the final chain section, the hike to Scout Lookout still offers amazing views and is worth the effort, it’s actually one of our favorite hikes to this day!
After descending from Angel’s Landing, take a scenic drive along Kolob Canyons or Kolob Terrace Road, which are less crowded areas of the park but just as beautiful. If you’re looking for one last adventure, hike The Watchman Trail (3.2 miles roundtrip) for your last sunrise in Zion.
Tips for Visiting Zion National Park
Whether it’s your first time visiting Zion National Park or you’re an experienced national park traveler, a little planning goes a long way! One of the best ways to save time and money is to purchase the America the Beautiful National Park Pass in advance, or you can purchase it at the entrance gate. If you choose to order it online, leave 5-10 business days to receive the physical copy in the mail. The pass is valid for a full year and covers the entrance fee for over 2,000 federal recreation site, making it a great investment if you plan on visiting more parks after Zion. Keep in mind that you ALWAYS need the physical copy with you!
Zion’s weather can change quickly depending on the season, so make sure to pack all of your seasonal essentials. Cell service is also very limited inside the park, so be sure to download offline maps ahead of time. We personally use AllTrails+ while hiking and it has been a life saver a few times!
Since there are limited food options inside the park, it’s a good idea to bring snacks, especially if you’re camping or spending a full day hiking. Make sure to check current trail, shuttle, and road conditions on the Zion National Park Service website before and during your trip.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Zion National Park
We hope we’ve inspired you to plan a trip to Zion, it truly has something for every type of traveler! If you’ve been to Zion before let us know your favorite spots, hikes, or viewpoints, we’d love to know about your experience.
If you're roadtripping Utah, feel free to check out our fully downloadable PDF guide which includes 3 itineraries, clickable maps, stops to add along the way, and more!
Still have questions about Zion National Park? Drop a comment below or send us a message on Instagram we’d love to help!
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