Your cart is currently empty!
How to Spend One Day in Zion National Park
Zion National Park spans a massive 146,000+ acresโbut donโt let that overwhelm you if youโve only got one day. With a little planning, you’d be surprised at just how much you can see. This 1-Day Zion Itinerary mixes trails, overlooks, and scenic drives so you get a well-rounded taste of the park. Let’s dive in!
๐กIf you’re set on tackling a longer hike like The Narrows, Angelโs Landing, or The Subway, be aware that just one of those will take up an entire half-day. Weโll cover those options, but be ready to prioritize!
Note: We use affiliate links which provide us a little kickback each time you use one of our links and make a purchase, without any additional cost to you. We do not recommend products that we donโt already love or have heard great things about, so you can trust weโre only suggesting great products to you.
๐ One Day in Zion National Park Itinerary
Hereโs how weโd spend one day in Zion if it were our first visit and we wanted to see a little bit of everything, without ending the day completely exhausted. Weโve included a few alternative options towards the end in case you want to switch anything out.
7:00 โ Catch the First Shuttle into Zion Canyon
Start your day early and beat the crowds (and the heat) by hopping on the first shuttle from the Zion Canyon Visitor Centerโdeparture times vary by season (6 a.m. May 18 to September 14 and 7 a.m. September 15 to November 1). Grab a window seat, relax, and soak in the towering canyon walls as you ride all the way to the last stop: Temple of Sinawava.
๐ Accessing Zion Canyon Scenic Drive: From spring through fall, this free shuttle is the only way to access Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. If youโre visiting in winter, you can drive your own car.
8:00 โ Hike the Riverside Walk
From the Temple of Sinawava stop, enjoy the easy, mostly paved Riverside Walk. This 90-minute out-and-back trail takes you to the start of The Narrows, but is a beautiful experience on its ownโcomplete with hanging gardens, high canyon walls, and the peaceful sounds of the Virgin River. Weโve placed it early in the itinerary since we found it much quieter before 10 a.m. and especially stunning in the soft morning light.
10:00 โ Explore the Emerald Pools Trail
Hop back on the shuttle and get off at Zion Lodge (Stop #6). From here, hop on the Emerald Pools Trail. This is a moderate 90-minute hike with a little elevation gain, small waterfalls, and great red rock viewsโespecially if water is flowing. We loved how the destination โkeeps goingโ on this hike, with each pool serving as a natural stopping point.
12:00 โ Lunch at Zion Lodge or a Picnic
Refuel with lunch at the Zion Lodge cafeteria or find a shady picnic spot nearby. If you packed your own food, the grassy lawn outside the lodge is the perfect place to relax!
1:00 โ Walk or Bike the Paโrus Trail
After lunch, head back toward the Visitor Center and jump on the Paโrus Trail. Itโs a flat, paved path with gorgeous views, river crossings, and a quiet vibe that contrasts nicely with the busier canyon areas.
The Pa’rus Trail is suitable for bikes, wheelchairs, strollers, and even leashed pups! You can hike the entire 2 hours of this out-and-back trail, stretching from the Visitor Center to Canyon Junction Bridge, or walk as much as you like before turning around. If youโre riding your bike, expect to take half the amount of time.
3:00 โ Drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
Once youโve finished the Paโrus Trail, itโs time to head out of the main Zion Canyon and drive east on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. This scenic route takes you through the historic tunnel and into a completely different side of the parkโmore open, more layered, and filled with crazy-cool rock formations.
There are a ton of pull-off points where you can stretch your legs, snap some photos, and read educational signs about what youโre seeing.
4:30 โ Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail
Right after the tunnel, park, and hit the short-but-epic Canyon Overlook Trail. Itโs just 1 mile round-trip (taking around 25 minutes to hike) and rewards you with a sweeping view back into the canyon, perfect for golden hour. If you have time (and energy), stick around here for sunset.
With offline maps, wrong-turn alerts, and extra planning features, make the most of every outside adventure with AllTrails+. Get 7 days of AllTrails+ for free!
๐ Optional Activities (Swap These In!)
Here are a few great options you can swap into your itinerary depending on your energy, interests, and how early you get started.
- Tackle a longer hike โ If you’re set on a bucket-list trek like The Narrows, Angelโs Landing (Permit Required), or The Subway (Permit Required), keep in mind that just one of these will take up at-least half a day.
- Hop off at more shuttle stops โ Want to see more of the main Zion Canyon? Get off at all the different shuttle stops like Weeping Rock, Big Bend, or the Human History Museum.
- Kolob Canyons โ This lesser-known area of the park is located a 45-minute drive north of Zion Canyon and is your spot if youโre looking to escape the crowds. Itโs known for its iconic red cliffs, views of Zion Canyon in the distance, and quiet atmosphere.
๐ค๏ธ When to Visit Zion National Park
We spent time at Zion in late April and really enjoyed itโpleasant temperatures, fairly manageable crowds, and lucked out with water levels just right for hiking The Narrows (which can sometimes be off-limits in spring due to melting snow).
Generally, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer a quieter park experience, making them great times to visit if you can swing it. Summers get hot and busy, so prepare for early mornings and double up on the sun protection. Winter brings cold weather, icy trails, and occasional closures, making it best suited for seasoned hikers with the right equipment.
๐ How to Get to Zion National Park
Zion is located in Springdale, Utah. Driving is easiest, which is how we came in, but other options exist:
- By Car โ 2.5 hrs from Las Vegas, 4.5 hrs from Salt Lake City, 1.5 hrs from Bryce Canyon. You can park in the park or in Springdale, Utah and take the shuttle from there.
- By Plane โ Fly into Las Vegas (LAS), Salt Lake City (SLC), or nearby St. George (SGU) and rent a car from there.
- By Public Transport โ We found this Suntran bus route connecting St. George, Utah, to Springdale, Utah (closest to the park). From Springdale, you have the free shuttle that takes you directly into the park.
Sign up for the FREE Daily Drop Newsletter!
Learn how to maximize miles and points in less than 5 minutes a day with our favorite travel newsletter, Daily Drop!
๐จ Where to Stay When Visiting Zion National Park
Zion offers a range of stay optionsโwhether youโre looking for convenience, comfort, or something budget-friendly. Hereโs a breakdown of your options, from least to most costly:
- BLM Land (Free Camping) โ For the most budget-friendly option, consider dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land just outside the park. We use iOverlander to find legal, no-cost sites nearby and stayed at St. George BLM Campground.
- Inside the Park โ Zion Lodge is the only hotel within park boundaries, offering unmatched access to trails and shuttle stops. There are also three campgrounds: Watchman Campground (open year-round), Lava Point Campground (open May-September), and South Campground (closed during our visit).
- Campgrounds (Outside the Park) โ Additional campgrounds and RV parks can be found outside of the park, such as Zion Canyon Campground & RV Resort and Zion River Resort RV Park & Campground.
- Hotels (Outside the Park) โ Just outside the parkโs south entrance, Springdale, Utah, is the go-to hub for lodging. Youโll find a variety of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals.
Try Harvests Hosts and receive a free month on us!
Members get unlimited overnight stays at thousands of small businesses, including farms, wineries, breweries & distilleries, and attractions, that invite RVers to park for safe and convenient stays.
๐ฐ How Much Does a Trip to Zion Cost?
Depending on your travel style, the cost of a trip to Zion National Park can vary. The biggest costs are lodging and gear rental. Hereโs a breakdown of the typical costs so you know what to expect.
๐ซ Consider investing in the America the Beautiful pass for $80 like we did if youโre planning on travelling to several parks within the year.
Fee | Cost | Notes |
---|---|---|
Park Entrance โ Vehicle | $35 (valid for 7 days) | Covers everyone in a single private vehicle |
Angels Landing Permit Lottery | $6 to apply, +$3/person if awarded | Required to hike beyond Scout Lookout |
Gear Rentals for The Narrows | $30โ$50/day | Prices for basic gear sets at Zion Guru, a nearby outfitter. More elaborate options were available at a higher price. |
Camping in Zion | $20โ$30/night | Reserve in advance at Recreation.gov. You can avoid accommodation fees by staying on BLM land. |
Bicycle Rental | $70-100/day for an E-Bike | Regular bikes cost less ($20-40) and can be taken on the park shuttle |
Parking in Springdale | $15โ$30/day | If you don’t score a parking spot in Zion or are not staying at a hotel with included parking. The price depends on vehicle size. More info here. |
Check out our favorite travel credit cards!
We’ve been using travel credit cards since 2019 and have saved thousands of dollars on travel. You donโt have to be a genius to learn miles and points! Sign up for our favorite newsletter, Daily Drop, and learn how to land your next trip for nearly free!
๐ชง Learn More: How to Help Zion National Park
Zion is a stunning natural treasure, but like many popular parks, it faces ongoing challengesโfrom overcrowding and trail erosion to impacts on wildlife and fragile ecosystems. As visitors, the best way to help is by following Leave No Trace Guidelines.
If you want to go a step further, consider supporting Zionโs conservation efforts by donating to organizations like the Zion National Park Forever Project. This non-profit help fund trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and educational programs to keep Zion, and the surrounding area, beautiful and sustainable for future generations. ๐
๐ฐ Related Articles
- 9 Fun Things to Do in Zion National Park in 2025
- Top 5 Short & Easy Hikes in Zion National Park
- 13 Best Hikes in Zion National Park (Ranked Easy to Hard)
- Zion Packing List: What to Bring and What to Rent
- Our 7 Favorite Viewpoints in Zion National Park (No Hiking Required)
- How to Hike the Narrows as a Beginner: Zion National Park
- 5 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Zion National Park
- More Coming Soon!
๐บ Watch on YouTube
๐ Ready to Visit Zion National Park?
Pin this One Day in Zion National Park Guide to make planning your upcoming trip a breeze!
The ups, downs, and everything in between, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of ways to show your support and say thanks! The easiest way to support our work is by commenting on this post, liking and sharing our content on Facebook, and pinning our content on Pinterest. Itโs a small way to say thank you that goes a long way!
by
Tags:
Leave a Reply