How to Spend One Day in Zion National Park

Zion National Park spans a massive 146,000+ acres—but don’t let that overwhelm you if you’ve 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!

💡If you’re set on tackling a longer hike like The Narrows, Angel’s Landing, or The Subway, be aware that just one of those will take up an entire half-day. We’ll cover those options, but be ready to prioritize!

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📝 One Day in Zion National Park Itinerary

Here’s how we’d 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. We’ve included a few alternative options towards the end in case you want to switch anything out.

7:00 — 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 Center—departure 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.

🚌 Accessing Zion Canyon Scenic Drive: From spring through fall, this free shuttle is the only way to access Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. If you’re visiting in winter, you can drive your own car.

8:00 — 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 own—complete with hanging gardens, high canyon walls, and the peaceful sounds of the Virgin River. We’ve 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 — 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 views—especially if water is flowing. We loved how the destination “keeps going” on this hike, with each pool serving as a natural stopping point.

12:00 — 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 — Walk or Bike the Pa’rus Trail

After lunch, head back toward the Visitor Center and jump on the Pa’rus Trail. It’s 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 you’re riding your bike, expect to take half the amount of time.

3:00 — Drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway

Once you’ve finished the Pa’rus Trail, it’s time to head out of the main Zion Canyon and drive east on Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. This scenic route takes you through the historic tunnel and into a completely different side of the park—more 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 you’re seeing.

4:30 — Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail

Right after the tunnel, park, and hit the short-but-epic Canyon Overlook Trail. It’s 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.

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🔁 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 — If you’re set on a bucket-list trek like The Narrows, Angel’s 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 — 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 — This lesser-known area of the park is located a 45-minute drive north of Zion Canyon and is your spot if you’re looking to escape the crowds. It’s known for its iconic red cliffs, views of Zion Canyon in the distance, and quiet atmosphere.

🌤️ When to Visit Zion National Park

We spent time at Zion in late April and really enjoyed it—pleasant 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.

🚗 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 – 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 – Fly into Las Vegas (LAS), Salt Lake City (SLC), or nearby St. George (SGU) and rent a car from there.
By Public Transport – 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.

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🏨 Where to Stay When Visiting Zion National Park

Zion offers a range of stay options—whether you’re looking for convenience, comfort, or something budget-friendly. Here’s a breakdown of your options, from least to most costly:

BLM Land (Free Camping) – 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 – 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) – 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) – Just outside the park’s south entrance, Springdale, Utah, is the go-to hub for lodging. You’ll find a variety of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals.

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💰 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. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs so you know what to expect.

🎫 Consider investing in the America the Beautiful pass for $80 like we did if you’re planning on travelling to several parks within the year.

Fee	Cost	Notes
Park Entrance – 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	$30–$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	$20–$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	$15–$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.

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🪧 Learn More: How to Help Zion National Park

Zion is a stunning natural treasure, but like many popular parks, it faces ongoing challenges—from 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 Zion’s 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. 💚

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How to Spend One Day in Zion National Park

📝 One Day in Zion National Park Itinerary