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Zion Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Zion National Park
Wondering how many days you need in Zion National Park, and what’s the perfect Zion itinerary? In our experience, three days is the sweet spot to tackle a few of the longer hikes, explore different areas of the park, and still have some space in your schedule to slow down.
We’ve designed this 3-day Zion Itinerary to include some of the park’s biggest highlights, like Angel’s Landing and The Narrows, while weaving in a few quieter gems to get the full Zion experience without burning out. Let’s dive in!
🔄 Feel free to switch around the order of this Zion Itinerary based on when and if you get certain hiking permits, as well as your personal preference of what you’d like to hit first!
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Zion Itinerary Day 1: Angel’s Landing & Zion Canyon
Day 1 is based around exploring Zion Canyon and hiking one of the most iconic trails in the entire National Park system—Angel’s Landing. Although we weren’t able to score lottery tickets for this hike, it’s high on our bucket list for next time! If you aren’t able to snag a permit or just aren’t interested, we’ve outlined an alternative hike (that actually ended up being our favorite in all of Zion!)
💡If you happen to score an Angel’s Landing Lottery ticket in the afternoon, feel free to switch around the morning and afternoon plans of Day 1.
Morning Option A: Angel’s Landing
To hike Angel’s Landing, you’ll need a permit, which you can apply for through the Recreation.gov lottery system. There’s a seasonal lottery that opens up several months in advance, as well as a daily lottery the day before you plan to hike if there have been any last-minute cancellations. If you score one, you’ll be assigned a specific start time, so be sure to plan the rest of your day around that.
To reach the trailhead the day of your hike, hop on the free Zion Shuttle from the Visitor Center and ride to Stop #6. Make sure to download your permit to your phone before leaving the Visitor Center. Cell service can be spotty at the trailhead where rangers check permits, and we saw people having to hike back a ways to find service and download their permits.
Angel’s Landing is definitely not for the faint of heart. Stretching 5.4 miles round-trip, this hike gains over 1,500 feet in elevation. It’s a strenuous trek with steep switchbacks and a dramatic final section involving anchored chains and sheer drop-offs. Expected hiking time hovers between 2.5 to 3 hours in total.
Morning Option B: Observation Point
If you’re interested in an alternative to Angel’s Landing, you’re not alone. Many people opt for a permit-free (and less adrenaline-pumping) alternative. The trail we did instead of Angel’s Landing actually ended up becoming our favorite hike in all of Zion National Park—Observation Point via East Mesa Trail.
This 3-4 hour trail leads you to sweeping views of Zion Canyon, including a direct view of Angel’s Landing itself from above! To get to the trail, drive to the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. From there, you can either walk half a mile to the trailhead or take a shuttle like we did for $7.50 if the road leading up to the trailhead is too muddy.
🥾 Another popular alternative to Angel’s Landing Trail is Scout Lookout, a 2-3 hour trail also accessible from Stop #6. That being said, if you’re deciding between Observation Point and Scout Lookout, we recommend the views of Observation Point.
Afternoon: Exploring Zion Canyon
After conquering Angel’s Landing (or your chosen alternative), it’s time to refuel. Head to Zion Lodge Dining Room (Shuttle Stop #5) for a proper lunch, or stretch out on the grassy lawn outside of the lodge. We saw tons of people picnicking under the shade of the trees and relaxing before tackling the afternoon.
Once you’re done eating and resting for a bit, walk across the road to the trailhead of the Lower and Middle Emerald Pools Trail. This 90-minute hike winds past waterfalls, lush hanging gardens, and shaded alcoves—perfect for cooling off after a big morning. We loved how varied the views of this hike were! From narrow slot canyons to wide-open views of the Virgin River, you see it all!
If you still have energy to burn after this second hike, head back toward the Visitor Center and enjoy the peaceful Pa’rus Trail. This flat, paved path follows the Virgin River and is great for a casual walk or bike ride. If you hike the entire trail, it takes about 1 hour, but you can turn back whenever you like. It’s also the only trail in Zion open to dogs and 100% accessible for visitors with wheelchairs and strollers!
💡 If you still have lots of time on your hands before sunset, feel free to continue Shuttle Stop hopping and visit the rest of the stops.
Evening: Dinner in Springdale & Sunset Views
After a long day of hiking, pop over to Springdale for dinner. If you’re craving a Tex-Mex spot with ample seating and plant-based options, head to Oscar’s Cafe. Another popular dinner spot in town is the Spotted Dog, an American eatery that changes their menu with the seasons, serving up salads, pasta dishes, and grilled plates. Both are open for dinner until 9 PM.
Once you’re done eating, consider heading back into the park to Canyon Junction Bridge (Shuttle Stop #3), one of the best sunset spots in Zion. As the sun dips behind The Watchman, the red cliffs light up with golden-hour magic. It’s a peaceful, fitting end to your first full day in the park.
🌥️ Depending on the time of year, the sun can set anywhere between 5:30 PM and 9 PM in Zion National Park.
Zion Itinerary Day 2: Kolob Canyons, Scenic Drives, and the Narrows Prep
After a full day of hiking on Day 1, today is all about exploring Zion’s quieter corners by car, stepping out for some short hikes, and preparing for your Narrows adventure tomorrow!
Morning: Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive & Timber Creek Overlook
Start your day with a peaceful drive out to Kolob Canyons, a lesser-visited section of the park located about 45 minutes north of where we’ve spent Day 1. You will need your own vehicle to travel to this section of the park as the Zion Shuttle only services the Zion Canyon section of Zion National Park.
Once there, head down Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive, a scenic 5-mile stretch with jaw-dropping red rock walls and minimal crowds. This drive takes you deep into a stunning red rock canyon, with plenty of overlooks that showcase towering cliffs and colorful rock formations.
At the very end of the road, you’ll find the trailhead of Timber Creek Overlook Trail. This short and easy 1-mile round-trip hike will only take you 30 minutes, rewarding you with panoramic vistas of the Kolob Canyons.
If you’re feeling energized and want a bit more hiking in Kolob Canyons, consider adding on the Taylor Creek Trail (2-3 hours round-trip), a beautiful half-day hike that features a historic homestead and ends at a stunning double arch alcove.
Afternoon: Zion-Mount Carmel Highway & Narrows Gear Pickup
Once you’re back near Springdale, spend your afternoon exploring the best scenic drive in Utah—the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. This scenic road runs from Canyon Junction eastward, through the historic Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, and past a series of dramatic slickrock landscapes.
Take your time to soak in the views on this road and pull off from time to time. The entire length of the Zion-Mount Carmel Drive is dotted with scenic pull-offs and short hikes that offer great photo opportunities. Here were some of our favorite places to jump out of the car that you can’t miss:
- Canyon Overlook Trail: This 1-mile round-trip hike had some of our favorite views in all of Zion!
- The Great Arch: A breathtakingly large geological arch visible from the road.
- Checkerboard Mesa Viewpoint: A giant sandstone hill that rises in the distance on this drive.
Evening: Pick Up Narrows Gear & Have Dinner in Springdale
Before wrapping up your day, stop at one of the outfitters in Springdale to pick up your Narrows hiking gear rentals for tomorrow. We went to Zion Outfitter and had a great experience, but basically any outfitter in the area will have what you’re looking for at similar price points. Zion Outfitter is open until 9 pm daily. Most folks rent:
- Canyoneering boots with neoprene socks
- A sturdy walking stick
- Waders (especially if it’s cooler weather)
Make sure to also pack fulfilling snacks and 3 liters of water per person. More info on everything you need to wear and bring on the Narrows hike in our Hiking the Narrows Guide.
Once you’ve got your gear, grab dinner in town at a spot like Oscar’s Cafe or the Spotted Dog, or head back to where you’re spending the night to rest up. Tomorrow, you’ll be getting up bright and early to wade into Zion’s most famous slot canyon!
Zion Itinerary Day 3: Hiking The Narrows
Hiking the Narrows was hands-down our favorite experience in all of Zion, if not one of our favorite hikes of all time. There’s an option to hike it Bottom-Up or Top-Down. We went with (and recommend) Bottom-Up as no permit is required, it’s less technical, and requires much less prep.
👀 Check out our in-depth Narrows Guide—How to Hike the Narrows as a Beginner: Zion National Park.
Morning: Breakfast at Deep Creek Coffee Company
Today we’re waking up bright and early for coffee and breakfast at Deep Creek Coffee Company! This coffee shop opens at 6 AM every day of the week, perfect for beating the crowds (and heat) on the Narrows today. Grab a coffee and a muffin if you’re not too hungry, or fuel up on one of their breakfast bagels, oatmeal bowls, or loaded toasts. Vegan and gluten-free options available!
Post-Breakfast: Head to the Narrows
After breakfast, hop into your rented Narrows gear if you haven’t already and take the free Zion Shuttle (the earlier, the better) to the last stop, Temple of Sinawava. Starting early helps you beat the crowds, stay cool, and gives you a better shot at solitude inside the canyon. In summer, the first Zion shuttle leaves the Visitor Center at 6:00 a.m., and at 7 a.m. the rest of the year. From the Temple of Sinawava, start on the Riverside Walk, a 1-mile trail that takes you to the trailhead of The Narrows.
⚠️ Make sure to check the current conditions and flash flood risk before heading out for this hike. Rangers and outfitters will post updates daily. If there’s any danger, do not hike into The Narrows.
From there, you can wade into the official Narrows trail. There’s no set turnaround point, but at Wall Street, around 3 miles in, the walls narrow dramatically into the most jaw-dropping section of the hike. That stretch alone was worth the effort—we seriously couldn’t stop taking photos!
The full route (to Big Springs and back) is about 9.4 miles, but most hikers do somewhere between 3 and 6 round-trip which takes between 4 and 6 hours in the river. This hike was just the right balance of challenge, uniqueness, and rewarding views. We will never forget our time in The Narrows!
Afternoon: Relax & Rehydrate
If you’re anything like us, you’ll be quite tired well into the afternoon from this hike, so take it easy by having a fulfilling lunch then visiting somewhere like the Human History Museum (Shuttle Stop #2) or checking out the exhibits at the Visitor Center if you haven’t already.
If you still have another hike in you, some nearby options include The Watchman Trail, which starts right at the Visitor Center and lasts around 90 minutes. You can also always ride the Zion Shuttle again, hopping off at any of the stops you may have missed.
Evening: Pack Up
After a full day in The Narrows (and three packed days in Zion), take the evening to wind down and get organized. Rinse off your gear and return rentals if you haven’t already, and pack your bags. If you’re hitting the road early the next day, this is a great time to grab a final bite in Springdale and reflect on your trip!
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🌤️ 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 Near 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 helps fund trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and educational programs to keep Zion and the surrounding area beautiful and sustainable for future generations. 💚
📰 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
- How to Spend One Day in Zion National Park
- The 4 Scenic Drives of Zion: Top Pull-Offs and Nearby Trails
- Our 9 Favorite Things to Do in Zion National Park Besides Hiking
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