The Ultimate Zion National Park Guide
- Logan & Audri
- Apr 18, 2025
- 15 min read
Updated: Jul 31
Updated: July 2026
If you're trying to decide whether Zion National Park belongs on your travel list, let me just save you the research... it does.
I've been three times now, in January, April, and May, and not once did I leave feeling like it wasn't worth the trip. The canyon is bigger in person than any photo prepares you for, the hikes are even more epic than they look on Instagram, and every visit I've had has felt completely different depending on the season.
Whether you're going for the first time or heading back for another round, this guide covers everything: the best hikes, the hidden spots, where to stay, what to pack, and a two-day itinerary to make the most of your time there.
Here is everything you need to know before visiting Zion National Park!
Zion National Park: Quick Links
Where is Zion National Park?
Zion is in southwestern Utah, just outside a small town called Springdale. It's about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas and 4.5 hours from Salt Lake City, most people fly into Vegas and drive up from there, which is exactly what we did.
If you're planning a bigger Utah road trip and want to hit multiple parks, our Mighty 5 Road Trip Guide covers everything. Zion is usually the first stop on the route.
You can find the exact location for Zion National Park below!
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Is Zion National Park Worth It?
Yes, without any hesitation.
The canyon is massive, the hikes are some of the best in the country, and you don't have to be an experienced hiker to have a great time. There's something for everyone here: easy walks with incredible views, scenic drives you can do entirely from your car, and trails that will make you sore the next day if that's what you're after.
There are a lot of crowds, especially in summer, but with a little planning around timing and trail choice, it's completely manageable. More on that below.
Best Time to Visit Zion National Park
This depends a lot on what you're after, so let me break it all down.
Spring is by far my personal favorite! The canyon is green from winter snowmelt, wildflowers start showing up along the trails, and the temperatures are very comfortable for hiking. April especially is a great month, warm enough to enjoy but not the brutal heat of summer. May gets busy, but it's still a beautiful time to visit. Just expect lots of company on the popular trails.
Summer is peak season for a reason, the weather is warm and the days are long, but it also means the most crowds and the most heat. We're talking 100 plus degrees regularly, with very little shade on most trails. If summer is your only window, get on trail before 7am and plan your afternoons around The Narrows where the canyon walls and river keep things cooler. It's definitely doable, just go in knowing what to expect.
Fall is another great option. Temperatures cool down, crowds thin out compared to summer, and the days still aren't too short. A lot of people consider it the sweet spot for visiting.
Winter is the most underrated time to go, and I'll stand by that. My January trip was one of the most memorable visits I've had!
Zion National Park in Winter
If you've written off visiting Zion in winter, I'd really encourage you to reconsider.
From late November through February, you can drive your own vehicle into Zion Canyon, no shuttle required. That alone changes the whole experience. You move at your own pace, stop wherever you want, and skip the shuttle lines entirely.
The difference in crowds between my January and April visits was genuinely shocking. Trails that I know get packed in peak season were almost empty in January. Logan and I had the Scout Lookout trail nearly to ourselves, which, if you know anything about how busy Zion gets, says a lot.
The easier trails like the Watchman and Canyon Overlook are totally doable in winter with the right layers and footwear.
A few things to know before you go in winter: some higher elevation trails and the road to Lava Point Overlook typically close due to snow. Always check current conditions on the Zion NPS website before your trip, and bring microspikes if you're planning to hike, some trails get icy.
Zion National Park Entrance Fees
As of 2026, getting into Zion costs $35 per vehicle, $30 for motorcycles, or $20 per person if you're walking or biking in. Your pass is good for seven consecutive days, so keep your receipt if you're staying for multiple days.
If you're planning to visit three or more national parks within the year, the America the Beautiful Annual Pass is $80 and covers entrance to every US national park for a full year. It pays for itself fast on any Utah road trip. You can buy it at the gate or order online, just leave 5 to 10 business days for the physical card to arrive, and always bring the physical copy with you.
Quick Note: If you are not a resident of the United States, you will have to pay a $100 non-resident surcharge for anyone over 16 years old. If you get the non-resident annual pass, it is $250 (it covers the passholder and three additional adults).
Getting There and Getting Around
Most people fly into Las Vegas (LAS) and drive up, about 2.5 hours. Salt Lake City (SLC) is the other main option at 4.5 hours. There's also a small regional airport in St. George, Utah (SGU) about an hour away, but flights are limited.
Once you're at the park, how you get around will depend on the season. From March through late November, you cannot drive your personal vehicle on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Everyone takes the free shuttle system, which runs every 6 to 10 minutes during peak hours. Lines build quickly after 9am, so getting on early makes a real difference.
From late November through February, you can drive your own car into the canyon freely.
You'll need a car regardless for reaching areas outside the main canyon like Kolob Canyons, Kolob Terrace Road, and the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Book your rental car well in advance if you're going in spring or summer because it can get costly if you wait too long. In our experience, Las Vegas has the cheapest and most options for car rentals (we typically use Hertz).
One thing to flag if you're in an RV or larger vehicle: there are size restrictions and an escort fee for the Mount Carmel Tunnel. Check the current NPS vehicle guidelines before your trip.
Best Easy Hikes in Zion National Park
Zion Canyon Overlook Trail
If you only have time for one short hike in Zion, make it this one.
Zion Canyon Overlook is a mile roundtrip and leads to a viewpoint looking out over the canyon and Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. The most popular time to do this hike is sunrise, and you don't need to be up at 3am either, arriving 30 to 45 minutes before sunrise is plenty of time.
Bring a headlamp for the walk up and layers regardless of the season, because the canyon has very cold air in the morning.
Parking at the trailhead is very limited. If it's full, there are pullouts further down the road where you can park and walk back, but if it's busy you may have to circle around for a bit and wait for a spot to open up.
The Watchman Trail
The Watchman Trail is one of those hikes that doesn't get nearly enough credit. It's 3.2 miles roundtrip, starts right at the Visitor Center, and takes you to a wide-open viewpoint over the Watchman peak and the Virgin River below.
I did it in January, and it was incredible! It's accessible year-round, it works well at sunrise or sunset, and it never gets as crowded as the main canyon hikes. If you're looking for something rewarding without being overwhelming, this is it.
Emerald Pools Trail
The Emerald Pools Trail system is a great option if you want something scenic and accessible without a ton of elevation. The Lower Emerald Pool is an easy 1.3-mile roundtrip walk through a shaded canyon that leads to a small waterfall and hanging gardens. The Middle and Upper Pools extend the hike further and get progressively more rewarding.
Spring and early summer are the best time to visit when the water is highest from snowmelt, but it's worth doing at any time of year.
Pa'rus Trail
The Pa'rus Trail is the only trail in Zion where bikes are allowed, and it's a really peaceful way to start a morning in the park. It's a flat paved path that follows the Virgin River from the Visitor Center to Canyon Junction and is 3.3 miles roundtrip total. You'll cross several bridges, pass open meadows, and have a good chance of spotting mule deer along the way.
If you want to rent bikes, Zion Cycles in Springdale is a great option.
Best Hard Hikes in Zion National Park
The Narrows
The Narrows is so hard to explain until you've done it. You're walking through the Virgin River, inside a slot canyon, with walls rising hundreds of feet above you on both sides. There's no trail, just river and canyon and however far you want to go.
Like most, I did the bottom-up route starting at the Temple of Sinawava at the end of the shuttle line. No permit needed and you can turn around whenever. The top-down route is 16 miles, permit-required, and a serious full-day commitment for experienced hikers.
One thing that's non-negotiable: check the flash flood risk before you go every single time!! The signs at the trailhead show current conditions. If the risk is elevated, pick a different hike. Flash floods in slot canyons are fast and extremely dangerous.
For gear, stop at Zion Outfitter in Springdale before heading in and rent waterproof shoes, neoprene socks, and trekking poles (or buy them on Amazon before you go.) In cooler months, a dry suit is worth it. The water is colder than you'd expect even in warmer weather, and your feet will thank you later.
P.S. If you're looking for another slot canyon hike, Kanarra Falls is a great option outside the park and only 45 minutes away!
Angel's Landing
If there's one hike people come to Zion specifically to do, it's Angel's Landing.
The trail is 5.4 miles roundtrip with nearly 1,500 feet of elevation gain, but the last half mile is what everyone talks about. It's a narrow exposed ridge with chains bolted into the rock and steep drop-offs on both sides. It's not for everyone, and that's completely okay, but if you're up for it, the views from the top are some of the best in the entire park.
A permit is required for the chain section. If you don't have one, hiking to Scout Lookout, the stopping point right before the chains begin, is still a spectacular hike. I did this in January, and it had some of the most incredible views I've ever seen. Permit-free and all.
Observation Point
Observation Point offers what a lot of people consider the best view in all of Zion, looking down over Angel's Landing and the full length of the canyon from above. It's 8 miles roundtrip with about 2,148 feet of elevation gain and significantly less crowded than Angel's Landing, which is a big part of why many people love it.
Important note for 2026: the original trail from Weeping Rock is permanently closed due to rockfall. The current route goes via the East Mesa Trail, accessed from the east side of the park off UT-9. Plan your route accordingly.
Things to Do in Zion Besides Hiking
Drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Highway
Not every great Zion experience happens on foot. This 26-mile scenic drive winds through towering sandstone formations, past Checkerboard Mesa, and through the famous Mount Carmel Tunnel, and you can do the whole thing from your car.
One thing worth knowing before you go is that the views from the tunnel that you've seen all over social media are from the east side, going down into the canyon. If you enter from Springdale and drive east through the tunnel, you're going the wrong direction for those views. Drive through, turn around, and come back west, that's when you get it!
Go Horseback Riding
Yes, you can actually go horseback riding in Zion, and it's a really different way to see the park. Tours follow the Virgin River through the canyon and run March through October. Spots fill up in peak season, so book ahead. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.
Stargaze at Lava Point Overlook
Zion at night is a whole different experience. Lava Point Overlook sits at one of the highest points in the park with minimal light pollution, and on a clear night you can see the Milky Way clearly from up there. It's about an hour from the main Visitor Center along Kolob Terrace Road, which closes seasonally in winter, so check conditions before heading out.
Bring a red-light flashlight rather than white light so you don't kill your night vision while you're out there. Best visited around new moon phases when the sky is at its darkest.
Find the Secret Petroglyphs
Can you believe most people walk right past this spot?! Ancient petroglyphs are carved into the canyon walls in a quiet corner of the park, just a short walk from the main road.
To find them, drive east on UT-9 from the Visitor Center, go through the Mount Carmel Tunnel, continue 1.3 miles, and look for a small pulloff on the right near a wooden fence. The trail isn't marked, follow the sandy wash from the parking area, walk through the stone culvert under the road, and continue until you see the fenced carvings on the canyon walls.
It's less than a mile roundtrip and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. We loved this one!
Visit Kolob Canyons
Most people who visit Zion never make it out to Kolob Canyons, and honestly that's a shame. Located on the northwest side of the park off I-15, Kolob Canyons offers a completely different side of Zion, it's a lot quieter and absolutely stunning!
There's a 5-mile scenic drive that takes you right into the canyon, plus hiking trails if you want to explore further. If you have an extra afternoon, it's worth the detour.
Wildlife in Zion National Park
Zion has more wildlife than most people expect. My January trip alone turned up bighorn sheep scaling a cliff, mule deer throughout the canyon, and a fox, all in the same day. Early mornings and evenings give you the best chance of spotting something.
Keep in mind that rattlesnakes are common on sun-warmed sections of trail, especially in warmer months. They'll generally move away from you, but give them space and watch where you're stepping. Scorpions are also in the park and mostly active at night, if you're camping, shake out shoes before putting them on and check your sleeping bag.
California Condors live in and around Zion and are one of the rarest birds in the world. I've been three times and still haven't spotted one, but I'm not giving up yet!
Where to Stay Near Zion National Park
Zion Lodge is the only place to sleep inside the park itself, and it books out months in advance. If this is important to you, plan early. Guests at Zion Lodge also get to drive their personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during shuttle season, which is a real advantage.
Springdale, Utah is my top recommendation for most people. It sits right at the south entrance with direct shuttle access, good restaurants, coffee shops, and gear stores all within walking distance. You can get to the park without ever getting back in your car, which after a long hiking day is the best feeling.
Hurricane, Utah is about 30 minutes away with more budget-friendly options if Springdale is sold out or outside your budget.
St. George, Utah is an hour out and has the most variety in terms of accommodations and amenities. Good if you want more options or are extending your trip.
Camping inside the park:
Watchman Campground — most popular, near the south entrance
South Campground — good alternative with shaded sites
Lava Point Campground — remote, closes in winter
Backcountry permits — available for overnight trips in the backcountry
Best Restaurants Near Zion National Park
Springdale's food scene is better than you'd expect for a town this small, and after a long day on trail, good food nearby matters (especially if you're a foodie like me!)
King's Landing Bistro is one of the most popular spots in town. Locally sourced menu, solid cocktails, and a patio with canyon views. Make a reservation — it fills up fast in peak season.
Zion Pizza & Noodle has been a Springdale staple for years and after a big hiking day it's exactly what you want. Casual, affordable, and the pizza is SO good.
Canyon Coffee is a highly rated spot in Springdale for grabbing coffee and a bite before heading into the park. It's known for great views of the canyon right from the patio, which makes it worth a stop on its own.
Whiptail Grill is solid for Mexican-inspired food with outdoor seating and a laid-back atmosphere. Popular with locals and visitors alike.
If you're doing trail days, I'd also recommend grabbing groceries in Springdale the night before so you're not waiting for a table when you're already exhausted and starving.
What to Pack for Zion National Park
What you bring really depends on when you're going and what you have planned, but these are the things that make my list every single time:
Waterproof hiking shoes — non-negotiable if you're doing The Narrows, and honestly just a smart call for any trail in the park
Hydration pack or large water bottle — you will drink more than you think, especially in warmer months
Sunscreen — the elevation at Zion means you burn faster than you expect, even on cooler days
Trekking poles — especially helpful on Angel's Landing and The Narrows where stability makes a real difference
Daypack — you'll want somewhere to carry everything, including layers you peel off mid-hike
Headlamp with extra batteries — essential for early morning starts and any canyon hiking where light is limited
Trail snacks — food options inside the park are limited, pack more than you think you need
Basic first aid kit — blisters and scrapes happen, be prepared
For summer: add a sun hat and lightweight breathable clothing, and bring significantly more water than you think you'll need. The heat at Zion is relentless in a way that's hard to describe until you're in it.
For winter: pack warm base layers, a good insulated jacket, wool socks, and microspikes for any icy sections of trail.
2-Day Zion National Park Itinerary
Here's exactly how I'd spend two days in Zion on a first visit.
Day 1: The Narrows + Zion Canyon
Start at The Narrows first thing, aim to be at the Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop by 7am before lines build. Wade in as far as you feel comfortable and plan for 3 to 5 hours. If you're visiting November through March, rent a dry suit from Zion Outfitter in Springdale the night before.
After The Narrows, grab lunch in Springdale or at Zion Lodge and give your feet a real break, you've earned it. Spend the afternoon riding the shuttle through Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and getting off at whatever overlooks catch your eye. No agenda, just the canyon.
End the day with Zion Canyon Overlook at sunset. Thirty to forty-five minutes before sundown, one mile roundtrip, and one of the best views in the park. Make sure to bring a layer for the walk back.
Day 2: Angel's Landing + Kolob Canyons
Start from The Grotto trailhead before 7am for Angel's Landing. If you have a permit, take your time on the chain section and don't rush the exposed parts. If you don't, Scout Lookout is very worth it on its own.
In the afternoon, drive out to Kolob Canyons, about 40 minutes from the main canyon off I-15. Most visitors never make it out there, the scenic drive is stunning, and you'll practically have it to yourself.
Close out the trip with the Watchman Trail at sunset, it's the perfect way to end two days in Zion.
Tips for Visiting Zion National Park
Get there early, every day. Parking inside the park fills by 8am in peak season and shuttle lines build fast. If you're staying in Springdale, walking or biking to the shuttle stop removes the parking problem entirely.
Download offline maps before you go. Cell service inside the park is very limited. I use AllTrails+, and it's saved me more than once.
Check conditions before every hike. Weather changes fast, some trails close seasonally, and flash flood risk in the slot canyons can shift day to day. The Zion NPS website is the most reliable source for current information.
Buy the America the Beautiful Pass if you're hitting more than two parks. At $80 for a full year, it pays for itself on almost any Utah road trip.
Pack your own food for trail days. Dining options inside the park are limited and busy. Having your own snacks and lunch makes the day so much smoother.
Book permits and reservations as early as possible. Angel's Landing permits, campground spots, and popular tours all sell out. Don't leave this until the week before your trip.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Zion National Park
Three trips in and I still have a list of things I haven't done yet... The Subway, Angel's Landing, a sunset from Observation Point. The list keeps growing. That's how you know a place is worth it.
If you have any questions about Zion National Park, drop them in the comments or find us on Instagram, we're always happy to help you plan your trip.
And if you're planning to go on a larger Utah roadtrip, don't miss Arches National Park, Canyonlands, and Bryce Canyon!
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