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Exploring Zion National Park was not originally part of our initial West Coast USA trip schedule. However, after discovering that Zion Canyon lies within Utah and is very near to Bryce Canyon (which was on our plans), we began examining Zion and promptly chose to pay a visit!
Indeed, making a visit there is one of the best options available in Utah.
Anyone who enjoys hiking trails offering breathtaking views should visit Zion National Park.
On the following Tromso city center map, you’ll find not only the main tourist attractions but also places such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and even bus stops. You can also use this map to check where to lodge in Tromso, Norway.
To summarize briefly before delving deeper, this outlines the best Zion National Park 1-day itinerary.
Table of Contents
WHAT TO DO IN ZION NATIONAL PARK IN ONE DAY
- Angels Landing: Considered one of the best treks in Zion; if heights don`t bother you, this should not be missed for the incredible views across the park.
- Hiking trails: Hike some of Zion’s most spectacular trails on a day like “The Narrows” or “The Subway”.
- Court of the Patriarchs: Visit one of Zion National Park`s most iconic perspectives.
- Zion Transit: Enjoy the scenery of Zion from the complimentary shuttle bus across the Park.
- Virgin Stream: Watch the mountainsides near Zion take on a reddish tint from sunrays reflecting on the Virgin River at sunset.
- Night Skies: Enjoy some of the clearest nighttime skies across North America.
- Emerald Pools: View the stunning turquoise waters of these natural reservoirs.
- Weeping Rock: Walk under the most spectacular walls of Zion.
VISITING ZION NATIONAL PARK
Visiting Zion National Park means discovering steep cliffs, hiking to high viewpoints and narrow canyons that will leave you speechless, all while experiencing the purest nature and adventure. Zion Canyon offers a wide variety of activities to engage in.
This national park is visited starting from the base of the Zion Canyon, carved over millions of years by the Virgin River, to higher elevations reachable only by foot. Many of the routes are considered strenuous and dangerous, making it appealing to travelers seeking adrenaline or extreme activities.
Additionally, there are simpler routes more suitable for families or travelers who wish to avoid any risk.
This guide to visiting Zion National Park provides the following details:
- How to get to Zion National Park:from Las Vegas, from the Grand Canyon, from Bryce Canyon…
- Methods of transportation within Zion National Park: how shuttles and buses operate at Zion
- Schedule for Zion Canyon scenic drive:timetable of coach transport varies by season
- Zion entrance payment:different access points to the park
- Notable things to undertake in Zion:premier trails and vantage points within Zion National Park
- Suggestions for visiting Zion:estimated time required, best period to visit, possible itinerary ideas, etc.
- Where to stay in Zion:lodging, motels and camping in Zion
- Map of Zion National Park: with all the points of interest mentioned in this article
HOW TO GET TO ZION NATIONAL PARK
As public transportation in the United States is quite inefficient, the best way to access Zion Canyon is by renting a car (or a rental camper van in the USA). You can check here how to obtain an affordable rental car.
Zion Canyon has two vehicle entrances on the east and south sides. We will use one or the other depending on where we are coming from.
During the summer seasons, the Tioga Road opens, allowing you to travel to Yosemite from Death Valley. Tioga Road is not simply another road connecting these two national parks; it’s itself one of the primary places to visit in Yosemite. I advise taking the time to visit its incredible attractions. If you’re going to drive this road, I recommend several places to look for lodging in Death Valley on a budget.
HOW TO GET TO ZION FROM LAS VEGAS
In addition to the numerous tourist attractions located in Las Vegas, the closest international airport to Zion National Park is situated there, so almost all travelers visit this city sooner or later. Besides, there are many places where you can rent a vehicle in Las Vegas. The distance involving Zion and Las Vegas is 167 miles, so it will only require about 3 hours to arrive here. From Las Vegas, we will enter Zion through the southern entrance.
If you are arriving from Sin City, review where to lodge in Las Vegas.
HOW TO GET TO ZION FROM BRYCE
Zion and Bryce National Park are in close proximity to each other, therefore, these two parks are commonly visited on the same excursion, sometimes within the same day!
But we don’t recommend visiting Zion and Bryce in a single day. If you are not in a rush, I recommend spending at least a full day to visit Bryce Canyon and two days to visit Zion. You can check where to stay in Bryce here.
The journey only requires an hour (50 miles) to arrive at Zion Canyon from Bryce Canyon, and we would enter the park from the eastern entrance.
Check the best Things to do in Bryce Canyon
HOW TO GET TO ZION FROM THE GRAND CANYON
When touring southern Utah, likely wanting to visit the Grand Canyon National Park,America`s most visited. To properly experience this place plan two days minimum. Check out the top lodging choices in the Grand Canyon.
There are 242 miles between the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park, which will take you approximately 5 hours to get from one to the other. From the Grand Canyon, we will also enter Zion through the east via The Zion Mount Carmel Tunnel.
Check the best things to do at grand canyon
HOW TO MOVE AROUND ZION CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Owing to the crowds of sightseers typically thronging Zion for much of the year, the United States National Park Service provides travelers free transport running throughout the protected area from March through November.
Vehicle transportation through the canyon is barred during these months. This is the sole means of relieving traffic on the famed “Zion Scenic Drive”, which helps safeguard this natural landscape. There are two shuttle bus lines.
ZION CANYON SHUTTLE
This bus line runs through the entire Zion Scenic Drive, which is the main road of the park where most of the hiking paths start. This shuttle begins at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
In total, this route makes 9 stops at various noteworthy locations along the way: Zion Canyon Visitor Center, Museum, Canyon Junction, Court of the Patriarchs, Zion Lodge, The Grotto, Weeping Rock, Big Bend, and Temple of Sinawava. The shuttle buses travel quite regularly, so there will typically be a wait of less than 10 minutes for the subsequent vehicle.
SPRINGDALE SHUTTLE
As the Zion National Park visitor center’s free parking lot is usually full early in the day, the National Park Service advises parking in the nearby town of Springdale.
To address traffic from travelers entering the Zion visitor center area in private vehicles, a second complimentary shuttle was established in conjunction with the Zion Canyon Shuttle, connecting different points in Springdale to the Zion visitor center.
I suggest traveling directly to Springdale since it is only a 10 minute drive away. While parking in Springdale requires payment, this is preferable to possibly waiting for hours to secure a spot in the free parking area at Zion. Only consider going straight to Zion if plans are to arrive before 8 a.m.
In this map, you can view the Zion Canyon Shuttle stops in green and the Springdale Shuttle in brown.
ZION NATIONAL PARK Opening hours
Zion National Park is permanently open to the public, however, since the shuttle system is the only way to access the park for most of the year, here is a schedule for the buses fo r reference.
ZION NATIONAL PARK entrance fee
Entrance to Zion National Park costs $35 per vehicle with no more than 4 riders or $20 per individual who travels on foot for a week. Nevertheless, if you hold the America the Beautiful annual pass, you can enter Zion and all United States National Parks (and additional federal sites) for one low cost of $80.
When shuttles are usually running during certain months, a park ranger will verify your pass or collect an entrance fee at the area between changing from the Springdale Shuttle to the Zion Canyon Shuttle located at .
BEST THINGS TO DO IN ZION NATIONAL PARK
The scenic Zion Canyon Drive cuts through Zion National Park, making it the most practical way to access key points of interest, whether using the complimentary shuttle or your own vehicle during winter months.
You will find 9 stops along the road that take you to incredible perspectives and trailheads. In this segment, we will discuss the routes and major overlooks that you should not miss in Zion.
Summing up, these are the best things to do in Zion National Park:
- The Zion Narrows Gorge
- The elevated pathway at Zion National Park
- Emerald Pools
- Weeping Rock
- The gathering area honoring biblical figures
- Canyon Overlook Trail
- The Subway
THE ZION NARROWS
Undoubtedly, the most prominent hiking path in Zion is The Narrows, which follows through the gorge that the Virgin River has been carving out over the passage of history. This narrow passage extends 15.5 miles in length, plunges up to 2000 feet meters in depth, and constricts to just 20 feet wide in some sections, rendering it one of the most unique landscapes found within Zion National Park.
The route is deemed extremely difficult since most of the trail passes over the Virgin River. It is strongly advised to visit the visitor center one day before your adventure, to receive the most recent information regarding the state of the river and possibilities of storms and flash floods that could pose danger.
In 2015, a flash flood in The Narrows left5 dead. Therefore, it is always preferable to be informed and not to take risks. Also, keep in mind that floods are not the only danger out here. The immediate area of The Narrows is colder than the rest of the Zion National Park, making hypothermia another danger to consider.
For this route, we need water shoes to cross the damp sections, a waterproof bag for a change of clothing, as well as trekking poles so we do not lose balance on the slippery rocks of the river.
The route begins at the Temple of Sinawava bus stop, where walkers follow the Riverside Walk for the initial mile that is also accessible for people using wheelchairs. At the end of this paved section, we continue alongside the river. Total, it takes around 8 hours to complete the trail and return.
The Narrows is a must see in Zion National Park. We were not able to hike this trail due to time constraints, so we will be back very soon to do this and other routes we missed.
THE ZION ANGELS LANDING
The following greatest climb in Zion is Angels Landing, where we will ascend to an incredible stone watchman`s position for a 360o perspective of the Zion National Park.
Angels Landing trail spans 5.6 miles with an elevation change of 1640 feet, which makes the hike rather difficult, especially if taken during summer months. A round trip trek starting from the “The Grotto” bus stop will likely take around 4 hours to complete.
It is seen as a high difficulty route since we will have to climb a via ferrata in the last section to the edge of the precipice, where a slip would surely turn into a deadly accident. As with The Narrows, there are posters reminding hikers that others have died in Zion on the Angels Landing Trail.
The initial section involving a steep zigzag path carved into the rock formation presents the most strenuous climbing but no true dangers. However, those with a fear of heights may find the last meters to the viewpoint less than ideal, as the route then continues along a narrow ridge allowing only single-file passing with steep drops on both sides.
Progressing further will necessitate gripping the handrail`s chains before the rocky steps that give way to an overlook with exceptional views of Zion.
If heights do not concern you during a short visit to Zion, we recommend this route.
EMERALD POOLS
If you opt for an easy family-friendly hike, the Lower Emerald Pool Trail is one of the most intriguing ones. Commencing at Zion Lodge, you will observe different cascades throughout before achieving the Lower Emerald Pool in just half an hour.
When you arrive at Lower Emerald Pool, there will be additional moderately challenging hikes that start from here, such as Upper Emerald Pool and Kayenta Trail. The Kayenta Trail ends at The Grotto, and therefore the beginning of the Angels Landing Trail.
Although the Emerald Pools Trails seem totally harmless, never underestimate their implicit danger. More people have died from falling on these routes than at Angels Landing. The trails are safe as long as you stay away from the edges and out of the pools. Just remember that even a small slip on the rocks could be very hazardous.
WEEPING ROCK
From the Weeping Rock bus stop, we can too find other captivating trails, one of them existence Weeping Rock Trail. This is too suggested for families as it only takes 30 minutes to reach its namesake attraction, a rock that “leaks water”.
From this spot, we can find the starting points of two other physically demanding routes not recommended for individuals with a fear of heights – the Hidden Canyon Trail (around 3 hours round trip) and the East Rim Trail that will take us to Observation Point (approximately 6 hours round trip). If you have previously hiked Angels Landing, these paths may not be as intriguing for you.
COURT OF THE PATRIARCHS
Another notable sight found in Zion Canyon is located precisely at the Court of Patriarchs bus stop, where one of the iconic perspectives of the Zion National Park comes into view: The Three Patriarchs.
These three elevations are designated Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in honor of the Hebrew biblical patriarchs – a brief view and photograph stop that can’t be missed during your visit to Zion Canyon.
CANYON OVERLOOK TRAIL
In addition to taking in the scenic views along the Zion Canyon roadway, other opportunities for exploration exist outside the primary pathway. The Canyon Overlook Trail is one of the more popular hiking routes, with trailhead access available by vehicle year-round.
It takes half an hour each way to reach the Pine Creek Canyon viewpoint that overlooks Zion Canyon. The perspective here is entirely different from those found within the park. The trail starts just after passing the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, where we can park our vehicle.
THE SUBWAY
Another thing that is really fascinating to see in Zion Canyon is The Subway. While the name alone may not provide familiarity, I`m certain you`ll want to explore it after viewing this photo.
This pipeline carved into the water by the Left Fork North Creek is among the most prized shots for any photographer visiting Zion.
To hike this route, you need a special permit issued here by lottery three months in advance. Continue checking it out nonetheless, since they do last-minute lotteries at times when spots become available.
This route is considered difficult with two possible courses of action:
- The below ground route via Russell Gulch is a classic option: This trail begins at the prominent Wildcat Canyon Trailhead which descends the ravine and ends at Left Fork Trailhead. It provides a technical challenge for those with experience in canyon exploration and controlled descending, as ropes and safety gear are necessary. Additionally, arranging return transportation at the trail`s end via automobile is advised to be transported back to the starting point.
- The Subway route from the lower trail: The simplified path starts and ends at the Left Fork Trailhead, the southern region of the canyon. We may miss some of the best scenery of the complete trail, but we will still be able to travel upstream to the famed Subway, even without experience in canyoning. It is not a technical route, although using trekking poles is highly advised.
You will spend between 6 to 10 hours for either variation of this route, so anticipate devoting a full day to the journey. In addition, be sure to obtain important safety advice before your expedition, like checking for potential flash flooding. Helpful information for visiting The Subway in Zion can be found here.
OTHER TIPS for VISITing THE ZION NATIONAL PARK
In this section, we will provide you with some concluding suggestions and facts about Zion to help maximize your visit.
Here you will find an assortment of things one should know before traveling to Zion.
BEST TIME TO VISIT ZION NATIONAL PARK
If you can opt for when to visit Zion, I would propose during summer between June and August when temperatures here are most ideal, whereas winter temperatures will be around 0oC.
As is evident from reading the given information, ideal weather conditions are absolutely essential for the majority of hiking trails found in Zion National Park. Storms and frequent rains often leave trails in a damaged state, not only in areas like The Narrows or The Subway but also on paths that pass near the edge of steep drops, such as Angels Landing. Heavy downpours in this region can result in landslides and other dangerous scenarios. Therefore, the month of June is actually the most favorable time to visit Zion, as it is the driest and most moderate month of the year in terms of weather.
HOW MUCH TIME IS enough TO VISIT ZION NATIONAL PARK
Naviera Armas is the company operating the ferry journey from Lanzarote to La Palma, providing just one boat per week. This signifies that any trip must be planned to coincide with the ferry schedule. Typically, the vessel leaves at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.
If you have 20 or more days to explore the West Coast, I suggest dedicating at least 2 to 3 days to Zion National Park since it offers numerous hiking trails and photography opportunities.
Here are my itinerary ideas for visiting Zion over 1, 2, and 3 days.
1-DAY ITINERARY TO VISIT ZION
If your plan is to explore Zion in one day, then you must choose if you favor an uphill hike to the sights or one along the water.
Angels Landing is the ideal trail in Zion for those who enjoy very challenging hikes that provide amazing views. Hikers in suitable physical condition will not need to prepare specifically for this trail. It is clearly marked with signs and getting lost is unlikely.
The Narrows is the preferred path if water is appealing, but only when conditions are suitable (be sure to contact the Zion center before for weather updates). What`s more, hikers must come fully outfitted with water footwear, trekking poles, and a watertight pack to transport dry replacements as mentioned earlier.
2-Day ITINERARY TO VISIT ZION
If you visit Zion over a lengthened time period of two days, then there is no necessity to make a choice. Hike the Angels Landing route on the primary day and The Narrows on the next day. two days
3-day ITINERARY TO VISIT ZION
If one spends three days in Zion, then plan ahead and obtain a permit for The Subway for your third day. After hiking Angel Landings, The Narrows, and The Subway, I am certain you would have maximized your visit to the Zion National Park, however fatigued you may feel ultimately.
DEATHS IN ZION NATIONAL PARK
Falls in Zion rarely occur but often prove fatal. Researching surprised us hearing of this and made us question how many lives have ended in Zion National Park over the last decade:
Angels Landing 8
Cathedral Mountain 1
Emerald Pools 7
Lady Mountain 2
Mt. Kinesava 1
Mt. of the Sun 1
Observation Point 2
Watchman 2
East Rim Trail 1
Checkerboard Mesa 1
Crazy Quilt Mesa 1
Deer Trap Mountain 1
Hidden Canyon 2
Canyon Overlook 2
Most of these incidents occurred due to visitors acting without care. The best way to prevent accidents is to be informed (head to the visitor center) and to regularly check the weather forecast. If rain or a storm is predicted, think twice before continuing on the route.
And of course, make certain to purchase good travel protection, particularly if you are doing moderate or demanding hikes. I advise obtaining a policy with exceptional coverage and for a US travel insurance plan never consider under $300,000 in medical costs.
You are able to get the best quality to price ratio for insurance with Heymondo.
WHERE TO Stay in ZION CANYON
As we mention in our guide for accommodations in Zion, if you are planning your visit well ahead, you can reserve lodging inside Zion National Park.
Within the national park, there is accommodation like a motel and two campgrounds.
- Motel Zion Lodge also offers cabins and suites. If staying here, the hotel will furnish a Red Permit so your car can enter and leave the park during the months when the Zion Canyon Shuttle is operational (although parking will be at the lodge).
- Watchman Zion Canyon Campground: Reservations must be made 6 months in advance to secure a spot there.
- Southern Campground:It is also open between March and November, though it can only be reserved two weeks beforehand.
However, do not worry if they exhaust accommodations. As you may recall, Springdale is merely 10 minutes removed from Zion, and it represents one of the finest places to reside in Zion. Several of the superior hotels in Springdale are:
- Bumbleberry Inn: One of the few lodgings near Zion under $200 a night, with very positive evaluations.
- La Quinta Inn and Suites: Another inexpensive hotel with positive reviews near Zion, known for its spread breakfast that incorporates delicious homemade crepes.
ZION NATIONAL PARK MAP
Here, a map focused on Zion Canyon National Park can be located, containing details about all hiking routes, preferable accommodations, campgrounds, and noteworthy places expected to be seen in Zion.
If you want to use this map of Zion Canyon National Park offline on your mobile:
- Download the Mapswithme app on your mobile phone.
- Download and retain the following KML file in your Dropbox.
- Open the Dropbox file on your mobile device, receiving a dialog to select opening with the Mapswithme app (Maps.me).
Done. You have everything necessary to begin your trip!
