Zion National Park Itinerary

The oldest National Park in Utah, Zion is full of treasures and sheer beauty! Between the 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, waterfalls, hanging gardens, and the perfect swimming spots, it never disappoints!

At a minimum, I recommend spending three days in the park to explore its vastness. However, you will soon realize that this is not nearly enough time. But if a five-day getaway is all you have, here is a recommended itinerary for your first time at the park.

• Wednesday - Fly into Las Vegas airport, and then drive to Springdale, Utah

• Thursday - Angels Landing + a swim in the river

• Friday - Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

• Saturday - The Narrows (Bottom UP)

• Sunday - Drive to Las Vegas airport and then fly home

How to get there.

• Your best option is flying into the Las Vegas airport, as this is a major airport with the best pricing and flight options. There are other airports around Springdale. However, these are private.

• The drive from Las Vegas to Springdale is 2 hours and 30 minutes.

If you opt not to stay in the park, here are some of my favorite places to stay around and in Springdale.

Airbnb's Hotels

Cliff Edge Casita La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham

The Sage Hideaway Cable Mountain Lodge (Luxury Accommodation)

Cozy Loft Cliffrose Springdale (Luxury Accommodation)

Camping

The park has three campgrounds: Watchman, South, and Lava Point; however, the South campground is closed. For Watchman, you can now make a reservation up to 6 months in advance, but forewarning, they book up fast! By January, they are mostly booked up.

To learn more and make reservations, click HERE.

Angels Landing

Angels Landing is my top recommended hike! It's challenging, but the views are worth it. To this day, I still rant about this hike to anyone who will listen! It's about a 5.4-mile round trip and will take you three to four hours to complete, or if you like me, it will take half a day because I filled up my memory card to stop and take photos along the way.

I highly recommend going at dusk, or a little before, to beat the heat and the people. Most of the trail has no shade and is all uphill. Around noon, there will be many people on the trail, making it difficult to enjoy. Be sure to take plenty of water, have good grips on your hiking shoes, snacks, and layers, and ensure your camera battery is fully charged, and you have plenty of space on your memory card.

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

The scenic drive is a good "down day" but still lets you explore the park. Along the route, there are plenty of stops for you to get off, stretch your legs, and explore. You can opt to do some small hikes along the way if you're feeling up to it.

Depending on the time of year, you will have to take the shuttle to do the scenic drive, but honestly, I prefer it! You don't have to pay attention to driving and watching out for people; you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.

The Narrows (Bottom Up)

Doing The Narrows bottom up is my second most recommended hike! This gives you the best part of the entire route . . . and also the hardest. For day hikers without a backcountry permit, the farthest you're allowed to hike is 5 miles one way to Big Springs. You will then take the shuttle back to the trailhead. This hike is difficult, so plan to take most of the day.

Make sure to do your research before you go! Depending on the time of year, this trail will be closed. If it's open, be prepared to get wet. You will need a walking stick, neoprene socks, nylon clothing, extra layers, bug spray, and at least one dry bag. I even wear a comfortable one-piece swimsuit under my hiking clothes and good hiking sandals instead of shoes.

Getting Around Zion National Park & Springdale

The park operates two free shuttles: one inside the park and another throughout Springdale. Personal vehicles are not allowed from March through December, so the shuttle is your only form of transportation.

You can view more details about both shuttle schedules HERE.

Other Things to Know When You Go

Fees: All visitors must have an entrance pass. They are $20.00 per person (7-day passes, no single-day passes). To read more about fees, go HERE.

Best Time To Go: Early September is the best time to go. The weather is perfect! During the day, it was in the low-mid 80s, and then in the evening, it cooled off to the high-mid 50s-60s.

Restaurant Recommendations: Let's start with coffee and breakfast. I recommend two places, each on the opposite side of Springdale. You can't go wrong either way! They are FeelLove Coffee & Cafe Zion and Cafe Soleil.

I recommend Zion Canyon Brew Pub, Spotted Dog, and Zion Pizza and Noodle Co. for dinner. There are many other great places to eat in Springdale, but these are my top three for a short trip.

I do love a brewery! Not to mention one with amazing views, great beer, and, of course, good food. Especially after a full day of hiking, this definitely hit the spot! And, of course, we got to hit up a pizza spot for the hubby! Every time we travel, there are three places we always look for a brewery, a pizza spot, and coffee!

I recommend purchasing "Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks" by Lonely Planet to plan more efficiently and know everything you need.