Zion National Park, Utah: How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip

Beautiful Zion National Park, Utah is the perfect destination for breathtaking scenery and a relaxing retreat. 

Zion Canyon is an unforgettable place, but there are some important things to consider before embarking on your trip. You need to know where to stay, how to get in and what to do once you get there.

Keep reading for all my best tips for planning your Zion National Park itinerary.

About Zion Canyon

Framed by towering red sandstone peaks, Zion National Park is a wonderland of mountains, rivers and wildlife that you have to see to believe. 

Its location in the southwestern area of Utah makes it perfect to explore with an extensive network of trails for all hiking skill levels. The Virgin River runs through the canyon creating an elaborate landscape of hidden waterfalls and peaceful coves.

Aside from incredible views, Zion Canyon is steeped in U.S. history. It was first occupied by the Paiute tribe until the arrival of American pioneers in the 1800s. It became Utah’s first national park in 1919 and has hosted scores of adventurers in the century since. 

QUICK FACTS:

• Features 35 walking trails for hiking and climbing
• The highest elevation is 8,726 feet (at Horse Ranch Mountain) 
• Covers roughly 232 square miles of land
• The name Zion is translated from the ancient Hebrew for “sanctuary”

How to get there

Airports Near Zion National Park, Utah

To visit Zion National Park, you want to fly into a nearby airport in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City. Las Vegas is the closest major city, just about two hours away from the park. So I recommend flying into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) or Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).

Lodging in the Greater Zion Utah area

You’ll need to find a place to stay in one of the small towns in the surrounding area. The most popular cities include:

• Springdale is the closest town located along the road leading into the park. It’s usually the most expensive due to its proximity, so I’d choose a smaller town to save some cash.
• St George is a quiet suburban town just under 1 hour from Zion. Here you can stay in a luxurious rental and relax in a secluded space. 
• Cedar City is north of the park and best suited for travelers coming down from the Salt Lake City area.

What is the best time to visit Zion?

Zion is a popular place, so it’s best to visit outside of the peak times of year. So if you want to avoid huge crowds, plan your trip for the spring (late April to early May) or fall (mid-September to early November).

Be prepared to wake up early so you can get a parking spot and ride on the shuttle if needed once at the park.

Accessing the Park

On the day of your visit, you’ll need to head to the park entrance station and pay for your recreational pass. The cost is $35 per private vehicle for parking inside the park. You can pay with cash or card.

Spots are limited and fill up quick, so you may need to find a paid lot outside the park. Then you can walk up to the entrance and pay an entrance fee of $20 per person.

If you’re planning to camp or participate in other recreational activities, be sure you have the proper permits and fees paid. Visit the national parks website for all the details.

What to bring

Your health and safety are important, so you must plan accordingly. At minimum, you need to pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses and bug spray.

The sky is usually wide open, so wearing at baseball hat will provide some extra protection.

Otherwise, you’ll probably want to have some money available to grab a t-shirt or keepsake in one of the souvenir shops.

Choosing a Trail

Deciding on a trail to hike was the most fun part for me.

Take advantage of information provided by the National Park Service to select a trail that’s best for you and your group. Check this page often for notices about hazards or closed areas.

Top Zion National Park Hikes by Difficulty

• Pa’rus Trail – Easy – about 2 hours
• Grotto Trail – Easy – about 30 minutes
• Lower Emerald Pool Trail – Moderate – about 1.5 hours
• Kayenta Trail – Moderate – about 1.5 hours

You’ll need to take the park’s shuttle to access many of the trailheads. The Zion Canyon Shuttle System is free to use and arrives at stops every 5 – 15 minutes. Map out your journey using the park’s website.