Planning a short trip to Zion National Park but unsure how to make the most of your visit? This one-day Zion itinerary covers everything you need to know: the best places to visit, top hiking trails, transportation options, accommodation tips, and more!
Zion National Park is one of the most visited parks in Utah, attracting over 4 million visitors each year. This isn’t surprising since it’s one of the most breathtaking parks in the USA, offering towering red cliffs, lush valleys, and incredible hiking experiences.
Whether you’re visiting Utah, live nearby, or are on a road trip across the USA, Zion National Park is a must-see. Its dramatic landscapes, world-renowned trails like Angels Landing, and stunning viewpoints make it an unforgettable destination.
In this article, we’ll focus on how to make the most of a one-day visit to Zion National Park. You’ll find helpful tips on what to expect, the best times to visit, must-see spots, activities, top hiking trails, photography opportunities, and where to stay. This guide will give you everything you need for a perfect one-day adventure in Zion.
Let’s dive into the key details and tips for exploring Zion National Park in a single day!
One day in Zion National Park itinerary: What to see in Zion National Park in one day
Let’s jump right in and explore the details of our one-day Zion Canyon itinerary. We’ll show you what you can fit into a single day at the park, highlight the best spots and hiking trails, and explain the best order to visit them.
Start your day with the Pine Creek Canyon Overlook Trail
Pine Creek Canyon Overlook is one of the easiest-to-reach and most beautiful viewpoints in Zion National Park.
It’s a great place to begin your day with a short, easy hike—just 0.3 mile (500 meters) one way from the nearest parking lot.
At the end of the trail, you’ll stand on a rock ledge with breathtaking panoramic views of Zion, hundreds of feet above the canyon.
This is a perfect warm-up and a great way to get excited for the rest of your day’s adventures.
Don’t forget to look out for the cute chipmunks that are everywhere in this area—they’re adorable!
No matter which direction you’re coming from, take time to enjoy the views on your way to Zion.
Some of the best photo opportunities can be found along the winding sections of Zion Park Boulevard, where you’ll find perfect spots to stop and capture the stunning scenery.
Lunch at Zion National Park
After visiting Pine Creek Canyon Overlook, it’s a good idea to have lunch because it will be harder to find food in Zion Canyon.
Unless you bring your own lunch, you can have a picnic during your hike.
If you are looking for restaurants near Zion National Park, most of them are in Springdale.
Recommended places are:
- Whiptail Grill: Mexican food
- Oscar’s Cafe: Quick bites (with gluten-free options)
- Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon: Southwestern dishes
After lunch: Visit the Visitor Center
The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is worth a short visit to provide you with information for the rest of the day.
If you’re traveling by car, park here and take a walk around the Visitor Center’s outdoor and indoor information boards.
If you’re arriving by bus, you probably will get off at the Visitor Center, as it’s an important hub for the shuttle buses. Take some time to explore the Visitor Center.
This is where the shuttle buses depart, taking you into Zion Canyon, which is usually closed to private vehicles.
At the Visitor Center, you can learn about the park’s hiking trails, landmarks, and wildlife, and get all the details you need for your afternoon plans.
So, get ready at the Visitor Center, leave your car in the parking lot, and take the shuttle to explore the rest of the park in the afternoon!
Afternoon: Hike in Zion Canyon
In the afternoon, depending on your time, fitness level, and any necessary permits, choose one or two trails in Zion Canyon to explore and enjoy hiking for the rest of the day!
The Zion Canyon trails are accessible via the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which is typically served by shuttle buses. Private vehicles are not allowed to enter for most of the year, except during the winter season.
It’s a good idea to check the shuttle schedule in advance on the official national park website. Closures are common, and sometimes the buses skip certain stops.
Here are some of the best hikes in Zion Canyon to consider:
The Narrows
One of Zion’s most iconic hikes, where you walk through the Virgin River between steep canyon walls. Starting at the Temple of Sinawava, this hike is an unforgettable experience.
Emerald Pools
A relaxing trail leading to waterfalls and pools, with options for all skill levels. You can visit the Lower, Middle, or Upper Pools depending on your energy and time.
Angels Landing
A challenging but rewarding hike with panoramic views of Zion Canyon. Known for its steep switchbacks and narrow ridges, it’s a bucket-list trail for many visitors.
Note: A permit is required!
Observation Point
Another top viewpoint offering panoramic views of Zion Canyon. However, due to the difficulty of the hike, we recommend it only for those in good physical condition.
The trail leading to this viewpoint, called the East Rim Trail, is quite strenuous. It’s 3.5 miles (5.7 km) one way and requires climbing over 2,150 feet (660 meters) in elevation.
If you’re an experienced hiker, the breathtaking scenery makes the effort well worth it.
If you don’t want to hike a lot, you can still enjoy the views by walking along the Virgin River. Interesting viewpoints include the Big Bend Viewpoint and the area around the Footbridge Trail.
Along the way, you might spot local wildlife like deer, squirrels, and birds.
Whether you choose to do one or more hikes in the afternoon or just explore at a slower pace, visiting the canyon is absolutely worth it and offers a relaxing experience.
Pay special attention to sunset, as the landscape can glow with beautiful colors in good weather. This is also a good time to start heading back to your car or the shuttle stops.
By the end of your visit, you’ll likely feel pleasantly tired and go home with plenty of great photos and memories, making your trip to Zion National Park truly complete.
Now that we’ve introduced the best spots and trails in Zion National Park, let’s answer some common questions about a one-day visit to the park!
FAQ: About a one-day trip to Zion National Park
Is it worth visiting Zion National Park?
Yes, it’s absolutely worth it! Zion National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the USA for a good reason.
It offers stunning landscapes, unique hiking opportunities, fascinating wildlife, and is easily accessible from major cities. If you have the chance, don’t miss it!
Is one day enough in Zion National Park?
If you plan your trip well, yes, one day is enough for Zion National Park.
The key is to arrive as early as possible!
Pay attention to the sunset time, as it’s not worth staying in the park after dark. During fall or winter months, sunset can be as early as 5 PM, so make sure to start your visit early. In the summer, arriving early helps you avoid large crowds and parking issues.
However, if you’d like to do more hiking or enjoy the park at a slower, more relaxed pace, we recommend staying for 2 days.
Entry to Zion National Park
You need a ticket to enter Zion National Park. You can buy a single-entry ticket or choose from different types of annual passes.
We mostly recommend purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass (listed as Interagency Annual on signs). It is a great value, offering access to most U.S. national parks, including Zion, for one year without any additional entry fees.
One America the Beautiful Pass covers a car and its passengers, up to four adults.
You can buy the America the Beautiful Pass at Zion’s entrance point, online in advance, or at many designated locations.
If you don’t choose this option, you can also buy a regular entry ticket or an annual pass just for Zion National Park. These are good options if you don’t plan to visit other U.S. national parks within the year that are included with the America the Beautiful Pass.
Where to stay near Zion National Park
The closest towns to Zion National Park are Springdale and Rockville, and these are the best places to stay.
We think the best choice here is:
- Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites: A three-star hotel in Springdale, located among the stunning mountains near the park. It offers great views, excellent reviews, and many amenities. The downside is the higher price, but it’s one of the closest options to Zion Canyon.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider staying in nearby La Verkin, Hurricane, or St. George, all within a short drive of Zion National Park.
Accommodations worth considering:
- The Dwellings: Our personal choice for staying near Zion. Modern, three-star studio apartments in a peaceful setting, ideal for families or those looking for a quiet retreat.
- Wingate by Wyndham Hurricane Zion National Park: Another three-star hotel, often at a very good price. A budget-friendly option if you want to be a short drive from Zion.
You can also stay halfway between Zion and Bryce Canyon, which can be convenient for visiting both parks.
Here are our recommendations for accommodations between the two parks:
- Zion Mountain Ranch: Western-style cabins along Route 9, close to Zion. A practical choice for its location and a unique place to stay.
- The Riverside Ranch Motel and RV Park: An affordable motel along Route 89 in Hatch, closer to Bryce Canyon. It’s a simpler option, but worth considering for its price and location.
Best time to visit Zion National Park
The best time to visit Zion is during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November).
In spring, pleasant temperatures make hiking enjoyable, wildflowers may bloom, and Zion’s waterfalls are at their fullest. You can also enjoy longer days, giving you more time to explore. However, prices can be higher during this season.
In fall, colorful trees and the possibility of light snow (especially later in the season) add to the beauty of the landscapes. September and October can still be expensive, but in November, prices decrease as it’s off-season, although the weather gets cold.
Summer is less ideal due to the heat and crowds, so consider this only if no other time is possible.
Winter offers a peaceful experience with fewer visitors and the chance to see the park blanketed in snow. However, some trails may be closed due to weather.
Overall, we recommend visiting Zion National Park in spring or fall for the best experience.
How to get to Zion National Park
Route 9 goes through Zion National Park, and it’s the only way to reach the area.
It’s best to arrive by car because, although there is a bus service from St. George to Zion, the travel time is much longer compared to driving. From the other direction, like Mount Carmel Junction or Bryce Canyon, you can only reach Zion by car.
Driving times (one way) to Zion are:
- From St. George: 55 minutes
- From Las Vegas: 2 hours 40 minutes
- From Bryce Canyon: 1 hour 50 minutes
- From Page: 2 hours 20 minutes
If you can’t travel to Zion by car, consider private transfers. They can be more expensive, but they often include a tour guide.
Parking in Zion National Park
Along Route 9, also known as Zion Park Boulevard, there are many roadside parking spots if you just want to leave your car for a short time, like for a quick hike or photos.
If you plan to use the shuttle, park your car at or near the Visitor Center. Shuttle buses to Zion Canyon depart from there.
If parking is full at the Visitor Center, you can find more spaces in Springdale, where shuttles run to the Visitor Center.
How to get around Zion National Park
On Route 9, also called Zion Park Boulevard, anyone with a park ticket or pass can drive freely all year. So, using your car (or a private transfer) is a good option here.
However, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private cars for most of the year. You can only enter by shuttle bus, bike, or on foot.
The shuttle is free and runs every 10–15 minutes. Check the schedule on the park’s official website or at the Visitor Center.
The bus ride from the Visitor Center to the last stop, the Temple of Sinawava, takes about 45 minutes. So plan into your itinerary that a lot of time will be spent on the bus, especially if you’ll be getting off at other stops along the way.
In winter, the Zion shuttles don’t operate for a few months, so you can drive your car on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during that time.
If you’re staying at the Zion Lodge, located inside the canyon, you’re allowed to drive your car to the lodge parking area. This can make getting around easier if you prefer to use your car.
Day trip destinations from Zion National Park
If you want to extend your trip with other nearby destinations, here are some of the best places to consider:
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is also one of the most beautiful national parks in Utah and one of our personal favorites.
The park is famous for its unique rock formations called hoodoos, which are red, uniquely-shaped rocks clustered closely together.
It’s about a 1-hour 45-minute drive from Zion, making it a great option for a day trip.
If you’re traveling in Utah, visiting Bryce Canyon is highly recommended. It’s worth spending a day or even two exploring this incredible destination.
Antelope Canyon
Located about 2.5 hours from Zion in Page, Arizona, Antelope Canyon is a great choice for a day trip.
This famous slot canyon has two sections: the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. Our favorite is the Lower Antelope Canyon, but both are extremely popular and worth visiting.
Both sections require a guided tour, so it’s a good idea to book tickets in advance.
Horseshoe Bend
Also near Page, Arizona, is the world-famous Horseshoe Bend.
This iconic, horseshoe-shaped canyon is easy to reach with a one-time parking fee and a short walk along a dusty path to the viewpoint.
It’s one of the most photographed natural formations in the USA, making it a must-see if you’re in the area.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas, often called the entertainment capital of the world, is the largest city near Zion National Park.
It’s about a 2-hour 40-minute drive from Zion, making it better suited for a multi-day visit rather than a day trip. Its vibrant nightlife, famous casinos, and entertainment venues are well worth experiencing if you’re in the area.
Don’t miss the fun and excitement Vegas has to offer. Popular attractions include The Venetian, inspired by Venice, Paris Las Vegas with its Eiffel Tower replica, and Caesars Palace, inspired by Rome.
Other must-sees include the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign and the Fremont Street Experience, a unique shopping and entertainment hub.
In conclusion, Zion National Park is a must-see destination that offers breathtaking views and incredible hiking trails, even if you only have one day to explore.
With a well-planned itinerary, you can visit the park’s most famous viewpoints, admire its towering cliffs, and experience the stunning landscapes. Whether you’re hiking Angels Landing, walking along the Virgin River, or enjoying the views from the shuttle stops, you’ll have an unforgettable time.
If you have more time, consider staying for two or three days to explore the park at a slower pace and take in more trails and viewpoints.
Make sure to plan your visit ahead of time, especially during peak seasons, and check the weather for a safe and enjoyable trip.
No matter how much time you spend here, Zion National Park will leave you with amazing memories and incredible photos. Enjoy your visit!
