Zion National Park Itinerary Ideas

If you’re wondering how many days to spend at Zion, check out these Zion National Park itinerary ideas for 1, 2, or 3 days in the park!

This Zion National Park travel guide includes everything you should see, do and photograph at this stunning park.

Zion National Park Itinerary Ideas

Located in the Southwest of Utah, near the towns of Kanab, St. George, and Cedar City, visiting Zion National Park is a truly amazing experience that is not to be missed by anyone who loves the outdoors.

Zion National Park should be on your bucket list of places to visit in Utah. The landscape includes narrow sandstone canyons, high plateaus with spectacular views, and the Virgin River as it flows through the park. The hiking trails at Zion are world-famous and fun to explore.

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A Photo Tour of Zion National Park

Take a visual tour through Zion National Park to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!

Things to Know Before Visiting Zion National Park

Zion National Park is open to visitors twenty-four hours day, every day of the year. You will want to check the website because some services and facilities do close or reduce hours during parts of the year.

If you plan on visiting other Utah National Parks, or any other US National Park during the year, we always recommend getting the US National Park pass. (Did you know when you buy the National Parks Pass from REI, they donate 10% to the National Park Foundation?)

Zion National Park Shuttle and Parking

It’s important to know all the rules and regulations for parking at Zion National Park! Visitors can park only in designated parking spaces and should avoid parking along roadways, on vegetation, and in a way that blocks traffic. If a parking lot is full, do not wait for a spot to open up. Instead, move on and look for parking elsewhere. Anyone who fails to park in designated spots will be subject to a fine and may have their vehicle towed.

You can also park in Springdale, just outside the park entrance. Use the free shuttle that takes you to Zion. Be aware though that you must pay for parking in Springdale and that a park entrance pass does not include town parking, and vice versa.

The Zion National Park Shuttle begins operations during the weekends starting mid-February. Around the first part of March, the shuttle runs daily between Zion Canyon and the town of Springdale. While the shuttle is in operation, no vehicles are permitted on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The shuttle also runs during the Christmas holiday so check the website if you’ll be visiting Zion during that time.

When the shuttle service is not in use, Zion National Park can still experience overcrowding. When this happens, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive will close to the public once all parking lots are full.

Zion National Park Seasons and Weather

If you’re wondering about the best Time to Visit Zion National Park, below you’ll find specific information about what it’s like at different seasons and months of the year to help you decide.

Here’s a list of average temperatures and Zion National Park weather during all four seasons:

Zion spring weather varies quite a bit from month to month. It’s important to pack for all types of weather because you never know when the weather will change.

It is not unusual to get rain or even snowfall in March. We recommend you watch the weather and pack a winter coat, winter hat, and winter gloves when going to Zion in early spring. A fleece jacket, hat, and gloves should be fine later in the spring.

Zion summer weather will be HOT HOT HOT! Since the temperatures are brutal this time of year, plan your outdoor activities for the cooler mornings and evenings!

With the hot temperatures during the summer months, you’ll want to protect yourself from the sun by wearing a sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. It’s important to stay hydrated and carry a hydration pack or a refillable water bottle in your backpack.

Zion fall weather starts to cool down making it a great time to explore the park because it will be cooler in the mornings and evenings, and the daytime temperatures aren’t too hot compared to the summer.

With the cooler temperatures at night, you will definitely want to bring a fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves for the nights and early mornings. 

Zion winter weather is when the temperatures really drop. It’s also the least busy season. We don’t mind the colder weather for enjoying outdoor activities, which makes the winter the best time for us to visit to escape the crowds!

BUT the cold winter weather may not be for everyone.

During the winter it is especially important to dress in layers. We recommend an insulted winter jacket, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves if you’ll be doing any outside activities. Here’s the full list of the outdoor winter clothing we use!

Map of Zion Hikes

Use this Map of Zion Hikes to navigate around the park.

map of Zion hikes

Angels Landing permit: Hikers going to Angels Landing any time of year will need a permit. The National Park Service (NPS) will issue permits using online lotteries at Recreation.gov.

Towers of the Virgin Zion Nationa Park at golden hour
Towers of the Virgin at Zion National Park (golden hour)

Zion National Park Itinerary: Day 1

Here’s what we recommend for visiting Zion National Park in one day. Click that link to see the detailed 1-day itinerary!

We always recommend you stop at the Visitor Centers first thing to get the updated weather forecasts, trail conditions, and ranger activities happening while you’re visiting.

Sunrise

Morning

Lunch

  • Zion Canyon

Afternoon

  • Zion Canyon

Sunset

  • Pa’rus Trail / The Watchman

Night Photography / Stargazing

  • Pa’rus Trail / The Watchman
Scenic drive along Highway 9 through Zion National Park
Scenic drive along Highway 9 through Zion National Park

Zion National Park Itinerary: Day 2

Here’s the Day 2 itinerary if you’ll be able spend two days in Zion National Park. Click that link to see the detailed Zion 2-day itinerary!

Sunrise

  • Canyon Overlook Trail OR
  • Switchbacks before Mt. Carmel Tunnel

Morning

Lunch

  • Springdale

Afternoon

  • Grafton Ghost Town
  • Kolob Terrace Road

Sunset

  • Hop Valley or Hoodoo City

Night Photography / Stargazing

  • Hop Valley or Hoodoo City

Kolob Terrace at sunset
Kolob Terrace at sunset

Zion National Park Itinerary: Day 3

Here’s the Day 3 itinerary if you’ll be able spend three days in Zion National Park. Click that link to see the detailed 3-day itinerary!

Sunrise

Morning

Lunch

  • Your Choice

Afternoon

Sunset

  • Your Choice

Night Photography / Stargazing

  • Your Choice

BUY ZION GUIDES & MAPS AT AMAZON

Zion national park guides and maps

Where to Stay Near Zion National Park

If you’re not staying in Zion, you definitely want to stay in Springdale which borders the entrance to the park. Here are a few of our favorite places to stay close to Zion:

  • Holiday Inn Express – our favorite place to stay with an outdoor pool and amenities you’d find in a high end hotel
  • Zion Lodge – we haven’t had a chance to stay here yet, but you can’t go wrong staying right IN the park!
  • Under Canvas Zion – if you want to experience a less crowded part of Zion, this is the place! It’s in the Kolob section of the park.
  • VRBO Rentals in Springdale – you’ll want to stay in Springdale so you’re close to the park entrance and can walk to shopping and restaurants. 
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