Zion National Park, United States travel guide

Sandstone cathedral walls, a river you hike up, and Angels Landing.

Best time to visit: April-May & September-October
Average daily budget: $110 to $260 USD
Ideal trip length: 2 to 3 days

Zion turns canyon geography inside out: instead of looking down, you stand on the floor and crane up at 2,000ft Navajo sandstone walls glowing orange. The Virgin River carved it, and hiking that river through the Narrows, or the chained ridge of Angels Landing, are two of the most famous walks in America.

Zion National Park itinerary

Day 1, Get oriented

Morning: The Narrows. Wade upriver between sheer walls from Temple of Sinawava; rent neoprene boots and a stick.

Afternoon: Explore Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, The shuttle-only corridor with the Grotto, Weeping Rock and Temple of Sinawava stops.

Evening: Canyon Overlook Trail. A one-mile scramble east of the tunnel for the best sunset view without a permit.

Day 2, Go deeper

Morning: Angels Landing. Chains along a knife-edge ridge to a 1,500ft drop panorama, permit required by lottery.

Afternoon: Explore Springdale, The gateway town at the south entrance, walkable to the park with hotels and food.

Evening: Observation Point via East Mesa. A gentler route to a view that looks down on Angels Landing itself.

Day 3, Hidden side

Morning: Kolob Canyons' Timber Creek Overlook, empty even in peak season. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Kolob Canyons, The park's quiet northwest section off I-15, with red finger canyons and no crowds.

Evening: The Watchman Trail at golden hour, starting right at the visitor centre. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Best neighbourhoods

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive: The shuttle-only corridor with the Grotto, Weeping Rock and Temple of Sinawava stops.
Springdale: The gateway town at the south entrance, walkable to the park with hotels and food.
Kolob Canyons: The park's quiet northwest section off I-15, with red finger canyons and no crowds.
East Zion: Beyond the tunnel: slickrock, Checkerboard Mesa and quieter trailheads.
Hurricane & La Verkin: Cheaper lodging bases 25 minutes west, handy in peak season.

Must-do experiences

The Narrows: Wade upriver between sheer walls from Temple of Sinawava; rent neoprene boots and a stick.
Angels Landing: Chains along a knife-edge ridge to a 1,500ft drop panorama, permit required by lottery.
Observation Point via East Mesa: A gentler route to a view that looks down on Angels Landing itself.
Canyon Overlook Trail: A one-mile scramble east of the tunnel for the best sunset view without a permit.

Hidden gems

Kolob Canyons' Timber Creek Overlook, empty even in peak season
The Watchman Trail at golden hour, starting right at the visitor centre
Pa'rus Trail after dark for canyon silhouettes and stars, bikes allowed
Grafton ghost town near Rockville, a 15-minute drive from Springdale

Daily budget

$110 to $260 USD per day.

What to eat

Oscar's Cafe in Springdale for post-hike burritos and sweet potato fries
Deep Creek Coffee before an early shuttle
Bit & Spur for Southwestern plates and a proper margarita
Zion Canyon Brewing's patio right at the park entrance

Getting around

From March to late November the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private cars and served by free shuttles running every 7 to 15 minutes; a second free shuttle loops through Springdale. Park in Springdale and walk in to skip the lot queue. Las Vegas is 2.5 hours away, St George 45 minutes, and Bryce Canyon 90 minutes for an easy add-on.

Safety

Angels Landing has killed hikers who left the chains, and the permit lottery exists for a reason; skip it if heights or crowds unsettle you. The Narrows closes on flash flood risk, so check the forecast and never enter when storms are predicted upstream. Summer canyon temperatures top 100°F, so start hikes at dawn and carry three litres of water per person.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Zion?

Two days covers the headline hikes: the Narrows or Angels Landing on one, Canyon Overlook plus Watchman or Emerald Pools on the other. Three days adds Kolob Canyons, East Zion slickrock or a Bryce Canyon day trip 90 minutes away.

Do you need a permit for Angels Landing?

Yes. Since 2022 everyone hiking past Scout Lookout onto the chains needs a permit from a lottery. There's a seasonal lottery months ahead and a day-before lottery that closes at 3pm Mountain Time. It costs $6 to apply plus $3 per person if you win, and rangers check at the chains.

What is the best time to visit Zion?

April to May and September to October give mild hiking weather and reasonable crowds. Summer means 100°F-plus canyon heat and long shuttle queues; spring snowmelt often makes the Narrows unhikeable. Winter is quiet and cold with private cars allowed on the scenic drive.

How does the Zion shuttle work?

From March to late November private cars are banned on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Free shuttles leave the visitor centre every 7 to 15 minutes from around 6am, stopping at nine points including the Grotto for Angels Landing and Temple of Sinawava for the Narrows. No reservation is needed, but arrive before 8am to avoid a long line.

Can you hike the Narrows without a guide?

Yes, the bottom-up day hike from Temple of Sinawava needs no permit; you simply turn around when you like. Rent canyoneering boots, neoprene socks and a walking stick in Springdale for about $30. The top-down 16-mile route from Chamberlain's Ranch does require a permit.

Where should you stay near Zion?

Springdale sits at the entrance with hotels, restaurants and a free town shuttle, so it's the easiest base. Zion Lodge is the only in-park hotel and books a year out. Hurricane and La Verkin are cheaper 25 to 30 minutes away, and Watchman Campground fills six months in advance.

Can you visit Zion and Bryce Canyon in one trip?

Yes, they're 90 minutes apart and pair perfectly. A common Utah route is two nights in Zion and one in Bryce, often extended east along Scenic Byway 12 to Capitol Reef. Bryce is 3,000ft higher, so pack a layer even in summer.

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