Zion National Park Itinerary: How To Spend 1 to 2 Days In Zion

1 to 2 Day Zion National Park Itinerary

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About Zion National Park

Zion National Park has easily become one of America’s most popular national parks, and for good reason! It’s so beautiful, and there’s a lot to see.

Officially becoming a National Park in 1919, today Zion Canyon is home to 148,733 acres of breathtaking red rock formations, dozens of hiking trails, towering sandstone cliffs, and high desert-like plateaus.

Located in southwestern Utah, the Virgin River, over the millennium, has carved through the sandstone rocks, creating the dramatic landscape of sheer rock walls we know today as Zion Cayon.

From endless scenic views, hiking trails, and biking routes to canyoneering and horseback riding, stargazing, and so so so much more, spending a few days in Zion will be nothing short of spectacular.

However, before your visit, there are a few things you need to know!

Zion National Park Sections & Park Entrances

There are two sections that make up Zion National Park…

Zion Canyon: Most of the popular attractions, such as Angels Landing and The Narrows, are located in Zion Canyon — this is THE most visited section of the park!
Kolob Canyons: If you’re looking for more solitude, head to Kolob Canyons, where you’ll find more hiking trails, places to explore, and far fewer crowds.

Within the two sections, there are three entrances to Zion National Park…

South Entrance: The main and most popular entrance to Zion National Park is located next to the town of Springdale.
East Entrance: This is the entrance most people use when coming from the Grand Canyon or Bryce Canyon National Park. It follows a very scenic, windy road called the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. You’ll also pass through the Mount Carmel Tunnel.
Kolob Canyon Entrance: This entrance is only for visitors wanting to visit the Kolob Canyon section of the park. We recommend it only if you have more than two days to visit!

Zion Scenic Drives

The main drive through Zion Canyon is known as the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (we know, real original!).

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, or the park road as it’s sometimes referred to, is the main road within the park where popular places like The Narrows, Emerald Pools, and Angels Landing are found.

Another scenic drive is the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, which winds through more beautiful Zion landscapes. We’ll talk more about this drive in day 2 of this Zion National Park itinerary!

Entrance Fees and Park Hours

The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Pretty fantastic, right? The park entrance fees are $35 per car, $30 per motorcycle, and $20 per person/cyclist and this is good for seven consecutive days.

Another helpful thing to know is the main town near Zion National Park is Springdale. Located southwest of the park, here, you’ll find most restaurants, gas stations, and accomodations.

PRO TIP: If you visit three or more National Parks in a year, your best bet is to purchase the America the Beautiful Pass. This pass allows you access to all national parks in America for an entire year!

Canyon views of Zion National Park in October

What Month Is The Best To Visit Zion National Park?

Luckily, Zion is a year-round national park, so in reality, you can visit almost anytime. But there are definitely better times than others!

Considering the summer heat and flash flood/monsoon season, the best time of year to visit Zion is in Spring (March – May) or Fall (September – November).

These months are typically cooler than the summer and warmer than winter and are relatively free of major weather events, such as flash floods or snow.

PRO TIP: Flash flooding typically occurs in the park in the summer, especially from July through September.

Of course, don’t get discouraged if you visit outside these months. While you’ll encounter colder temperatures, you’ll experience far fewer crowds during the winter months.

We visited in early October and had fantastic weather during our few days in the park!

How Many Days in Zion National Park? Is 2 days enough?

Now, spending one day in Zion National Park is doable; it’ll just be tight, allowing you to see only a few of the highlights that make this park so famous.

Ideally, Zion National Park should be visited for at least 2-3 days. So yes, 2 days is the perfect amount, and in our opinion, the minimal amount of time you should spend here if you want to experience the very best of Zion National Park!

If you want to see more than just the main attractions, we recommend planning an extra day or two (3-4 days) so you explore much more of the park at a relaxed pace.

Do You Need a Reservation to Visit Zion National Park?

Currently, reservations are not required to visit Zion National Park.

However, reservations are required to hike to the top of Angels Landing.

Planning will be your best friend when looking to knab permits for Angel’s Landing. Don’t worry, we’ll get to the Angels Landing Permits further in this post! Or you can skip to that section now 🙂

PRO TIP: Things with National Park reservations seem to be ever-changing, so it’s always best to double-check before visiting any National Park if any permit is required. It is better to be over-prepared than under-prepared!

How To Get To Zion National Park

Flying

Most visitors’ trip to Zion National Park starts with a flight to Las Vegas’s Harry Reid International Airport. This is the closest international airport to Zion National Park, about a 2-hour drive away.

You can also fly into Salt Lake City, but that’s around a 4-hour drive from Zion National Park.

Regardless of which airport you fly into, you’ll need to rent a car to get to Zion National Park, as there is no public transportation.

PRO TIP: If you are planning a road trip through Utah, you can fly into one airport and out of another, which makes sense logistically if you’re exploring the state from North to South or vice versa.

Zion Tours From Las Vegas

Now, if you’d like to tackle Zion in a day or other places in the southwest over the course of a few days, there are guided tours that depart from Las Vegas.

These tours are great options for those who want to avoid driving themselves and want a professional to take them around the park!

Getting Around Zion National Park

Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, there are a few different ways to get around the park.

Private Vehicle

In January and February, you can drive your own vehicle anywhere within the park—no shuttle required!

However, between March and December, private vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which is where most of the top attractions are located.

From March – December, you’ll need to take the free shuttle to get around the park.

Zion Canyon Shuttle (aka The Park Shuttle)

The shuttle operates from the Zion National Park Visitor Center and leaves every 5-10 minutes, depending on the month. The first shuttle leaves between 6 AM and 7 AM, and the last one leaves between 4 PM and 7 PM…again, depending on the month.

PRO TIP: You can check the shuttle schedule here. Also, you do not need a permit or reservation to ride or access the Zion Canyon Shuttle.

The Zion Canyon Shuttle (Park Shuttle) is free and follows the same route, stopping at nine locations in the park.

Stop 1: Visitor Center
Stop 2: Museum
Stop 3: Canyon Junction
Stop 4: Court of The Patriarchs
Stop 5: Zion Lodge
Stop 6: The Grotto
Stop 7: Weeping Rock
Stop 8: Big Bend
Stop 9: Temple of Sinawava

The park shuttle is THE main way to get around Zion National Park for most of the year. It takes visitors to top sights like trailheads for hikes to Angels Landing, Emerald Pools, and the Narrows.

Riding a Bike

Another option is to rent a bike in Springdale, the town that butts up to the South Entrance of the Park. A handful of bike shops rent out bikes for the day to park visitors for them to use to cycle the park road and skip the Park Shuttle altogether.

Or, you can opt to reserve a spot on a guided biking tour through Zion National Park or hit the trails for some mountain biking fun!

Bicycling is permitted on all park roadways and on the Pa’rus Trail. All other park trails and the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel are closed to bikes.

If you choose to bike through Zion National Park, please ride in a single-file line, wear a helmet, and always pull over to give the Zion Shuttle (Park Shuttle) the right of way.

Springdale Line (Springdale Town Shuttle)

The Springdale Line, or town shuttle, provides service in the Town of Springdale.

This shuttle DOES NOT provide access to Zion National Park. Rather, the Springdale Shuttle stops at 9 locations in the town of Springdale (the town that butts up to Zion National Park) in an effort to help alleviate traffic in town that visiting cars can cause.

The Springdale Line runs every 15 minutes from 8 AM until around 7 PM. Like the Zion Shuttle, it is free, requiring no permits or reservations.

Where to Stay in Zion National Park

If you want to stay within Zion National Park and not in Springdale or the surrounding area, there are a few places to choose from. However, these places book up fast, so plan to make your accommodation reservations as soon as possible.

Zion Lodge

Located just down the road from the visitor center, The Zion Lodge offers some of the most amazing views, puts you in the perfect spot for exploring, and has everything you’ll need for a stay in the park.

This is the only accommodation outside of camping within Zion National Park, so as you can imagine, Zion Lodge books out quickly. If you want to stay here, we highly suggest making reservations as soon as possible.

Watchman Campground

If you enjoy the wilderness, you’ll love staying at the Watchman Campground! The campground is right near the visitor center, so you can easily access the shuttle and enjoy those amazing views from your RV or tent!

South Campground

The South Campground is just down the road from the Watchman Campground and within walking distance of the visitor center. It’s perfect for people who enjoy the outdoors but still like the amenities, and it’s easy to hop on the shuttle and explore!

Where To Stay Near Zion National Park (Springdale)

If you’re not staying within Zion National Park, then you’ll want to reserve a room in Springdale, the closest town to the South Entrance of Zion National Park.

Home to accommodations like Best Western, Holiday Inn, Marriot, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hilton collection hotels, like Cliffrose, there are plenty of accommodations for you to choose from.

If you’d rather skip the larger hotel chains, there are several bed and breakfasts like the Harvest House Bed and Breakfast and Novel House Inn at Zion for you to cozy up in after a day of exploring the park.

And if those are not your style, Flanigan`s Resort and Spa, Watchman Villas, and Red Rock Inn Cottages are other superb accommodation choices that are close, and in some cases, walking distance to, Zion National Park.

Whichever Springdale accommodation you reserve, you’ll be close to restaurants, shops, and cafes and a short shuttle ride (or walk!) to the South Entrance of Zion National Park.

About This Zion National Park Itinerary + Map

Before we discuss this one and two-day Zion National Park itinerary we’ve created, let us explain how it works.

We’ve created it to help you get the most out of your trip. This Zion National Park itinerary assumes you have one or two FULL days in the park. This means you’ll need to arrive before day 1 (day 0) and leave after day 1 (day 2) if you plan for only one day in Zion National Park.

The flip side is if you plan on spending two days in Zion National Park, you’ll depart after the second day (day 3), totaling two full days and three nights.

Doing it this way makes it easy to ensure that you can fully experience the park’s highlights and must-see sights!

Use the + and – signs on the interactive map to see where each location is within this Zion National Park itinerary.

Day 1 Zion National Park Itinerary

Starting day one of this Zion National Park itinerary, you’ll hit some of the most popular areas along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

Be sure to hop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle early to beat the crowds (as best you can) and make the most of your time in the park!

Stop 1: Hike To Angels Landing

We’ll start day 1 of your 2 days in Zion National Park off strong with a hike to the top of Angels Landing. This has been named the most dangerous hike in America, so it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

But if you bravely reach the top of the 5.4-mile roundtrip hike, you’ll be met with some of the park’s most incredible views!

The trail to Angels Landing covers over 1,400+ feet of elevation, with most of the trail being uphill. Most of the elevation is covered during the Walter’s Wiggles section, where you’ll tackle 21 switchbacks.

After the switchbacks and a short scramble later, you’ll arrive at Scout’s Lookout.

Scout’s Lookout

Scout’s Lookout is as far as you can go without getting a permit to hike the next portion of the hike, the narrow strip of rocking leading up to Angels Landing.

Scout’s Lookout is a great stopping point for those who either 1) did not get an Angel’s Landing permit or 2) were nervous about using the chain ropes to get to the top of Angles Landing.

In full transparency, Lauren stopped at Scout’s Lookout and did not reach Angel’s Landing. It can be quite nerve-wracking to tackle Angels Landing, especially if you are afraid of heights, so don’t feel bad if you can’t make it.

From Scout’s Lookout, you can enjoy a great view of the valley below and excellent views of the people making the chain-link ascent to Angels Landing.

Views from Scout's Lookout in Zion National Park

For those continuing past Scout’s Lookout (like Jesse did!) and climbing up to Angels Landing, be prepared to walk over a narrow rock wall and use chains to get yourself to the top. Use extreme caution because it can get slippery, and it can get pretty tight with lots of people around.

The narrow rock wall is just that, narrow. And there is no wall on either side, hence the use of chains. It’s really the only thing you’ll have to hold onto as you traverse and scramble to the top of Angel’s Landing.

But the views at the top are incredible, and you’ll be so happy that you braved it all to make it up!

Angels Landing Permits

From Scout’s Lookout, reservations are required to go to the top of Angels Landing. You can get these permits from one of two lotteries:

1. Seasonal Lottery

Taking place in January, April, July, and October, the seasonal lottery is for those wanting to secure their permits ahead of time vs. the day before.

Depending on when you plan to visit Zion will depend on which month you apply for your Angel’s Landing Permit.

PRO TIP: You can apply for the Angel’s Landing Permit Seasonal Lottery through Recreation.gov. As always, please refer to Recreation.gov for the latest information on application dates and times for the lottery.

Application Dates	Dates Of Your Visit
January 1 – January 20	Seasonal lottery for hikes on March 1 – May 31
January 25	Results of spring seasonal lottery emailed out
April 1 – April 20	Seasonal lottery for hikes on June 1- August 31
April 25	Notification of results of summer seasonal lottery
July 1 – July 20	Seasonal lottery for hikes on Sept. 1 – Nov. 30
July 25	Notification of results of fall seasonal lottery
Oct. 1 – Oct. 20	Seasonal lottery for hikes on December 1 – February 29
October 25	Notification of results of winter seasonal lottery

2. Day Before Lottery

For those who were unlucky with the seasonal lottery or were last-minute planners, this second permit option is for you!

The day before your intended hiking day, visit Recreation.gov and apply for a permit, which is good for the next day and the next day only. This lottery opens daily at 12:01 AM Mountain Time (MT) and closes at 3 PM MT.

Now, this doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a permit, but this is definitely your last option to try and obtain permits for Angel’s Landing if you don’t get one during the seasonal lottery.

Whichever option you try, know that both lotteries cost $6 to apply for a permit.

Here are a few things to remember once you obtain your Angel’s Landing Permit:

Most hikers climbing up to Angel’s Landing start from Shuttle Stop 6, The Gotto
The time printed on your Angel’s Landing Permit is when you need to arrive at The Grotto, aka starting your hike
Please plan accordingly to allow plenty of time to get to The Gotto before the start time printed on your permit
Have your Angel’s Landing Permit easily accessible (printed off or downloaded to your phone), as Park Rangers may check your permit before you start your hike or at any point on the trail.

Stop 1 Alternative Option: Observation Point

If you do not want to hike Angels Landing or couldn’t get a permit, don’t worry! There is another incredible viewpoint that looks down into Zion Canyon and offers massive scenic views like the ones you’ll find during your Angel’s Landing hike.

Observation Point is one of the park’s longer hikes, with two different trail routes to access:

Observation Point Via East Mesa Trailhead
Observation Point Via East Rim Trailhead from Weeping Rock

If you take the East Rim Trail, you can expect an 8-mile roundtrip hike with a 2,000-foot elevation gain.

Alternatively, if you start from the East Mesa Trailhead, you’ll hike one mile less (7 miles round trip) and have much less elevation gain, around 700+ ft.

Whichever trail you take, both will lead you to the top of Observation Point, which stands at 6,490 feet. Along the way, you’ll have incredible views, and once you get to the top, you can seemingly see for miles!

View of Zion National Park from Observation Point

To get to the East Mesa trailhead, you’ll need to drive that trailhead vs taking the park shuttle. It’s recommended you have a high-clearance or a 4-wheel-drive vehicle due to the dirt road the trailhead starts from.

For those taking the East Rim Trailhead from Weeping Rock, you’ll take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to stop #7, Weeping Rock, and head out from there!

Stop 2: Break for Lunch at The Zion Lodge

After your big hike for the day, you’ll have worked up an appetite! So stop at Zion Lodge to relax and enjoy a bite to eat.

There are two restaurants here, the Red Rock Grill and Castle Dome Cafe.

Red Rock Grill has a soup and salad bar, burgers, sandwiches, and a few other entrees. Castle Dome Cafe is a bit more relaxed, with snack bar items like hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches to grab and go.

Stop 3: Enjoy Sunset From The Watchman

After you’ve had what might have been a late lunch and have done a bit more exploring, it’s time for one of the best parts of a Zion National Park itinerary – watching the sunset from The Watchman.

The hike is only about 3 miles roundtrip and has moderate elevation gain. To make it even better, the trailhead is just outside the visitor center, so there is no need to worry about taking the shuttle or missing the last shuttle.

This trail doesn’t take you to the top of The Watchman but to an incredible viewpoint that looks out to the 6,545-foot mountain. Because of its picturesque nature, it’s one of the most popular spots to watch the sunset in Zion National Park.

It’s a photographer’s dream and the perfect spot for those who love to sit back and marvel at the sunset!

PRO TIP: If you don’t want to hike the 3-mile round trip, along the trail, you’ll find a Canyon Junction bridge that looks out perfectly over the Virgin River and towards The Watchman. This is another great location to sit and enjoy the setting sun.

Day 2 Zion National Park Itinerary

The day 2 itinerary for Zion National Park is full of scenic drives, more hikes, and emerald pools. Like day 1, plan to start your day early to make the most of your second and last day in Zion National Park.

Stop 1: Drive Zion-Mount Carmel Highway Scenic Drive

After an amazing first day, we figured a scenic drive to rest your legs and start your morning off on the slower side would be welcomed.

You’ll start the day with a drive on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, one of the most scenic drives in Zion National Park!

Plus, starting with Zion-Mount Carmel Highway in the morning is a great plan as you’ll avoid the cars and traffic that can be found along the road as the day goes on.

And if you didn’t know, The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway provides direct access for travel between Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Zion National Parks.

PRO TIP: You’ll need a rental car to drive Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. The Zion Park Shuttle does not go to this section of the park.

Checkerboard Mesa

For your first stop, you’ll head to the farthest stop on the scenic highway, Checkerboard Mesa, and work your way back to the Park from here.

Checkerboard Mesa is a quick stop where you can view the giant red rock with a checkerboard pattern. You can either drive past it and view it from the road or opt to pull over at its parking lot viewpoint.

This is a short and sweet stop but a lovely one at that!

Checkerboard Mesa along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway

Canyon Overlook

After you depart Checkboard Mesa, you’ll make your way to the Canyon Overlook trailhead, a 1-mile round-trip easy hike. This nice leisurely trail leads you to a magnificent overlook of Zion Canyon!

Offering exceptional views of the canyon from different vantage points, Canyon Overlook is a perfect trail for those looking for something easy but with exceptional views!

Canyon Overlook viewpoint overlooking Zion

PRO TIP: There is a parking lot at the trailhead, but it is SMALL and fills up quickly. Do your best to get here as early as you can to ensure you can find a parking spot.

Mount Carmel Tunnel

Your last stop before returning to the South Entrance of Zion National Park is driving through the Mount Carmel Tunnel – for the second time! You drove through it (the first time) on your way to Checkerboard Mesa.

Mount Carmel Tunnel is one of THE highlights of the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.

This 1 mile-long tunnel was the longest tunnel of its type in the United States when it was constructed in the 1920s! It’s popular because it makes access to the park much easier and takes visitors directly through the weaving canyon of Zion National Park.

Mount Carmel Tunnel outside of Zion National Park

PRO TIP: For the RVers out there with vehicles taller than 7 feet 10 inches or wider than 11 feet 4 inches, please note that you’ll be required to purchase a tunnel permit for $15 at the entrance station before entering. You can learn more here!

Stop 2: Hike The Narrows

After your drive along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is complete. Hop on the park shuttle and head to Shuttle Stop #9, Temple of Sinawava. It’s time for The Narrows!

Aside from Angels Landing, The Narrows is Zion’s most popular hike! It’s a long, winding trail that leads through Zion Canyon and has you wading through the Virgin River.

Yup, wading! Which means you’ll be trekking through the chilly waters of the Virgin River.

There are two options (trail lengths) when looking to hike The Narrows:

Bottom Up: Temple of Sinawava To Big Springs
Top Down: Chamberlain’s Ranch to Temple of Sinawava

Bottom Up: Temple of Sinawava To Big Springs

The most popular, shortest, and the option that does not require a wilderness permit to hike is the Bottom Up To Big Springs option for hiking The Narrows.

The trail starts at the Temple of Sinawava and is about 9 miles (round trip) in length.

However, you don’t have to hike the entire 9 miles! Since this is an out-and-back trail, you are welcome to hike as far in as you like and turn around at any point to make this overall hike less than 9 miles. Completely up to you!

As you go through the scenic Narrows, keep an eye out for some popular landmarks such as Mystery Falls, Orderville Canyon, Wall Street, and Floating Rock.

Top Down: Chamberlain Ranch to Temple of Sinawava

When looking to hike The Narrows, the second option is longer than the above option and requires a wilderness permit.

This hike is a 16-mile from Chamberlain’s Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava. To get to the ranch, you must take your rental car to Chamberlain’s Ranch, as Chamberlain’s Ranch is not within the Park’s shuttle route.

You’ll also need to purchase a wilderness permit to access this hike.

PRO TIP: You can also (weather dependent) camp overnight in The Narrows! A wilderness permit is required, and proper waterproof gear is recommended.

The Narrows is a unique hike in Zion National Park, and whichever option you choose, hiking The Narrows is best done prepared and with caution.

The water is cold, so come prepared with proper footwear to keep your feet nice and warm! You can rent waterproof gear from Zion Outfitters.
There are slippery rocks, so go slow and even better, use a walking stick for extra support
Always keep an eye on the NPS website and the weather. Sometimes, the hike does close due to dangerous flash floods.

Stop 2 Alternative Option: Riverside Walk

If The Narrows is closed due to flooding or this hike is not your thing, there is another way to spend the morning of day 2 at Zion National Park.

The Riverside Walk is a great alternative to The Narrows. While you may not intend to wade through The Narrows, we’re sure you’re curious what it looks like, right?

Well, the Riverside Walk trail leads to the entrance of The Narrows, allowing you to take a peak before carrying along the trail, which weaves alongside the Virgin River.

The Riverside Walk is only about 2 miles roundtrip and is paved, so it’s accessible for most people!

Stop 3: Have Lunch Along the Virgin River

After your hike, find a spot along the river to have lunch! Be sure to pack a picnic lunch to take advantage of the few picnic tables at the trailhead for The Narrows.

Otherwise, just perch up along the river and enjoy the views while you relax before your next adventure!

PRO TIP: There are plenty of markets and grab-and-go shops in Springdale where you can pick up a sandwich, wrap, or snack to contribute to your park picnic!

Stop 4: The Emerald Pools

For your last stop on this Zion National Park itinerary, you will head to Emerald Pools. This is another of Zion’s most popular spots, although arguably less popular than Angels Landing and The Narrows.

The trail is fairly short at 3 3-mile roundtrip, starting from Zion Lodge.

Emerald Pools is a series of waterfalls and three pools – Upper, Lower, and Middle. The best thing about this is that you can choose to hike to all three pools or just choose your favorite and skip the others!

The Upper Emerald Pool is considered the best because it’s less crowded and is really beautiful as it sits in an amphitheater.

What to Do With More Than 2 Days in Zion National Park

Have more than 2 days in Zion National Park? There’s plenty more to do during your trip, and here are a few of our suggestions to help you make the most of your Zion National Park itinerary!

Go Canyoneering

One of the most unique and interesting activities to try out in Zion National Park is canyoneering!

This half-day tour takes you through some of Utah’s most amazing scenic slot canyons. You’ll get to try your hand at canyoneering, or repelling, down the canyon walls with the help of the guide.

Exploring a slot canyon is a must when visiting the Southwest! So, if you have the time and some adventurous spirit, be sure to check it out!

Reserve Your Canyoneering Spot

Helicopter Rides Over Zion National Park

So you’ve seen Zion National Park from all the hikes, driving, and maybe even the bit of canyoneering you did. But seeing it from above is a whole new experience! Booking a helicopter ride over the park may be one of the most memorable parts of your trip.

There are 35 mile, 55 mile, and 100 mile options, so you can choose however long you want to be up in the air touring the park!

Book A Zion Helicopter Tour

Go Horseback Riding

Another unique way to see the park is by saddling up and hitting the dusty trails via horseback!

On this tour, you’ll ride your horse to the summit of Pine Knoll, where you’ll have views of Zion and the Grand Canyon. This top-rated tour is a great way to experience the area without using your own two feet 🙂

Book Your Zion Horseback Riding Trip

Get Another Hike In

If you’re feeling up for another hike or two, there are many options to choose from! Here are a few favorites.

The Pa’rus Trail is a nice place for a stroll through the park! It’s an easy little jaunt at just over 3 miles. The trail has views of the Watchman and the surrounding red rocks that Zion is well-known for. Oh, and this trail is accessible for wheelchairs, pets on leashes, and bicycles!
The West Rim Trail is another great option, although it is long! The entire trail covers over 14 miles and 1,500 feet of elevation. But the canyon views are stunning as you wind along the rim of Zion Canyon. It’s a doozy day hike, but this is a great option for those hungry to push themselves.
The Subway (also called Zion Left Fork North Creek) is another of Zion’s most unique hikes. It’s similar to The Narrows but requires a permit to access. The trail is just over 9 miles long and requires a high fitness level because it’s pretty strenuous.

Visit the Other Section of Zion, Kolob Canyons

If you still have more time, consider visiting the other section of Zion, Kolob Canyons. This area is much less visited, so there are fewer crowds, and you can have some solitude!

To get there from Springdale, you’ll take Interstate 15 until you reach the entrance station. It’s found just north of Zion Canyon and takes about 50 minutes (39 miles) from the South Entrance of Zion National Park.

Within this section, there are plenty more hikes to check out, including Kolob Arch and Taylor Creek.

Tips for Spending 2 Days in Zion National Park

Before you head off and travel to Zion, here are a few more tips we’ve found helpful during our visit that we thought you should know, too!

Start your day early: Zion is an extremely busy park, and the best way to avoid crowds is to get an early start. Try to get on the first shuttle bus from the visitor center to start your hikes early and avoid the busyness!
Make reservations as soon as possible: Reservations to campgrounds and lodging fill up quickly, especially in peak season! We recommend booking yours at least a few months in advance (if not more!).
Pack plenty of food and water: To make the most of your day, pack a lunch and snacks with you so you don’t have to head back into Springdale mid-day or stop in Zion Lodge.
Check the latest park updates and closures: Check the park’s latest closure status on the NPS website before visiting. The park is prone to flash floods, rock slides, and road closures, so always check before visiting!
Leave no trace and leave animals alone: As always, in national parks, follow the 7 principles of Leave No Trace – Clean up after yourself, leave wildlife alone, and stay on the trail are just a few to keep in mind!
Pets in Zion National Park: The only trail that allows pets is the Pa’rus Trail. Pets are not allowed on any other trails. Outside of hiking trails, pets are welcome along public roads, parking areas, campgrounds, picnic areas, and on the grounds of the Zion Lodge. Alternatively, you can leave your dog at a nearby doggie daycare so you can enjoy Zion National Park to its full capacity.

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Happy Travels,

– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stu’s)