Ultimate Guide to Zion National Park
Zion is the most visited national park in Utah, and for good reason! With sweeping red rock canyons surrounding the Virgin River, there’s a reason most people who visit stay for a few days.
In this guide to Zion National Park, I’ll cover everything you need to know to plan a perfect trip based on my experience visiting the park.
Let’s get started!
Zion is open 24/7 every day of the year.
The visitor center is open 8am – 7pm.
Park fees are $35 per vehicle which is valid for 7 days. If you’re planning on visiting multiple national parks an annual pass can be purchased for $80 and gives you access to all Federal fee areas for one year.
There are two main sections of the park: the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and the Kolob Canyons. Most of the popular hikes originate from the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
Parking at the Zion Visitor Center is limited and fills up early. Additional paid parking is available in the town on Springdale with a shuttle option to get to the park.
There are two shuttle systems in the park, one from Springdale to the park’s pedestrian entrance and other from the Zion Visitor Center to the Temple of Sinawava. Both shuttles are free to ride with your entrance fee.
The shuttle from Springdale to the park’s pedestrian entrance runs daily from mid-February through the fall. The first shuttle starts at stop 9 in town at 8am with a shuttle departing every 10-15 minutes. The last shuttle departs Zion Canyon Village at 6pm.
The shuttle inside the park operates from mid-February through late-November and runs from 6am departing from the Visitor Center and stops at many of the popular trailheads, including the trailheads for Angel’s Landing, and The Narrows. The last shuttle departs from the Temple of Sinawava at 8:15pm. If you miss this shuttle, it’s a long walk back to the Visitor Center.
Trekker Tip: we visited over Memorial Day weekend which is the most crowded weekend of the year. We arrived at the park around 7am each morning and there was a 2+ hour line to board the shuttle from the Visitor Center. So if arriving during busy summer weekends, plan to arrive at the park early or wait in long lines. Another option instead of taking the shuttle is to rent e-bikes from one of the stores in town.
Day 1:
Angel’s Landing
Distance: 5.4 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation Change: 1,488 ft
Trailhead Access: Shuttle Stop #6 The Grotto. Restrooms are available at the stop if needed before/after your hike.
Duration: If doing the chains section, plan to allow about 4 hours for this hike.
The last half-mile of the hike is a narrow ridge to the summit with large drop-offs on both sides. Chains are available on part of this section but is not recommended for young children or anyone fearful of heights. You can choose to not do the chain section of this hike and stop at Scout’s Lookout instead. Views are about the same at both locations, the chains section is more for thrill seekers.
You’ll start heading up the mountain and will have a few switchbacks at the beginning of the trail. From there you’ll go through a small canyon before arriving at Water’s Wiggles which are a set of 21 switchbacks that take you to Scout’s Lookout. You can either finish your hike here or continue up the chains section to the summit.
I did this hike in the summer and started up the mountain around 8 am. The beginning of the hike is fairly easy, and the temperature was nice starting early in the day with shade covering most of the trail. As you go up the trail, about halfway up there were some fairly steep switchback sections to take you around the mountain. I felt like these were harder than Walter’s Wiggles right before Scout’s Lookout. Getting to Scout’s Landing can be strenuous for some, but there were plenty of families completing the hike. The chains section though is not recommended for young children. After stopping to take in the views, we headed back down the mountain. By this time, shade was fairly minimal on the trail, and the temperature heats up quickly.
Trekker Tip: Start your day at Angel’s landing by arriving on the shuttle and getting off at The Grotto stop. Restrooms are available at the stop if needed before or after your hike.
Plan ahead as a permit is required to hike Angel’s Landing. There are two ways to apply for a permit: apply in advance for the seasonal lottery, apply the day before for a next-day permit.
The seasonal lottery costs $6 to apply for, and you can apply for 4 different seasons:
To hike March 1st - May 31st: apply between January 1st - January 20th and results will be posted on January 25th.
To hike June 1st - August 31st: apply between April 1st - April 20th and results will be posted on April 25th.
To hike September 1st - November 30th: apply between July 1st - July 20th and results will be posted on July 25th.
To hike December 1st - February 28th/29th: apply between October 1st - October 20th and results will be posted on October 25th.
If you are selected for a permit you will be emailed from recreation.gov and will be charged an additional $3 per person you registered. If you cancel your permit at least two days before your scheduled hike, you will be refunded $3 per person.
The next-day permit lottery costs $6 to apply for. The lottery opens at 12:01 am MST and closes at 3 pm MST the day before. Permits will then be issued at 4 pm MST the day you apply. If you are selected for a permit you will be emailed from recreation.gov and will be charged an additional $3 per person you registered.
Trekker Tip: I recommend doing Angel’s Landing and The Narrows on separate days as both are strenuous hikes. I prefer to do Angel’s Landing first so that as you walk through the river in The Narrows the next day, your legs are basically getting an ice bath to relax them.
Lower Emerald Pools
Distance: 1.2 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Change: 69 ft
Trailhead Access: Shuttle Stop #5 The Lodge. Restrooms are available at the stop if needed before/after your hike. Food and a gift shop are also available at this stop.
Duration: < 1 hour
Follow the paved trail which leads to the Lower Emerald Pool and waterfalls. Shady spots are available at the end of the trail to see the waterfall and get sprayed by the falls to cool off.
Swimming is prohibited in the pools.
For a longer hike, check out the Middle and Upper Emerald Pool Trails.
Trekker Tip: As this is a shorter hike, check it out later in the day when it starts to get hot out. The waterfalls at the end also provide a great way to cool off!
Kolob Canyons
Location: NE of Springdale
Take the shuttle back to the Visitor Center and return to your car.
From here, exit Springdale and heads towards the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center. This drive takes about 45 minutes to complete.
From the Visitor Center, take a drive along the Kolob Canyon Road for scenic views of the red canyons.
Stop at the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint for great views of the canyon.
Trekker Tip: This is great to do once it starts to get hot in the afternoon.
Day 2:
The Narrows - Bottom Up
Distance: Up to 9.4 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation Change: 1,488 ft
Trailhead Access: Shuttle Stop #10 Temple of Sinawava. Restrooms are available at the stop if needed before or after your hike.
Duration: Up to 8 hours, but can be as short as you want.
Note, the trail will close if the flowrate is more than 150 cubic feet per second and is not recommended if there is a chance of rain due to the potential of flash floods. Flowrates less than 70 cubic feet per second are ideal to avoid strong currents and sections that can be up to chest deep. You can check the current river conditions here.
Follow the Riverside Walk paved trail for 1 mile. From here, there are a couple of benches you can use if needed to get prepared to walk in the Virgin River.
Enter the river and you can walk up the stream to Orderville Canyon, Big Spring, or turn around when you are ready.
If you want to do the longer 16 mile hike from the top-down you will need to apply for a permit. Plan to spend one long day or a two-day backpacking trip to do this.
There are numerous riverbanks on the sides of the river where you can get out of the water and get a snack when needed.
Many people rent hiking shoes, walking sticks, and dry bib packages, but I don’t find these necessary unless you’re going in the winter and want to stay warmer. This hike can be done with your own tennis shoes and poles to avoid lines to get rentals. If you choose to get rentals, there are several shops in Springdale to rent from.
Trekker Tip: I recommend doing Angel’s Landing and The Narrows on separate days as both are strenuous hikes. I prefer to do Angel’s Landing first so that as you walk through the river in The Narrows the next day, your legs are basically getting an ice bath to relax them.
I did this hike in the summer and started the hike around 8am. There were quite a few people here at this time, and it only got busier as the day went on. The Riverside Walk is an easy, flat trail to follow until you enter the water. Even though it was summer, entering the water for the first time was very cold! After a few minutes though you get used to it. I did this hike in tennis shoes, waterproof pants, and with two hiking poles no problem. Since, there’s likely to be several people when you visit, watch where people are hiking to gage the depth of the water. Typically the water is shallower with less current along the outsides of the river. Cross over to any of the numerous riverbanks for faster walking, allow yourself to dry off a bit, and eat some snacks. When I visited, flowrates were around 30 cfs and the water got up just pass my knees (I’m 5’ 5” for reference). There’s not too many options for shade on the trail, so stop at them where you can if you’re looking for a spot to rest. I went down to Orderville Canyon and turned around after a little bit. With lots of stops for pictures, it took me about 5 hours to return back to the shuttle stop.
Trekker Tip: I’d recommend to at least get to the start of the Wall Street section if possible as this is where the canyon narrows.
Trekker Tip: This trail can get very busy so I recommend starting early. When we returned to the start of the hike around 1pm, there were hundreds of people starting the hike.
Trekker Tip: I recommend using poles or a walking stick on this hike as the rocks can be slippery and unstable.
You can easily spend more than 2 days at this park. Some other hikes to check out are:
Pa’rus Trail
Distance: 3.5 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Change: 50 ft
Trailhead Access: Zion Canyon Visitor Center (shuttle not needed)
Duration: 2 hours
This is a handicap accessible trail that also allows pets and bicycles. Hike features a river, broad meadows, wildflowers, and scenic footbridges.
Grotto Trail
Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Change: 35 ft
Trailhead Access: Shuttle Stop #5 Zion Lodge or Shuttle Stop #6 The Grotto
Duration: 30 minutes
Short trail that connects the Grotto picnic area to the Zion Lodge.
Weeping Rock Trail
Distance: 0.4 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Change: 100 ft
Trailhead Access: Zion Canyon parking lot (shuttle not needed)
Duration: < 30 minutes
Hike offers canyon views and the landmark site of The Great White Throne. Along the way you’ll pass through a swamp and along maple trees.
Watchman Trail
Distance: 3.3 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Change: 370 ft
Trailhead Access: Zion Canyon Visitor Center (shuttle not needed)
Duration: 2 hours
Well maintained trail that starts up switchbacks which lead you to views of the canyon from the plateau. Hike has little to no shade.
Sand Bench Trail
Distance: 7.6 mile roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Change: 470 ft
Trailhead Access: Shuttle Stop #5 Zion Lodge
Duration: 5 hours
Hike takes you to the top of an area affected by a landslide in April, 1995 for views of the surrounding mountains and canyon below. From March to October route also functions as a commercial horse trail.
Canyon Overlook Trail
Distance: 1.0 mile roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Change: 165 ft
Trailhead Access: Private transportation is required to get to the hike as the trailhead is located near the east entrance of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel.
Duration: 1 hour
Trail offers breathtaking views of Zion Canyon.
Hidden Canyon Trail via the East Rim Trail
Distance: 2.5 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation Change: 850 ft
Trailhead Access: Shuttle Stop #7 Weeping Rock
Duration: 2.5 hours
Hike up and through the canyon along with the assistance of chain to arrive at the narrow canyon walls of the Hidden Canyon. Trail has long drop-offs and is not recommended for anyone fearful of heights.
Observation Point via East Rim Trail
Distance: 8.0 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation Change: 2,150 ft
Trailhead Access: Shuttle Stop #7 Weeping Rock
Duration: 6 hours
Hike up the mountain to be rewarded with views of Zion Canyon, the Virgin River, and Angel’s Landing.
Lodging in Zion National Park:
Zion Lodge is the only lodging inside the park and is located 3 miles into the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Motel rooms, cabins, and suites are available. Reservations fill up quickly, so recommend booking far in advance.
There are 3 campgrounds in the park: The Lava Point Campground, South Campground, and Watchman Campground.
Lodging in Springdale:
Springdale is very close to the Zion Canyon entrance and the shuttle system in town makes it easy to get in and out of the park. However, during peak summer season, especially on the weekends, the main road through Springdale and into the park gets backed up and can take quite a while to get across town either with the shuttle or private vehicle. As it’s close to the entrance, prices tend to be higher than La Verkin.
Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites
Quality Inn & Suites Montclair
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springdale Zion National Park
Lodging in La Verkin:
Located between the Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyon entrances and takes about 30 minutes to get to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center without traffic. Tends to be quieter than Springdale and as it’s further from the park, prices also tend to be less expensive. I chose to stay here for those reasons.
Best Western Plus Zion West
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham La Verkin-Gateway to Zion
Red Rock Grill Dining Room at Zion Lodge is open year round and reservations are recommended from the spring through fall.
Cast Dome Café at Zion Lodge is open seasonally.
River Rock Roasting Company is located in La Verkin. We ate here and they had fantastic sandwiches and Italian cream sodas. Also, the patio has great views to watch the sunset.
Stage Coach Grille is located in La Verkin. We ate here and they offer a variety of food including steak and ribs. Service here was really good.
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Definitely necessary for hiking The Narrows to give you stability on the slick rocks.
Also helpful for Angel’s Landing with the steep incline to protect your knees on the way down.
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Good hiking socks to keep your feet comfortable when scrambling over rocks or climbing up inclines.
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Bring waterproof hiking boots that are comfortable and you have a chance to break in before you set out on long hikes.
Dry Bag & Waterproof Phone Case
Keep your valuables safe when hiking The Narrows.
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Keep your hands free while having space for your sunscreen, water, extra layers, quick dry towel, and more.
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Is a must as Zion gets very hot and sunny and there are multiple areas that don’t have much shade.
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Stay hydrated while you’re hiking in the hot sun.
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Great for hiking in The Narrows to keep warmer in the cold water while being able to dry off quickly.
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Keep from getting blisters while hiking in the Virgin River while hiking The Narrows.
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Dry off while relaxing on the riverbanks while hiking The Narrows.
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A roll-up hat you can pack in your day bag to keep cool in the hot Zion sun.