The Ideal 2 Day Zion National Park Itinerary

Are you looking for a Zion National Park Itinerary? Use this guide for a 2 day itinerary to Zion National Park in Utah.

As a HUGE National Park fan, I have to say that Zion is one of my absolute favorite parks. Not only is its beauty dramatic, but it’s also very easy to explore, is accessible to hikers of all levels, and shows off some of the best of what Utah’s Mighty Five have to offer.

Zion National Park’s highlights are the combination of its red and orange rock next to the rushing Virgin River. It has taken millions of years for this beauty to form, and I love to remind myself that it continues to develop even now.

If you’re a casual or experienced hiker, you’ll be able to see a lot of Zion in a 2 day visit. Don’t pass up the opportunity to visit because you don’t think you have enough time.

How to Get To Zion National Park

First things first, how do you get there?
Zion National Park is near Springdale, Utah which is about 160 miles from Las Vegas or a 2.5 hour drive.  Zion is about 300 miles from Salt Lake City or almost a 4 hour drive. You can fly into either of these cities and click here to rent a car to drive to the park. 

Many people combine a visit to Zion National Park with seeing Bryce Canyon National Park because they are close together. I have done both parks in one visit and highly recommend the combo trip! And don’t hesitate to add on Arches National Park in Moab, Utah.

A 2 Day Itinerary for Zion National Park

Let’s dive in. Here’s my suggestion for a 2 day itinerary in Zion National Park. This guide will help you decrease the overwhelming feeling of “what should I do first?!”

Zion has several hiking areas:
Kolob Canyon – which takes you through the red-rock box canyons.
Kolob Terrace – which takes you through open fields and rock formations.
East Rim – which offers climbs and views into the gulch.
Southwest Desert – which takes you to a ridge with vast views.
Zion Canyon – which is the most popular and most visited area, that we’ll focus on for your 2 Day visit. 

Day 1: Scout Lookout / Angel’s Landing / The Emerald Pools / Kayenta Trail Loop / Zion Scenic Drive

Morning:

Scout Lookout & Angel’s Landing
Distance: 3.6 mile RT for Scout Lookout
5.4 mile RT if you continue to Angel’s Landing (permit required for this section)
Difficulty: Difficult to Very Difficult
Time: 2.5 for Scout Lookout, 4 hours if you continue on Angel’s Landing
Shuttle stop: #6 – The Grotto
***The Angel’s Landing portion of the trail requires a permit (apply through the NPS lottery). 

Begin with Zion’s most famous trail. Get to the park EARLY, get a parking spot, and head to the Visitor Center shuttle stop. Exit the shuttle at #6 The Grotto, cross the road, over the bridge, and turn right onto the West Rim Trail.

Here’s the deal:
Scout Lookout is a section of the longer 16 mile West Rim Trail in Zion. The Scout Lookout portion is a 3.6 mile round trip hike with a 1141 foot elevation gain, which takes about 2.5 hours. It begins calmly but becomes more strenuous with a bunch of intense switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles. The reward at the top of Scout Lookout will make it worth it!

From there, you can continue on to Angel’s Landing. You’ll be able to see the chain section of Angel’s Landing. My daughters and I did not climb the Angel’s Landing section and don’t think I want to! I’m not generally afraid of heights or a difficult trail, but honestly, this looked a bit scary to me! Also, it was the first month (4/2022) of permits being required, and we didn’t have one!

If you’re not up for the extreme adventure or don’t have a permit, then have a picnic lunch at the Lookout, enjoy the views and head back down the Scout Lookout Trail. Another lunch option is at The Zion Lodge. Take the Shuttle to Stop #5. There are several restaurant options, along with souvenir shops.

Afternoon:

The Emerald Pools & Kayenta Trail Loop
Distance: 2.4 miles RT
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1.5 hours
Shuttle stop: #5 – Zion Lodge

I think the Emerald Pools hike was the most fun and memorable for us. There are so many different terrains and features.,Who doesn’t love a waterfall hike?

This hike takes you to the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools along the Kayenta Trail by the Virgin River. As you head to the pools, you’ll walk along some drop offs, pass underneath waterfalls, and climb many sandstone steps. The views and color changes are literally breathtaking!

Late Afternoon:

Zion Scenic Drive 
If you feel like it and have some time, you can relax after your hikes by taking the Zion Scenic Drive on the shuttle. This 8 mile road is the same one you’ve been on to get to the trailheads, but its also fun just to stay on the shuttle and enjoy the views along the way, or get off at a spot you want to explore.  Another great activity is to rent bikes for the park. 

Click Here to Check Out E Bike Rentals – they’ll deliver to your hotel
and provide helmets and locks!

Evening:
Have dinner in Springdale and stroll through the small shops and galleries.
Get a Massage before dinner! There are several massage clinics in Springdale and nearby Saint George and Hurricane. We had massages at the Aztec Massage Clinic in Hurricane and then fabulous Japanese food at Sakura in Saint George.

Day 2: The Riverside Walk / The Narrows / Watchman Trail

Morning:

The Riverside Walk & The Narrows
Distance: Riverside Walk is 1.9 RT
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1.5 hours
Shuttle stop: #9 – Temple of Sinawava

The Riverside Walk is a gorgeous and easy, well paved trail along the river with lots of spots to sit and watch the river flow. It might be crowded, so be prepared. If you continue to the end of the trail you’ll enter the river which is the beginning of The Narrows Trail. You’ll see many groups gearing up and heading into the water. If you’re not prepared or planning on hiking The Narrows, then enjoy a little wading in the water!

We chose to walk the lovely paved trail to the opening of The Narrows and did not venture further – we didn’t have an extra day to hike in the river.

The Narrows (Bottom Up)
Distance: 8.9 RT + the .9 on the Riverside Walk
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Time: 8-10 hours
Shuttle stop: #9 – Temple of Sinawava

The Narrows is Zion’s most unique experience for sure. The hike is in the river, through slot canyons to Big Springs before turning back. (If you want to continue past Big Springs, you’ll need a permit).

Most people don’t keep going all the way to Big Springs and turn back much sooner. It’s for sure a remarkable experience to hike deep into The Narrows, but it requires a lot of planning and the right weather and water conditions.

Be sure to check the park website for details of the hike when you plan to go. The best time for The Narrows is late in the Spring and in Summer when the water temps are warmer. Dangerous flash flooding is a real thing here, so talk to rangers before you go, or take a tour with an experienced guide.

You’ll need to rent gear to have the proper boots, socks, walking sticks, and waterproof pack. Many people rent for approximately $30 – $55 per person from Zion Outfitters in the park. There are also several shops in Springdale to rent equipment from. Make sure the rental packages include canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks, walking-sticks, waterproof pants, and jackets.

Book this Top Rated Private Guided Tour through The Narrows Here! 

Afternoon:

Watchman Trail
Distance: 3.3 miles RT
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2 hours
Shuttle stop: #1 – Visitor Center

The Watchman Trail is a great hike to wind down the day. It’s an easy to moderate hike with gorgeous views of the Watchman Tower, Bridge Mountain, and the town of Springdale.

Evening:
Spend your last evening in Zion with a casual dinner in Springdale. Take a stroll through the cute town and enjoy the shops and galleries. Here are some popular dinner spots (good for breakfast and lunch too!):

Me Me’s Cafe – Cute and artsy, all food is made from scratch.
Oscar’s Café – Tex Mex and burgers.
Bit & Spur – Southwestern food.
Wild Thyme Cafe – Steaks, chicken, and burgers

Where to stay in Zion National Park

Depending on when you go and how far in advance you plan, you may have trouble finding lodging very close to the park. Springdale is just a 7 minute drive to the park entrance, but Hurricane is about 30 minutes from Springdale and Saint George is about 50 minutes from Springdale.

In the Park:
There are campgrounds in the park, which you can learn more about here.

Plan ahead and book a stay in The Zion Lodge, which is inside the park and was built in 1924. Talk about old world charm! You’ll be tucked into the park, surrounded by the cliffs and all their colors. The accommodations include hotel rooms, suites, and cabins.

In Springdale:
The Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites  is located in Springdale, right outside the park.

In Hurricane:
The Sleep Inn & Suites Hurricane Zion Park Area is just a 30 minute drive from the park and was very convenient when we couldn’t find lodging closer.

In Saint George:
The La Quinta by Wyndham St. George is a top rated, budget friendly accommodation in nearby Saint George.

When is the best time to visit Zion and Bryce Canyon?

Zion is beautiful year-round, but each season brings its own special treats. My top rec is Spring, which is when I visited. This meant fewer crowds, cool temps, and crystal clear skies. Keep in mind that Zion’s canyon floor elevation is about 4300 feet. I have been hiking in these Keen Hiking Boots for years and they have never let me down!!!

Spring temps range from 60’s – 70’s. You may see some snow on trails and a little mud in places. I was happy with my Lululemon Jacket and Puffer Jacket layered and shed the top layer as the afternoon sun warmed me up on hikes. You might catch some wildflowers blooming as well! If you’re planning on The Narrows hike in the river, be prepared for some high water levels in Spring and possible closures. Pay attention to warnings about flash floods on rainy days.

Summer temps can rise from 80’s – 100. The park will be hot and crowded, so be prepared for lines at shuttle stops and busy trails. Be sure to hydrate, and as I always recommend, plan your bigger hikes for early morning before the crowds and the sun emerge! The benefits of summer include longer days of sunlight to enjoy the trails.

Fall temps range from 60’s – 70’s like the Springtime. Fall is another season of fewer visitors and incredible colors as the trees change. I know my next trip to Zion will be in the Fall – I can only imagine how spectacular it will be!

Winter temps range from the 50’s – 60’s in the day but below freezing at night. Visiting Zion in the winter is really just for the hard core National Park enthusiast! I love me a winter landscape, and I’m sure the white snow against the red cliffs is magic, but roads may close in the park due to ice and snow, and you won’t be able to enjoy as much of the trails. 

How to get around in Zion National Park

Once you’re in the park, you’ll leave your car in the huge parking lot and take the shuttles to the trail heads. Or, park in nearby Springdale and take the shuttle from there.The shuttle season is March–November, when private cars aren’t allowed on the main scenic road. I recommend using the shuttles during any season because they are free, super easy to use, and make seeing the park very convenient.

Can I drive in Zion National Park?

Zion National Park allows you to bring your car into the park, but essentially, only to park near the entrance.

During “shuttle season” March – November, private vehicles are not allowed to drive on the Scenic Drive which leads to all the trailheads and sites. The shuttle system has protected the park from excessive traffic and is super convenient. It picks up visitors at many stops in Springdale and shuttles into the park and all along the Scenic Drive.

The shuttles run from 7AM to 7PM, are free, and run frequently.

Zion National Park Tips

• Be sure to get an America the Beautiful National Park Pass ahead of time. For $80 a year, you have access to all 400+ national park sites. And if you are a senior, 62 or over,  that $80 gets you a LIFETIME pass!
• There are plenty of toilet facilities in the park.
• Bring your favorite day pack. I use my trusty Lululemon pack or my Wandrd Pack if I’m bringing my camera
• Bring a refillable water bottle and plenty of water. 
• Pack Snacks and lunch. (We bought supplies at the grocery store to make sandwiches for the hiking days).
• Bring small sandwich bags or foil to pack your snacks and lunches for the trail.
• Wear hiking boots ( I love my Keen boots) I do not recommend sneakers, even if they have some tread, because of slippery gravel, wet areas, and general ankle twisting safety.
• Wear layers. Start with three layers and you will subtract and add throughout the day.
• Don’t forget the sunscreen and a hat!
• Bring sunglasses.
• Your camera, or phone camera of course!
• Of course, Leave No Trace!

Which National Park is better Zion or Bryce Canyon?

Both parks are amazing and here’s 5 reasons why you need to see both!

1. They are only about an hour away from each other.
2. They offer dramatically different vistas, rock formations, and beauty.
3. Zion is at 3900’ elevation and Bryce is at 7650’ elevation, so their vegetation is very different. 
4. Bryce is all about hiking down into the canyon filled with hoodoos, and Zion is all about hiking up from the river into the mountains.
5. You can spend just three days total in Zion and Bryce National Parks and feel fulfilled with a day and a half in each park.

Now you’re all set with this 2 days in Zion National Park Itinerary!

In a nutshell…

Zion National Park truly is one of those rare places that stays with you long after you leave. Whether you conquer Angel’s Landing, wander through The Narrows, or simply relax by the Virgin River taking in the towering cliffs, it’s hard not to feel moved by the park’s sheer beauty and scale.

Two days in Zion gives you enough time to experience the highlights — from sunrise to sunset the views are magnificent. I recommend you choose the Spring or Fall, if you can, for some of the best weather and fewer crowds.

Pack your hiking shoes, layers, and take a road trip. Zion, like many National Parks, is more than a destination — it’s a reminder of just how stunning nature can be and how important it is that we protect it!

xx,
Carrie