It can be overwhelming to plan a day trip from Vegas with all the options, but when I came across Zion National Park in Utah. Zion, one of the most iconic and visited parks in the land has a little something every wander luster. Wondering how to have the perfect day in Zion National Park? Look no further, this guide outlines all of the top things to see when visiting Zion NP for just one day.
Essential Information: Zion National Park
Location: Where Is Zion?
Zion National Park is located in the southwest corner of Utah, about an hour from St. George and roughly 2.5 hours from Las Vegas.
Getting to Zion National Park
By Air:
St. George Regional Airport is a small hub, which means that it can be more expensive than other airports! Less expensive option: Fly into Salt Lake City (SLC) The downside? Zion is about 3.5 hours away by car. The upside? But even still, that picturesque scenery.
By Car:
They will definitely need to hire a car. Zion is a great starting point from pretty much anywhere you are in the country., but ultimately you have to drive here. Thankfully, the park’s roads are in very good condition and so no 4 wheel drive is necessary for general day touring.
Planning a Utah National Parks Road Trip?
Here are some estimated driving times from nearby national parks to Zion National Park:
- Bryce Canyon National Park – 1 hour 15 minutes
- Capitol Reef National Park – 3 hours
- Arches National Park – 4 hours 45 minutes
- Canyonlands National Park – 5 hours
Navigating Zion National Park
Zion is easy to traverse, but the way you get around depends on the time of year.
Winter Visits
For the months of December through January, there are no shuttles and you must have your own vehicle to drive around the park. Even during its off-peak season, parking may be a challenge so I suggest coming earlier.
Spring through Fall
The free shuttle system is the only way to get around Zion between February and November. Shuttles do not require a ticket in advance, and they are first come first served to park in Springdale and jump on the shuttle into the park. The Zion Visitor Center is the first and last shuttle stop and runs from 7 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., however further details will be provided on site at each individual shuttle station.
The shuttle system means that the parking situation is controlled and less traffic congestion, it also reduces air pollution but does require some forward planning on your visit with regards to scheduling.
Fees and Reservations for Zion National Park
Zion Standard Entrance Fee
Entrance to Zion National Park ranges from $25 to $35, and this pass is valid for seven consecutive days, starting from the date of purchase. These passes must be purchased upon arrival at the park, as advance purchase is not available.
2024 Free Entrance Days in National Parks
In 2024 all national parks that normally charge a fee for entrance will waive it on select days during the year (activities often still carry a cost). Note these no fee dates:
- Monday, January 15 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Saturday, April 20 — First Day of National Park Week
- Wednesday, June 19 — Juneteenth
- Sunday, August 4 — The Great American Outdoors Act
- Saturday, September 28 — National Public Lands Day
- Monday, November 11 — Veterans Day
If you are planning to visit more than one of Utah’s national parks, I highly recommended that you buy the America the Beautiful pass. Get this pass to enter into parks all over and it is a wise selection if you really want wider protection.
Ideal Times to Visit Zion National Park
Zion National Park is open year round, but it’s best to visit in the cooler months or off season for fewer tourists. In the summer, temps can reach 100℉ — and tourists fill this park. When I was there the first week of June it had already started to get a bi more crowded. The months of May through September are generally the peak seasons with plenty of visitors.
Spring & Fall
Best Time for Zion: Spring, Fall (Transition Seasons) The weather is nicer, and the park is less crowded. Cooler, more temperate weather in the spring and fall makes these seasons optimal for hiking and exploring (AKA helps eliminate your body sweat situation). If driving and hiking in the river trails is more your thing, then September is when you should visit.
Summer
In summer, prepare for temperatures that soar into the 90s and occasionally top out at more than 100℉. You must be prepared with breaks and strategies for chilling out. Keep in mind that Zion is also prone to monsoons from mid-July through September, which can make hiking canyon routes — like The Narrows and The Subway — more challenging.
Winter
I know winter is not for everyone, but Zion in the snow is magical. While snow is uncommon, it does happen, particularly during storms — and the park in a layer of light dusting of snow brings its own magic. Winter provides a more peaceful experience with fewer visitors.
What to Know Before Visiting Zion National Park
One of the most crowded National Parks in United States is Zion. Before you travel, it is important to keep a few things in mind:
- Before you head out, be sure to consult the Zion National Park website for current information on closures and other essential news.
- Do not rely on your phone (it is charged as a spare, but there are many places in the park with no cell service).
- Be there as early as you can because the car park gets packed so easily.
- We recommend planning your hikes and activities ahead of time to optimise the time you spend in Torres del Paine!
One Day in Zion National Park
With the wealth of experiences to be have in Zion, it can feel like a curse trying to scope out only so many great spots for one day. If you have limited time, the following is a one day itinerary that will allow you to get in as much of Zion National Park on your visit.
To start, prepare yourself for a day full of awe—your breath will be taken away at every corner by Zion’s beautiful landscapes!
As it’s a full day of discovery, take note should you require caffeine; grab yourself that coffee before heading out! Consume Love Coffee and Cafe- A smash hit up in St. George They offer full breakfasts and pastries, with amazing lattes.
Kickstart Your Day with a Hike on One of Zion’s Incredible Trails
Hiking the trails is where you will really feel and see Zion national park. With some of the best hiking trails in the world, there is no way you can visit Zion and avoid traipsing at least one.
A permit for Angels Landing can be a tough one to come by as the process is through a lottery system that must be entered well in advance of your visit, so if you are only hitting up the park here and there on day trips. To snag a reservation to hike the iconic trail, you need your grace up to seven preferred dates and time slots in advance.
Still, rather than a hustle and bustle hike I suggest doing the short trail that still affords great views without sucking up your entire day.
My favourite walk was the Canyon Overlook Trail. Parking is a bit tight, but there was enough left for me in June and this moderate hike can be done by most fitness levels. If you go, take care as the rocks can be slippery in places due to sand (we learned this right away from another group who warned us).
Canyon Overlook Trail
- Distance: 2 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 157 ft
- Duration: 20-30 minutes
Another great way to start the morning is a trip down Zion Narrows Riverside Walk, which again can be done in flip-flops and covers only about 2 miles of mostly flat terrain. Sand Bench Trail: For a simple, scenic stroll along the Virgin River with splendid views of canyon walls and water flow. The hike is approximately 2.2 miles round trip, and the scenery will not disappoint!
Riverside Walk is accessed by taking the Zion Canyon Shuttle to its final stop at The Temple of Sinawava. Upon your arrival, follow the signs to take you back towards Riverside Walk trailhead.
Riverside Walk Trail
- Distance: 1.9 miles out and back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 193 ft
- Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
The Riverside Walk leads to the beginning of The Narrows hike. As a one-day adventure is unlikely to account for the entirety of your experience, make sure that you put The Narrows at the top of your list when you return to Zion!
Feeling Hungry? Time for Lunch!
Zion has many lunch options whether you want to pack a picnic, dine at Zion Lodge (the park’s only hotel) or drive into nearby Springdale.
If you pack your lunch plenty of picnic areas available in the park, there is also a nice place to sit right by Pa’rus Trail.
Two of the Dining options offered within the park are located at Zion Lodge. Castle Dome Cafe is the perfect place for an easy meal, serving coffee up from morning with espresso alongside cinnamon rolls and burgers/hot dogs/fries at lunch. Also available on the patio is a local microbrew from Beer Garden Cart.
For a less formal dining atmosphere, visit the Red Rock Grill. The restaurant resembles the architectural style of a national park lodge and offers expansive views through large windows to both sides — one that looks out over colorful formations in Pedestal Alley on the other side, and across vast sun-splashed exposures beneath towering cliffs. Pecan-crusted trout, steaks and the can’t miss Authentic Navajo Tacos on their menu will leave you craving for more.
There are shuttles that can take you to Springdale for lunch, but keep in mind there is no re-entry into the park.
Take a Leisurely Walk from Zion Lodge to the Emerald Pools
Echoing the name, The Emerald Pools at face value is actually comprised of three separate pools; Lower and Middle along with Upper. During a day trip to Zion National Park, you can hike all the way up to Middle Emerald Pool, my official favorite trail in the park.
The trail to the Lower Emerald Pool is approximately 1.5 mile roundtrip and will take you about an hour from top to bottom. You can hike further up to the middle pool, or go into the lower pool. If you are visiting for just one day, I suggest tacking on the extra miles to hike up to Middle Emerald Pool as it only gets better and better as you go higher.
Lower Emerald Pool
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 127 ft
- Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
Middle Emerald Pool
- Distance: 2.2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 1-2 hours
Pause at the Patriarchs to Soak in the Scenery
Court of the Patriarchs (stop #4) – no hiking! Spend a few secs admiring the noteworthy Abraham, Jacob and Isaac sandstone cliffs. It is also a great place for seeing the sunset or watching the stars if you are staying in Springdale. That said, take a look at the last shuttle as it is important to note for those who would like to stay after sunset.
One Last Hike Before You Go
If you can fit in one last hike before heading home, the Watchman Trail is a perfect choice since it starts at the Visitor Center. This moderate, 3-mile round-trip trail usually takes about an hour to two hours and provides a great hill-climbing workout just above the floor of Zion Canyon.
Watchman Trail
- Distance: 3.1 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 636 ft
- Duration: 1-2 hours
Not Feeling Up for Another Hike? Try This Instead
Spend some time at Zion National Park Visitor Center. Also, if you didn’t catch it earlier in the early that day, now is a fabulous opportunity to get off at Shuttle Stop #1 and see it for yourself. Zion National Park Visitor Center – The visitor center contains wealth of information about the history and geology of Zion, along with souveniers. I, for one can never leave a National Park without at least snatching 3 stickers and adding it to the mix!
Wrapping Up Your One Day in Zion National Park
Before you head to bed after a long, adventure-filled day in Zion though await that warm meal! Fortunately, Springdale’s got some delicious eats right outside the park. What to eat You can get the delicious poblano mac & cheese or sweet potato tamales at Bit & Spur Restaurant and Saloon.
I trust this guide helps you get the best of your one-day visit to Zion! Zion is one of the most beautiful national parks and if you are passing through Utah I highly recommend it!
