NorahIf Zion National Park is not at the top of your U.S. bucket list, then it definitely should be! This park is an amazing spot in Southern Utah, and I cannot recommend Zion enough. In this guide I will be discussing my top recommendations for the area in a one day itinerary!
When should you visit Zion National Park?
Zion is a tricky destination to visit. The summer is the peak season in the park, but temperatures can get up to well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The winter is colder, and ice is a bigger issue. However, the winter also has significantly less crowds, and is certainly a more unique experience.
I personally traveled to Zion in March, and can definitely recommend this time of year. All trails were open, there were few crowds, and the weather was mild. In general, the shoulder seasons of March-May, and September-October are lovely times to visit. In addition, going when U.S. schools are back in session is also helpful for avoiding crowds.
What should you pack for a Zion National Park trip?
I recommend packing multiple layers for your hiking trip. This can look like a jacket in the morning, a long sleeve, and then a tank top during the peak hours of the day. I also recommend packing enough water during your hike, as well as sun protection and a first aid kit.
If you are camping, there are several other things you will need for your trip. I have a whole post that goes through everything you will need for camping.
Ok, now onto the itinerary!
Morning: EITHER Angels Landing OR the Narrows.
I would recommend waking up early for your day in Zion. There are two very famous hikes in the park, and you reasonably have time to complete one. These hikes are very different, so which one you prioritize will depend on what your interests are.
Angel’s Landing is an adrenaline lover’s paradise. The hike is a grueling seven mile trek up one of the jarring mountains, but the real thrill is a series of chains that you follow the last mile of the hike. The hike has sheer cliff faces, rocky scrambles, and lots of chains. The view at the top is truly fantastic, and makes the stressful journey well worth it.
I only recommend this hike if you feel comfortable with heights, but I will say I did not find it as scary as the internet makes the hike to be. I just held onto the chains, and I was fine.
Angels Landing requires a permit to hike, which you can find more out about here.
The other big hike to complete in Zion is the Narrows, which is a completely different experience. The Narrows follows a river through a narrow canyon, and hikers quite literally hike up the river.
The Narrows requires special waterproof boots to hike, which can be purchase here. The other neat thing about this hike is you can really hike as much or as little as you want. The river goes quite a ways up the canyon, but you can turn around whenever you want.
The Narrows actually stays open in the winter, but it is definitely colder and a more rugged experience. It is definitely an adventure!
No matter which hike you pick, I highly recommend completing your big hike in the morning, as the park only becomes more and more crowded as the day progresses.
Afternoon: Drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Route.
For the second part of your day in Zion, you will probably be beat from your morning adventure. Given that this is also the hottest part of the day, I recommend taking a break and driving through Zion Canyon.
There are multiple hikes and viewpoints you can stop at along the Zion Canyon drive. I personally recommend the Watchman Trail, the Weeping Rock Trail, or the Middle Emerald Pools Trail.
Note: From May to September, private vehicles are not allowed along the Zion Canyon drive. Instead, there is a free and consistent shuttle service that can be used. The shuttles are an awesome way to still experience the beauty of the park, reduce traffic, and take away the stress of finding a parking spot. I highly recommend them, but just make sure you know the schedule.
Evening: Sunset and Dinner.
I would recommend watching the sunset from one of the many viewpoints in the park. The Pa’rus Trail has fantastic views, but pretty much any pull out spot will have a stunning view of the mountains jutting out from the desert.
For dinner, I would recommend trying a place in Springdale. Oscars and Bit & Spur have phenomenal food!
If you can expand your trip:
- Do either the Narrows or Angel’s Landing-whichever hike you did not get to the first day!
- Hike Observation Point. This hike is very similar to Angel’s Landing, but without the permits or extreme heights. You can read the trail description here.
- Try backpacking or car camping! Zion has excellent backcountry hiking as well as plenty of campgrounds. Camping provides a more immersive experience in the park and is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to spend your time.
There you have it! Zion is a fantastic, adventure loving park. I really recommend enjoying your time there; let me know in the comments if you have any additional recommendations!
