Zion was one of my favourite parks when I visited the US and here you can read what I think is the best way to plan your 2 days in Zion National Park Itinerary. I will tell you how to get there, what to do when you arrive, the best way to see Zion National Park, things to see in Zion National Park and what to pack for Zion National Park. If you want to see Zion National Park in a day, then pick to do either day 1 or day 2 to make your own Zion National Park 1 day itinerary.
About Zion National Park USA
Contents
Zion National Park is located in Utah USA and became a US National Park on the 19th November 1919 when it became the 15th National Park in the US and the 1st National Park in Utah. It covers an area of 232 square miles and was formed around 250 million years ago when the area was covered by a desert and The Virgin River carved out the canyon.
Zion National Park is known for its beautiful red colour, which is comes from the vast amount of Iron deposits in the sandstone. The lowest point in Zion is 1,117 metres (3,666ft) and the highest point is 2,659 metres (8,726ft), meaning there are some great hikes you can do for some amazing views. One of the most popular hikes is Angel’s Landing.
The Zion area first had people there around 12,000 years ago, these people were tracking mammoths, sloths and camels in the area until they were wiped out 4,000 years later. It has continued to be inhabited since then and was farmed, though life was never easy for the people living there due to flash flooding and the intense heat in summer. You can see a lot of wildlife in Zion National Park and if you keep your eyes open you can see hawks, eagles, owls & bats flying around as well as deer which I spotted on a hike at dusk.
Getting There – Spending Two Days in Zion National Park
By Car
Zion National Park Utah is located a 2 and a half hour drive from Las Vegas to Zion, which I did as part of my southwest road trip (the distance from Las Vegas to Zion National Park is 160 miles) or 4 and a half hours from Salt Lake City. It is also easy to drive between Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park.
Las Vegas is the easiest airport to arrive at. Once there you can rent a car and drive to the park. If you are flying in from abroad then you should really buy travel insurance to cover your trip, as even a small accident in the US can end with huge hospital bills.
By Public Transport
Getting to Zion by public transport is possible from Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. The Salt Lake Express is a bus service that runs frequently during the day. It takes 4 and a half hours from Las Vegas to Zion National Park and 7 hours from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park.
You will need to make sure though that the Zion Canyon Shuttle is running otherwise it will be very difficult to see much of the park. It generally runs from the middle of March till the end of November but it is best to check beforehand. If you are travelling to Zion during winter then you will need to have a car to get around.
By Tour – Day trip to Zion National Park
If you do not want to rent a car or go by public transport, then there is an option of doing Zion National Park tours from Las Vegas. It is possible to do a day trip or even a multi day trip to see a few of the nearby parks.
Zion National Park Where to Stay
Camp Sites
If you enjoy camping or have a campervan (RV), then you can stay in Zion National Park, though it is best to book in advance as the campsites get full. There are 2 campsites located by the South entrance of the park. Click here for more information.
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Lodging near Zion National Park
Only one of the Zion National Park hotels is located within the park itself. Zion Lodge is located opposite the start of the hike to Emerald Pools and if you are in the park it means that you can get an early start on the hikes before the shuttles start at 6am.
Springdale is the nearest town located just outside the entrance, so its within walking distance of the park. The cheap options can get booked up in advance, but it does have quite a bit of choice.
This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Click here for Springdale accommodation.
If you are looking for something a little cheaper than Springdale then there are many towns near Zion where cheaper accommodation is available. As I was there in the month of September and I was late booking, the cheap accommodation had gone and I had to stay in St George which is about a 40 minutes drive away.
Click here to see Studio 6 St George, where I stayed and which was clean and tidy and also had a pool.
For other options in St George click here.
When you arrive at Zion Park Utah
Zion is open all year round and I think the best time to visit Zion National Park is in Spring or Fall. In summer there can be a lot of rain and a lot of flooding and the temperatures are very high.
Entrance to Zion costs $35 and is valid for a week if you are travelling in a car. If you have come by public transport then admission is $20 and that lasts a week as well. If you plan on visiting several parks then it might be worth getting the annual pass which is $80. (I did this as I visited 10 National Parks on this trip).
From Mid March and Mid November the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is only accessible by shuttle bus, which runs every 7-10 minutes. In summer the shuttle buses are busy and expect to have to wait. In the summer months the car park inside the park can get full if you are not there first thing in the morning but there is alternative parking outside the park in Springdale with shuttles running through Springdale to the park.
Once you have entered the park it is best to go to the Visitors Center to speak to the park rangers about the best Zion National Park hikes and with help to plan your zion Itinerary, what exactly you can fit in during your time in the park. It is also good to check with them what weather they are expecting.
Flash floods can come out of nowhere and so you need to check with them, especially before hiking The Narrows or Canyoning. For more information on Zion National Park read the following book “Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks Guide”. Click here for the paperback version.
The Best things to do in Zion National Park in 2 Days
Day 1 of your Zion National Park 2 Day Itinerary
If you are driving from Las Vegas or Salt Lake City then you may want to take it easier the first day. It’s 2 and a half hours drive from Las Vegas and 4 and a half drive from Salt Lake City, so you may only have half a day or less by the time you arrive. If you are planning to visit in summer you will be able to spend more time in the park as it does not get dark until 9pm to 9.30pm, but the last shuttle leaves the Temple of Sinawava at 8pm in summer.
Many people visit Zion National Park to do Angel’s Landing and to hike the Narrows but it’s very difficult time wise and physically to do both of these in a day. The Narrows can take all day and so personally I think it is best left to when you have a full day in the park, if that is possible for you. Also it would be difficult to hike Angels Landing will all the gear you need to hike The Narrows. (see below details of the new permit system at Angel’s Landing).
If you want to do both of these hikes and you have 2 days, then I recommend doing Angels Landing on Day 1, so that you can take your time and enjoy The Narrows on Day 2.
I have listed below a few of the options of the best hikes in Zion for Day 1 but feel free to look at the hikes for Day 2 if you have time to fit more in or want some options of longer hikes if you don’t have two days in Zion.
Zion Human History Museum – Shuttle Stop 2
The first stop on the Zion Shuttle is the Zion Human History Museum where there are indoor exhibits and a 22 minute film on the history of the park. It is well worth watching if you have time or the weather isn’t great, as it tells you the history of the park and the history of the first settlers in the area. You can also take beautiful pictures of Zion Canyon from here.
Weeping Rock Trail – 0.5 mile roundtrip (30 mins) Easy Walk – Shuttle Stop 7 – *CLOSED NOVEMBER 2023*
*PLEASE NOTE – Weeping Rock has closed again following another rockfall in November 2023*
The Weeping Rock Trail starts at the Weeping Rock shuttle stop and is a short walk but steep. From here there is the option of a couple of other longer hikes, the Hidden Canyon Trail which is 2.4 miles or to Observation Point which is 8 miles.
While the Weeping Rock Trail did reopen in November 2022, unfortunately there was another rock fall in November 2023 and since then the Weeping Rock Shuttle Stop, parking area and trail has been closed.
Hidden Canyon Trail – 2.5 miles roundtrip (2.5 hours) Difficult Hike – Shuttle Stop 7
*PLEASE NOTE – due to the large rockfall at Weeping Rock in 2019, this trail is currently closed. It is not known when it will be open.
This hike starts at Weeping Rock and can be done as an alternative to Angels Landing. There are fewer people doing this hike, meaning that it can be a great option. Some sections are quite steep and there are chains on part of it to help you keep to the path. It does not have the views of other hikes but is still a beautiful hike to do.
The Grotto Trail – 1 mile (30 minutes) Easy Hike – Shuttle Stop 6
A short easy hike that you can do is from the Grotto to Zion Lodge, its only 1 mile (30 minutes walk) and flat so a nice easy walk if you are not as mobile. Dusk is a great time to do this hike as it is possible to see animals in the park as they come out to feed. I saw a few deer on the trail when I did this hike at dusk.
Angels Landing Trail – 5.4 miles roundtrip (4 hours) Difficult hike – Shuttle Stop 6
The hike starts at the Grotto but it is not for people scared of heights. It is a tough hike up to Angel’s Landing summit at 450 metres (1,488ft) with the last half mile hiking along a sandstone ridge. It has steep switchbacks and sheer drops but the views from the top are amazing and well worth the hike and one of the best things to do in Zion National Park and one of the most popular hikes in the park.
Permit to Hike Angels Landing – From 1st April 2022, Zion National Park has implemented a permit system for people who are wanting to hike Angels Landing due to overcrowding on the trail, especially during summer and on holidays.
You can currently hike as far as Scout’s Outlook without a permit, but for the final 0.5km chains section you will need a permit to hike.
To get your Angels Landing permit you will need to apply online either for the seasonal lottery or the day before lottery. Apply online here, go down to the Activities & Experiences section and click on the period you want to hike it. On the next page, click on the Register for Lottery button and enter your details there. Make sure to read all the instructions on the page before applying.
There is a $6 fee for applying and if you are successful then a further $3 will be charged to your account for each person you applied for.
Upper Emerald Pool Trail – 3 miles roundtrip (2 hour) Moderate Hike – Shuttle Stop 5
This hike starts at Zion Lodge and you have the options to visit do the Upper Emerald Pool Trail, the Middle Emerald Pool Trail and the Lower Emerald Pool Trail. It is a good trail to combine with Angel’s Landing as they are connected via the Kayenta Trail and it is a 1 mile between the two.
The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is the easiest of the three with only 21 metres in elevation. It is a paved trail and leads to the lower pool and the behind the waterfall. If there has not been much rain when you visit, do not expect much of a rainfall whereas if there has been heavy rain then expect to see a full flowing waterfall. The hike is a 1.2m round trip and it will take between 30-60 minutes depending on how often you stop for photos.
The Middle Emerald Pool Trail is a non paved path that runs parallel to the lower trail, just at a higher altitude with an elevation gain of 46 metres. The round trip hike is 2.2 miles and will take you around 1.5 hours. Here you will be stood at the top of the waterfall rather than the bottom of it and you get amazing views down into the valley.
The Upper Emerald Pools hike can be accessed from the top of the waterfall on the Middle Emerald Pool Trail, but can be easily accessed from the Lower Pool Trail. It is good to combine this hike with Angel’s Landing as you just need to access the Kayenta Trail from the start of the Upper Emerald Pools hike. From the starting point of this hike at the Middle Emerald Pool you will gain 61 metres in altitude and it is an hour roundtrip from this point. If hiking from Zion Lodge expect it to be a 3 hour round trip.
Day 2 of Zion National Park Itinerary 2 days
I would recommend that on day 2 of your trip to zion park usa that you get up early to enter before the car park is full. It does get full early, especially in high season so it is worth getting there early otherwise if the car parks are full then you can park in Springdale and get the shuttle bus.
If you do get to the park early then you have the option of some longer hikes. The first shuttle leaves from the visitors centre at 6am, but if you wanted to get an earlier start then you would be best to rent bikes from Springdale and cycle in. Personally I think getting to the park around 5.30am to make sure you are able to catch the first shuttle is early enough.
The Riverside Walk – 2.2 miles roundtrip (1 hour and a half) Easy Walk – Shuttle Stop 9
The Riverside Walk starts at the final shuttle stop, Temple of Sinawava. It’s a nice easy walk, with amazing views and is very popular. If you are planning to hike the Narrows, then you will do the Riverside Walk to get to the start of the hike.
The hike is on a paved trail and follows the Virgin River until the point where the canyon becomes narrow and the only option to carry on is to enter the water and walk The Narrows. The first part of the trail is fairly flat but after that there are some steep slopes but it is still accessible though extra help may be required on these slopes. It is a 2.2 mile roundtrip and will take you around 1.5 hours, though if you don’t stop for many pictures of a break you could easily do it in 1 hour.
The Narrows – Up to 16 miles (full day) Difficult Hike – Shuttle Stop 9
One of the most famous and popular hikes in Zion is to hike the Narrows. To get to the starting point, you will need to get off at the last shuttle stop, The Temple of Sinawava and then hike The Riverside Walk. It is a 5 mile hike to the Big Springs and will take you around 3 hours, though it could take longer depending on the depth of the water in the Virgin River (one way). This is the furthest point you can go without a permit.
The Narrows is a gorge carved through the canyon by the river and is 16 miles long and in places only 20 – 30 feet wide. The only path is through the river, though at times you can walk along the side. You need to be prepared for wading and sometimes swimming through the river. It is best to bring or hire water shoes and waterproof trousers for the hike and have a dry bag in case you fall into the river.
You always need to check with the rangers before attempting this hike, as it might be a sunny day at Zion but 50 miles away there might be a storm and that water can travel down the river causing a flash flood, that comes without warning.
If you are planning to visit Zion in January, then you will need to wear a dry suit to hike the Narrows as the water is only just above freezing.
Pa-rus Trail – 3.5 miles roundtrip (2 hours) Easy Hike – Shuttle Stop 3 or 1
The hike starts at Canyon Junction or the Visitors Centre. I would recommend getting off at Canyon Junction on your way out of the park if you have time and then walk the 1.75 miles, under the Canyon Junction Bridge to the visitors centre along the river, as the views down the canyon are amazing and it is a beautiful hike.
Watchman Trail – 3.3 miles return trip (2 hours) Moderate hike – Shuttle Stop 1
This hike starts behind the Zion Visitor Center. There are a few steep climbs while you are hiking the 112m elevation on this hike, it leads to a loop you can do with great views of the canyon. It should take you around 2 hours to do the 3.3 miles hike.
Zion Mount Carmel Highway
The Zion Mount Carmel Highway goes up through the park and through a 1.1 mile tunnel cut through the mountain. Anything larger than a car needs to have the traffic stopped as you need to drive down the middle of the tunnel.
Any larger vehicles (no more than 13 feet 1 inch) will need to pay a $15 fee so that traffic control can be put in place. Cars do not not have to pay to pass through the tunnel. This road continues to Highway 89 where there is stunning scenery along the way.
It is the best way to go, if you are planning on going from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon and it is a beautiful drive, the scenery is stunning.
Canyon Overlook Trail – 1 mile roundtrip (1 hour) Moderate hike
To do this hike you will need to be travelling by car as this hike starts at the car park on the right just after the tunnel if you are driving from Zion Canyon on Zion Mount Carmel Highway. It is not for those scared of heights though as there are some long drop offs, but most are fenced. It is just a 1 mile roundtrip with an elevation difference of 50m, expect uneven ground in places.
The hike ends at a viewpoint for Pine Creek Canyon and lower Zion Canyon with amazing views and is a very popular hike in the park.
The Best Hikes in Zion National Park
Most people who visit Zion are going for the hikes, to get into nature and to see what Zion National Park has to offer. If you are not too fit or not very mobile, then I recommend you start with these hikes.
The Best Short & Easy Hikes in Zion National Park
Weeping Rock Trail – 0.5 mile round trip hike from Weeping Rock Trail Head to Weeping Rock. (REOPENED NOVEMBER 2022)
The Grotto Trail – A 1 mile hike from The Grotto to Zion Lodge.
Lower Emerald Pool – A 1.2 mile round trip easy paved hike to the lower emerald pools. You also have the option to continue hiking to the Upper Emerald Pools
Pa-rus Trail – A 1.75 mile one way hike that is along the canyon in Zion. It is best to hike either from the visitors centre or get off the shuttle at Canyon Junction and walk along the river to the visitors centre. It is a nice easy flat and paved hike.
Riverside Walk – The riverside walk is a beautiful 2.2 miles roundtrip, walk through the trees and meadow until you reach the river and the start of the Narrows hike.
Most Famous Hikes in Zion National Park
Angels Landing – A 5.4 mile roundtrip to the summit of Angels Landing, 450 metres above Zion Canyon. It’s a tough hike with the last half mile along a thin ridge. The hike is not for those afraid of heights and you don’t have to hike all the way to the end, the views from Scout Outlook are amazing.
The Narrows – A 5 mile hike one way without a permit required, through some beautiful parts of the river. Expect to get wet as you wade through the river in parts of this hike. You can hike 5 miles to the Big Springs before you return the same way, unless you have a permit to hike the full 16 miles.
Frequently asked Questions
How many days to spend in Zion National Park?
One of the frequent questions is how many days in Zion National Park and that really depends on the hikes that you wish to do. If you are just wanting to look at viewpoints and do a few small hikes then you can do that in one day in Zion National Park.
If you are wanting to hike the Narrows or Angels Landing then you will need a minimum of 2 days to do both of these and you can also fit some small hikes in around them. Ideally though you would spend at least 3 days in the park, to really get to explore the park.
What can you do in Zion National Park in one day?
There is a lot to do in Zion National Park, if you only have 1 day in Zion National Park you could pick one of the more difficult hikes Angels Landing or The Narrows or do a few of the smaller hikes, depending on how much you enjoy hiking. Look at the options above of the different hikes available.
What is the best way to see Zion National Park?
From the middle of March to November the park is serviced by shuttle bus and you are not able to take your car through the main part of the park unless you are staying in Zion Lodge. The shuttle bus runs every 7-10 minutes and stops at all the main viewpoints and trailheads.
You can drive along the Zion Mount Carmel Highway which takes you out of the east entrance of the park and the best way to go if you are planning on visiting Bryce Canyon.
Can you drive through Zion National Park?
You can only drive through Zion National Park November to mid March when the shuttle bus does not run. Zion Mount Carmel Highway is open to traffic and takes you through the mountains and is a great way to get to Bryce Canyon National Park, though there are not many trailheads along this route.
Make sure before you drive to Zion that you check for any Zion road closures and that the Zion Mount Carmel Highway is open.
Can I hike the Narrows and Angel’s Landing in one day?
It is possible to hike both in a day, but expect a long day. It would be best to hike The Narrow’s first, but you will need to get there early, preferably taking the 6am shuttle. This way you can hike a few hours into the Narrows before you return.
One thing to consider is that afterwards when you hike Angel’s Landing you will need to carry your wet waterproof clothes and shoes while you hike Angel’s Landing, unless there is a person in your party who is not intending to hike it, or you are staying at Zion Lodge and can drop off your belongings there.
Another thing to consider is that there is now a lottery on Angel’s Landing and depending on the time you are given to be at the Grotto to start your hike, you may not have time to fit in both hikes.
It would be much easier and relaxing if you can do these hikes on different days.
I hope you enjoyed reading my Zion 2 day Itinerary. Zion National Park was certainly one of my favourite national parks to visit in the US and if you are in the area one you must certainly visit whether you have 1, 2 or 3 days in Zion National Park.
Have you visited Zion National Park before? Which do you think are the best hikes in Zion National Park? Are you planning on visiting any other National parks? Then click on my guides below for further information:
If you want to read more on the National Parks in the US, then click here for the paperback version.
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We’ve been to Vegas countless time but we’ve never rented a car to drive out to Zion. What an incredible place with such stunning landscape! Great tip on visiting multiple parks to get our money’s worth. Will definitely keep that in mind when we plan our US National Parks trip in the future.
The natural wonders of USA have always attracted me. Zion national park looks like a place I can spend an entire week in. That rainbow picture had me staring for 2 minutes. My maternal aunt lives in California. She keeps calling me to USA to visit her. Hopefully soon.
The landscape at Zion is so breathtaking! Your photos look like paintings! Beautiful! I’m sure you would say that the long trip going there was worth it. And how lucky are you that a rainbow decided to show up when you were there? 🙂 You captured it so perfectly too!
Zion National Park is one of the few major national parks in the states that I have yet to visit. It is probably the number one place in the US that I want to visit. What a bummer that you didn’t get to hike the Narrows, but I would have skipped it too if there was a flash flood advisory. That is something I just don’t take chances with. You still got some beautiful pictures!
I also bought the Annual National Park Pass when traveling around the US. I actually used this card as a student card at the movie theater in Mexico a couple of times too as they couldn’t understand English so I got an extra bonus out of it! Having said that, I missed Zion National Park and after seeing your photos I wish I had visited. Those flash floods are scary though, I was in Death Valley when there was a flash flood warning and had no idea what I was supposed to do!
It’s such a shame that you were unable to do the hikes you wished for because of the weather warnings. I love hiking and I can see that Zion National Park is a perfect place to go on the trails and experience beautiful views at every step. It’s also pretty cool that you can buy an annual pass that allows you to visit more parks, saving money.
The landscape here is simply beautiful. You were able to take some really amazing pictures. I had not heard about Zion but I learned a lot from this post. Looks like a wonderful 2 days!
That’s a gorgeous place. I’ve never been to the American continent yet and I hope to visit in my future. Till then, thanks for this virtual tour. I too prefer to stay in hostels when I travel. Too bad there aren’t any here. The climate seems so fluctuating. Though it rained, glad you got to see a rainbow in that spectacular landscape.
Zion is beautiful! I really need to make it a priority to make it out to the national parks. I love the red color of the rocks, and the hikes sound like so much fun! Thanks for sharing about it and glad you had a good trip (:
So scenic and beautiful from your pictures, and I love that shot of the rainbow! We haven’t made it to a national parks in the US yet – but it’s on the list, we like hiking too so I think we’d enjoy it, thanks for the tips!
Wow Utah looks like a great destination. I would live to hike there. And the region looks simply gorgeous on the pics
The pictures of the landscape are gorgeous! It’s great to see such natural beauty. And I definitely would love to see how the Narrow looks likes. I will be recommending this to a friend who lives there, who doesn’t fully explore his own backyard.
Okay seriously, those pictures don’t even look real. I reallllllly want to do like a long road trip to all the National Parks, especially Zion. Seems like you packed your schedule full of excitement and adventure while here. Super jelly, you really make me wanna go!
Wow Zion is so stunning! I love that there are so many busses it seems really accessible.
I’ve been to Vegas a few times, but never gone to see a national park. If I return I will for sure. The nature looks so special and fantastic with the eroded hills standing out and the canyons created by rivers. Glad you listened to the rangers and were not caught by a flash flood. Great pictures 🙂
Zion looks amazing! It is on my to visit list for sure! Also good thing you decided to go to Zion over the CA coast! Its been a mess weather and road wise here!
Pinned to my Utah board in case I ever make it out there. I stayed in & around SLC during my only visit to Utah back in 2008.
I’d love a chance to go here! It’s too bad you had to drive an hour to get there, because I’m sure you were exhausted to drive the hour back after hiking! But wow, the views definitely look like they were worth it!
In the USA you get used to spending most of your time driving, most days I would be driving over 400 miles a day!!!
I love reading other peoples’ Zion stories. We always tell people to do the hikes you really want to do even if the weather is bad UNLESS the rangers expressly state not to (like in your situation). The weather shifts so quickly and the chances of scoring a perfect weather situation the next time are low. But those spots, like the Narrows, they’re soooo dangerous if the rain hits. I hope you can return and get the full sunny Zion experience. 🙂
I haven’t been to Zion before, but somewhere similar .. Lake Mead. I never get tired of those red rocks The great thing about them is that they change colour depending on the light and time of day. Great use of 2 days by the look of it. Thanks for sharing such great photos ..
Now that I think about it, I’ve never visited a national park. Reading this post and seeing your beautiful photos makes me want to bump it up on my list!!! And watch out for that hail! Those blocks of ice can be dangerous!!
It’s sounds like you had a good time, side from the weather! It looks stunning though. Your photography is so good. Loved reading your post!
The whole idea of flash floods absolutely terrify me! So glad you decided not to do that particular hike in the end, seems that it worked out for the best. I’ve never actually heard of Zion National Park before (not very clued up on US geography!) but it looks absolutely incredible. All of your photos look totally other-worldly.
I LOVE THE RED TONES OF UTAH AND ARIZONA. IT’S SOMETHING THAT KEEPS ME COMING BACK! BEAUTIFUL!!!
I’m always in awe of natural beauty and the more I read about American the more interesting it gets with the diversity in its natural parks. Had never heard of Zion and it’s a great idea that you’ve made it a point to travel and discover various nature parks more. The rugged terrain with the impacting cliffs truly stand out at Zion and love the overall topography. I don’t know when I’ll be able to visit National Parks in US but this is definitely one that interests me because it looks less touristy.
I was just there! Hiked up Angels Landing and saw the Emerald Pools. It was a lot of fun. Great pictures!
Your photos are beautiful. I love that about National Parks, there are many different trails to hike. The Emerald Pools trail looks magical 🙂
I haven’t been to the US yet, but I’m always interested to visit there. I’ve been reading lots of post about the diversity in nature in US, and your post is one of my favorite! Love your pictures! They are so gorgeous!
Wow, Zion National park looks amazing! I would love to go hiking there in the summer. 🙂 I especially love your photos of the Emerald Pools trail!
You’re so lucky to catch a rainbow! Wow the rugged landscapes are amazing but you also saw a rainbow. How many people get that lucky? Must be good karma.
Also, do you know the best time of year to visit? We’d like to do some of the other hikes you mentioned. Also are there camping options too?
Its dryer earlier in the year around may, june but everything is changing in the world and no one can predict when its going to rain now. Yes there are a few campgrounds there. I put a link on my blog page, just click on Zion National Park and it will take you through to the parks website 🙂
American parks are definitely something special. Especially Zion and Yellowstone. They are both on my bucket list and i just can’t wait to go there.
Such a beautiful place. I have seen so many pictures of Utah and I wonder why is it so underrated as a destination. Love the cliffs and gorges. Fabulous pics!! 🙂
These photos are positively STUNNING! I have yet to visit a single US national park but I really hope I get the chance to do a few of them some day. You’ve inspired me 🙂
Another destination added to my bucketlist! How amazing and beautiful! Mother nature does wonderful things doesn’t she!
Really love this article! The landscape of Zion Park is breathtaking, great shots and thank you for letting me discover this new awesome place
I’ve only flown into the Utah airport. I really need to plan the SW USA road trip that has been on my bucket list forever. It’s good that you didn’t take chances with your safety. Weather out there can change so fast!
You really made the most out of your car rental seeing all those national parks. Good tip on the year pass. It sounds like you had some crazy weather between the flash floods and the huge hail.
My late mother, who was a Mormon, visited Utah during a visitation tour. During her free time, she hiked the Zion National Park. Totally awesome place! The scenery is stunning, and the red cliffs are just out of this world. This would be paradise for us since we love camping and rock climbing. 🙂
That was a wonderful account of zion national park. Right from how to get there, where to stay and the annual pass to various hikes and trails. It was a perfect virtual tour with you and to end it all, the rainbow made it perfect.
The landscape is simply stunning. I am totally mesmerized. The natural beauty is lovely. The trek must be really exhausting but worth all the strength and energy you put in.
I *almsot* made it to Zion a couple of years back when I was travelling in the US, but unfortunately had to change my plans. Looking at your pictures and I am kicking myself – it is such a beautiful park! Can only imagine how much fun hiking around there is.
Totally agreeing on your part, as a traveler we must listen the advice of locals and always take decision as per the weather forecast. That would prove beneficial to us, I believe its worthwhile if you couldn’t make out to Narrows. For that you can give a next chance but not to your life.
wow Zion National Park is an amazing place despite the rain, and you were lucky to spot the rainbow! Glad to know that there are shuttle buses dropping people at various stops in the park 🙂
I love National Parks, they are always so beautiful! I would love to visit here one day, thank you for sharing. Your pictures are stunning!
Zion has been on my list for ages. The scenery is just gorgeous and I love that there is such a range of different hikes to choose from.
I love all the colors and formations on this one. It’s so incredible to think there were mammoths in the area
Hello,
I have a plan to visit zion on next week using a rental car from Las Vegas.
I saw in google map, there is a partial toll to Springdale.
Could you help me to inform me, is there any cash line or should I rent a transponder from rental car company? Due to a fee of transponder rental is very expensive ($10+, while the toll fees is only $1).
Also, you’ve mentioned about Zion Mount Carmel Highway. Will the route open for private car during summer?
Many thanks for your info.
Hi, there are no toll roads in that area. Google seems to think there are some but there arent. Yes Zion Mount Carmel is open to all traffic so you will be able to use that road.
This Zion National Park Itinerary is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!