Zion’s towering red rock cliffs and slot canyons create a landscape unlike anywhere else. I normally gravitate towards snow-covered mountains, but I fell in love with Zion on the drive into the park. The colors and formations of this desert canyon feel almost otherworldly.
While it’s famous for difficult hikes like Angel’s Landing and the Narrows (one of my all-time favorites), there are also amazing hikes in the one-to-two-mile range.
It really depends on the season and if you are doing the Narrows, which will take almost a full day. 2-4 days covers the main attractions in Zion Canyon, including Angels Landing (if you get a permit), The Narrows bottom-up day hike, Emerald Pools, Canyon Overlook Trail, and Observation Point. With 3-4 days, you can add the Kolob Canyons section (45 minutes north), a slot canyon tour in nearby areas, or a more leisurely exploration of lesser-known trails. One day in Zion is better than no days in Zion, but it will definitely be rushed. There is so much to do in Zion and the surrounding area, like Bryce Canyon (90 minutes), and activities including canyoneering and ATV tours. You could easily do a full week at Zion and Bryce and not run out of things to do.
Angels Landing requires a permit that is obtained through a lottery system on Recreation.gov. There are two lotteries: seasonal (applied for months ahead) and day-before (applied for 1 day prior). The application fee is $6, and if selected, you pay an additional $3 per person. Permits are checked at Scout Lookout before the chains section. You can do the vast majority of the hike and still get amazing views at Scouts Landing without a permit. The Narrows bottom-up day hike (starting from Temple of Sinawava) does not require a permit. You can hike in the Virgin River as far as you want and turn around. However, the Narrows top-down through-hike (starting from Chamberlain Ranch) does require an overnight backcountry permit and shuttle logistics.
From March through November, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles, and you must use the free park shuttle system, which runs from 6 AM to around 9-10 PM depending on the season. Or rent eBikes, which are allowed on the Pa’rus trail along the main scenic drive. The shuttle has 9 stops, including major trailheads.
During December through February, you can drive your own car on the scenic drive, though parking at trailheads is still limited. The Kolob Canyons section and Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway (including access to Canyon Overlook Trail and east entrance) do allow private vehicles year-round. The shuttle system alleviates traffic and parking nightmares, but it can still be tough to get a parking spot at the visitor center, where the shuttle departs, in peak season. Get there early or take the Springdale town shuttle to the visitor center.
April-May and September-October offer the best combination of comfortable temperatures and manageable crowds, but if your primary goal is to hike the Narrows, then summer is the best. Spring brings wildflowers and water flowing at Emerald Pools, but the Narrows is subject to closure for flash floods, and the water is cold. Fall has beautiful colors and warm sunny days with cool evenings. Summer (June-August) is extremely hot (100-110°F in the canyon) and crowded with long shuttle waits, though it’s the best time for wading in The Narrows. Winter (December-February) is quiet and beautiful with possible snow, but The Narrows is too cold for most hikers, and some trails can be icy.
Springdale (immediately outside the park entrance) offers the best of both worlds. Easy access to the park, dozens of restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, outfitters, and a range of lodging from budget motels to upscale resorts. You can walk to the visitor center from some hotels, and there is a free shuttle from most Springdale hotels.
Inside-park lodging (Zion Lodge) is convenient for early trail access and stargazing but very limited (only 1 lodge with ~120 rooms), books up well in advance, and has limited dining. I personally recommend Springdale for the walkability, dining variety, and easier reservations, but some people love the in-park experience. Check out my Zion lodging guide for more info.
The Narrows bottom-up (as far as you want, up to 10 miles round trip, wading through the Virgin River) is Zion’s most unique hike. The easy Riverside Trail takes you to the start of the Narrows without having to hike in water. Observation Point (8 miles round trip) offers a similar height to Angels Landing without the exposure or permit requirement.
Canyon Overlook (1-mile easy trail with stunning views) is perfect for families or those short on time. Emerald Pools (easy 1.2 miles to the lower pool, moderate 2.5 miles to all three pools) provides waterfalls and desert oasis scenery. Renting eBikes on the Pa’Rus trail is also very popular. Timber Creek Overlook is a short, 1.2-mile hike in the gorgeous, but much less crowded, Kolob Canyon section.
