1 Day in Zion

Before You Go

One day is enough to see the heart of the park if you go in with a plan. This itinerary stays in Zion Canyon, uses the canyon shuttle for every stop, and puts the highest-value walks first. Entry is by the park's standard fee and passes; see Zion entrance fees for what applies to you. [VERIFY: nps.gov]

The Zion Canyon shuttle is how most visitors reach the trailheads below, and it typically runs from mid-March through late November. In winter it usually pauses and you can drive the scenic road yourself, so check the season for your dates. [VERIFY: nps.gov] The details are in shuttle, parking and access.

Day 1: The Best of Zion Canyon

Morning

Start early and take the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava (Stop 9). The Riverside Walk is a paved, flat walk that most visitors take 1 to 2 hours to complete, and it is the gateway into The Narrows. If it is Narrows season and you have the right gear, wade in and turn around whenever you like; the bottom-up route from here needs no permit. [VERIFY: nps.gov] If the river is high or you are not equipped, the Riverside Walk on its own is a fine morning.

Narrows season generally runs late June through October, and spring snowmelt often keeps the river closed to wading in April and May. [VERIFY: nps.gov] Check current conditions before you commit.

Afternoon

Ride back down-canyon to Weeping Rock (Stop 7) for the Weeping Rock alcove, a 15 to 30 minute walk. Rockfall has interrupted this trail before, so confirm it is open before you count on it. [VERIFY: nps.gov] Then continue down-canyon to Zion Lodge (Stop 5) for Emerald Pools, which the hike guide puts at 1 to 3 hours depending on how far you go. The lower pool is the easy option, while the upper pool is the longest and most technical.

Evening

Finish with the Watchman Trail, a moderate loop of about 2 hours that the hike guide calls exceptional at sunrise and sunset. If you have energy for less, the flat Pa'rus Trail starts at the Visitor Center (Stop 1) and is an easier way to end the day. Then head back to Springdale for dinner; the eat guides cover where to go.

If You Have an Angels Landing Permit

Angels Landing is the signature climb, but a permit is required to go past Scout Lookout onto the chained section, and permits come through lotteries on Recreation.gov. [VERIFY: nps.gov] The hike takes most people 3 to 5 hours, so it replaces most of the day rather than adding to it. Without a permit you can still hike to Scout Lookout.

Where to Base Yourself

Staying in Springdale lets you walk or ride into the park and skip the driving. See where to stay near Zion and the Springdale directory. If you want a second day, the 2-day itinerary adds Kolob Canyons.