2 Days in Zion

How This Itinerary Works

Two days lets you do the canyon properly and add a second area. Day 1 is a big day in Zion Canyon, and Day 2 leaves the canyon for Kolob Canyons, the park's remote northwest corner. Kolob Canyons has its own entrance off I-15 and is not served by the Zion Canyon shuttle, so you drive yourself there. [VERIFY: nps.gov]

Zion Canyon stops on Day 1 use the canyon shuttle, which typically runs from mid-March through late November. [VERIFY: nps.gov] See getting around Zion for how the pieces fit.

Day 1: Zion Canyon, the Big Walks

Morning

Take the shuttle to The Grotto (Stop 6) for Angels Landing if you hold a permit for the chained section; the hike takes most people 3 to 5 hours. [VERIFY: nps.gov] No permit? Hike as far as Scout Lookout, which needs none, and turn around there. If the climb is not for you, spend the morning at Emerald Pools from Zion Lodge (Stop 5) instead; the hike guide puts Emerald Pools at 1 to 3 hours.

Afternoon

Ride up to the Temple of Sinawava (Stop 9) for the Riverside Walk and, in the right season, a wade into The Narrows. The bottom-up route requires no permit, while the top-down through-hike does. [VERIFY: nps.gov] Spring snowmelt often keeps the river too high for wading in April and May.

Evening

Wind down with the flat Pa'rus Trail near the Visitor Center, then dinner in Springdale. Browse the eat guides for ideas.

Day 2: Kolob Canyons

Morning

Drive to Kolob Canyons and hike the Taylor Creek Trail, a 5.0-mile moderate route past two historic homestead cabins to Double Arch Alcove. It is a half-day hike, so start early. Kolob Canyons is well separated from Zion Canyon and from the crowds along the scenic drive.

Afternoon

Continue up Kolob Canyons Road to the Timber Creek Overlook, a 1.0-mile round trip at the end of the road. It looks over Timber Creek, the Kolob Terrace plateau, and the Pine Valley Mountains. No permit is needed. [VERIFY: nps.gov]

Evening

Return toward Springdale for dinner. If you want more time, the 3-day itinerary adds a slower day with photography and the east side.

Where to Stay

Springdale works as a base for both days, since Zion Canyon is right at your door and Kolob Canyons is a drive away. Start with where to stay near Zion and read the Springdale guide.