Here’s a suggested itinerary for both 3-day and 5-day trips to Zion National Park, Utah, to help you make the most of your visit by experiencing the park’s top attractions, hikes, and scenic viewpoints at a relaxed pace:
3-Day Zion National Park Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Zion Canyon
Morning:
- Arrive at Zion and start with a visit to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center for maps, trail updates, and tips from the rangers.
- Take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to begin your exploration of the park. First stop: The Grotto. From there, take a short walk to the Emerald Pools. Visit the Lower and Middle Pools for an easy start.
- Alternatively, hike the Riverside Walk, a short, paved trail that leads to the beginning of The Narrows hike. This will introduce you to the Virgin River and Zion’s iconic slot canyon.
Afternoon:
After lunch, take the shuttle to The Temple of Sinawava (the last stop on the shuttle).
Explore The Narrows hike, if you’re up for it. The hike through the Virgin River between towering canyon walls is iconic but requires proper footwear and caution (be mindful of potential flash floods during certain months). If you prefer a shorter version, do a bottom-up hike for 1-2 hours.
Evening:
Day 2: Iconic Hikes and Views
Morning:
- Start early for the Angels Landing hike (if you’re up for a challenge). This is a strenuous 5.4-mile trail with a thrilling ridge climb to a spectacular view at the top. Be prepared with enough water and sturdy footwear.
- If you prefer a less challenging hike, head to Canyon Overlook Trail, a 1-mile hike with fantastic views of Zion Canyon, providing great photo opportunities.
Afternoon:
After completing Angels Landing (or the Canyon Overlook), relax and have lunch at the Zion Lodge.
In the afternoon, take the shuttle to Weeping Rock and hike the short Weeping Rock Trail, which leads to a rock alcove where water seeps through, creating a "weeping" effect.
Evening:
Day 3: Kolob Canyons and Lesser-Known Trails
Morning:
- Drive out to Kolob Canyons, a quieter section of Zion with fewer crowds. This area offers beautiful red rock formations and scenic views. Stop at the Kolob Canyons Viewpoint for a panoramic view, or do the Taylor Creek Trail hike (5 miles) to visit the old homestead and explore more of this serene area.
Afternoon:
Evening:
If you have time, explore the Zion Human History Museum before departing. Alternatively, enjoy a final sunset at Canyon Junction, a great place to reflect on your trip.
5-Day Zion National Park Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Scenic Zion Canyon Exploration
(As described in the 3-Day Itinerary Day 1, but at a slower pace.)
Day 2: Iconic Hikes
(As described in the 3-Day Itinerary Day 2, but consider taking longer or more relaxing breaks.)
Day 3: Kolob Canyons and Exploration
(As described in the 3-Day Itinerary Day 3, but with more time to relax and enjoy the surroundings.)
Day 4: The Subway and Hidden Gems
Morning:
- Start your day with a permit-required hike to The Subway (Top-Down route) or explore the Bottom-Up Subway route if you prefer a shorter and less strenuous experience. The Subway is a beautiful and unique slot canyon with impressive rock formations.
- If you're not hiking The Subway, you can try the Hidden Canyon Trail, a relatively short and moderately strenuous hike with dramatic cliff-side views.
Afternoon:
After completing your hike, have lunch at Zion Lodge or in Springdale.
Spend your afternoon relaxing and visiting more remote sections of the park like Kolob Terrace Road for additional solitude and scenic beauty.
Evening:
Day 5: Scenic Views and Relaxation
Morning:
- Take it easy on your last day. Visit the Zion Human History Museum to learn more about the park’s history and ecology.
- Then, enjoy a leisurely hike on the Pa’rus Trail or visit Canyon Overlook Trail for a shorter but stunning panoramic view of Zion Canyon.
Afternoon:
Evening:
Tips for Both Itineraries:
- Packing: Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks for hikes. Zion’s desert environment can be very hot in summer, and the weather can change quickly in higher elevations.
- Timing: During peak seasons, Zion can get crowded. Starting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the busiest times on trails and at popular sites.
- Permits: If you plan on hiking The Subway or other permit-required hikes, be sure to apply for your permit ahead of time.
Conclusion:
Both a 3-day and a 5-day itinerary allow you to experience the best that Zion National Park has to offer, from challenging hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows to quieter, more scenic spots in areas like Kolob Canyons. A 5-day trip gives you more time to explore Zion’s hidden gems, while a 3-day itinerary covers the park’s highlights in a more condensed timeframe.