Visiting Zion National Park has been on my bucket list for sometime now. On my first official Utah road trip I chose this part of the Southwest. It can be overwhelming with five national parks in Utah to choose from. So sticking to one part of the state made things less overwhelming for me!
Luckily when we visited it was a beautiful day in March. Typically in busy seasons shuttles run through the park-but were closed on this day meaning we could drive at our leisure. On this blog I will cover a 1 day itinerary at Zion National Park where you can pick and choose from this list. Depending on how much time you spend at each spot the list below can be completed in a full day.
- Getting Into Zion National Park
Getting Into Zion National Park
I visited Zion as a part of my Southwest Roadtrip I did with friends in March. There are a number of airports to fly into to visit this area. We choose Las Vegas as our hub for each of us to fly into as it’s only 3 hours to Zion National Park From there. Plus, Las Vegas is typically the most affordable option for flights!
We drove into the main entrance in Springdale, Utah for our one day itinerary. However, there are 4 different access points into the national park.
Keep in mind that there is a shuttle service March-November inside of the Canyon Scenic drive. It costs $35 per vehicle to enter!
- From Las Vegas: 3 hours
- From Salt Lake City: 5 hours
- From Phoenix: 6 hours
1. Canyon Creek Overlook
When I got to Zion I had heard about the infamous Zion Mount Carmel Tunnel that is carved through the rocks. I had never driven up in elevation like this through a tunnel! It was a trip. The 1.1 mile tunnel was built in the 1920s and completed in the 1930s. At the very end of the tunnel on the way up is parking for Canyon Creek Overlook.
If there isn’t any parking, drive onward and try on the way back. Due to the ease of this trail, it is quite popular and is best to visit during the week or early. Keep in mind the shuttle does not run here so driving is the only option. Walk slightly upward on the red rocks to a stunning viewpoint-one similar to Angel’s Landing.
Elevation Gain: 187 feet
Miles: 1 mile round-trip
2. Checkerboard Mesa
This rock formation is a great pull of on the Mount Carmel Highway, mimicking just what it’s aptly named. Unfortunately when we were there it was covered in snow so we couldn’t see it. There is two mile hike to view more of the Checkerboard Mesa. Keep in mind that it is easy to get lost on some of these trails and cell phone service is limited the longer you explore.
3. Angel’s Landing
If your able to score a permit for the extremely popular Angel’s Landing, planning your day at Zion National Park is going to vary. Before applying it is important to not that this hike is rated hard.
Elevation Gain: 1,604 feet
Miles: 4.4 miles
Permits for Angels Landing
Find the date online at least six months before your trip to work around the seasonal permit lottery system. The Zion National Park seasonal permit costs Unfortunately, we did not win ours. Furthermore, there is a day-before lottery system that you can enter starting at 12:01AM mountain time-meaning you will know by 4PM the day before your hike if you win. The day-before costs $3 per person.
4. The Narrow’s
If your lucky enough to score a permit to The Narrow’s, and it isn’t closed due to flooding-this is an iconic hike inside of Zion National Park. Hike as far as you want up this 16 mile up the Virgin River Narrows. Even better, turn it into an overnight backpacking trip.
Additionally, you can take the Narrows Bottom-up route which is 9.4 miles and the easier route. This portion of The Narrows does not require a permit.
Most of the “trail” is actually spent wading in knee to waist deep water. In colder months it is necessary to wear gaiters. Flash flooding keeps this trail closed often so as always, know before you go and check the Zion National Park website for updates.
Rent your gaiters in town during cold season instead of worrying about having to bring your own.
Permit for The Narrow’s
Obtaining a permit for The Narrow for a single day trip can be done by filling out a wilderness permit for your group. Keep in mind this does need to be done in advance if you want to guarantee your spot. Tickets sell out in minutes of them being released. Reservations are online for a two-month time period. On the 5th of every month at 10AM mountain time tickets are released.
5. Drive The Zion Canyon Scenic Road
Depending on the time of year, a shuttle may be a required option for seeing this side of the park. March through November the shuttle is required and doesn’t need to be booked in advance. First shuttle starts at 7 a.m and runs every 15 minutes. The shuttle takes about 45 minutes from Zion Canyon Visitor Center to Temple of Sinawava.
Keep in mind that the shuttle along Zion Canyon Scenic road has a strict schedule and if you miss the last bus or its full you have to walk 9 miles back to the visitor center. In order to get to the Narrow’s this is the road that you must take.
6. Coffee At Feel Love Coffee Zion
Hands down the best coffee just outside of Zion is at Feel Love Coffee! Plus, the views here are hands down some of the best I’ve had while enjoying coffee. I do recommend pairing your coffee with a vegan cookie here. Devine!
7. Drive the Mount Carmel Highway
Drive through the infamous Zion Mount Carmel Tunnel and cruise up in elevation on the Mount Carmel Highway. There are a number of pull of options and hiking destinations galore as you drive up. Keep your eyes peeled for big horn sheep! View swirling rock formations, hoodoos, towers, and rusty orange colored landscape. Drive the entire 25 miles of the Mount Carmel Highway taking in the views.
8. Rent E-Bikes to Explore Zion National Park
Don’t want to use the shuttle service? Renting E-Bikes to explore Zion is a wonderful way to get around. Instead of relying on the shuttle system, e-bikes are a great way to see sunrise and sunset. There are a few rental companies available for e-bike rentals in Zion.
- Zion Peddler: .04 miles from the park entrance
- Greater Zion E-bike Rentals: pick-up in La-Verkin 30 mintues from the park or have it dropped off
- Zion Guru: 2 miles outside of the park
9. Rock Shop
Just outside of Zion National Park is Zion Rock & Gem. On the right-hand side of the road as you exit-it can’t be missed. With giant glass pieces, rocks and geodes for sale-take a piece of nature home with you!
All in all, even though I had one day at Zion-it still felt fulfilling and not overwhelming. National Parks are going to most likely be busy-and for good reason. It’s important to take note of your capacity + timing + weather to ensure your Southwest travels go well!
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