3-Day Zion Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide to Utah’s Most Iconic National Park

Planning a trip to Zion and feeling overwhelmed by all the options? You’re not alone!

With so many bucket-list hikes, scenic overlooks, and unique experiences to choose from—not to mention a shuttle system that takes a little getting used to—figuring out how to make the most of your time here can feel like a lot, especially if it’s your first visit.

That’s exactly why I put together this 3-day Zion itinerary! It’s based on all the research I did before our October trip, plus everything my boyfriend, Tim, and I discovered while exploring the park ourselves.

Whether you’re road-tripping through Utah’s Mighty 5 (like we did!) or focusing just on Zion, this guide has you covered—from where to stay and what to pack to how to beat the crowds and make every moment here count.

Now, let’s dive in and make your Zion adventure stress-free and one that you’ll never forget!

3-Day Zion Itinerary

Zion is Utah’s first national park and one of the most popular in the U.S.—and for good reason. With dramatic canyons, iconic hikes, and stunning viewpoints, it’s a dream destination for hikers, campers, and outdoor lovers alike.

Since hiking is a must here, we hit as many trails as we could during our fall visit, in addition to catching a couple of unforgettable sunrises and sunsets.

Here’s exactly how we spent our 3 days in Zion National Park, including some logistics for getting to and around the park.

Day 1 in Zion National Park

• Fly to Las Vegas on an early morning flight (we landed just after 7:00 am)
• Pick up your rental car (we booked an SUV with Fox Rent A Car via Expedia)
• Stop for a quick breakfast on your 3-hour drive to Springdale

*1 hour time difference—you lose an hour

• Stop at the hotel to drop off your car (we stayed at the Bumbleberry Inn)
• Have lunch at Meme’s Cafe
• Take the Springdale Shuttle to Zion Canyon Village (Stop 1)
• Hike the Watchman Trail
• Take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to Zion Lodge (Stop 5)
• Hike the Emerald Pools Trails
• Take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to the Visitor Center (Stop 1)
• Rent gear for The Narrows from Zion Outfitter
• Take the Springdale Shuttle to Bumbleberry Inn (Stop 5)
• Check into your hotel
• Have dinner at Zion Pizza & Noodle Co.

Day 2 in Zion National Park

• Watch the sunrise along the Route 9 switchbacks (drive here yourself)
• Have breakfast at Oscar’s Cafe
• Take the Springdale Shuttle to Zion Canyon Village (Stop 1)
• Take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to Temple of Sinawava (Stop 9)
• Hike the Riverside Walk + The Narrows (eat a packed lunch on the trail)
• Take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to the Visitor Center (Stop 1)
• Take the Springdale Shuttle to Bumbleberry Inn (Stop 5)
• Drive back into the park and drop off your rental gear from Zion Outfitter
• Hike the Pa’rus Trail for sunset
• Watch the sunset near Canyon Junction Bridge

*The Springdale Shuttle stops running at 7:00 pm in the fall, so you’ll either need to be back in time to catch it or drive yourself into the park for your sunset hike.

Day 3 in Zion National Park

• Hike the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail for sunrise (drive here yourself)
• Have breakfast at Oscar’s Cafe
• Check out, pack your car and leave it at the hotel
• Take the Springdale Shuttle to Zion Canyon Village (Stop 1)
• Take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to The Grotto (Stop 6)
• Hike Angels Landing and part of the West Rim Trail toward Cabin Spring
• Take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to the Visitor Center (Stop 1)
• Take the Springdale Shuttle to Bumbleberry Inn (Stop 5)
• Drive the 2 hours from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park

Of course, you can tweak this Zion itinerary to match your timeline and travel style.

Next, we’ll dig into the day-by-day details, including exactly what we did, what to expect, and tips to help you make the most of your time in Zion too.

Day 1 in Zion National Park

If you’re arriving in Zion in the afternoon (like we did), your first day is the perfect opportunity to settle in and tackle a couple shorter, scenic hikes, while also familiarizing yourself with the park’s layout and shuttle system—more on this later.

We made it to Springdale just before noon, dropped off our bags at the Bumbleberry Inn (a great hotel close to Zion National Park), and were inside the park by 1:30 pm.

Here’s how we made the most of our first half-day in Zion.

Lunch: Meme’s Cafe

Before entering the park, we grabbed a casual but filling lunch at Meme’s Cafe in Springdale. This spot is quick, convenient, walkable from the hotel, and perfect if you’re itching to get into the park but need some fuel first.

Since we had a 3-hour drive from Las Vegas, we definitely needed to eat first.

The Watchman Trail

• Distance: 3.3 miles round-trip
• Time needed: ~2 hours
• Elevation gain: ~370 feet
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Trailhead: Visitor Center (Shuttle Stop 1)

After lunch, we hopped on the Springdale Shuttle (at the stop conveniently located right outside of our hotel) and made our way into the park, where we officially kicked off our Zion adventure with the 3.3-mile, out-and-back Watchman Trail—a quieter, less crowded route that still delivers amazing views.

The trail starts up the canyon and across the road from the Visitor Center (Shuttle Stop 1) and climbs steadily to a scenic overlook.

While it doesn’t summit Watchman Mountain (though it was originally designed to), it offers sweeping views of the Temples and Towers, lower Zion Canyon, Springdale, and the Watchman to the south.

A Broad Recommendation: Don’t miss the short viewpoint loop at the top—the panoramic views here are the best on the trail. And, be sure to bring along your selfie stick tripod to capture some shots of yourself and your crew!

Because we visited in October, we had cool temps and light foot traffic along this trail. If you’re visiting in the summer, plan to hike early to beat the heat and any potential crowds.

Though, even during peak season, this trail tends to be less busy than Zion’s more famous hikes.

Emerald Pools Trail

• Distance: ~3 miles round-trip (varies by route)
• Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
• Elevation gain: ~570 feet
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Trailhead: Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop 5)

After finishing the Watchman Trail, we hopped on the Zion Canyon Shuttle and started our second hike around 4:00 pm: the Emerald Pools Trails, one of Zion’s classic, family-friendly hikes.

The trailhead begins across the road from Zion Lodge at Shuttle Stop 5 and follows a paved path to the Lower Emerald Pool, where you’ll find twin waterfalls, shaded canyon walls, and even the chance to walk behind a misting waterfall—something that felt especially refreshing after hiking in the afternoon sun.

The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is 1.2 miles round-trip with just 70 feet of elevation gain and can be completed in less than an hour, making it ideal for beginners, families, or anyone easing into their Zion itinerary. It’s also partially wheelchair accessible.

From the base of the waterfall, a staircase leads up to a sandstone ledge that connects to the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools Trails, as well as the Kayenta Trail.

The Middle Emerald Pool Trail adds around 150 feet of elevation gain and is considered a moderate route.

This portion of the hike offers peaceful views and a reflection pool surrounded by towering red rock walls—it ended up being one of my favorite, unexpectedly serene moments on the trail.

Next, we continued on toward the Upper Emerald Pool Trail, leading to the base of Heaps Canyon, where a seasonal waterfall trickles down the rock face into a small pool below.

A Broad Recommendation: Water flow is seasonal. In spring, especially after a rainstorm or during runoff, the waterfalls can be quite powerful. In summer and fall, they often slow to a trickle, though the surrounding scenery is just as beautiful, especially with fall foliage.

This part of the hike includes the most elevation gain—around 350 feet—and feels a bit more rugged, but it’s also the most dramatic section, with soaring canyon walls and space to sit and take in the view.

From the Upper Emerald Pool, we retraced our steps back down, completing about 3 miles total in just under 2 hours (with plenty of photo stops).

Since we visited in October, the temps were cool and crowds were light, but in the summer, this trail can get very busy—especially the Lower Pools section.

A Broad Recommendation: While the pools may look inviting, swimming is not allowed here. If you want to extend your adventure, consider taking the Kayenta Trail back down to the Grotto (Shuttle Stop 6) for a scenic, less crowded return route. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to do this hike, but it’s definitely on our list for next time.

Dinner: Zion Pizza & Noodle Co.

After all that hiking, we were ready to rest, refuel, and relax.

We rounded out day 1 of our Zion itinerary with dinner and drinks at Zion Pizza & Noodle Co., a local favorite with a casual vibe, and loved everything we tried here.

P.S. I highly recommend their Fire Sticks appetizer—you’ll thank me later!

Day 2 in Zion National Park

Our second day in Zion began with a spontaneous sunrise mission, followed by one of the park’s most iconic adventures—hiking The Narrows—and ended with a sunset stroll along the Pa’rus Trail. It was a perfect mix of scenery, action, and quiet reflection.

Sunrise: Route 9 Switchbacks

Originally, we planned to catch the sunrise behind the Human History Museum, a popular spot for photographing the Towers of the Virgin as they glow in the first light.

But, when we arrived just before dawn, we realized that the museum (and the road leading up to it) was temporarily closed!

So, we pivoted and drove east along Route 9, climbing up through the famous switchbacks toward the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, and that spontaneous decision turned into a gem of a moment.

The sunrise over the Upper East Canyon lit up the rocks in soft reds and oranges, offering a peaceful and nearly tourist-free start to our day.

A Broad Recommendation: Even if the museum is closed, Route 9 offers plenty of pullouts and incredible morning light, especially in the fall.

Breakfast: Oscar’s Cafe

After sunrise, we headed back to Springdale and ate breakfast at Oscar’s Cafe. At the time, this was included with our stay at the Bumbleberry Inn, since their on-site restaurant was under renovation.

Oscar’s opens at 7:30 am, offers hearty portions, and is a popular spot for hikers loading up before big trails.

A Broad Recommendation: If you want to start hiking earlier, which I highly recommend if you’re visiting in the summer, consider grabbing a to-go breakfast or quick bite from a restaurant that opens earlier.

Riverside Walk

• Distance: 2.2 miles round-trip
• Time needed: ~1–1.5 hours
• Elevation gain: ~60 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Temple of Sinawava (Shuttle Stop 9)

After breakfast, we took the Springdale Shuttle back into the park to start our all-day hiking adventure!

First up: the Riverside Walk is a peaceful, paved trail that follows the Virgin River at the base of a narrow canyon. The trail is 2.2 miles round-trip and provides access to the bottom-up Narrows route—more on that next!

Whether you’re planning to continue into The Narrows or not, this walk is well worth a spot on your Zion itinerary for its beauty and accessibility.

To get to the trailhead, take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava (Stop 9). The trail starts adjacent to the shuttle stop (and yes, there are restrooms).

Plan for about 90 minutes round-trip for a relaxed walk with plenty of photo stops.

The Narrows (Bottom-Up)

• Distance: Up to 9.4 miles round-trip (go as far as you’d like)
• Time needed: Up to 8 hours
• Elevation gain: ~330 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous depending on distance and water levels
• Trailhead: Temple of Sinawava (via Riverside Walk)
• Permit: Not required for this route

From the Riverside Walk, we connected to The Narrows, one of the most unique and iconic hikes in Zion and one of the highlights of our 3 days here.

Flanked by towering sandstone walls, The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon—its name makes sense, right?—and is a one-of-a-kind hike. 

On this trail, you’re literally hiking in the Virgin River, surrounded by soaring canyon walls more than 1,000 feet tall and just 20–30 feet wide in some places.

The total round-trip distance is up to 9.4 miles (up to an 8-hour hike) along the bottom-up Narrows route. This route doesn’t require a permit, and you can hike in as far as you’d like, then hike back the same way.

A Broad Recommendation: Water levels and temperatures vary by season. In colder months, the water can be frigid, and currents may be stronger. Check the Zion National Park weather and current trail conditions before heading out.

A little more than half of the hike is spent wading through water, so you’ll want to rent gear for this one. The type of gear you’ll need varies by season, and there are several places to rent from:

• Zion Outfitter 
• Zion Guru 
• Zion Adventures

We rented our gear the night before from Zion Outfitter, conveniently located at Zion Canyon Village. We each chose the Dry Pants Package, which kept us warm and comfortable in October’s chilly water.

One of the staff even gave us some honest advice when he told us that waterproof backpacks weren’t necessary for our hike duration. A+ for transparency!

A Broad Recommendation: Make sure to pack lots of water (at least 3 liters per person), lunch, and snacks in your backpack, and dress in layers for this hike. I wore my go-to leggings under my rented gear and my insulated North Face jacket for chillier parts of the trail. I also used my waterproof cell phone case to have my phone readily accessible for photos. For more details on everything you need for all of your hiking adventures check out my full hiking packing list.

Conditions were perfect in October—cool but manageable—and while we didn’t go the full 9.4 miles, we spent about 4.5 hours hiking out-and-back and loved every minute of it!

A Broad Recommendation: Check for flash flood risks before hiking, as water levels and temperatures vary by season. At the time of our visit, there was an ongoing Cyanobacteria warning. Avoid submerging your head, splashing around, or swimming in the water, and definitely do NOT drink the water here.

This hike was so much fun and unlike anything we’d ever experienced before! I highly recommend adding the Narrows to your Zion itinerary if you feel comfortable enough to do so.

Sunset: Pa’rus Trail

• Distance: 3.5 miles round-trip
• Time Needed: ~1.5–2 hours
• Elevation gain: ~150 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Visitor Center (Shuttle Stop 1)

After a short break back at the hotel to change, we capped off day 2 of our Zion itinerary with a relaxed walk along the Pa’rus Trail, one of the most scenic easy hikes in Zion National Park.

It’s the only trail in the park that’s dog-friendly and bike-friendly, and it offers incredible views of The Watchman, especially as the sun begins to set.

The trailhead starts up canyon from the Visitor Center and across the bridge adjacent to the South Campground, and the easy, paved route follows the Virgin River.

Our goal was to reach Canyon Junction Bridge, formerly one of the most popular photo spots for sunset.

While the bridge itself is now closed to pedestrian access, the views from the Pa’rus Trail near the bridge are still incredible—definitely bring your camera!

A Broad Recommendation: If you’re walking back after sunset, bring a flashlight or headlamp. We didn’t need one until we were nearly back to the Visitor Center and ended up using our phone flashlights, but it’s smart to be prepared just in case.

The changing colors on the canyon walls and reflections in the Virgin River definitely made for a perfect ending to a full day of adventure.

Day 3 in Zion National Park

Our final day in Zion was shorter on time than day 2 but just as big on adventure!

We kicked things off with a sunrise hike at Zion Canyon Overlook, grabbed another yummy breakfast at Oscar’s, and ended our trip with a thrilling climb up Angels Landing and onwards to the West Rim Trail.

Sunrise: Zion Canyon Overlook Trail

• Distance: 1 mile round-trip
• Time Needed: ~1.5–2 hours
• Elevation gain: ~160 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: East of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel on Route 9

On our third and final day in Zion, we hiked the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail just before sunrise. That meant starting our hike in the dark—yet another good time to have a flashlight!

This one of the few official trails in the upper East Canyon and provides incredible views of Pine Creek Canyon, lower Zion Canyon, and the Route 9 switchbacks below.

It’s also one of the best photography spots in the entire park, as you’ll see here!

Though only 1 mile round-trip, this trail packs in lots of adventure: natural caves, crazy drop-offs (mostly with railings), and rocky switchbacks.

To reach the trailhead, drive east on Route 9 through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel (there’s no shuttle stop here). The trailhead is just beyond the tunnel, near the East entrance, across the road from the parking lot.

A Broad Recommendation: The small lot near the trailhead fills up fast. Arrive early (especially in the summer), or plan for a short walk from one of the overflow areas.

From the parking lot, you’ll hike up some stairs before going through a large natural cave.

Then, along the rocky trail, you’ll experience more than 160 feet in elevation change and see some steep drop-offs (they’re mostly fenced in with railings).

That being said, there are some exposed spots that could be dangerous, so make sure to pay close attention while hiking here, especially in the winter months when there could be snow or ice on the ground.

The reward for getting through all of these obstacles is totally worth it for these sunrise views though! If this is your first trip to Zion, the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is a must-do.

Breakfast: Oscar’s Cafe (Again!)

After sunrise, we circled back to Springdale for breakfast at Oscar’s Cafe again.

Since it was included with our stay at the Bumbleberry Inn, we made the most of it—and appreciated the refuel before the most intense hike of our trip!

Angels Landing via West Rim Trail

• Distance: 5.4 miles round-trip
• Time needed: 4+ hours
• Elevation gain: ~1,500 feet
• Trailhead: The Grotto (Shuttle Stop 6)
• Permit required: Yes (for the final chains section)

The Angels Landing hike is one of Zion’s most iconic—and intimidating—trails.

With steep drop-offs and chains bolted into the rock, it’s not for the faint of heart. But if you’re up for it, the views from the top are unforgettable.

We started this hike just before noon, and since we visited in October, we didn’t face the crowds or heat you’d get in summer. In peak season, you’ll want to start early to beat both.

The trailhead for the West Rim Trail begins across the road from The Grotto (Shuttle Stop 6) and leads to Angels Landing.

Total hiking distance is 5.4 miles round-trip with nearly 1,500 feet in elevation change.

You’ll want to plan for at least 4 hours for this hike, leaving time to take lots of breaks for water, snacks, lunch, and photos.

The trail includes walking along steep cliffs and switchbacks and holding onto chains for safety.

At times, it can be both physically and mentally demanding, and young children or anyone who’s afraid of heights should avoid this hike.

A Broad Recommendation: If you’re afraid of heights or unsure about the final section, you can hike to Scout Lookout (without a permit) and turn around. This portion of the hike is still incredibly rewarding! You need a permit to hike Angels Landing from Scout Lookout to the summit and can apply for one through the official NPS lottery system.

Early morning and late afternoon will give you the best light for photography, but you’ll want to make sure you’re off the mountain well before dark due to the dangerous footing. 

A Broad Recommendation: Make sure to pack lots of water (at least 3 liters per person), lunch, and snacks in your backpack, especially if you’ll be hiking during the heat of the day. For all of these hikes, but especially this one, it’s essential to wear appropriate hiking attire, like comfortable leggings or workout shorts, moisture-wicking socks, and a good pair of hiking boots. My full hiking packing list has more details on everything you need for all of your hiking adventures!

Bonus: West Rim Trail Extension

After reaching Scout Lookout and summiting Angels Landing, we still had energy, so we continued along the West Rim Trail for about a mile toward Cabin Spring.

This trail is far less crowded and gives you a more peaceful look at Zion’s backcountry.

A Broad Recommendation: If you want a quieter hike after the adrenaline rush of Angels Landing, this extension is perfect. While we didn’t make it all the way to Cabin Spring (which is said to boast the best viewpoint), the views were still amazing.

Of all the hikes we did in Zion, Angels Landing via the West Rim Trail was probably my favorite. I guess we had to save the best for last!

Drive From Zion to Bryce Canyon

With our tired legs and full hearts, we wrapped up our 3-day Zion itinerary and hit the road for Bryce Canyon National Park, the next stop on our epic Southwest road trip.

Bryce Canyon is only about 2 hours from Zion, and the drive alone is stunning.

On your way out of Zion, you’ll follow the steep switchbacks up to the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, a historic landmark completed in 1930, then onto the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.

Along the way, there are several pull-offs, one of them being Checkerboard Mesa, whose sandstone has an unusual crack pattern that resembles a grid similar to a checkerboard.

Follow the road out to US-89 N, then to UT-12 E and gain more than 4,000 feet in elevation along the way. Bryce Canyon has the highest elevation of all of Utah’s national parks!

A Broad Recommendation: Due to the lack of cell service in this area, be sure to download Google offline maps and pack extra water, snacks, and warm clothes in case of an emergency.

Where is Zion Located?

Zion National Park is located in southwest Utah, close to the borders of Nevada and Arizona. The park’s main entrance is just outside the charming town of Springdale, Utah, which is where most visitors stay due to its easy access to the park shuttle and entrance.

Springdale is a great home base for this Zion itinerary, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel close to Zion National Park. You can even walk to the shuttle stops from many of the hotels here!

How to Get to Zion

We flew from William P. Hobby Airport in Houston to McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas and started our Southwest U.S. road trip from there.

We booked an early flight and arrived in Las Vegas just after 7:00 am, picked up our rental car from Fox Rent A Car (which we booked through Expedia and loved!), then made the 3-hour drive to Zion National Park.

Note that you lose an hour due to the time difference between Las Vegas and Zion.

A Broad Recommendation: Flying into Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah is also a good option, but I haven’t personally done this.

Where to Stay Near Zion

We stayed at the Bumbleberry Inn, a charming and affordable hotel close to Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah.

The location was perfect—just steps away from the Springdale Shuttle and less than 10 minutes walk to several restaurants, coffee shops, outfitters, and even a grocery store.

The property also has some friendly farm animals at the back of the property, an outdoor seasonal pool, outdoor hot tub, on-site restaurant, gift shop, bakery, and live theater.

Since check-in doesn’t start until 3:00 pm, the hotel allows you to leave your car on-site, so you can head into the park while waiting for your room, which is exactly what we did!

At the time of our visit, guests also received breakfast vouchers for Oscar’s Cafe, which is right across the street. Just note: Oscar’s opens at 7:30 am, which may be too late if you’re trying to catch the first shuttle into the park.

A Broad Recommendation: Want something more unique? Consider glamping near Zion—you’ll find luxe canvas tents, tiny cabins, and yurts with stunning views and hotel-like comforts.

Where to Eat Near Zion

Sourced from: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/upload/Springdale-Shuttle-Map_7_7_17.pdf

When we got to Springdale, we bought some bread and lunchmeat to make sandwiches for lunch (and even dinner some nights), so we didn’t eat out a ton.

In addition to the restaurants we tried (Oscar’s Cafe, Meme’s Cafe, and Zion Pizza & Noodle Co.), here are some other spots you might want to check out:

• The Parkhouse Cafe
• King’s Landing Bistro
• Spotted Dog Restaurant & Cafe
• Whiptail Grill
• Deep Creek Coffee Company

How Many Days Do I Need in Zion?

There are so many things to do in Zion National Park and the surrounding area, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to visit!

I recommend at least 2 full days in Zion to hit the highlights.

We spent 2.5 days here, which felt like the perfect amount of time for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the park without feeling rushed.

• 1 Day: Rushed, but doable if you focus on one area (like Zion Canyon)
• 2 Days: Ideal for one major hike per day (Angels Landing, The Narrows, etc.)
• 3 Days: Best for a full Zion itinerary, including scenic drives, shorter trails, and photo spots
  

Zion was the first stop on our Southwest U.S. road trip, and we still had plenty of time to visit all of the other Utah national parks afterwards.

How Much Does Zion Cost?

Zion National Park entry fees vary depending on vehicle type and pass duration.

At the time of our visit, a 7-day private vehicle pass to Zion was $35, which covers everyone in your car.

Check the official National Park Service page for current rates.

A Broad Recommendation: If you plan to visit other national parks like Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, or Canyonlands, within the next year, get the U.S. Park Pass. It’s $80/year and gives you access to more than 2,000 federal lands and parks.

How to Use the Zion Shuttle

Sourced from: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/zion-canyon-shuttle-system.htm

I’ll be honest, I thought navigating the shuttle system was going to be confusing, but I’m happy to report that it was super easy to use—and free!

There are two shuttles that operate here: one in Springdale and another inside the park.

Since parking inside Zion is limited, using the Springdale Shuttle is your best bet for getting into the park, even if you’ve rented a car. While there are paid lots inside the park, they fill up fast, so plan to arrive early if you’re driving.

The Springdale Shuttle runs through town with stops at major hotels and takes you to Zion Canyon Village. The first shuttle leaves at 8:00 am from the Majestic View Lodge (Stop 9) and the last leaves at 8:00 pm from Zion Canyon Village (Stop 1).

Then there’s the Zion Canyon Shuttle, which runs from the Visitor Center (Stop 1) to 9 major stops inside Zion, including trailheads like Angels Landing and The Narrows. This one starts at 7:00 am from the Visitor Center. Final pick up is at 7:15 pm from the Temple of Sinawava (Stop 9) and takes about 45 minutes to return to the Visitor Center.

A Broad Recommendation: Shuttle times vary by season, so check the NPS site for the latest schedule. Also, don’t wait until the last shuttle of the day, as it could be full by the time it reaches your stop. If so, you may end up having a long walk back—especially in peak summer months. In October, the shuttles were never full, but it’s still worth keeping in mind.

Zion National Park Weather

Zion National Park weather varies drastically by season, which can completely shape your experience here.

Summer in Zion is hot (often more than 100°F), very crowded, and prone to flash floods in slot canyons. Winter is cold with occasional snow, fewer crowds, and some potential trail and road closures.

In my opinion, spring and fall are the best times to visit Zion, as they both offer cool mornings, pleasant afternoons, and lighter crowds. We visited at the end of October, and the Zion weather was perfect—mid-70s during the day and low 40s at night.

We hiked comfortably all day, and never waited in shuttle lines. With all the hiking we did, I can’t even imagine visiting in the heat of the summer!

👉 Check Zion’s current weather and conditions here.

What to Pack for Zion

Packing for Zion varies depending on the season, but some essentials stay the same. Check out my full hiking packing list, and consider adding a few of these must-haves, specifically for Zion:

• Dry pants and canyoneering shoes (for The Narrows)
• Flashlight/headlamp (for sunrise and sunset hikes)
• Layers, as temps in the fall can shift 30+ degrees between morning and afternoon

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Here are a few final thoughts to help you prepare for your Zion trip.

• Arrive early (especially in peak months) to get parking or make the first shuttle
• Double-check trail closures before your trip (rockfalls are common)
• Download AllTrails and offline Google maps in Springdale—cell service can be spotty in the park
• Don’t count on last shuttles—always catch one earlier just in case
• Zion Outfitter, Zion Guru, and Zion Adventures sell last-minute gear (not just rentals) in case you forget something
• Leave no trace, and carry out all trash

Plan Your Next Hiking Adventure

Have you visited Zion National Park yet, and if not, have I convinced you to go? I hope this 3-day Zion itinerary will help you plan the trip of your dreams!

Happy hiking!

XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads