How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Zion National Park Itinerary

Last Updated on 4th October 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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With 229 square miles of mountains, canyons, buttes, mesas, monoliths, rivers, slot canyons, and natural arches, Zion National Park is the perfect place to visit for those who love exploring the great outdoors. Even if you only have one day in Zion National Park, this itinerary will show you the best spots to check out.

This national park is one of the most stunning and diverse natural wonders in the US, making it one of the best places to see fall foliage in the USA. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or inspiration, you will find it here.

Located in the southwestern part of Utah, Zion has an elevation range of 3,666-8,726 feet. It’s home to over 900 species of plants, 289 species of birds, 75 species of mammals, and 32 species of reptiles. The park was established in 1919. It was named Zion after the Hebrew word for sanctuary.

But if you only have one day in this glorious place, how can you make the most of your time and see the best of Zion? Don’t worry—we have you covered. In this post, we will share a one-day itinerary for visiting Zion National Park that will help you experience the highlights and hidden gems.

When to Visit Zion National Park

Zion National Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do and see. 

Generally speaking, spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. However, spring can also bring unpredictable weather and flash floods, so be prepared for sudden changes in the weather and your plans. Check the park’s website for alerts and closures. 

Fall is a great time to enjoy the changing colors of the foliage and witness the migration of birds and animals.

Summer is the busiest and hottest season in Zion, with temperatures reaching over 100 °F (38 °C) in July and August. If you visit during the summer, make sure to drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and a hat, and avoid hiking during midday. 

Winter is the quietest and coldest season in Zion, with temperatures dropping below freezing at night and snow covering some parts of the park. If you visit in winter, you will need to dress in warm clothes and bring traction devices for your shoes if you plan to hike on icy trails. 

How to Get There

The closest airport to Zion National Park is St. George Regional Airport (SGU), which is about an hour’s drive from the park’s south entrance. However, this airport only serves regional flights from Salt Lake City and Denver. 

If you are coming from farther away, you may want to fly into Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) or Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).

It’s about a 4.5-hour drive to Zion from Salt Lake and a 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas. You can rent a car from any of these airports and drive to Zion via Interstate 15. Check car rental comparison prices here.

Where to Stay in Zion

There are many options for accommodation in and near the park, depending on your budget and preferences.

There are three campgrounds in the park: Watchman Campground, South Campground, and Lava Point Campground. South Campground has been closed for a long-term rehabilitation project, so be sure to check before you plan your trip. The campgrounds are full almost every night from mid-March through late November, so be sure to reserve your spot well in advance.

Within the boundaries of the park, there is only one other option, Zion Lodge. You can choose between a hotel room and one of the semi-detached cabins in the historic lodge. The main benefit of staying here is its location, but if you want nicer accommodation, you may consider staying in one of the nearby towns.

Springdale is the closest town, and it has plenty of options for hotels along with restaurants and stores. Springdale is just a 3-minute drive or a 20-minute walk from the main visitor center and entrance to Zion.

For a budget-friendly hotel, check out the Cable Mountain Lodge. The Red Rock Inn is one of the best mid-range hotels in Springdale. If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, you might try the Watchman Villas.

The Zion Shuttle Service

There is one more thing you need to know about that causes a lot of confusion: the shuttle service. In 2023 (and perhaps subsequent years), you can’t drive private vehicles into the park between March 11 and November 26.

You will need to ride the free Zion Canyon Line which goes from the visitor center to the Temple of Sinawava—which is where you start the Narrows hike—with 7 stops in between.

You can park at the visitor center and board the shuttle, but the parking lot fills up fast. The visitor center isn’t too far to walk from many hotels in Springdale, so walking is another option. Or you can board the Springdale Line which stops in several places in Springdale and goes to the visitor center.

Is one day enough time in Zion?

If you only have a single day in Zion, then you’re still in for a treat: the park is simply gorgeous and a day will give you enough time for an overview of the area. With this being said, you’ll want to arrive at sunrise so as to squeeze as much into your time as possible. Ideally, you would really want to dedicate two or three days to exploring Zion National Park.

One Day Itinerary for Zion National Park

Alright, now we’re ready to dive into the guide!

Sunrise and Morning Hike

Get to the park early and head to the Canyon Overlook Trail. You won’t need to take the shuttle here since it is on the east side of the park. You can drive right to the trailhead, but you’ll want to get there early because it has a small parking lot that fills up fast—for good reason!

This 1-mile (1.6-km) trail offers stunning views of Pine Creek Canyon and lower Zion Canyon. The trail has a moderate difficulty level. If you’re afraid of heights, you may not want to do this one, though most of the long drop-offs have safety railings.

The view here is especially wonderful at sunrise, so try to make it if you can.

The Narrows

Now onto the main event.

First drive to the visitor center or one of the shuttle stops in Springdale. If you don’t have good hiking gear, you may want to rent equipment from Zion Outfitters in Springdale.

Their Narrows package comes with canyoneering boots, neoprene socks, and a hiking stick during warm weather and includes waist-high dry pants or waders during colder months.

Once you’ve got the right gear and you have water and snacks or a packed lunch, head back into the park via the shuttle. Ride it all the way to the Temple of Sinawava stop. This is where the Riverside Walk trail starts, which, if you keep going, turns into the Narrows.

If you don’t think you’re up for the Narrows, you can simply do the Riverside Walk, which is a paved trail of about 2 miles (3.2 km) following the Virgin River.

Beyond the Riverside Walk, you’ll wade into the river for what’s known as the bottom-up Narrows. This hike is out-and-back, and you can hike in as far as you want to and turn back when you’re ready. The total length can be up to about 9.4 mi (15.1 km) roundtrip.

At least 60% of the hike is wading, walking, or sometimes swimming in the river, but the unique experience and the views are worth it. The hike gets its name from the narrow slot canyons the river flows through. Check to make sure this hike is open; it can close for flooding and bad weather.

If you want to go all the way on this one, you may opt to skip sunrise at the Canyon Overlook and start here first thing in the morning. The hike can take up to 8 hours, and it is slow-going while you’re going upstream.

I’d recommend packing lunch and finding a spot to eat it along the trail. If you only do the Riverside Walk or don’t go very far into the Narrows, you can eat lunch at one of the places to eat in the park or head back to Springdale for food. 

Take It Easy or an Afternoon Hike

If you did the Narrows, you’re likely exhausted at this point, so you’ll want to rest and relax. You can go back to the visitor center or find a nice place to eat dinner and chill.

If you didn’t do the Narrows, you will have time for another hike. You can do the Emerald Pools trail. You have the option of going to the Lower, Middle, or Upper Emerald Pools.

A paved trail leads to the lower, making it an easy hike. The hike to the upper pools is a bit more moderate. On this trail, you’ll be able to see some beautiful pools and waterfalls.

Dinner

Zion National Park Lodge, Castle Dome Cafe, and Redrock Grill are the food options in the park, and I’ve heard the food at the lodge isn’t that great. 

Springdale has some good options though, including Switchback Grill Steakhouse, Thai Sapa, Zion Canyon Brew Pub, Spotted Dog Café, or Bit and Spur.

Stargazing

After you’ve eaten and recovered, head back into the park once it’s dark for some excellent stargazing. Since the shuttle stops running after sunset, you’ll have to drive (and you still can’t drive in the main canyon) or walk unless you’re staying in one of the campgrounds, which is probably the best option for stargazing. 

The Pa’rus Trail, Kolob Canyons Viewpoint, and the Museum patio are great locations for viewing the stars. Zion is a great place to see the stars, the Milky Way, and maybe even a few planets on a clear night.

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About the author: Lexi Cooper is a freelance editor and writer. Her parents taught her a love for traveling, seeing new sights, and learning about the world. Along with her passion for travel, she loves stories and dreams of spending her days reading and writing books and wandering the globe.