The Ultimate Guide to Zion National Park
Zion National Park holds a special place in our hearts—it’s where Austin proposed in 2021 at the stunning Canyon Overlook. Zion is famous for its towering red rock formations and must-do hikes like The Narrows, Angels Landing - a challenging trail for extreme adventurers - you do need to get a permit if you plan to hike Angels Landing - get more information on that here on the National Parks website.
Zion was the first stop on our Utah Mighty 5 National Park road trip. After flying into Las Vegas, we rented a car and drove straight to Springdale, Utah, which served as our “home base” while exploring Zion.
We arrived at night, checked into our hotel, The Lodge at Zion Country, and settled in. The next morning, we woke up to breathtaking views—we were nestled right in the mountains, just half a mile from the Zion National Park entrance.
Pro Tips for Visiting Zion National Park
To avoid the crowds and intense midday heat, we recommend hiking early in the morning or around sunset. September is a great time to visit, but even then, temperatures can soar during the day. Hiking in the early hours gave us a peaceful, crowd-free experience in cooler weather, which made the trails even more enjoyable.
Though a few trails were closed due to washouts when we visited, Zion offers incredible hiking options for all experience levels, from beginner-friendly trails to more adventurous routes.
Unique to Zion: The Zion Canyon Shuttle System
One of the best things about Zion is its convenient shuttle system. The Zion Canyon Shuttle connects visitors from Springdale to popular trailheads like The Narrows and Angels Landing, areas that aren’t accessible by car. We loved the shuttle—it allowed us to avoid parking hassles and enjoy more time on the trails. We recommend catching one of the first buses of the day to avoid long lines, as they fill up quickly by mid-morning. At 5 a.m., we shared the shuttle with only a few others on our way to The Narrows. Check the Zion National Park website for updated shuttle schedules and seasonal availability.
Top Hikes in Zion National Park: Our Experience
During our two full days in Zion, we completed the 3 following hikes:
Pa'Rus Trail (3.5 miles) – A scenic, easy walk along the Virgin River.
The Pa'Rus Trail is a relatively flat, easy hike that follows the Virgin River, offering stunning views of the valley floor surrounded by towering mountains. It’s the perfect way to experience Zion National Park’s beauty without the steep climbs. For an even more fun adventure, you can rent bikes in town and explore the trail on two wheels, making it an ideal option for a relaxed day of sightseeing.
Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mile) – A short and moderate yet very rewarding hike with panoramic views.
The Canyon Overlook Trail is a short but rewarding hike that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Zion National Park's towering cliffs and winding canyons. This one-mile trail is perfect for those looking to experience stunning vistas without a strenuous climb. However, parking near the trailhead is limited, especially during peak times like sunrise and sunset. We recommend arriving early and allowing extra time to find parking, as you may need to park past the trailhead and walk back to start the hike. Trust us—it's worth the effort for those incredible views!
The Narrows (bottom-up, 9.4 miles round trip) – Hiking the riverbed through towering slot canyons was a highlight.
Pro Tip for Hiking The Narrows: Gear Up!
If you’re planning to hike The Narrows, we highly recommend renting special water shoes and hiking sticks in advance. Walking through the riverbed can be tough on regular shoes, and the hiking stick will help you maintain balance on slippery rocks. There’s a rental shop near the Zion Visitor Center, Zion Outfitter, but make sure to pick up your gear the day before. You’ll want to catch the first shuttle to the trailhead early in the morning to beat the crowds. While it’s tempting to take photos right away, we suggest hiking further in first, then snapping photos on your way back. This strategy will help you stay ahead of the crowds.
After the hike, you will take the shuttle back to the visitors center, walk over drop off your rental gear then we reccomend walking over to grab a beer and a burger at Zion Canyon Brew Pub.
We did Pa'Rus Trail and Canyon Overlook Trail in one day, Both trails offered unique views and were manageable in a single day. Saving The Narrows for a half-day adventure on its own.
Hikes We’re Excited to Explore Next Time We’re In Zion National Park:
Watchman Trail (3.1 miles)
Emerald Pools Trail (3 miles)
Angels Landing (4.3 miles, permit required)
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks to see everywhere we explored on our roadtrip.
Where to stay when visiting Zion National Park:
The Lodge at Zion Country - $$$ - This is where we stayed, the location was perfect, one of the closest hotels to the National Park entrance, and within walking distance to many dining options. We loved this hotel also had a pool to cool off during the hottest part of the day and relax in the afternoons after a morning of hiking.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springdale Zion National Park - $$$
Canyon Casitas at Zion - $$$ - Modern apartment style rental units with full kitchens
Things to do in Zion National Park:
Where to Eat in Zion National Park
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks to see everywhere we explored on our roadtrip.
