Table of Contents
Updated June 2023
We filled our itinerary for spending a day in Zion National Park with dramatic landscapes that never seem to end. For us, this was our first stop on the Grand Circle Tour. What makes this slot canyon so impressive is the sheer sandstone cliffs contrasted by the stillness of the Virgin River on the valley floor. Our tour in Zion National Park included a few memorable day hikes and a scenic drive on the canyon road before passing through the Mt. Carmel tunnel.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Read the full disclosure policy here
Getting to Zion National Par for Unforgettable Explorations
From Las Vegas, take Interstate 15 to State Highway 9 just north of St George. Proceed through Hurricane to the town of Springdale. It’s about 30 miles after you exit the 15. Zion National Park is located just outside Springdale.
From Salt Lake City, take Interstate 15 South to Toquerville Exit state road 17. Follow state road 17 to Highway 9. Follow the signs for the park on the left.The drive is approximately 3 hours from Las Vegas and 5 and a half hours from Salt Lake City.
Entering Zion driving the Canyon Road, you are going to the tantalizing colors of the walls. These changes in the different lighting create a dramatic effect. Mule deer are abundant along the roadside, munching on the fresh grasses that line the Virgin River.
Planning Your Adventure – Before You Go: Essential Steps for a Memorable Journey
Embarking on a new adventure is both thrilling and invigorating, but a successful and stress-free trip requires careful planning. Before you go on your journey, take the time to prepare and set the stage for a memorable experience. From creating a well-thought-out itinerary will make your time spent in Zion National Park so much better. Thus, ensuring you have all the essentials, we’ve compiled essential steps to guide you in planning your unforgettable adventure.
- Research Your Destination: Start by researching your destination thoroughly. Learn about the culture, customs, and local traditions to immerse yourself fully in the experience. Familiarize yourself with the must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path gems, and any safety precautions.
- Set a Budget: Determine your budget for the trip and allocate funds for transportation, accommodation, activities, meals, and other expenses. Being mindful of your budget will help you plan activities that align with your financial goals.
- Create an Itinerary: Craft a flexible itinerary that outlines the places you wish to visit and the activities you want to partake in. Strike a balance between must-see attractions and leisure time to explore your destination at your own pace.
- Book Accommodations: Secure your accommodations in advance to ensure you have a comfortable and stress-free stay. Consider staying at locally-run hotels, guesthouses, or bed and breakfasts for a more authentic experience.
- Pack Smartly: Pack light and pack smart. Prioritize essentials like comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, travel documents, and any specific items you’ll need for your destination’s weather and activities.
- Travel Insurance: Protect yourself and your belongings by purchasing comprehensive travel insurance. This will provide peace of mind in case of unforeseen circumstances or emergencies.
- Health Precautions: Check if you need any vaccinations or medications for your destination. Carry a basic first-aid kit and any prescribed medications you might need during your trip.
Entrance Fees: Essential Tips for a Smooth National Park Experience
- America the Beautiful Pass: The America the Beautiful Annual Pass costs $80 and grants access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, for one year.
- Individual Entry Pass: For visitors not opting for the annual pass, individual entry fees range from $15 to $35 per vehicle, depending on the park. These fees generally grant access for up to seven consecutive days.
- Fee-Free Days: National Park Service offers fee-free days on specific dates throughout the year, where entrance fees are waived. Check the NPS website for the schedule.
NOTE: if you plan to do any overnight wilderness camping, permits are needed, so book in advance.
If you plan to do the Narrows Trail hike, invest in a good pair of wading socks and wading boots. These will keep your feet comfortable in the cold water. A quality trekking stick would be advisable for any of the trails. You may also rent equipment at the visitor’s center or at a local shop in town. You can also view our packing list of recommendations for the National Parks. Download park information sheet for general park tips and hiking trail maps.
Accommodations to Add to Your Itinerary: A Comfortable Haven for Every Traveler
Zion National Park has one lodge inside the park. Visitors need to book in advance as it fills quickly. We discovered that the name “Zion” means “a place of peace and refuge.” The lodge is conveniently in the middle of a narrow slot canyon, with steep vertical cliffs rising immediately behind the buildings. The tantalizing colors at sunset are mesmerizing. Your itinerary is better served by staying in the park, letting you spend more time enjoying Zion National Park. Best of all, you can hit the trails early before those staying outside the park.
Interesting fact is that Gilbert Stanley Underwood designed the lodge in the 1920s, fire destroyed the original Zion Lodge in 1966. Immediately, the rebuilt lodge serves as the center for most activities within the park.
Perfectly Situated Zion Lodge Rooms: Enjoy Nature’s Beauty in Comfort and Serenity
The lodge’s hotel rooms are well-appointed and spacious, featuring comfortable beds, modern amenities, and private bathrooms. Unwind after a day of exploration and take in the views of the surrounding red cliffs from your room’s window. Lodge rooms have two standard double beds, bathroom, refrigerator, microwave, and single-serve coffee maker (with a great selection of coffee and teas). The lodge doesn’t provide single use toiletries for guests, but has large bottles affixed to the walls. Environmentally, this makes sense. We had a balcony that faced the massive cliff face. On the plus side, the windows were nice to open, letting the cool night air into the room.
There was an ice machine on our floor providing plenty of ice for our cooler. Everything was clean with a rustic elegance. I would definitely suggest requesting a second-floor room on the backside of the Watchman building because in the early morning Mule Deer graze the hillside. Wi-Fi was very slow, so don’t expect to use that much. We had no cell reception (AT&T).
The Watchman Building at Zion Lodge: A Serene Retreat Amidst Nature’s Majesty
The Watchman Building at Zion Lodge is a haven of tranquility that promises an unforgettable stay amidst the park’s majestic landscapes. A lovely feature is a common area with a roaring fireplace and tables. Guests can play cards, read books or borrow board games. Guests are friendly and eager to share tips. There’s a mix of experienced hikers and complete newbies.
Since I was still on EST, I was up early, sat on the balcony and watched a mule deer eating a sage bush along the canyon wall. The temperature was a chilly 40 degrees (cold for this Florida girl), rather refreshing-break from the heat of the desert. The sunrise on the cliffs was spectacular. The evening temperatures in the park dip into the low 70s in June. Sitting on the veranda is a pleasant way to spend the evening. The stars at night were a spectacle of glitter and twinkling!
In front of the Zion Lodge, there is an open field where people gather to rest or eat lunch or ice cream. It is truly a wonderful experience. The grounds are lovely and incorporate the local flora and fauna. The lighting at night is dark it only adds to the natural quality of the lodge. Bring a flashlight, for safety.
Zion National Park Dining Room Options: A Culinary Journey Amidst Nature’s Splendor
If your itinerary is spending the entire day in the park, you will need to consider dining options. Zion does not offer that many options for meal selection. I would suggest driving into Springdale. Springdale offers a better selection of restaurants. Alternatively, if you do not want to drive to the restaurant, take the shuttle. Many restaurants are at the different Springdale shuttle stops.
Red Rock Grill at Zion Lodge: Savoring Southwestern Flavors
We had breakfast in the dining room, also called the Red Rock Grill. The buffet was well stocked with freshly made French toast, pancakes, breakfast potatoes, and oatmeal. It also had unsweetened and sweetened yogurt, fresh fruit, granola. Ask the server for a window seat so that you can eat while looking out through the large picture windows enjoying views of the canyon. The breakfast was fabulous!
I would strongly suggest dinner reservations, definitely call ahead 60-90 days to secure a dinner reservation as there is usually is endless wait.
Luckily, we previewed the menu on the website, so it compelled me to make a dinner reservation before arrival. I had a small portion of bison meatloaf, with a demi-glacé, garlic mashed potatoes, and carrots and broccoli. The meatloaf was great! Hubby ordered the bison burger and stated it was delicious!! Overall, the dining room food was good, not to mention the outstanding view out the windows.
Castle Dome Cafe at Zion Lodge: A Culinary Oasis in the Heart of Zion National Park
This café offers takeout or dine in options at the Zion Lodge complex. The café predominantly offers hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and salads with chips, fries, and soda. There are two order areas, a grill bar and an area for coffee and smoothies. The patio outside has a small bar serving craft beers and coffee. The seating is on the outdoor patio-if you can find a seat. It’s busy & crowded, but there is a splendid view. The service was quick, and they bring the food to your table. Considering the number of people that they serve, everything arrived in a timely manner and the food was good. Did I mention the view is amazing?
Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon-in Springdale, Gateway to Zion National Park
Springdale is the largest town outside the park. The shuttle buses run on a regular schedule from the Zion visitor center. If you are spending more than a day in Zion National Park, take sometime to eat at a restaurant and walk the gift shops. We ate one night at the Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon. It has interesting menu choices with a South West/Mexican slant, and the prices are very reasonable. The margarita menu was perfect after a hot day on the trials. The atmosphere here is delightful. We sat outside and enjoyed the hummingbirds jostling for nectar on the many feeders placed on the veranda. We watched a fox on the lawn hunting in the twilight, very entertaining. The décor inside the restaurant is an odd mix of local wood scrap sculptures and macabre paintings.
The wait staff was friendly and courteous. Our server was very attentive and gave excellent suggestions about what she thought was best. Other staff members stopped by to check on us and brought food out quickly. The dining area was sparse when we arrived, although it filled quickly.
Southwestern Delights be What’s for Dinner
I had the fish tacos. The fish ( again super fresh) was cooked perfectly. The tortilla shells on the tacos were crisp and not soggy, which just enhanced the fish and the salsa. Barry had the Flautas Verde, we were accustomed to Flautas being small-diameter rolled tortillas with some filling. At the Bit & Spur, makes theirs about 2 inches in diameter like a burrito and then fries them. The Flautas came with rice and beans on the side. He stated that the Carnitas Flautas Verde was mouth-watering great!
They presented the food nicely on the plate. I would recommend the food here to anyone who likes good Tex-Mex. A simply sublime dining experience! A 7-star experience on a 5-star scale!
A Perfect Day in Zion National Park: What to Include in Your Itinerary
Zion National Park, a breathtaking wonderland of canyons and red cliffs, offers a plethora of natural treasures to explore. Spending a day in this majestic landscape requires thoughtful planning to make the most of your visit. Here’s a carefully curated itinerary to help you experience the best of Zion in a day, from scenic hikes to awe-inspiring viewpoints.
A Stop at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center: Gateway to Adventure and Information
Our first stop in national parks is always taking time to stop in at one of the visitor centers. The Zion Canyon VC is near the west entrance to the park and is the starting point for the free shuttle service. There is also the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center. We always add the VC as our first stop on any park itinerary. If you are not lodging in the park, leave your car and pick up a shuttle, visit the large bathroom facility outside the main building, or just rest and have a picnic.
There are a lot of interactive exhibits inside and outside the center that tell about the park and its history. There is also a large gift/bookstore that you can purchase: T-shirts, posters, and other souvenirs. The rangers inside were very helpful in dispensing information about hikes, shuttles, and general information about the park. This is where one can get their National Parks passbook stamped.
If you have children in your group, encourage them to take part in the Junior Ranger Program, available at the visitor center. This program offers fun and educational activities to help young visitors connect with the park and earn a Junior Ranger badge.
Zion Human History Museum: Unraveling the Stories of the Past in a Timeless Landscape
If you are interested and want to learn about historical, cultural or geological data, go to the museum. It is close walking distance from the shuttle Stop#1. They have a 22-minute video on the park’s history. The Zion Human History Museum offers a captivating journey through time, unveiling the rich tapestry of human stories woven into the park’s ancient terrain. There are exhibits on Native American culture, pioneer life, and the effects of water on the formation of Zion. Best of all, it is free.
Navigating Zion National Park: Shuttle Stops and Spectacular Hiking Trails
In the summer months, they do not permit cars to drive through Zion Canyon. The only exception is for those staying at the Zion Lodge. If you stay at the lodge, you receive a special permit to drive the canyon road. If your route includes any of the sights along the canyon road, you will spend some time on the shuttle. There are two shuttle routes in the Park.
- The Zion Canyon Shuttle connects the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to stop at nine locations on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
- The Springdale Shuttle will take you to the park’s Pedestrian Entrance near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. You may get on and off as often as you like. For a map of the shuttle stops, click here.
It is advisable to refill your water bottles with cold purified spring water by taps either at the Lodge and at the Visitor’s Center before catching the shuttle bus.
Court of the Patriarchs (Stop 4): Where Majestic Spires Tower Over Zion
At Stop 4 on the Zion National Park shuttle route, you’ll find yourself in the presence of towering sandstone monoliths known as the Court of the Patriarchs. If you are interested in folklore or history, the interpretive sign is worth reading. They name the mountains after figures from the Old Testament; Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Mount Moroni sits in front of Jacob and is named after the Book of a Mormon prophet that appeared to Joseph Smith. A Methodist minister named Frederick Vining Fisher in 1916.
The peaks are Abraham Peak at 6890 ft., Isaac Peak at 6825 ft., Mount Moroni at 5690 ft., and Jacob Peak at 6831 ft. The Sentinel is also visible from the lookout at the top of the trail. As a teacher, I love learning the geology of the parks. The sandstone cliffs of the Court of the Patriarchs are part of the Navajo Sandstone formation, which holds millions of years of geological history within its layers.
Emerald Pools (Stop #5): Tranquil Beauty Amidst Zion’s Waterfall Canyons
If you only have one day on your itinerary, I would suggest spending at least a few hours trekking the Emerald Pools Trail. This iconic destination offers a range of hikes, each leading to a different level of the pools, showcasing the beauty of cascading waterfalls and serene emerald-hued basins. The Emerald Pools are divided into three distinct levels: Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools, each offering a unique and captivating experience.
Note: To access Emerald Pools, start your hike at the Court of the Patriarchs (Shuttle Stop #4) or the Grotto (Shuttle Stop #6).
The trail begins across the bridge over the Virgin River. Super easy trail for families or those who do not hike. If I was a newbie to hiking, I would add this as my starter hike to my itinerary for Zion National Park. The trail is paved and easily accessible for small children and strollers.
An easy and family-friendly hike leads to the Lower Emerald Pool. At the lower pool, the canyon opens up into an immense amphitheater of red rock. Water trickles down and over the rock face, creating the pool below. We found it to be a perfect spot for a tranquil stroll and a refreshing respite from the canyon heat.
The middle-and upper sections become more challenging and required a little more effort. We saw lots of wildlife on the trail, rattlesnake, wild turkey, and deer.
The Grotto-Stop #6: Gateway to Angels Landing – A Trail of Thrills and Breathtaking Vistas
At Stop #6 on the Zion National Park shuttle route, The Grotto serves as the gateway to one of the park’s most thrilling and iconic hikes – Angels Landing. This challenging yet rewarding trail takes hikers on an unforgettable journey through sheer cliffs and narrow ridges, leading to awe-inspiring panoramic views of Zion Canyon. The Grotto marks the starting point for the famous Angels Landing hike, which is a 5.4-mile round-trip. We began the trail tackling a series of switchbacks, known as Walter’s Wiggle. For this landlubber, it was an invigorating climb. These 21 steep switchbacks zigzag their way up the canyon walls, providing a challenging ascent to higher elevations. After the switchbacks, we reached Scout Lookout, a prominent viewpoint that presents a breathtaking view of the canyon below. This is where I stopped. Hubby, however, continued on (we did not need a permit in 2013).
Perhaps the most famous and most heavily travelled trail in the park. For some people, spending time in the park would not be complete without a trip to the top of the chains. The rewards are great if you can make it to the top of the trail. Navigating the exposed cliffs and holding on to the chains for support, you’ll understand why Angels Landing is regarded as one of the most exhilarating hikes in the world. My advice would be to stay in the park, rise early, arriving on the first shuttle of the morning. Most people add this as the top thing to do on their itinerary for Zion National Park.
Weeping Rock (Stop #7): A Glimpse of Nature’s Tears and Hanging Gardens
At Stop #7 on the Zion National Park shuttle route, Weeping Rock beckons visitors with its unique geological wonder – a natural spring that seeps through the sandstone cliffs, creating a “weeping” effect as water cascades from above. The remarkable Weeping Rock, is a green paradise with ferns and mosses that feed off the trickling streams of water; which creates beautiful hanging gardens along the Navajo sandstone canyon. This is a short, somewhat steep, leisurely hike climbing quickly. Gaining about 100 feet of elevation takes you to the verdant gardens of Weeping Rock. Along the trail, you’ll find interpretive signs that provide information about the geological and ecological significance of Weeping Rock.
Note: Due to rockfall, the area near Weeping Rock is temporarily closed. Park scientists and maintenance staff are monitoring the area.
At the end of the trail, we reached the weeping gardens. This captivating phenomenon occurs because of seepage from higher elevations within the porous sandstone layers. The cascading water can be very refreshing if you stick your head under the outer edge. I abandoned dignity and stood beneath the weep, letting the waterfall directly on my face. Looking over the short rock wall, there are sweeping views of Big Bend. This is a good trail to add to your itinerary if you like short but sweet hikes.
Access to Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail on Rte. 9 outside the park boundary. The hike is 6-miles round trip. Turn left on North Fork Road. Drive 5.3-miles and turn left into Zion Ponderosa Resort. Stay right on the main road. Twin knolls road brings you to a T intersection. Turn right-Beaver Rd. Caution: Road conditions may be undesirable. Small parking lot and a fenced entrance follow the signs to Observation Point-3-miles.
Big Bend (Stop #8): Where Nature’s Majesty Unfolds Along the Virgin River
Stop #8 on the Zion National Park shuttle route brings you to Big Bend, a picturesque location along the Virgin River where nature’s majestic beauty unfolds in all directions. From Weeping Rock there are sweeping views of Big Bend. Big Bend is where the Virgin River winds around the Organ, before continuing towards the lower canyon. There are spectacular views of the Great White Throne, rising over 2400 feet above the canyon floor. A rather impressive monolith composed of white sandstone. Here you can also access the Grotto Trail.
Riverside Trailhead – Temple of Sinawava (Stop #9): Gateway to The Narrows
While most will add Angel’s Landing as their top trail to hike, I feel the Narrows is one that needs to be on everyone’s schedule. Shuttle Stop-9 will give you access to the Narrows. They sometimes refer the Temple of Sinawava to as The Riverside Walk. The trail is surrounded by the slowly encroaching walls of the canyon. It offers a small taste of the Narrows ahead. It begins at the Temple of Sinawava, at the far end of the normally accessible portion of Zion Canyon. The Riverside Trail is a paved, family-friendly path that meanders alongside the Virgin River.
Large Cottonwood trees cover the trail all along the path, making for a comfortable shady walk. The sounds of the North Fork of the Virgin River create a wonderful ambiance, as you want to complement the trail. Water draining down the slot canyon walls provides nutriment for the hanging gardens along the sloped walls of the trail. At the end of the trail begins the Narrows hike, the slot canyon opens, inviting hikers to wade into the water. Spending time in the Narrows in Zion National Park gives you an entirely unique perspective of this park. For us, it was a surreal journey through the water-carved canyon. It gave us an unparalleled connection with the raw essence of Zion. The narrow slot canyon differs from any other hike experience. In our opinion, the Narrows is a must-do!
Exploring Mount Carmel: The Hidden Gem on the Backside of Zion National Park
We allocated two days to Zion National Park. Since we were travelling to Bryce Canyon, the road leads you to the backside of the park via the Mount Carmel Scenic Byway (UT 9) This area is very scenic and I recommend adding this to your itinerary for Zion National Park. It is worth the journey.
The road leading from Zion Canyon to Mt Carmel has many steep switch-backs with 5-6 hairpin turns. The sheer drop produces vertigo. It is amazing how beautiful the valley appears. The textures and colors of the canyon walls in the early morning light are amazing.
The Ingenious Engineering: Mt Carmel Tunnel in Zion National Park
The ambitious Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway project begun in 1927 under the direction of the National Park Service. We arrived at the East tunnel entrance just before 8:00 AM and did not have to stop. The park actually controls traffic through the tunnel by allowing one direction of traffic to drive through at a time. This is in order to give larger vehicles/motor homes easier passage through the tunnel by allowing them the opportunity to use both lanes if needed.
Note: there are size restrictions on vehicles that can pass through the tunnel; any vehicle that is 11’4″ high by 7’10” wide or larger will need a permit.
At the entrances, they collect the $15 permit fee. It covers two passages through the tunnel within seven days. Rangers provide traffic-control to allow the oversize vehicle to pass down the center of the tunnel, and this only happens during the day. The hours vary seasonally; starts 8:00 AM and lasts till 4:30 PM in winter and as late as 8:00 PM in summer. This means that everyone traveling either way through the east side of the park via the tunnel is subject to delays between those times. Vehicles over 13’1″ cannot use the tunnel. Bicycles and pedestrians cannot use the tunnel.
Discovering the Historic Mt. Carmel Tunnel: A Remarkable Feat of Engineering
The history of the Mt. Carmel Tunnel is one of ingenuity, perseverance, and the desire to enhance access and showcase the natural beauty of Zion National Park. Construction of the first mile Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel began in the late 1920s. They completed it in 1930. It was the longest tunnel of its type in the United States when dedicated on July 4, 1930. The purpose of the building the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel (and the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway) was to create direct access to Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon from Zion National Park.
The tunnel is incredibly dark. Glimpses of the canyon through “windows” carved in the tunnel walls provide the only views. The six windows provide ventilation, light and spectacular views. Unfortunately, you cannot stop your vehicle and take pictures of the windows. This remarkable engineering marvel stands as a testament to the dedication and vision of those who undertook its construction.
Checkerboard Mesa: A Geologic Masterpiece on the Backside of Zion
This geological landmark is a large formation along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (Rt. 9) in the southeast corner of the park. It’s about 0.5-mile west of the east entrance to the park. There is a designated pullout along the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, where visitors can stop and admire Checkerboard Mesa up close. A short hike or walk from the pullout allows for a more intimate encounter with this geological masterpiece.
Checkerboard Mesa stands as a striking geological marvel that captivates visitors with its unique and intricate patterns. The arrangements in the Navajo sandstone that form Checkerboard Mesa are caused by “cross bedding” (wind-carved horizontal lines) and stress and erosion fractures (vertical cracks). Checkerboard Mesa is a “must see” site. I found it interesting since I taught Earth Science and its geologic features fascinate me.
The formations in Zion are monumental, and Checkerboard Mesa is unique. Crazy Quit Mesa is another cross-bedded mountain next to Checkerboard. It’s like a lunar landscape among the red rocks as we walked around the area looking at the flora and fauna in the morning’s grandeur light. This area differs from the rocks you see in the main section of Zion Canyon.
Final Thoughts: A Fantastic Day in Zion National Park – A Symphony of Nature’s Wonders
I think it is important to remember you are following in the footsteps of ancient native peoples. They were the first to venture into these massive canyons. Gaze up, see the cream, pink, and red canyon walls complimented by the brilliant blue sky above. Zion is a good place to experience the wilderness since there are lots of wildlife that can be seen early in the morning. I am an early riser and love that I can sit and look for animals catching the occasional glimpse of deer or turkey.
I do, however, feel that this wilderness is fragile and if the crowds continue, it will not last. Zion does a good job. By using propane shuttle buses to take the vast number of guests into the park in the summer. However, the sheer number of people visiting is overwhelming the systems put in place. If I visit again, I would probably stay early in spring or late fall.
Zion National Park is probably our favorite of all the Utah 5 National Parks. Adding hikes to your itinerary when spending time in Zion National Park will give you a better perception of the park. We loved watching the deer graze every evening, quite unfazed by the human activity around them. You should plan an itinerary for spending a day in Zion National Park so you can make the most of your time in the park. Bryce Canyon is our next destination, however, we leave Zion with a few favorite hikes and incredible memories.
What are your most memorable moments in Zion? Share in the comments below.
