Zion National Park is something that is incredibly close to my home town that I put off for WAY too long!! In just a short weekend trip, I got to squeeze in as many sites as I could (in typical My Perfect Itinerary fashion).
This park is incredible and you could easily spend a few days in the area soaking in all the natural beauty! For this one day in Zion National Park itinerary, I jam-packed all the must-see sites for you to check off your bucket list.
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You will get to hike the most unique and scenic hike in all of Zion, take in those gorgeous canyon views, watch the sunset at the most beautiful spot in the park, and SO much more!
Before we dive into the guide, I will go over all the important info you should know before going to the park like the confusing shuttle system, where to stay, && a few must-pack items. At the bottom of this guide I list a bonus section for extra fun ideas in case you want to spend some more time in the park.
Okay, let’s dive in!! 🙂
There’s a chance this free guide contains affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) that goes towards little Rosie’s dog treats! Also, even though my accommodations were hosted, all opinions are completely honest & my own!
Where is Zion National Park?
Zion National Park is located in the southwest corner of Utah, making it the perfect spot on a southwest road trip! To get to Zion, you can fly into the closest major airport of Las Vegas and then drive 2.5 hours to the park entrance.
If you are planning on renting a car and doing a full southwest road trip, here are some other guides I think you will love!
- 14 Day Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary!
- One Day in Bryce Canyon
- Hiking the Navajo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon!
- Unique and Fun things to do in Kanab, Utah!
- Sedona Itinerary for One Jam Packed Day
- Things to do in Page, Arizona (Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon)
- Everything to Know About Kayaking to Antelope Canyon
Shuttle Service Explained
Is it just me or is trying to understand the Zion shuttle service confusing AF?! It was a huge reason why I put off visiting Zion for so long.. which is probably exactly why they do it 😉 It’s one of the top visiting national parks after all!
Let me try to explain it in very plain terms with tons of explanation to help you understand it a bit better.
So, there are two shuttles: The Zion Shuttle and the Springdale Shuttle. These are both free and require no advance reservation. They recently changed this, so if you’ve read that you need a time slot reservation for the shuttles, that information is out dated!
The Zion shuttle is required for most of the year to avoid large traffic jams and parking build ups throughout the park. Plus, it’s better for the environment.. so win win!
The Zion shuttle runs from the Zion visitor center throughout most of the park. The Springdale shuttle runs from Springdale to the Zion Visitor Center / First Shuttle Stop. The purpose of this shuttle is pretty much to transfer people from hotels in Springdale & the overflow parking lot to the first stop on the Zion Shuttle. SO if you are staying at at a hotel in Springdale OR get there late and need to park in the overflow parking, you will need to take the Springdale Shuttle TO the Zion Shuttle.
Does that make sense?
Option 1:
Park at Zion Visitor Center or Zion Outfitters -> Get on Zion Shuttle -> Take to the stop you would like to hike at
Option 2:
Park at the Springdale Visitor Center (or other Springdale Shuttle Stops) -> Get on the Springdale Shuttle -> Arrive at Zion Visitor Center -> Get on Zion Shuttle -> Take to the stop you would like to hike at
Click here for more information regarding shuttle times based on the time of year you are traveling!
TIP: If you want to save time, definitely try to snag parking at the Zion Visitor center or Zion Outfitters to avoid having to use two shuttles. The parking lot is usually completely full by 9am, so I would try to get there no later than 8am.. earlier the better!
Source
Note that since COVID – Some of these Shuttle Stops are skipped. When I traveled in August 2021, Shuttle Stops 2, 3 & 7 on the Zion shuttle were skipped!
Should you Stay a Night Near the Park?
Zion National Park is an exhausting trip! It is a few hours drive from any major airport, you have to wake up early to get parking anywhere, and you have to wait in line for shuttles.
In my opinion, it is 100% worth it to stay at least one night near the park. Here are towns that are close by the park:
- Springdale ~ 5 minutes from park entrance
- Rockville ~10 minutes from park entrance
- Hurricane ~ 30 minutes from park entrance
- Kanab ~ 30 minutes from park entrance
Where I Stayed
I’ve had my eye on the Zion Wildflower Glamping Resort for a while now because staying at a unique accommodation makes a trip 100x more memorable!
For anyone who has been following my blog for a while now knows that I am not a camper! The idea of pitching a tent, eating canned food, and dealing with shared / dirty bathrooms makes me want to quite literally, scream.
BUT, I absolutely love the idea of camping! Sharing stories around the campfire, being away from the city so you can see the stars, and having epic views from your bed… all sounds like a dream!
**Cue stumbling upon Zion Wildflower Glamping Resort**
So.. You’re saying I get to have air-conditioning, a private bathroom, restaurants nearby, AND still get all the perks of camping?! SIGN ME UP.
The resort was only 15 minutes from Zion National Park, came with adorable s’mores kits to use by their fire pit areas, and was surrounded by jaw-dropping desert views! You can pick between glamping tents, wagons, or air-conditioned cabins here!
Psst.. Let’s be friends on Instagram! I post all my favorite travel photos and share tons of editing tips! 🙂
What to Pack
I never want to bore you with a detailed packing list, because you came here to read a perfectly crafted One Day in Zion National Park itinerary!! But, here are a few must-have items for this specific trip:
1. Dry Back Bag if you are hiking the Narrows
If you take any advice on this blog post, take this!! If you are hiking the narrows, you need a dry bag. There are parts of the river where you are hip or chest deep! And let me tell ya, there is nothing worse than lugging a change of clothes and snacks just to open your bag and find everything soaking wet. This one comes with a waterproof phone case and is the one I used!
2. Waterproof speaker that clips onto your bag
Music makes everything better, am I right?! This waterproof speaker is cordless, small, and hooks onto your backpack!
3. Good Pair of Hiking Boots
You will want something that has great grip and great ankle support. If I didn’t wear good boots during the narrows hike, I would have twisted my ankle about 100 times!! I actually rented my boots & hiking stick from the Zion Outfitters (more on that later), but if wearing used shoes grosses you out, I would purchase a pair. Click here for waterproof boots!
4. One Click Photo Presets
DUH! Make your editing on the go 10x easier with my mobile presets! Packs of ten start at just $3.49 and are buy 2 get 2 free right now! 🙂
MISCELLANIOUS THINGS:
- Zip Lock Bags for your snacks, phone, camera, etc. Just incase water sneaks into your bag!
- Lots of Sunblock!! You will be popping in and out of the shade, so you won’t feel your skin burning but trust me.. it is!
- Protein Bars & Snacks! There is no food or water stations along the river, so make sure you bring enough food to keep your energy levels high.
- Some band aids in case you scrape something or get blisters!
- Hand sanitizer or baby wipes to clean your hands before eating! The river can contain a lot of dirt and bacteria.
One Day in Zion National Park
Okay, time to dive into the good stuff! This one day Zion National Park itinerary is jam-packed with all the best sites and tons of photography inspo. I’ll separate the guide into Morning / Afternoon / Evening and don’t forget to check out the bonus section at the bottom of this guide for extra ideas 🙂
Morning:
Start your morning bright and early with sunrise at Canyon Overlook Trail! Canyon Overlook Trail is in the east side of Zion National Park, meaning the shuttle does not go here! You are able to drive right to the trailhead and park instead of having to deal with the shuttle system.
Keep in mind, the parking lot is extremely small and fills up very fast! The good thing is, it’s a relatively short hike so people are constantly coming and going.
If you would rather just park your car and rely on the Zion Shuttles the entire day, I would opt in for a short and easy hike like Court of the Patriarchs (Shuttle Stop #4), Watchman’s Trail (Zion Visitor Center), or Lower Emerald Pools (Shuttle Stop #5). I did Lower Emerald Pools trail and thought it was kind of a waste of time and thought Canyon Overlook was MUCH better and worth the out-of-the-way drive!
Canyon Overlook Hike Specs
1 mile out and back (30min – 1hr)
187 ft Elevation Gain
Rated Moderate
Can’t be afraid of heights😉
Next up, head back to the Zion Visitor Center or one of the parking areas in Springdale to park your car for the day. If you are hiking the Narrows (which is what I am recommending on this one day itinerary), then you might want to stop at the Zion Outfitters to rent some equipment.
Zion Outfitters located at the last Springdale Shuttle Stop, which means you can also just walk to the Zion Shuttle. They have a “Narrows Package” that gives you high quality hiking boots, wet sock-type socks, and a hiking stick! For all that, it was only $29 for the entire day, which is much cheaper than buying all that equipment brand new.
You will want to make sure you get there pretty early before they sell out, or better yet, reserve your package online before you arrive! You can do that here.
At the Zion Outfitters parking lot, you will also see a market to pick up last minute items, coffee and breakfast spot, and a gift shop! If you want to pack sandwiches or get waters for the day, this would be your time to do so! 🙂
Afternoon:
Now that you’re legs are warmed up & you have your equipment, it’s time to head to the big event of the day… The Narrows!
Get on the Zion Shuttle and take it all the way to the end of the road, which is stop #9 – The Temple of Sinawava! From there, you can stop and use the restroom and begin the River Walk portion of the hike. This section takes you along the side of the river, not in the river. About a mile in, the paved trail will end and you will either have to turn back or get into the river!
The Narrows is one of the most unique hikes in the world, where you trek through the river in between a deep slot canyon. The views are absolutely incredible the entire hike, that’s what makes this hike perfect for any fitness level. You can easily hike just 30 minutes into the river and turn around to get a good taste of the scenery!
Read more : What To Do With Leftover Whipped Cream
This was taken on my I-Phone & Edited with my Mobile Presets!
Regardless if you do a morning hike prior to this, I would not start this hike too early. The benefit of having your legs in a cold river is to cool you off from the heat! If you go early in the morning when the weather is not warm yet, you will likely be cold during this hike.
The Narrows Hike Specs
9.4 miles round trip (but can turn around at any point) before needing a permit
Roughly 4-6 hours to complete
I hiked for about 2.5 – 3 hours before turning around with a few breaks and thought it was perfect!
TIP: If you want to get as deep into the narrows as possible, I would skip the sunrise hike to preserve your energy. But if you would rather see more sides of Zion in your one day in the park, then stick to the itinerary! 🙂
Evening:
After you’ve had the time of your life exploring the narrows, you can take the shuttle all the way back to the visitors center.
I would recommend a much-needed food break at one of the many restaurants in Springdale. Or there is a Burgers and Brews restaurant right by the Zion Visitor Center, which is a perfect rest stop! 🙂
If you still have some life left in you, you can take the beautiful stroll along the Pa’rus Trail to see the sunset at Canyon Junction Bridge! From the Visitor center to the bridge, it is a 2 mile walk each way. You might be exhausted after the long day in Zion, but this is a spot you won’t want to miss! It is by far the best (and most popular) sunset location in the park.
If you want to enjoy the sunset at this spot, plan to begin your hike about an hour before sunset! 🙂
TIP: If you don’t feel like walking all that way, there is a VERY small parking lot at the Canyon Junction Bridge that fills up very quickly around sunset. GOOD LUCK 😉
Pa’rus Trail Walk Specs
2 miles each way (~1 hour round trip)
Rated Easy
Flat and scenic trail that takes you to a beautiful viewing platform!
Bonus Ideas
- Float down the Virgin River – UM, this looks amazing!! I am already planning my trip back to the area to do this!!
- Angels Landing – A very challenging and dangerous hike in Zion National Park! Not for someone who is afraid of heights!
- Kanarra Creek Canyon – Near Zion, not IN Zion! I have not done this yet, but it looks incredible! 🙂
- Canyoneering Tour – I saw some people doing this in the narrows and it looks so fun! If you have a day to extend on your Zion visit, this tour is roughly 4 hours.
- Horseback Riding Tour – This horseback riding tour takes you away from the crowds (which in Zion National Park, is hard to do!!) and gives you amazing scenery!
- Day trip to Kanab, UTAH – Only 30 minutes away you can visit unique caves, pink sand dunes, and an adorable city! Click here to read my full guide on Kanab!
- Including this on a full 14 day Utah National Parks Road Trip!
Common Q & A’s
Should I bring my camera on the narrows?
YES, ABOSULTELY YES!! I don’t go anywhere without my camera and even I was hesitant to bring it on the narrows hike! I stored my camera in a zip lock bag inside of my dry bag. Which, if you don’t have a dry bag, it’s an absolute must-have for the narrows. You can buy one right off amazon – this is the one I got!
Should I stay the night in / near Zion?
I would definitely recommend it. Hiking all day and dealing with shuttles is exhausting! It is so nice to be able to come back to a hotel and relax after a long day. I stayed at the Zion Wildflower Resort and had the most amazing time!!
How long does the Narrows Hike Take?
This is kind of a trick answer because it’s however long you want it to take! You can turn around at any point since there isn’t really an endpoint or viewpoint. The entire hike is incredibly scenic. For me, I went about 2.5 – 3 hours into the canyon where it began to become more narrow and turned around.
Best time of year to go to Zion National Park?
The best times of year to visit Zion is Spring through Fall months (April – November)! The summers are the busiest, so to avoid crowds I would recommend the spring / fall seasons. 🙂
Do I need a ticket to ride the Zion Shuttle?
NO, that is dated information! You no longer need to have a time slot reservation to ride the Zion shuttle. You just need to purchase a Zion Park Pass at the visitor center when you arrive and you are free to use the shuttle as you wish!
Okay, that’s a wrap! This one day in Zion National Park Itinerary is jam-packed and overly detailed.. in typical “My Perfect Itinerary” fashion!! 🙂
I think this itinerary is perfect for first timers who are passing through the area and want to see a few different parts of Zion. You get to do the most famous and unique hike in Zion, see the beautiful canyon views, and watch gorgeous sunsets all in a short day!
If you are doing a southwest road trip, here are some more guides I think you’ll love:
- 14 Day Utah National Parks Road Trip!
- One Day in Bryce Canyon
- Hiking the Navajo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon!
- Unique and Fun things to do in Kanab, Utah!
- Sedona Itinerary for One Jam Packed Day
- Things to do in Page, Arizona (Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon)
- Everything to Know About Kayaking to Antelope Canyon
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