Zion National Park is one of Utah’s most popular attractions. Because of this, you may wonder, ‘Why visit Zion National Park as a tourist?’, or ‘Is Zion National Park worth visiting?
Aside from hiking, Zion National Park is full of things to do and see. Here you can experience some jaw-dropping views, waterfalls, slot canyons, and lots of scenic drives.
Ready To Travel? Don't Go Without Travel Insurance.
I recommend SafetyWing Nomad Insurance, an affordable travel insurance offering automatic monthly payments that you can cancel anytime. I've been using it since 2019, and I can assure you it's the perfect solution for nomads like you and me. Learn more by reading our SafetyWing review.It’s just a 2.5-hour drive from Vegas, located adjacent to the quaint town of Springdale.
Most travelers find 2 days in Zion National Park to be enough time to enjoy all the main sights. So, if you’re wondering how many days in Zion National Park you’ll need – 2 days should be enough!
Therefore, we have put together this Zion National Park itinerary detailing everything to do, see, and eat on your upcoming Zion National Park trip.
The best way to get around is by car or RV. We recommend you book your rental via RVshare or Discover Cars.
Day 1
Once you arrive at Zion National Park you are in for a jam-packed and exciting first day involving lots of hiking and some stargazing.
Morning
We are starting off the trip to Zion National Park with one of its most famous (and frightening!) trails, Angels landing.
Angels Landing is just a 5.4-mile hike, but it is very steep and narrow at times. To reach the start of the hike, you can take the park shuttle bus and get off at stop number 6.
Here you can cross the Virgin River to reach the trailhead to begin the hike.
In total, this hike takes around 4-5 hours so the earlier you start off the better to make sure you have plenty of time for breaks. It’s best enjoyed in Spring before the weather gets too hot!
Hikers going to Angels Landing need a permit to go on the last half-mile of the trail with chains. Anyone can apply for a permit in lotteries. Learn more about it here.
The views are stunning on the way and especially at Scouts’ lookout. Once you reach Scouts’ lookout, is your last chance to turn around before the most challenging part of the hike!
If you don’t want to complete the full thing, you can get a good view of Angels Landing from Scout’s lookout and then turn around.
Afternoon
After Scout’s lookout, you will start the final and thrilling scramble along the very narrow ridge of Angels Landing, with chain-assisted sections. This is the part that gives the hike its nickname as the scariest hike in America.
It is just a few feet across at its narrowest point, with drop-offs on either side, and is not for the faint-hearted!
Once you have completed this, you can breathe a sigh of relief, hike back along the trail and take the shuttle bus from the trailhead back to the visitor center.
Evening
Now it’s time to chill with some stargazing which is one of the must-do experiences in Zion National Park.
You can join this one-hour stargazing tour which includes the use of a telescope, hot beverages, and blankets.
Your trained tour guide will point out the major constellations for you to see and you can see the sky with very little light pollution.
Day 2
Your second day in Zion National park will be another adventure-filled day as you venture to the bottom of the canyon before later taking a mini road trip!
Morning
This morning it’s time to take on the Narrows in Zion National Park. The Narrows hike begins at stop number 9 on the shuttle service so hop off there.
This is a hike through the narrowest section of the national park. This is the longest and most strenuous hike in Zion national park and is located right at the bottom of the canyon, which means you can see the canyon from a whole new perspective.
There are two options for the Narrows. You can walk along the 1-mile paved path, a leisurely riverside stroll. Or, you can opt for the upriver hike, which requires you to walk in the water for the majority of the trail.
A lot of people just walk through the water for a short distance and turn back. So you can choose whatever you are comfortable with.
The Narrows is the most enjoyable during the summer as the water level is at its lowest and it is a bit warmer in temperature than in winter.
Afternoon
Since you have been really active over the past 2 days, this afternoon in Zion National Park will just be a short hike.
The Kolob Arch is one of the largest free-standing arches in the world and is located in the Kolo Canyon district.
This one-mile trail is one of the easiest and most beautiful trails in the whole park and is a great spot for some awesome pictures.
It’s easily accessible as it starts just 100 feet from the parking lot at the visitor center.
Evening
After an action-packed two days, a great option for your second night in Zion National Park is to take the 57-mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which passes the Virgin River and many of Zion’s most famous landmarks.
For the majority of the year, you can drive this entire route. However, during peak season, part of this route is only accessible via the shuttle service.
Is Zion National Park Worth Visiting?
Zion National Park is a must-do if you are looking for a road trip from Vegas or if you are visiting Utah in the United States.
It has some insane views and is the perfect trip for a family or an outdoorsy solo traveler.
That said, you’ll need a way to get around, which is why we recommend renting a car or an RV for your trip. We suggest you use Discover Cars or RVshare to book your rental.
Best Time To Visit Zion National Park
Luckily, Zion National Park can be visited all year round. However, some times are safer and more enjoyable than others.
We think the best time to visit is either in the late Spring or late Summer. That way it’s not too hot for spending hours at a time hiking.
Also, the later in Spring the better, so there isn’t snow or ice on the trails.
Where To Stay In Zion National Park For Two Days
Wondering where to stay in Zion National Park? You won’t be short of accommodation choices in Zion National Park, and you can enjoy staying close to the national park no matter your budget.
Here are our top hotel recommendations for your 2 days in Zion National Park.
Best Budget Accommodation
Zion Glamping Adventure is an incredibly unique spot to stay during your trip to Zion National Park. This fully equipped glamping site is 4.5 km from Colorado City and about a 1-hour drive from Zion National Park.
There is free WiFi everywhere in the campsite and you can even choose a unit with a private bathroom and shower.
Best Mid-range Accommodation
The Holiday Inn Express is located a short 2km drive from Zion National Park in Springdale.
This is a great option for mid-range accommodation and the setting of the hotel, amongst the red cliffs, feels like an extension of Zion National Park. The hotel has an outdoor pool, hot tub, and sun terrace for guests to enjoy.
Best Luxury Accommodation
Zion Wildflower Glamping Resort is an incredible option if you have a bigger budget for your trip to Zion National Park.
Here you can enjoy incredible mountain views only a 20-minute drive away from the National Park. You can enjoy hiking and fishing within walking distance of the resort.
You can choose from various accommodation options here, including staying in a fully refurbished old-school wagon with stunning views.
Final Thoughts On Zion National Park Itinerary
Whether you’re traveling through the US on a summer backpacking trip or planning your next hiking trip, Zion National Park is well worth a visit.
With so much to explore and so many amazing views to enjoy, spending one or two days in Zion National Park is bound to be a fantastic experience because there are enough things to do there to keep you entertained.
However, be sure to follow an itinerary like ours to make the most of your short trip. If you are unsure about the length of your visit, you can read our guide on how many days in Zion National Park is enough.
Traveling to the United States soon? Read one of the following guides:
