How Many Days In Zion National Park Is Enough?

Planning a trip to the United States soon? You might be wondering how many days in Zion National Park is enough. The answer, of course, depends on what you want to do and see while you’re in the area.

If you’re interested in exploring the region, we suggest spending at least two or three days in Zion National Park.

This will give you enough time to visit the significant sites and enjoy some of the other activities the national park has to offer, such as hiking, enjoying scenic drives, or camping.

That said, the answer really comes down to the type of holiday you’re looking for.

If you love being on the go and are happy to see everything at a fast pace, 2 days in Zion National Park might be enough for you.

But if you’d like to slow things down, and have a little more time to spend at each attraction, you might want to consider 3 or 4 days in Zion National Park instead.

I put this guide together to help you figure out how many days in Zion National Park you’ll need.

You’ll find all the things you need to think about when planning the length of your stay, along with a guide to Zion National Park’s highlights.

I’ve also suggested how long you should plan to spend at each one so that you can create a realistic itinerary for your visit so that you can enjoy every moment of your trip.

How To Decide How Long To Stay In Zion National Park

Deciding how long to spend in Zion National Park can depend on a few different things, like arrival time, hotel check-in, what you want to see, transportation, and more!

To help you figure out exactly how long you’ll need in Zion National Park, make a list of the things you want to do in the area, and consider the time of arrival and departure. Then, look at the distance between places to keep it realistic.

At the end of this exercise, you’ll know how many days in Zion National Park you’ll need.

That said, it’s important to keep a few things in mind when planning a trip to Zion National Park.

Are you planning on staying in Zion National Park, or do you want to explore the region further?

Zion National Park can be a good base for exploring the area, but it really depends on what you want to do while in the United States.

Time Of Arrival, Hotel Check-In Time & Time Of Departure

One important thing to consider is whether your hotel check-in and departure times allow for a full day’s sightseeing.

If you’re planning on arriving late, you might consider adding an extra night to your stay. Another important consideration is what you will do with your luggage. Will you travel around the region by car? If so, you won’t have to worry about your luggage.

If you want to get to Zion National Park early to make the most of your day, you might need to store your luggage somewhere for a few hours before it is time for you to check into your accommodation.

Most hotels will offer this service, but not all. So don’t just assume that there will be somewhere to leave your bags – find out for sure before you go.

Things To Do In Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a popular destination for travelers who enjoy spending time on the beach and relaxing in the sun.

The region also offers a wide range of activities for those who want to explore, such as rock climbing, wildlife watching, or canyoneering.

You must think carefully about which attractions or tours appeal to you the most and plan how to fit them all in – especially if you’re thinking about a short stay.

The list of highlights below will help you put your Zion National Park itinerary together, but be careful not to schedule every single moment of your day.

It’s always a good idea to leave a little leeway for things like long queues and transport delays – or simply to spend longer at the places you like the best!

Note that many travelers prefer to book tours and activities in advance to save time, skip the queues and make the most of their holidays.

Pace Of Activities

When thinking about how many days in Zion National Park you’ll need, ask yourself if you want a relaxing break or one that’s a whirlwind of activity. It’s pretty simple; the shorter your visit, the busier you will be.

So if you are the type of person who likes to enjoy the sights at a more leisurely pace – or an avid hiker who wants to take on longer, more challenging hikes– then 4 days in the Zion National Park area will definitely suit you better than 2.

Transportation

Think carefully about how you will get around during your visit. While it makes sense to visit attractions that are close together, you will still need to factor travel time into your days.

Can you visit different trails on foot? Will you reach your destination by car, taxi, or shuttle bus?

Do your research to find out how you will visit the places you wish to visit and keep the distance and time to reach your destination in mind when you build your itinerary in Zion National Park.

Make sure your itinerary is logical and that you visit nearby attractions in one go. That way, you won’t waste time traveling between places that are far apart.

For complete independence during your stay – rent a car, either from the airport or from one of the major companies. We advise booking your vehicle ahead of time, particularly if you want a 4 x 4.

You could also rent an RV if you wish to go on a camping adventure.

Another option is to consider taking tours. These can be very convenient as the tour operator will usually arrange to collect you from your hotel.

What To Do In Zion National Park Area

Here are some of the best sights, experiences, and things to do in Zion National Park, along with our recommendations for how long to set aside for each.

Angel’s Landing

One of the most famous (and frightening!) attractions in Zion National Park is Angel’s Landing.

Angels Landing is just a 5.4-mile roundtrip 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.

The views are stunning on the way, especially at Scouts’ lookout. Once you reach the Scouts’ lookout, it 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.

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.

Suggested time: 6 hours

The Narrows

The Narrows is one of the most iconic hikes in Zion National Park. The 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.

It is important to come prepared with appropriate footwear and equipment for walking in water and to check the weather forecast for any potential flash flood warnings.

Suggested time: 8 hours

The Kolob Arch

The Kolob Arch is one of the largest free-standing arches in the world and is located in the Kolob Canyon district.

To reach the Kolob Arch, the hike begins at the Lee Pass Trailhead. The hike to Kolob Arch is considered strenuous due to the distance and elevation gain, as well as the challenging terrain.

The trail is not maintained, and hikers must navigate rocky terrain, stream crossings, and occasional patches of thick brush.

It is important to bring plenty of water, food, and appropriate gear for the hike, including sturdy hiking boots and a map or GPS device.

Despite its remote location and challenging hike, Kolob Arch is a must-see for those who enjoy exploring natural wonders.

Suggested time: 6 hours

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

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.

Suggested time: 2 hours

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 early fall. 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.

Final Thoughts On Zion National Park Trips

We hope this guide helped you figure out how many days in Zion National Park is enough.

And remember, the best way to make the most of your time is to pre-book tours and activities so that you can fully enjoy your holiday without wasting time!

Zion National Park is a great destination to hike and explore some incredible nature.

We hope you’ll have a great time while doing the best things to do in Zion National Park.

Not sure when is the best time to visit Zion National Park? We recommend you visit Zion National Park during the spring or fall months.

Traveling to the United States soon? Read one of the following guides:

• Utah itinerary
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