A Zion National Park Itinerary for Two Full Days

Planning a Zion National Park itinerary requires more effort than any other park in Utah. The most popular hikes require permits, you’re limited to shuttle access during certain times of year, and the place gets incredibly busy, especially if you sleep in.

If you’re a hiker, it’s worth tackling any of those obstacles to experience some of the most incredible scenery in the United States.

We’ve been to Zion twice now, and still haven’t hit everything we want to do in the park.

This two-day itinerary for Zion will likely leave you feeling the same, but it does help to narrow down your options.

How much time do you need at Zion National Park?

You need at least two days at Zion if you want to do any of the big hikes. You can really only tackle one of those per day due to the effort and mileage involved.

If you only have one day at Zion, hike to Observation Point and spend some time on the Riverside Walk or the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools. Enjoy a scenic drive in between or ride the shuttle if you’re visiting when it’s operating.

2-Day Zion National Park Itinerary: At a Glance

Here’s a quick look at how to spend two days in Zion National Park before diving into the full itinerary below:

Day 1: Observation Point + Zion Canyon Highlights

• Early morning: Observation Point via East Mesa Trail
• Midday: Lunch at Grotto Picnic Area
• Afternoon: Kayenta Trail + Emerald Pools
• Evening: Dinner in Springdale

Day 2: The Narrows + Kolob Canyons

• Early morning: The Narrows
• Afternoon: Kolob Canyons Road
• Late afternoon: South Fork Taylor Creek Trail
• Sunset: Timber Creek Overlook Trail
• Evening: Dinner in Springdale

Before You Start Your Day

Here’s what you need to know before starting your Zion itinerary:

• The entrance fee is $35 per vehicle.
• If you’re visiting multiple parks, consider the America the Beautiful pass.
• Non-U.S. residents aged 16+ must pay an additional $100 per person unless covered by a valid pass.
• Watch for any alerts within the park on the park service website. Zion is notorious for trail closures that may affect how you decide on shuttle stops.
• Zion’s weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers, carry sun protection, and be aware of flash flood risks, especially in the Narrows.

Zion National Park Itinerary: Day 1

No matter how you approach your two days at Zion, start those days early to beat the crowds. Bring a packed lunch so that you’re not fussing around with finding a place to eat at midday when the park is seeing the most visitors.

Stop 1: Observation Point via East Mesa Trail

This seven-mile trail was the only way to access Observation Point when we visited. The classic approach on the Observation Point Trail via Weeping Rock had been closed due to a rockfall. While it’s fixed now, this approach is much easier.

Note: Even once it reopens, I’d still recommend this one for those same views looking down on Angels Landing from the top.

Here are a few more tips to make your hike up to Observation Point more successful:

• The trailhead is outside of the park, but you’ll still need to drive through Zion to get there.
• If you get there by 7:45am, you’ll likely find parking at the trailhead. (That’s what we did!) There’s room for about 18-20 cars. 
• I’d only recommend driving if you’re in an SUV-type car, though. Things get bumpy.
• If you’re driving a sedan, park at the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort and get a ride on one of the East Zion Adventures shuttles there. Shuttles pick up every half hour at the trailhead. You can book a spot online from the outfitter.
• Service is spotty, so download your AllTrails map before you get there.

I’d agree with the moderate rating on this one. While Brian at one point exclaimed, “This isn’t too bad!” he said that to no one…because I was well behind him, glistening like a holiday ham.

There’s elevation gain on the return of about a mile that made things a little dramatic, but otherwise, it’s fairly flat for the rest.

READ MORE: Love a good canyon hike? Try to plan a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park while you’re in Utah.

Alternative Stop 1: Angels Landing

The most popular hike in Zion is likely the Angels Landing trail, if only by the level of infamy involved. The Narrows is a close second.

I had every intention of at least hiking up to Scout Lookout during our last visit to Zion. I got the relevant permits for the full 5.4-mile trail, a requirement to finish the hike since 2022, and mentally prepared for the switchbacks ahead.

Unfortunately, there was an issue with a loose chain that shut the trail down on the day of our permit and a few days prior. While it reopened during our visit, we weren’t able to get day-of permits. We decided it wasn’t meant to be.

Will I return to Zion just for Angels Landing? I’m not sure that’d be my main motivation, as Zion is pretty great without that hike. I don’t think I’ve seen the last of Angels Landing, though.

Stop 2: The Grotto Picnic Area

This is where you can connect to the easy one-mile Grotto Trail. This intro to Zion hike gets you to Zion Lodge. If you’re only here for easy peasy strolls and lodge snacks, this one is definitely for you. We didn’t eat at the lodge, so I can’t speak to the quality.

Otherwise, you can take a break here with your packed lunch for more adventures this afternoon. There’s more hiking planned, but the most aggressive parts are over.

Stop 3: Kayenta Trail

The two-mile Kayenta Trail was one of the first hikes Zion had to offer us on our first trip to the park, and it did not disappoint. You get impressive views of the Virgin River and the surrounding canyon.

The elevation gain is minimal but fairly steady, so be prepared for some switchbacks that don’t seem to quit as you trek above the river.

It gets crowded, too, so plan accordingly. Most of the hikers here will branch off to see the Emerald Pools. I’d recommend you do the same with your limited time at Zion, but bring along whatever patience you have left.

Stop 4: The Emerald Pools

If you’re connecting from the Kayenta Trail as we did, you’ll come upon the Middle Emerald Pools first. These are parallel to the pools below, so you get a bit of a bird’s eye view of the cliff you likely walked underneath to get here.

You’re hiking an unpaved sandstone ledge up to these mid-level pools, so hopefully, the strollers you see below don’t follow you up.

From here, we wanted to get the tougher part out of the way, so we climbed to the Upper Emerald Pools.

Fun fact: As the upper pools do require more effort than the others, you’ll have a lot less competition once you’re there for glamorous photo shoots. You’ll also have more space to rest, as that’s what we were there for rather than glamour.

Once you’re there, you’ll have a sandy stretch surrounded by tall cliffs that’s a great place to relax. No, you cannot swim at the Emerald Pools of Zion.

This beginner hike to the Lower Emerald Pools is paved and accessible to all, which also means you may need to share the pathways with those strollers I mentioned.

The scenery is lovely enough, but the crowds can be a bummer. Feel free to move this one around if you’re not kicking off the day at Observation Point.

We dealt with it, as we didn’t have a choice on timing if we wanted to fit everything in, but morning here is certainly less crowded.

Stop 5: Dinner in Springdale

Springdale is your best bet for convenient dinner options. I’m generally not impressed when it’s time to sit down for a meal at a national park, and I’m not talking about my bagged peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

The parks just aren’t known for their cuisine.

Springdale at least offers a few different spots for you to try. Here are a few that we found to be inoffensive, even decent:

• King’s Landing Bistro: This isn’t a Game of Thrones establishment but a nod to one of the head chefs, Chef King. This is dining with a view, but it comes at a price. This is the spendiest option on the list. Leave room for one of their decadent desserts.
• Oscar’s Cafe: This place is known for diner-style breakfasts, but we never had time for that. We did try their Tex-Mex menu for dinner. They serve up a great sweet potato burrito if you’re looking for a veg option.
• Zion Brewery: Grab some well-deserved burgers and a couple of pints at Southern Utah’s first microbrewery. I had some food envy while watching several of their Brewers’ Boards go out to other patrons. Bacon jam does that to me.

Zion National Park Itinerary: Day 2

You can’t just wake up and start with the activity below, as it does require some pre-planning. I’ll get into all of that and an alternative if you’re not as organized.

As with your first day, pack lunch and snacks so that you’re not looking for a nosh in the middle of the Virgin River.

Stop 1: The Narrows

Hiking the Narrows is an unforgettable experience.

I put together a detailed guide to the Narrows that includes tips for beginners and what you should bring, but I urge you not to be intimidated by this one.

Yes, you’re hiking through water. Yes, it’s awesome. This is quintessential Zion, and since we weren’t able to make it to Angels Landing, it was our favorite experience in the park.

Honestly, I can’t see Angels Landing beating this one if it does happen. It’s just that good.

You can hike as much of the Narrows as you’d like. We ended up finishing nearly 10 miles round-trip in about four hours, but you don’t have to go that hard if you don’t want to.

You will need gear, though, and certain times of year get more complicated than others. Use my guide to demystify it all.

Alternative Stop 1: Riverside Walk

We didn’t have time to hike the Narrows on our first visit to Zion, so we were limited to the Riverside Walk for a taste of what we were missing out on.

This mostly paved 2.2-mile trail is lovely all on its own and very family-friendly for those seeking national park trips for families.

Start early if you don’t want much foot traffic, especially if you’re visiting in the summer months. This is one of the best easy hikes in Zion, and it does get crowded with visitors curious about the Narrows.

Stop 2: Kolob Canyons Road

Take a break from the activity by hitting the five-mile scenic drive through Kolob Canyons. You’ll leave quite a few of the Zion tourists behind as you explore a less-traveled area for the rest of the afternoon.

You’ll want fewer people by now. I know we did after hiking the Narrows.

If you’re exhausted, just drive. You’ll start at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center and follow the crimson canyons of Kolob Canyons Road until you reach Kolob Canyon Viewpoint. It may be marked as “Kolob View Point” on your maps.

If you have it in you to do some more hiking, the next stop is one of our favorite experiences in the park with hardly any foot traffic.

Stop 3: South Fork Taylor Creek Trail

This is an unofficial 2.7-mile trail in the Kolob Canyons area of Zion. It still comes with a spacious parking area for the handful of humans you may encounter along the way. 

You’ll pass through steep drop-offs and jungly sections until you reach a popular climbing spot, the Namaste Wall. We didn’t see any climbers, but I’m told it’s a thing. 

AllTrails calls this one “hard,” by the way, but if I’m saying it’s moderate, the hype is a little overblown. There is quite a bit of elevation gain at the start, but I found it manageable.

Stop 4: Timber Creek Overlook Trail

This beginner 1.1-mile trail is another fun hike in the Kolob Canyons area of the park. I urge you not to ignore this section of Zion like most other travelers. It makes for some excellent photos in the park without the crowds.

If anything, you’ll get a break from riding that overcrowded shuttle. This one gives you a nice payoff at the end of the Kolob Canyons and Pine Valley Mountains.

Stop 5: Dinner in Springdale

Return to Springdale to either fall asleep from all the action or to clean up for dinner. Choose from one of my options after the first day for some grub. They’re not ranked in any way, as again, most places around here will be just fine.

A Note on the Weeping Rock Trail

The Weeping Rock trail was closed for three years following a 2019 rockfall, then returned as one of the quintessential Zion experiences in 2022.

It then closed AGAIN in 2023 following a second rockfall. While it has since reopened, always check with the park service on this one before your trip. Planning Utah travel begs for some flexibility on even the best days.

In any case, the view isn’t what you’re here for, but the dripping springs at the top are worth the short but steep trek. Tread carefully, as it does get slick under there.

More Things to Do in Zion National Park

We’ve been to Zion twice now and still haven’t seen everything there is to see in the park. Here are a few more hikes and sites we’d love to check out on a repeat trip to Zion:

• Canyon Overlook Trail: This one-mile round-trip hike is short and sweet, which makes it one of the busiest spots in the park. We wanted to check it out after Observation Point, but it was just too busy.
• Hidden Canyon Trail: This three-mile trail fell victim to the rockfall of 2019. I’d love to return to tick this one off when it reopens. It has those slightly sketchy drop-offs that make Angels Landing scary without the crowds of Angels Landing.
• Pa’rus Trail: This is basically the only dog-friendly hike in Zion. We were too tired for another 3.5 miles to test it out with ours. If you want to try it out, expect a paved stroll that requires minimal effort on your part or your pup. 
• Watchman Trail: Catch views of Springdale and lower Zion Canyon from this moderate 3.3-mile trail, a decent leg-stretcher if you’re seeking another trek to fill your afternoon.
• Taylor Creek Trail: This five-mile trek is another hike in Kolob Canyons. You’ll follow the Middle Fork on this one to the Double Arch Alcove, an impressive rock formation that will make you feel quite small.
• West Rim Trail: This long-distance hike from Lava Point shows off everything that’s awesome about the park, including the chance to add on Angels Landing. It’s 14 miles one-way for the top-down approach without the add-on, though.
• The Left Fork (Subway): You’ll need a Wilderness permit to attempt one of the most challenging Zion day hikes. Choose from a top-down or bottom-up approach. You’ll also need canyoneering skills to tackle it from the top down.

Fun fact: If you love canyoneering, Orderville Canyon is another option for a rappelling fix. You can check out the canyon along the way on a bottom-up Narrows hike, but if you want to do any canyoneering, you’ll need a permit to do so from the top down.

How to Get to Zion National Park

To get to Zion, you’ll likely fly into McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. Salt Lake City International Airport in Salt Lake City is the next closest airport.

From there, rent a car to get yourself the rest of the way on a Utah parks road trip. You can manage using available shuttles once you’re in Springdale, but you’ll need to get there first.

READ MORE: If you’re starting in Salt Lake City, I have a monster guide of things to do there from our long-term stay!

Getting Around Zion National Park

To get around Zion National Park, you’ll likely need to take the park shuttle.

You can only drive through the most popular sections of Zion during certain months of the year. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is accessible to shuttle traffic only from March through late November.

If you’re sticking to Zion Canyon, which is what most first-time visitors to Zion do, you’ll need to take the free Zion Canyon Shuttle to get from place to place.

The bus drivers do a great job of letting you know what’s at each shuttle stop, but here’s a quick reference for the more popular stops:

• Stop 1: Visitor Center/1 Zion Park Blvd. (Watchman Trail, Pa’rus Trail)
• Stop 2: Museum
• Stop 3: Canyon Junction
• Stop 4: Court of the Patriarchs 
• Stop 5: Zion Lodge (Emerald Pools Trails)
• Stop 6: The Grotto (Angels Landing, Kayenta Trail)
• Stop 7: Weeping Rock (Observation Point Trail, Hidden Canyon Trail)
• Stop 8: Big Bend
• Stop 9: Temple of Sinawava (Riverside Walk, The Narrows)

Note: The shuttle is free and convenient, but it does get crowded by mid-afternoon. Exercise patience if you find yourself in a long line or crammed against someone’s backpack at the back of the bus. It’ll all be over soon.

Where to Stay Near Zion National Park

Springdale offers the most efficient and easiest access to the park, especially if you’re only on a two-day Zion National Park itinerary. You can even walk to Zion from Springdale or take the Springdale Shuttle.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Springdale on our first trip to Zion. It wasn’t cheap, but it was comfortable and offered a decent breakfast to fuel our day.

We stayed at La Quinta by Wyndham La Verkin on our second trip. It wasn’t as close to the park, but we generally like La Quinta when we’re traveling with our dog. They don’t charge extra fees for pets, and that’s always ideal.

Want more options? Use the map below to peruse accommodations near Zion:

Is Zion National Park worth visiting?

Zion National Park is worth visiting for its diverse landscapes. Those red sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and scenic Virgin River do something to a person. Compared to places like Arches, a great Utah park in its own right, Zion is just more dramatic.

The park also boasts some of the most epic hiking in the country. These are experiences you’ll carry with you long after you’re done tending to sore muscles. I’m sure we’ll be back. There’s too much adventure here.

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