Zion National Park Itineraries & Maps

A great first day in Zion can be as simple as enjoying a sunset and getting settled into your accommodations. Depending on the time of your arrival, you could check out the visitors center and/or take a drive on the scenic Highway 9.

Highway 9 highlights:

Checkerboard Mesa, the switchbacks down into Main Canyon, and if you have the time, Canyon Overlook—a short one-mile, moderate hike—is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset. As you drive through The Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel, keep your eyes peeled for the views outside the tunnel windows.

Many visitors to Zion National Park stay in the park itself at the lodge or camping locations, in Springdale, or on the growing east side of Zion National Park where Zion Ponderosa Resort offers an extensive selection of overnight accommodations from tent spaces, covered wagons, and cabins all the way to large vacation rentals.

A great first day in Zion can be as simple as enjoying a sunset and getting settled into your accommodations. Depending on the time of your arrival, you could check out the visitors center and take a drive on the scenic Highway 9. 

Highway 9 highlights: 
Checkerboard Mesa, the switchbacks down into Main Canyon, and if you have the time Canyon Overlook is a short one mile moderate hike that is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the views outside the tunnel windows. 

Many visitors of Zion National Park stay in Springdale or the growing east side of Zion National Park where Zion Ponderosa Resort for example offers an extensive selection of overnight accommodations from covered wagons and cabins all the way to large vacation rentals.

Get up early to beat the summer heat and crowds. Take rented electric bikes or ride the shuttle to Temple of Sinawava at the end of Main Canyon.

Here you will find the Riverwalk and Narrows. Appreciate the beauty and accessibility of the one mile Riverwalk and continue on as far up the Narrows as you wish. Where the Riverwalk ends and Narrows begins, you will be walking in the Virgin River instead of a paved trail, prepare accordingly.

The time of day might be right to have some lunch. There are some convenient dining options in the park or enjoy a picnic. 

Other great ideas for finishing off a solid day in the park include hiking to the Emerald Pools or the short journey to Weeping Rock. Both of these trails bring with them a beautiful lush, water-fed greenery and Zion National Park landmarks. 

If you were lucky enough to snag an Angels Landing permit and you're up for it, there isn't a better way to start your day at Zion National Park.

If you find those sheer edges difficult to get through or can't get the permit, then a great alternative with equally unbelievable views of Zion National Park is Observation Point via the East Rim Trail. This is a good family friendly hike that is a bit long but if you are up for 7 miles out and back on a relatively flat, rolling trail through the forest, the Observation Point Lookout is a hike well worth the spectacular views of Zion National Park’s Main Canyon.

Hike Angels Landing: This challenging yet rewarding hike will take you to the top of a 1,488-foot-tall cliff with breathtaking views overlooking the surrounding canyon. It is approximately 5 miles round-trip and takes an average of 3-5 hours depending on your pace. *This trail does require a permit. You can apply for a permit in advance or the night before you intend to hike.

Walk the Pa'rus Trail and take a stop at the Zion Human History Museum. This museum gives insight into the history of the area—from the lives of indigenous people who once settled here to the pioneers. 

In Springdale, the town just outside the park, many dinner options are available. These range from American and Mexican food to Italian and much more.

Go rock climbing: Zion National Park is quite a popular place when it comes to the sport of rock climbing. Routes range from easy to hard for each class of climbers, whether a beginner or experienced climber.

Take a scenic drive in the park—The road from Zion to Mount Carmel Highway offers views of the red rock cliffs, canyons, and mountains of this park. There are plenty of pullouts on this route where you can stop, appreciate the view, and take pictures. 

Dinner in Springdale will add diversity to your choice of food for dinner, ranging from BBQ to pizza to seafood.

Hike the Narrows: This is a classic hike up a narrow slot canyon with walls hundreds of feet tall above you. You can make it as long or as short as you would want by simply turning around at any point. Be prepared to get wet, as you will spend much of the hike wading in the Virgin River.

Go mountain biking outside the park on one of the many trails of the area that range from easy to strenuous. 

Rent mountain bikes or electric bikes in Springdale and ride the main canyon of Zion National Park. 

Depending on where you’ve chosen to spend your day in or outside of the park, there are many great dining options in St.George, Hurricane, or the Mt. Carmel Junction. If you have spent the day in the park, dinner can be enjoyed at one of the many local breweries or pubs in Springdale, providing for a relaxed, casual dinner atmosphere.

Visit the Kolob Canyons area of the park. This less visited area of the park lies to the northwest of the main part of the park and feels like a completely different landscape: towering sandstone cliffs and a much drier climate. There are a few short hikes in the area, and one longer hike, to Kolob Arch, which is one of the world's largest free-standing arches.

Horseback Riding: There are a few outfitters in the area, including East Zion Adventure, that offer guided rides which highlight views inside and outside the park. This is a fun way to see the beauty of the region in a different way. 

For lunch or dinner, Zion Ponderosa Resort has a restaurant with delicious Brazilian and American inspired dishes.

Go on a guided tour: There is a wide variety of guided tour options in and outside of the park: jeep tours, stargazing, ranger led tours, canyoneering, guided hiking trips and photo excursions. Exploring with a guide is a great way to discover more about the park's history, geology, and insider tips on good vantage points.

Shop in Springdale: The town of Springdale has a multitude of cute boutiques and artisan shops where you can pick up souvenirs, gifts, and local crafts. In the evening, there are several restaurants in Springdale to choose from that can help with dinner, from American to Thai to Japanese food. The town itself offers incredible views of the park, so wherever you are, there is likely to be endless beauty surrounding.