Only have one day to spend in Zion National Park? No worries—I’ve got you covered with the ultimate action-packed itinerary! From jaw-dropping hikes to scenic drives, this guide will help you maximize every moment in this stunning national park.
Zion National Park is one of the most breathtaking places in the U.S., with its towering red rock cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and some of the most famous hikes in the country.
If you only have one day to explore, you’ll need a strategic plan to make the most of your time. This guide will help you experience Zion’s best hikes, scenic drives, and iconic viewpoints—all in a single action-packed day.
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Planning Your Zion National Park Visit
Where Is Zion National Park?
Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah, near the town of Springdale. It’s part of Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks and is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and stunning river hikes.
Reservations & Entrance Fees
As of 2025, no reservation is required to enter Zion or use the shuttle. However, you do need a permit for some hikes, including Angel’s Landing.
💰 Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle | $20 per person (if entering on foot or via the Springdale Shuttle)
Traveling to more than 2 National Parks or National Forests this year? Purchase an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass for $80, which covers entrance fees at all National Parks and NPS managed sites.
How to Get to Zion
The closest major airport is Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS), about a 3-hour drive from the park. Other options include Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), which is about 5 hours away, or St. George Regional Airport (SGU), which is one hour away but has fewer flight options.
Learn more about the closest airports, driving directions, and more in my in-depth guide, here: Closest Airport To Zion National Park: How To Get To Utah’s Best National Park
Best Time to Visit Zion
Zion is a year-round destination, but the best times to visit are spring and fall when temperatures are mild, and crowds are slightly lower. Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching over 100°F, while winter can bring snow and ice, especially on higher-elevation trails.
Take this info to-go! The Zion Itinerary Guide has your perfect 1, 2, or 3 day Zion trip completely planned for you! With over 20 pages of detailed hiking guides, printable daily itineraries, lodging and dining suggestions and more, you can spend less time stressing and more time making epic memories! Check it out, here.
Getting Around Zion National Park
From mid-March through late November, personal vehicles are not allowed in Zion Canyon. Instead, you’ll need to take the free Zion Shuttle, which runs between the visitor center and the main trailheads. The first shuttle leaves at 6:00 AM, and the last shuttle out of the canyon is after sunset, so plan accordingly.
To board the shuttle, park at the Visitor Center parking area or take the fre Springdale Shuttle to the Visitor Center from your hotel or paid parking area in Springdale.
The Springdale Shuttle makes nine stops along Zion Park Blvd, with stops at hotels and restaurants.
If you visit in the off-season (late November through mid-March), you can drive your own car through Zion Canyon.
Biking & eBike Rentals: A Great Alternative to the Shuttle
During peak season, shuttle wait times can be long, even hours. Renting an eBike is a great way to get around without the hassle!
Class 1 eBikes and regular bikes are allowed on all paved roads and the Pa’rus Trail. The ride from the park entrance to the Temple of Sinawava (the start of The Narrows) is eight miles.
Bike racks are available at all shuttle stops and major trailheads, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
One Day in Zion: A Perfect Itinerary
Morning: Sunrise, Coffee, and a Bucket-List Hike
Start your day early—Zion is one of the most visited national parks in the U.S., and crowds build quickly, so you’ll want to get up and get there ASAP.
1. Grab Breakfast in Springdale
Before heading into the park, stop for coffee and a quick breakfast in Springdale, the charming gateway town just outside Zion’s south entrance. Deep Creek Coffee Co. is a popular spot for coffee, smoothies, and breakfast burritos.
2. Hike Angels Landing or The Narrows
After grabbing your coffee and breakfast, head inside the Park to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Park at the large lot behind the Visitor Center, or take the Springdale Shuttle, which will drop you off a short walk from the Visitor Center.
From here, take the first available Zion Canyon Shuttle to your first big adventure inside Zion, the Narrows or Angel’s Landing!
These two hikes are Zion’s most famous, but they’re vastly different. Choose one based on your interests, permit availability, comfort level, and current conditions.
Option 1: Angels Landing (4.3 miles round-trip, 1,850 feet elevation gain)
Angels Landing is one of the most thrilling and intimidating hikes in the U.S., featuring narrow ridges and steep drop-offs. The first 2 miles follow a steep, paved trail with switchbacks (including the famous Walter’s Wiggles).
The final half-mile of this hike is a heart-pounding climb along a narrow ridge. At times the trail is only a few feet wide and requires the use of anchored chains to climb up and down.
When we last attempted Angel’s Landing, we turned back about .1 mile into the chains section due to ice. Brave hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Zion Canyon below.
- Permit Required: You must secure a permit in advance through the National Park Service’s lottery system (details below ⬇️)
- Best Time to Hike: Early morning to avoid crowds and heat.
- Not Recommended If: You have a fear of heights, aren’t comfortable with exposure, or if the trail is icy.
Angel’s Landing Permits
A permit is required for all hikers traveling beyond “Scout’s Lookout” to Angel’s Landing (aka all “chains” sections). A permit is NOT required to visit Scout’s Lookout. Learn more about Angel’s Landing Permits and Zion Reservations in my in-depth guide, here.
Angel’s Landing permits are issued online by lottery on recreation.gov. Most lottery permits will be issued through quarterly preseason lotteries. A select number of permits will be issued in daily day-before lotteries.
Day-before lottery applicants should apply on recration.gov between 12:01AM and and 3PM the day before they intend to hike. Applicants will be notified by 4PM.
Option 2: The Narrows (Up to 9 miles round-trip)
Get ready for a hiking adventure unlike any other.
The Narrows is named for the narrow slot canyon that forms in the far northern end of Zion Canyon. Hikers can explore up to 4.5 miles upstream in the canyon before turning around. This trail is popular with kids and families, but be warned – you will get wet!
Depending on the season and recent weather conditions the river may come up to your ankles or, in some sections, up to your chest.
To hike this route, walk the maintained Riverside Walk trail (Shuttle Stop #7) until you arrive at the river.
From here, there is no trail, just walk in the river as far as you’d like before turning around! There is no “destination” on this hike, so don’t feel like you have to make it all the way to Big Springs. Common turnaround points are:
- Mystery Canyon Falls (mile 1.2)
- Orderville Junction (mile 2.3)
- Wall Street (mile 3.7) This is a scenic turnaround spot!
- Big Springs (mile 4.5) Day hikers are not permitted past here.
What Gear Do I Need for Hiking The Narrows?
You WILL get wet on this hike. Depending on conditions and how far you hike, you may be wading through water up to your waist.
Wear moisture-wicking layers you don’t mind taking a swim in (not jeans or cotton), and don’t forget to bring a warm layer jacket – it gets chilly in the shaded canyon, even in summer. For shoes, it’s best to choose sturdy, closed-toed shoes with a good grip like hiking boots, trail runners, or canyoneering boots. Some hikers opt to wear closed-toe water sandals, but the riverbed is full of small sharp rocks and slippery boulders, so I was glad for the stability and production of real shoes.
Trekking poles will help you keep your balance, and a dry bag will keep your electronics, snacks, and warm layers safe if you take a fall or have to wade through high water.
In colder temps, you may need to wear waterproof pants, or dry suits to protect yourself from the cold water temperatures.Waterproof gear can be rented from outfitters in Springdale like Zion Outfitter.
Afternoon: Lunch & Scenic Drive
After finishing your morning hike, it’s time to explore Zion by car.
3. Refuel with Lunch
After finishing your hike, return on the shuttle and enjoy lunch in Springdale, bring a packed a picnic lunch to enjoy at the visitor center, or grab a burger from the Cafe at Zion Lodge.
If you parked your car in Springdale and took the Springdale shuttle to the Park, now is a good time to head back into town.Grab some lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area. Some local favorites are: Oscar’s Cafe (Tex Mex, lunch and dinner), Spotted Dog (American, lunch and dinner) or Whiptail Grill & Cocktails (lunch & dinner – one of my personal faves) and the Zion Canyon Brew Pub (lunch & dinner, located next to the Zion Pedestrian Entrance and Visitor Center).
4. Drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
After lunch its time to grab your car and, explore the historic and scenic Zion-Mt. Carmel highway.
This scenic drive connects the South Entrance to the East Entrance and is a must-see, especially if you’re short on time. It features steep switchbacks, tunnels, and panoramic viewpoints.
Along the drive, stop and explore the overlooks and short hikes like Grand Arch (2.5 miles from Canyon Junction), the historic Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel (3 miles from Junction) and Checkerboard Mesa (9.5 miles from Junction).
The highway eventually exits the Park, but Checkerboard Mesa is a good turnaround spot. Keep an eye out for the bighorn sheep that cling to the cliffs like mountain climbers here! (I’ve never been lucky enough to spot them, but everyone else swears they’re there….)
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re heading to Bryce Canyon or Page, Arizona, this highway is the most scenic route out of Zion.
5. Hike the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail
Finally, hike the short but super-rewarding Canyon Overlook trail for panoramic views of Zion Canyon as the sun sets on your one day in Zion National Park itinerary.
Parking for this hike is located on the Zion-Mt. Carmel highway, immediately after exiting the Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel, 4.7 miles from Canyon Junction.
This 1 mile out and back trail is mostly flat and easy, with some steep sandy stairs at the beginning. Along the way, you’ll wind through Pine Creek Canyon (watch your step, there are some steep drop offs here, but there are plenty of railings in narrow sections). After 0.5 miles the trail arrives at the Overlook with magnificent views of Zion Canyon.
Return to your car and Springdale for dinner and toast to your one epic day in Zion National Park!
Take this info to-go! The Zion Itinerary Guide has your perfect 1, 2, or 3 day Zion trip completely planned for you! With over 20 pages of detailed hiking guides, printable daily itineraries, lodging and dining suggestions and more, you can spend less time stressing and more time making epic memories! Check it out, here.
Where to Stay Near Zion National Park
Staying overnight in Zion? There are plenty of options to consider if you’re staying the night before or after visiting Zion.
Most visitors to Zion stay in the town of Springdale, which is located directly outside the Zion Canyon park entrance.
Springdale, UT (Best for Convenience)
- Springhill Suites by Marriott – Great views, a pool, and free breakfast.
- Best Western Plus – Budget-friendly with pools and free WiFi.
- Cable Mountain Lodge – A more upscale option with epic views of the sandstone and river access.
- Bumbleberry Inn – Affordable and centrally located.
Inside Zion: Zion Lodge (Best for Easy Access)
- The only hotel inside Zion, offering a prime location. No need to worry about parking—just hop on the shuttle outside your room.
Camping in Zion
- Watchman & South Campgrounds – Tent and RV sites with drinking water, fire pits, and flush toilets.
- No showers or laundry in Zion, but both can be found in Springdale.
- Reservations available on Recreation.gov.
Final Tips for an Epic One-Day Visit to Zion
✔ Start Early – The first shuttle leaves at 6:00 AM; arriving later means more crowds and heat.
✔ Pack Plenty of Water – At least 2 liters per person, more if hiking The Narrows.
✔ Wear Layers – Temperatures can swing dramatically between morning and afternoon.
✔ Check Conditions – Flash floods in The Narrows and ice on Angels Landing can make them unsafe.
✔ Use the Shuttle – If visiting from March to November, the Zion Shuttle is required to access Zion Canyon.
Is One Day Enough for Zion?
While you can’t see everything in a single day, this itinerary covers Zion’s highlights, including its most famous hikes, scenic drives, and stunning viewpoints. If you have more time, consider spending an extra day to explore Kolob Canyons, hike to Observation Point, or take a day trip to Bryce Canyon.
Check out more things to do in Zion if you have 2, 3, or more days, here.
Have more time? Extend your visit throughout the southwest, one of my favorite places in the world, with a week-long Southern Utah road trip.
More Resources on Visiting Zion & Bryce Canyon
Epic Zion National Park Itinerary Guide
7 Easy Family-Friendly Hikes in Zion National Park
One Epic Day in Bryce Canyon National Park
Zion Permits & Reservations: Everything You Need to Know
Adventure-Packed 7-Day Southern Utah Itinerary: Zion, Kanab & Beyond
