1 or 2 Day Zion National Park Itinerary: How to See the Best of Zion in a Short Trip

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Zion National Park is one of the crown jewels of Utah’s Mighty 5 and our personal favorite National Park we’ve visited for diverse hiking experiences. With dramatic red cliffs, emerald pools, and iconic hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows, it’s a bucket list destination for good reason.

But what if you don’t have a week to explore? Can you really see Zion in just one or two days? The answer is YES, although we highly recommend at least two days to not feel rushed. With a little planning, you can experience the park’s highlights, even with limited time.

This guide breaks down the perfect 1-day Zion itinerary and the best way to spend 2 days in Zion National Park. I’ll also share insider tips about permits, shuttles, and my favorite places to stay, whether you’re looking for budget-friendly hotels in Springdale, a moderate lodge, or a luxury riverside resort.

Where to Stay Near Zion National Park

Whether you want to stay inside the park or in nearby Springdale, here are my top picks for every budget:

Inside the Park:

• Zion Lodge — The only lodge inside the park, with rustic cabins and unbeatable access to trailheads.

Budget:

• Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion — Affordable, family-friendly, and includes breakfast.

Moderate:

• Cable Mountain Lodge — Steps from the park entrance, with a pool, spa, and comfortable rooms.

• Hi-Road Basecamp (near the east gate) or BaseCamp 37° (Kanab) — Glamping-style stays for those who want boutique outdoor vibes.

Luxury:

• Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton — Luxury riverside resort with canyon views.

• Flanigan’s Inn — Boutique property with spa-like touches, perfect for couples.

Zion National Park Travel Tips

• Shuttles in Zion: From March through late fall, the Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles. Use the free park shuttle to reach trailheads, and most hotels in Springdale are within walking distance of the Visitor Center, where you can hop on the free shuttle into the park.

• Permits: You’ll need a permit for hiking Angels Landing (available via lottery system through Recreation.gov). The Narrows bottom-up hike doesn’t require one, but the top-down route does.

• Start early: Parking fills quickly, and mornings are cooler with fewer crowds.

• Gear tip: If hiking The Narrows, rent water shoes and a walking stick in Springdale (check out our fav here). It makes a huge difference.

• Best time to visit: Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are the best times to visit Zion. Summer can be very hot (often 100°F+), while winter brings fewer crowds but icy trail conditions.

1 Day in Zion National Park Itinerary

If you’ve only got 1 day in Zion, focus on the highlights.

Morning:

• Start at the Visitor Center for maps and shuttle info.

• Take the shuttle to the last stop and walk the Riverside Walk, a paved 2-mile round trip along the Virgin River.

• From there, step into The Narrows bottom-up hike. You’ll wade through the river between towering canyon walls, plus you don’t need a permit for this shorter option & can turn back anytime you are ready.

Afternoon:

• Break for lunch in Springdale.

• Hike to the Lower and Middle Emerald Pools for waterfalls and shaded canyon views.

Evening:

• Drive the Mount Carmel Scenic Drive (Highway 9) at sunset. This stretch takes you through tunnels, slickrock, and sweeping viewpoints between Zion’s south and east entrances. Stop at the Canyon Overlook Trail, a short hike with one of the park’s best sunset views.

2 Days in Zion National Park Itinerary

If you have 2 days in Zion National Park, you can experience even more of the iconic hikes.

Day 1 — Follow the above itinerary

Day 2 — The Iconic Zion Hike

• Morning: Hike Angels Landing (remember, a permit is required). The trail climbs 1,500 feet with steep switchbacks and a final section with chains bolted into the rock. If you don’t have a permit, hike to Scout Lookout where you’ll still get jaw-dropping views without the chains section.

• Afternoon: Wind down with an easier walk or bike along the Pa’rus Trail, a flat path along the Virgin River that’s perfect for biking or strolling. You can also drive the Mount Carmel Scenic Drive again, stopping at pullouts you may have missed the night before. The shifting light makes it worth a second visit.

• Evening: Enjoy dinner and stargazing in Springdale, or relax at your hotel spa or pool after two active days.

How Many Days Do You Need in Zion?

If you’re short on time, our 1-day Zion itinerary still allows you to experience The Narrows, Emerald Pools, and Canyon Overlook. But if you have the time, 2 days in Zion National Park is ideal. It gives you the chance to hike Angels Landing, enjoy a second canyon trail, and not feel rushed.

As a travel advisor, I love helping families and adventurers weave Zion into a bigger Southwest itinerary, pairing it with Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, or even a Utah road trip through all of the Mighty 5. If Zion is on your bucket list, I’d love to help you plan the perfect adventure!