How To Visit Zion National Park in 24 Hours and Why It Is Our Favorite National Park!

Written By Matthew Cogossi

Interested in checking out one of the most amazing parks in the USA and one of the crown jewels of Utah’s mighty 5 national parks? We recently visited Zion National Park as part of an extended road trip through Arizona and Utah, and it easily became one of our favorite U.S. National Parks that we've ever explored. Zion is absolutely gorgeous and picturesque, with towering red rock cliffs, lush canyons, and crystal-clear rivers that make every turn feel like a postcard. We found the hiking trails to be fantastic—challenging yet rewarding—and staying to see the night sky (Zion is part of the International Dark Sky Project) made for some amazing stargazing. While Zion is one of our favorites, we did learn a few tips and tricks along the way that we'd love to share to help make your experience even more incredible. Come find out why Zion is one of the most visited national parks, and let's dive into how you can make the most of a day trip (or several)!

Why Zion is our Favorite National Park

Zion isn't just another park on the map—it's a place that gives you pause with its dramatic landscapes and endless opportunities for adventure. The sheer scale of the canyons (really just looking up at the mountains while standing in the valley is simply amazing), carved by the Virgin River over millions of years, is mind-blowing. While the shuttle can be a little bit of an annoyance at first (and while yes it can be a little cramped in the shuttles), it’s hard to deny that wandering around without tons of traffic and cars trying to find parking makes it feel more serene and natural.Unlike some parks where you mostly drive to viewpoints, Zion invites you to get up close and personal with nature through epic hikes like Angels Landing or wading through The Narrows. We love how accessible it feels for all levels of hikers, from easy riverside strolls to adrenaline-pumping climbs. Plus, the stargazing? Just amazing. On a clear night, the Milky Way lights up the sky. It's a spot that combines beauty, thrill, and serenity, making it our favorite among the Mighty Five in Utah.

Things to know before you go - Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zion Dog Friendly? Not really, we’d recommend leaving your furry friend at home or in your RV when visiting the park. Pets are only allowed on the Pa'rus Trail and in developed areas like campgrounds, but they're banned from most trails, shuttles, and buildings to protect wildlife. If you're traveling with a pet, consider finding a pet friendly hotel or boarding options in nearby towns like Springdale.

Do I need a National Park Pass? Yes, you will absolutely need one! Entrance fees are $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, but we highly recommend the America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80—it covers over 2,000 federal sites and pays for itself after just a few visits. You can buy it online or at the entrance.

Are there easy hikes? Yes—there are a few easy hikes if you want to enjoy Zion without too much strain. Try the Pa'rus Trail (3.5 miles, paved and wheelchair-accessible and you can leave directly from the Visitor’s Center) or Riverside Walk (2 miles, mostly paved trail leading to The Narrows). They're perfect for families or a relaxed vibe.

Can I bike Zion? Absolutely! Biking is a fantastic way to explore, especially on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive when shuttles aren't running or if you prefer to cruise on your own without taking a shuttle. Rent bikes in Springdale and pedal along the Pa'rus Trail or the main scenic road.

Is Zion open year-round? Yes, the park is open 24/7, 365 days a year! However, services like shuttles vary by season (currently the shuttle runs 18 May through 30 November), and weather can close trails—check the NPS site for updates and the latest shuttle information.

Does Zion get busy? Oh yes, it's one of the most popular parks, with over 5 million visitors annually. Peak times (summer) mean crowds, so arrive early or visit in shoulder seasons for a more peaceful experience, however we found it to be quite busy in late October when we went. On the other hand, we thought the hikes weren’t overly crowded in mid-October.

Do I need a Car? Yes, absolutely - even if you can’t drive through the National Park, you will absolutely need to rent a car in order to get to and around Zion. While the shuttle service is great in and around the park, we would highly recommend you rent a car (try renting through Expedia to compare and find the best prices) to visit the surrounding area.

Can I just take a tour? While we recommended visiting on your own to explore the park and have the time to wander, if you are short on time and Zion is a must do, then you can take a guided tour from Las Vegas to Zion (expect a lot of time in the Van!). However, this is a great option to see the park if you are short on time (and staying in Las Vegas)

Best Time to Visit

We think the sweet spot are the shoulder seasons of spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) for mild weather (60-80°F) and fewer crowds. Summer is hot (over 100°F) but great for river hikes, while winter offers snowy solitude but potential trail closures. Sometimes you may not be able to avoid it based on vacation schedules, but we would recommend avoiding holidays if you hate lines/queues! When we visited in mid-October the weather was fantastic in the mid-70s°F, with cool mornings in the 50s. We found Zion to actually feel a lot warmer than the surrounding area, so be sure to bring layers if you visit during spring or fall.

How to Get to Zion National Park

The best way to get to Zion National Park is by flying into either Las Vegas International Airport (roughly 2 hours away driving) or St. George, Utah (about a 30 minute drive away). Another option is flying in and out of Salt Lake City, Utah, which is about a 4 hour drive away. If you want to pair Zion with the Grand Canyon, then you could also considering flying into Phoenix, AZ, but expect about a 6 and a half hour drive from Phoenix or about a 5 hour drive from the Grand Canyon.

Your most cost effective option is going to be flying in and out of Las Vegas, which will connect you to most US hubs and many international hubs and destinations if coming from outside of the USA. We would recommend comparing and booking flights through Expedia.

Best Hotels Near Zion National Park

For that immersive experience, stay inside Zion National Park at Zion National Park Lodge (book early—it's the only in-park hotel option!).

We stayed in the town of Hurricane, UT. You will generally find much more affordable options, but expect a 25-30 minute drive each way to get to and from Zion National Park. If you stay in Hurricane, UT, we recommend staying at:

If you don’t want to worry about parking in or near the park, we highly recommend paying the extra money and staying in Springdale. If you stay in Springdale we recommend:

Favorite Hikes in Zion National Park

Zion shines as a hiker's paradise. Our top picks:

  • Angels Landing: 5.4 miles, strenuous with chains—get a permit via lottery!

  • If you didn’t get a permit (or don’t particularly like the idea of climbing up a hiking trail using chains), then definitely do the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout trail. This was honestly our favorite hike even though we did not do Angels Landing, and it was completely worth it. It is a bit strenuous with over 1,000 feet in elevation gain, but the views are completely worth the trip.

  • The Narrows: Wade through the river (If you don’t want to get your shoes and equipment wet, you can rent gear in Springdale).

    • Hiking in the water not your jam? You can also just walk the paved(ish)Riverside trail (roughly 1 mile) to see the Narrows without actually having to do any water hiking. Definitely worth it!

  • Emerald Pools: Easy to moderate, with waterfalls. There are three different Emerald Pools you can hike to (depending on how much time or energy you have).

  • Canyon Overlook: Short (1 mile) with epic views. This one is technically outside of Zion National Park, but it is completely worth it! This was also one of our favorites.

  • Observation Point: For panoramic vistas (if open) - this is a much longer trail at about 7.5 miles, so definitely be prepared with plenty of water if you choose to do this hike.

Weather and What to Pack for Zion National Park

Weather varies: Summers can hit upwards of 100°F, while winters dip to 30°F with possible snow. During the summer season, expect summer showers that could possibly cause flash flooding in the canyon (especially in the Narrows!). Before heading out to the Narrows or hiking be sure to check the daily weather forecast. If there is rain in the forecast be sure to check the trail conditions and be prepared to be flexible with your hikes. Storms mostly hit in the afternoon (but not always), so plan to do the Narrows first if you can. If you are visiting during the shoulder seasons in spring and fall, you will need to be prepared for cold or cool mornings and warm days - meaning layers will be very important to stay comfortable. The shoulder seasons can be cooler, but typically drier.

We recommend bringing:

If visiting during the spring or fall (like we did) here is our short recommended packing list:

If visiting in the Summer:

  • Hiking Shorts

  • Dry-fit shirts

  • While we would recommend bringing rain boots if you want to hike the Narrows, plenty hike in sandals - if you hike in sandals make sure you have a good pair of hiking sandals with straps like these tevas.

Best Tours to See Zion National Park

If you prefer a more structured approach to visiting Zion National Park, consider taking one or a few of these tours or experiences to make the most of your time:

Booking Resources

If you need help with booking your vacation, check out these resources to set you up for success:

How to Visit Zion National Park on a Budget

If you want to visit Zion and are budget conscious, we would recommend you stay in Hurricane, Utah—roughly 25 minutes away from the park, but significantly cheaper than Springdale. If you prefer to camp, you can camp on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land for free dispersed spots. You can consider renting a camper or RV. Be sure to pack your own food (cooler lunches save big) and bring plenty of protein bars and snacks while hiking or make your own trail mix. If you plan to visit other US National Parks, then we highly suggest you purchase the annual national park pass. Lastly, skip guided tours—self-explore with free shuttles!

Lessons learned after visiting Zion National Park

  • Zion is definitely more of a hiking park rather than a “view point” park, however there are plenty of viewpoints that you can see with less than a mile hiking

  • Shuttles are required and run frequently around Zion between April - November - embrace using them

  • Parking can be quite expensive in Springdale - we paid $27.50 to park near shuttle stop 6

  • The Visitor Center Parking Lot fills up FAST (seriously you need to get there very early or be willing to wait and stalk people for parking)

  • No you can’t drive your car even if it is before the shuttles start running

  • Plan out your stops in advance - this will help you decide where to get off the shuttle

  • If you don’t like crowds, visit in the offseason, if you can

  • Bring plenty of water! While there are plenty of water refill stations throughout the park, there are very few places to purchase water. So be prepared, especially for longer hikes.

  • You can rent gear if you choose to hike the Narrows, which may be easier than bringing your own.

  • There are amazing hikes outside of the park - one of our favorites was Canyon Overlook, be sure to explore both inside and outside the park if you can.

  • Make sure to get your permit for Angel’s Landing early!

  • Stay in Springdale if you can, along the shuttle route, that way you don’t have to worry about finding parking and can focus simply on enjoying the park

  • There are plenty of restaurants in Springdale , but if you are planning on hiking all day, bring your own lunch, this can also help save some money for budget conscious travelers.


We hope this guide helps you create unforgettable memories in Zion. Safe travels, and let us know your favorite spots in the comments!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you book or purchase through our links. We only recommend things we’ve personally used and loved. Thanks for supporting our blog!

✨ Ready to plan your own Zion escape?
Check prices for Hotels near Zion National Park or browse tours around Zion National Park to get started!

Interested in getting some more National Park inspiration? Check out our other National Park Blogs below:



Matthew Cogossi
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