Zion National Park far exceeded my expectations. Driving into the park you are instantly struck by its beauty- the vastness of the canyon walls and the lush greenery. The one lane Zion-Mount Carmel Highway winds into the center of the park providing the most perfect backdrop for a roadtrip.

We spent one day in Zion- driving from Page, AZ in the morning and staying in Kanab at night. Here’s how we spent the day:

First Hike: Canyon Overlook Trail

• Great hike to start your day or if you have small children with you
• It is located just before the long Zion Mt Carmel tunnel if your coming into the park from the east.
• No shuttle is needed. You can park right along the road- you’ll see cars lining up and know your getting close. Park and head towards the tunnel to find the trailhead.
• 1 mile round trip hike
• Some steps, but overall super easy hike to do with people of all ages
• Takes you to the edge of a cliff with a marvelous view of lower Zion canyon and the road switchbacks.

Second Hike: Angle’s Landing Trail

• 100% must do if visiting Zion
• 5 mi round trip hike
• Difficult switchbacks will leave you out of breath if you’re not in the best shape, but you can take your time and take frequent breaks
• Final 1/2 mile goes up a steep incline with sheer drop-offs- not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights
• Metal chains along the way are available for peace of mind
• To access this hike during spring – fall you must park at the visitor center and take the shuttle to the Angels landing stop
• Bus stop has restrooms and water to use before taking off on your hike
• Shuttle buses stop running after sunset. If you want to see sunset at the top of the trail you can bring sleeping bags and camp out. Saw a few people doing this and wish we had thought of that.
• The trail is pretty busy. It thinned out later in the day. If I do it again I would hike right before sunset and camp at the top then hike down in the morning.
• If you go in winter before they close scenic drive to private traffic (sometime in April) you can hike up at sunset and back down after dark because you’ll have more freedom with your car parked there.

Final Hike: Pa’rus Trail

• After Angels Landing we hopped on the shuttle heading back to the visitor center, but got off at the Canyon Junction Stop. From here you can take a leisurely walk on Pa’rus Trail back to the visitor center.
• Trail is a paved sidewalk that follows the virgin river
• 1.75 mi walk back to the visitor center
• Easy stroll and one of the guides recommended it for walking back at sunset
• Unfortunately, it was too overcast for us to tell if the sunset along here was good
• This is the one trail pets are allowed on.

Park Fees:

• There is a 30$ entrance fee or you can buy the Annual National Parks pass
• You can purchase either option at the entrance gate.
• You can purchase the Annual Pass in advance here.

Where to Stay:

• South Campground is the closest, right near the visitor center and along Pa’rus Trail
• • Campsites are available on a first come first serve basis
• • $20/night with no electric hookups
• Watchman Campground is 1/4 mi from the south entrance and accepts reservations
• • Reservations are highly recommended and can be made here.
• • Electric hookups are available at some sites. These sites cost $30/night
• • Tent only campsites are $20/night
• Hotels in Springdale located before the south entrance to the park
• • There is a Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn and Quality Inn
• • Springdale Shuttle service provides access to the park from these hotels
• Stay in Kanab, about a 45min drive from the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway entrance
• • This is where the lottery takes place to hike the wave so if you stay here you can enter the lottery first thing in the morning
• • Little town with restaurants and cheap hotels.
• • If you stay here grab dinner at the Rocking V Café. They had great steaks and great service.

Cheers!

While you’re in the area be sure to visit these other great places – Check out my post to learn more:

Bryce Canyon National Park Only 1 hour away!

Grand Canyon – South Rim 4 hours away.

Lower Antelope Canyon – Arizona 2 hours away- on the way to the grand canyon!

Horseshoe Bend In Paige, AZ, right near Lower Antelope Canyon.

The Wave – Arizona You’ll have to score a permit to hike this beauty – find out how in this post. It’s located between Zion and Paige, AZ