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Zion National Park is located in southern Utah and is close enough to Bryce Canyon National Park that you can easily visit both parks during the same trip. In Zion, you can hike up to hidden pools, walk on a trail that is actually a river, take leisurely walks, adventure to the top of Angel's Landing on a hair raising hike, and enjoy being surrounded by the canyon walls. On this trip you will see slot canyons, box canyons, hoodoos, arches, and some of the best stargazing in the U.S. |
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Model Itinerary
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Day 1:
There are two airports near the park: one in Las Vegas, Nevada and one in St. George, Utah. St. George is the closest airport to the park entrance, but the 2 hour drive from Las Vegas is beautiful. Fly into Las Vegas to save a little money on airfare. We spent the night in St. George at the Holiday Inn St. George. |
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Day 2:
Before driving to the main part of Zion, we took a short drive to visit a part of the park known as Kolob Canyon. There is a nice scenic drive which ends in Finger Canyon. Along the way, we took a 5 mile hike through a box canyon to Double Arch Alcove on Taylor Creek Trail. This is a perfect hike for families with kids, crossing the creek a total of 61 times. However, don't let the creek deter you; the trail makes it easy to avoid getting damp in the shallow water. We spent most of the day exploring Kolob Canyon and then made the 1 hour drive to the main section of the park. For a special expericnce, make a reservation well in advance to stay at the Zion Park Lodge. Lodging within the park is limited, however, there are many hotel options in the town of Springdale. These are near the park entrance and will not require booking ahead of time. |
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Day 3:
Begin the day with a stop at the Visitor Center. Go ahead and make reservations at the Information Booth for the Ranger Guided Shuttle Tour for the last morning (Day 5). One of the highlights of our stay in Zion was our day hike in The Narrows! There's a store in front of the Visitor Center where you can rent water proof boots and a walking stick for the day. If you want to hike The Narrows, I recommend renting the proper gear. The Narrows is a slot canyon where you hike down into the canyon and trek through knee deep water (which is why the water proof shoes are helpful, although not required). To get there, take the shuttle bus from the Visitor’s Center to the Temple of Sinawava. From there it is an easy paved trail on Riverside Walk to the canyon’s mouth. This will be a round trip hike so you can go into the slot canyon for as far as you’d like and turn around at any time. For most people, the goal is to hike to Orderville Canyon and Wall Street (3.5 miles one way). We packed a snack and stopped for lunch before we started the return hike. By the time we hiked out and returned our shoes, we were able to have dinner out on the patio of Red Rock Grill at the Lodge with great food and amazing views. |
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Day 4:
After breakfast, hike the Emerald Pool Trail. The trailhead is directly across from Zion Lodge and it’s a moderate walk to the Upper Pool (3 miles round trip). There are 3 pools along the way but it’s worth the hike to go to the Upper Pool. I recommend going in the morning before it gets too hot. On the return hike take the Kayenta Trail, which connects to the Grotto Trail and returns to the Lodge. This trail has a great view of the river and the valley below. For dinner, take a trip to nearby Springdale, where you can shop and try out one of the local restaurants. For a nice evening hike, watch the sunset on the Watchman Trail near the park entrance (2.7 miles round-trip). Take a flashlight if you plan to stay for the sunset. |
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Day 5:
The Ranger Guided Shuttle Tour leaves the Visitor Center at 9:00 a.m. On this tour, you will ride one of the park buses with a Ranger. This informative tour lasts about 2 hours. The bus stops at various points of interest during the trip and there are a few short walks. Very adventurous members of your group may opt to hike Angel’s Landing this morning instead. Angel’s Landing is not for people who are afraid of heights or not physically fit. This difficult trail is 5.4 miles round-trip, but I hear that the view is worth the climb. After your tour or hike, leave the park and begin the 1 ½ hour drive to Bryce Canyon National Park. Take the Zion Mt. Carmel Highway and follow the signs to Bryce. Along the drive, pull off and hike the Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mile round-trip). There are some steps, but overall it’s a fairly easy trail with a rewarding view at the end. When you arrive in Bryce Canyon, stop at the Visitor’s Center to watch a short film and learn about the Ranger activities that are happening during your visit. Have dinner in the lodge and attend one of the astronomy programs in the evening. Bryce Canyon is one of the best places in the U.S. to see the stars, so plan your trip during a new moon for optimal stargazing. Book a Western Cabin at Bryce Canyon Lodge. Lodge rooms fill up quickly, so you need to make reservations ahead of time. If the Lodge rooms are full, there are other hotel options near the park entrance. |
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Day 6:
In the morning, take the Navajo/Queen’s Garden Combination Loop Trail (3 mile loop). This hike into the canyon is the best way to see the hoodoos up close. Start the hike by descending from Sunset Point on the Navajo Trail, then connect with the Queen’s Garden Trail to return to the top. You can then return to your starting point via the Rim Trail. During the day, you should be able to find some Ranger talks/walks along the Rim Trail. We always try to check out some of the Ranger led activies during a visit to any National Park. After lunch, take the 18 mile scenic drive to Rainbow & Yovimpa Points. It’s best to drive to the end and then stop at all of the overlooks on your return drive to the Lodge. There are a few short walks, like Bristlecone Loop Trail, if you still feel energetic. In the evening, go up to Inspiration Point to watch the sunset and stay to watch the stars come out. Take a jacket, because you will need it once the sun goes down! |
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Day 7:
Get up early and watch the sunrise from Bryce Point. After breakfast, you might have time to fit in another Ranger activity before you begin the drive back to the airport. If you would like to add on a visit to the Grand Canyon, you can add 2 nights at the North Rim and then return to St. George, or if you have more time you can add another week and visit the South Rim and other points of interest. See the Grand Canyon itinerary for more details. |
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Day 8:
Fly Home and start planning your next adventure! Or continue your trip with the Grand Canyon Itinerary |
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