2 Day Zion National Park Itinerary (From a frequent visitor)

Zion National Park is one of the most visited parks in the country, and for good reason. I have been to Zion National Park three times (my most recent trip was in 2024), and I still find myself with a list of things I’d like to do on my next trip.

There are plenty of things to do in Zion Park, from easy hikes and sightseeing, to more strenuous hikes and multi-night backpacking trips. Regardless of your preference I’ve included a 2 day Zion National Park itinerary in this article for you.

Here’s what you can expect to know after reading this article:

• An overview of Zion National Park and what you need to know before visiting
• 2 day trip itinerary for: adventure enthusiasts, moderate hikers and sightseers
• Travel tips and what to pack

Things To Know About Zion National Park

Zion National Park is much larger than most people know. There are several areas that makeup the park- Zion Canyon (what most people are familiar with and where the Zion Canyon shuttle system runs), East Rim, West Rim, Southwest Desert, Wildcat Canyon and Kolob Canyons. 

Some of these areas require a wilderness permit to enter, and are part of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 which designates acres Wilderness in Zion National Park to be protected as “wild and scenic”.

Getting To Zion National Park

Unless you’re a Utah local you’ll likely be flying to Zion National Park. The two closest airports are Las Vegas (LAS) airport and Salt Lake City (SLC) airport.

Anytime I have looked up flight prices and rental car prices, Las Vegas is cheaper than Salt Lake City by far. Also, the Salt Lake City airport just confuses me… and I’m an avid traveler who navigates international airports frequently. But back to the point…

I recommend you fly into Las Vegas, especially if you plan to rent a car. You’ll not only save money by doing this, but you’ll also save time! Las Vegas airport is closer to Zion than Salt Lake City.

Drive Time to Zion National Park
Las Vegas Airport: 2 hours 20 minutes
Salt Lake City Airport: 3 hours 45 minutes

Where To Stay

There aren’t any lodges in Zion National Park. If you want to stay inside the park you’ll have to make a reservation at one of the campgrounds. Keep in mind, if you’re traveling during the summer the park can get very hot and most of the campsites are unshaded.

If you prefer hotel or vacation rentals I recommend staying in Springdale. It’s the closest place to stay near the park as it’s literally right outside the main gate.

Getting Around The Park

Zion National Park has a shuttle system for most of the year. While the shuttle system is operating (March-November) private vehicles are not allowed in the park. You can park at the Visitors Center but you cannot drive past the entrance area.

There are a few unique things to transportation in Zion National Park:
-The shuttle system is mandatory from March-November
-The park does not have a timed-entry reservation
-The park has limited parking, so once the Visitors Center is full you must park in town and take the town shuttle inside to the park shuttle

If you’re visiting Zion during shuttle season you’ll want to arrive early to get a parking space at the Visitors Center. Otherwise, if you arrive later (past 7:30 am during the summer) you should plan to find parking in the neighboring town of Springdale (most options are paid parking) and take the Springdale Shuttle into the park.

The Springdale Shuttle is free and connects parking outside the park with the Zion Shuttle inside the park.

Once you’re at the visitors center you can hop on the Zion Shuttle. Zion offers a free shuttle and you do not need reservations. It’s a hop-on, hop-off system, but during the summer months you may wait for up to an hour to catch a shuttle.

Springdale Shuttles run every 15 minutes.
Zion Shuttles run every 5-10 minutes.

The shuttle ride from end-to-end of the park along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive takes 45-minutes one way.

The following roads allow private vehicles year-round, even if the shuttle is in operation: Zion-Mt Carmel Highway, Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel, Kolob Terrace Road, Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive.

Things To Do In Zion National Park

Zion National Park offers a variety of activities for all visitors.

• Backpacking (permit required)
• Bicycling
• Canyoneering (permit required)
• Day Hiking (more on this below!)
• Ranger-led activities (more on this below!)
• River Trips
• Rock Climbing (permit required)
• Stargazing (more on this below!)

Zion National Park Entrance Fee

If you’ve arrived early enough to park at the Visitors Center you’ll pay your entrance fee at the gates. The cost is $35 per vehicle (up to 15 people).

If you’re taking the Springdale Shuttle into the park you’ll pay entrance at the pedestrian bridge and gate. The cost is $20 per person.

Have you heard of the Interagency Pass? It’s also referred to as America The Beautiful National Parks Pass. The pass is $80 and good for one full year from purchase date. It will get you into any National Park as well as the roughly 2,000 other federal recreational areas.

I’m a big fan of the America The Beautiful pass and use mine often. If you plan to visit 3 or more parks in a year the pass pays for itself and can save you some money.

2 Day Zion National Park Itinerary For Adventure Enthusiasts

Day 1: The Narrows and Angels Landing

• Morning – Hike The Narrows
• Afternoon – Hike Angels Landing

Morning

Start early with The Narrows. This is the farthest shuttle stop in Zion Canyon and takes about 45-minutes to get to from the park entrance. The Narrows is one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park so it can get quite busy as the day goes on. I hiked The Narrows on the first shuttle run of the morning and found that the crowd thins quite a bit after you’ve hiked a mile upstream.

You will be knee-deep in water (or deeper) for this entire hike, so be prepared! I rented gear from Zion Outfitters (located near the park entrance) and was glad to have it. Proper shoes are absolutely necessary because the river bed is lined with rocks that move as you walk on them. 

I also rented one of their wooden walking sticks and was so glad I didn’t attempt to bring along my trekking poles – the rocky bottom eats the bottoms of trekking poles and you’re very likely to damage them. The wooden walking sticks are great for keeping you sturdy. There were a few patches of rough current that I would not have been able to cross without the support from the walking stick.

The rental gear was a bit of an investment (I think around $35 for the day), but it was worth it because I’d have been miserable on this hike without it, and I’d be purchasing new trekking poles for far more than the rental costs.

Distance: up to 9.4 miles
Elevation Change: 334 feet
Shuttle Stop: Temple Of Sinawava

Afternoon

After a lunch break, head over to Angels Landing. This hike is incredibly unique and one of my favorite hikes ever! There’s a few important things to know about this hike, though.

First, Angels Landing requires a permit to hike. I’ve outlined this in more detail later on. The permit system is fairly competitive so I recommend you submit for the lottery several months in advance.

Second, Angels Landing is actually the final portion of Scouts Lookout. The majority of this hike (the first 4.2 miles) do not require a permit. The final section (the part most people think of, with the steep cliffs and chains) is Angels Landing trail and requires a permit.

Finally, the last section of this hike is jolting even if you don’t have a fear of heights. If you are not comfortable with heights then this hike is not for you. The worst thing you can do is panic when you’re out on the ledge, putting yourself and those around you in danger. I saw several people having complete melt-downs in the middle of the hike – which is 3 feet wide in sections and several hundred feet drop off on either side. Know your own limits. If you’re not a fan of heights you can still hike to Scouts Landing and wait to rejoin your party (in fact, many people do this- you might even make some new friends while you’re waiting!)

Distance: 5.4 miles
Elevation Change: 1,488 feet
Shuttle Stop: Big Bend

Day 2: Observation Point and Hidden Canyon

• Morning – Hike to Observation Point
• Afternoon – Hike Hidden Canyons

Morning

Hike to Observation Point. While there are three different routes to Observation Point, the most popular route – starting from Weeping Rock along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and accessible via shuttle – is closed indefinitely due to a massive 2019 rock slide.

It’s still possible to hike to Observation Point by approaching from the East side of the park on either East Mesa Trail or East Rim Trail. 

The trailhead for both of these is only accessible via North Fork Road to Zion Ponderosa Ranch Road. These roads are unpaved and can be tricky to access after heavy rains and without a high-clearance or 4wd vehicle. There is no shuttle service to either of these trailheads and both routes are out-and-back trails.

Note: During the summer season it’s possible to get a private shuttle to these trailheads through East Zion Adventures.

East Mesa Trail
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation Change: 702 feet
Shuttle Stop: n/a

East Rim Trail
Distance: 9.3 miles
Elevation Change: 2,162 feet
Shuttle Stop: n/a

The viewpoint of the park, including Angels Landing, is incredible from Observation Point. Additionally, because this is a harder hike, and less accessible, there are very few crowds to contend with.

Afternoon

Hidden Canyon is one of the best kept secrets in Zion National Park. It’s a shorter trail (just 3.1 miles) but it has a lot of elevation change and some scramble sections. There’s also some cliff walking so if you’re scared of heights this trail won’t be for you.

Note: Unfortunately this trail was impacted by the massive 2018 rockslide which left 45 feet of trail buried and is closed indefinitely. I recommend replacing this hike with Canyon Overlook Trail or Watchman Trail (Day 2 itinerary for moderate hikers below)

The hike starts from Weeping Rock (take the shuttle to stop 8 – Big Bend) and quickly picks up elevation with plenty of switchbacks. Because the trail cuts through the cliffside there are some sections where trails are literally carved into the side of the mountain and chains are installed for your safety. Once you make it into the canyon you can explore as much as you want!

Distance: 3.1 miles
Elevation Change: 971 feet
Shuttle Stop: Big Bend

2 Day Zion National Park Itinerary For Moderate Hikers

Day 1: Emerald Pools and Riverside Walk

• Morning – Hike to Emerald Pools
• Afternoon – Enjoy the Riverside Walk

Morning

Take the 3 mile Emerald Pools loop. This hike takes you past Lower, Middle and Upper Emerald Pools, but I think the Upper Pool is the most serene. The path follows the Virgin River before cutting up towards the pools.

Note: The bridge at Zion Lodge is currently closed. The trail is still possible but it’s an out-and-back from The Grotto along Kayenta Trail instead of being a loop back along Lower Emerald Pool Trail and passing the lodge.

Distance: 3 miles
Elevation Change: 620 feet
Shuttle Stop: The Grotto

Afternoon

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon along the Riverside Walk. This is a paved, easy trail that follows the Virgin River. It’s also the trail that leads to The Narrows, so you’ll probably see a lot of wet hikers returning. When you get to the end of Riverside Walk you have the option to explore The Narrows.

I completed the River Walk as part of hiking The Narrows. It’s a great path with lots of opportunities for dipping your feet in the river if you wish. The path wasn’t very crowded early in the morning, but upon returning later in the afternoon it was much more crowded with strollers and young families.

Distance: 1.9 miles
Elevation Change: 193 feet
Shuttle Stop: Temple Of Sinawava

Day 2: Canyon Overlook and Watchman Trail

• Morning – Hike Canyon Overlook Trail
• Afternoon – Enjoy Watchman Trail

Morning

Hike to Canyon Overlook in the morning. The trailhead for Canyon Overlook is along Route 9 (Zion-Mt Carmel Highway) so you don’t need to take the Zion Canyon Shuttle. With only 187 feet of elevation change and less than 1 mile long, this is a perfect hike for sunrise with an incredible view of the park.

Distance: 1 mile
Elevation Change: 187 feet
Shuttle Stop: None – take Zion-Mt Carmel Highway

Afternoon

Head into the park to hike Watchman Trial in the afternoon. The trail picks up right near the Visitor Center, so if parking is already full you can take the Springdale Shuttle and then walk across the Visitor Center area to the trailhead.

The Watchman Trial is a moderate hike and it offers great views of lower Zion Canyon and the town of Springdale. It’s just over 3 miles and the trail loops around the summit giving you 360° views.

Distance: 3.1 miles
Elevation Change: 636 feet
Shuttle Stop: Zion Canyon Visitors Center

Two Day Zion National Park Itinerary For Sightseers

If you’re after easy access and beautiful views, but not too thrilled on hiking then this is the perfect Zion itinerary for you!

Day 1: Scenic Drive and Pa’rus Trail

• Morning – Scenic Drive
• Afternoon – Pa’rus Trail

Morning

Zion National Park is incredibly scenic and worth visiting even if you never leave your vehicle (or park shuttle). Depending on what time of year you’re visiting, you may be able to drive your own vehicle into the park. If the shuttles are running during your visit, you must take the shuttle instead.

Typically, shuttles run from March-October and during the end of December to accommodate holiday visitors. If you’re visiting in November, the first half of December, or January – February then you can drive your own vehicle along Zion Scenic Drive.

Along the Scenic Drive you can stop at various viewpoints, like Court of the Patriarchs and Checkerboard Mesa. The Scenic Drive follows the river, so most of the viewpoints and short walks along this route are flat and well paved.

Afternoon

Pa’rus Trail is a paved and handicap accessible river walk with stunning canyon views. You can also bike this path or walk your dog. The trail is an out-and-back that totals just over 3 miles, but it’s possible to hike it in one direction and take the shuttle back.

Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation Change: 134 feet
Shuttle Stop: Zion Visitor Center or Canyon Junction

Day 2: Zion Human History Museum and Timber Creek Overlook

• Morning – Zion Human History Museum
• Afternoon – Explore Kolob Canyons section of the park

Morning

On the morning of your second day in Zion National Park visit the Zion Human History Museum to learn more about the park’s history and enjoy the views from its patio. The museum is located at the second shuttle stop and is open daily from 10:00-5:00.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, drive your own vehicle (no shuttle service) to Kolob Canyons, located on the West side of Zion National Park. From there, explore Timber Creek Overlook, a short and easy trail with panoramic views of the Kolob Canyons.

Remember, Zion National Park offers a range of experiences for all types of visitors. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or peaceful sightseeing, Zion’s majestic landscape will not disappoint.

Reservations and Permits

There are no reservations required to enter Zion National Park, but there are advanced permits required for a few activities within the park.

Angels Landing Permit

This is a very popular hike. It’s so popular, in fact, that in 2022 the park started requiring timed permits due to safety concerns.

I obtained a permit and hiked Angels Landing and it was still fairly crowded, especially on some of the high ledges, so I’m grateful there’s some crowd control efforts underway because this is literally one of the most dangerous hikes in America.

There are two ways to get a permit to hike: the seasonal lottery and the day-before lottery. The day-before lottery is straightforward. 

The day prior to your hike you can enter the lottery on recreation.gov between 12:01 am and 3:00 pm MT. It doesn’t matter when during that time period you submit your lottery request – 12:01 am isn’t going to give you a better chance than 3 pm, so don’t set your midnight alarm for no reason.

After the lottery closes at 3:00 pm MT the park rangers decide how many permits they can safely release for the next day (usually based on current park conditions and cancellations). An email is sent at 4:00 pm MT the day before your planned hike to let you know whether or not you’ve been issued a permit.

When I participated in the day-before lottery for Angels Landing I had to try a few days in a row before I was finally issued a permit. In my experience, selecting the earliest time possible gives you a better chance of being granted a permit. And yup – there was a ranger at the trailhead checking permits and IDs the next morning.

But what about the seasonal lottery? If you’re better at planning ahead than I am then this is the best route for you. Unfortunately, the National Park Services has made this a bit confusing.

Reservations for a 3 month window of time are released on 3 dates 2 months prior. The dates are always the 1st, 20th, and 25th. Let me give an example to help clarify. If you want to hike between March 1 and May 31, lottery drawings will occur on January 1, January 20 and January 25.

Lottery drawings are done in January (for March-May permits), April (for June-August permits), July (for September-November permits), and October (for December-February permits).

Left Fork / The Subway Permit

The Subway is a popular hiking trail for more experienced hikers. Because this hike is located in the Wilderness area of the park a permit is always required. 

If your trip is between April and October then a lottery system is in place for permits. You can submit your request up to 2 months in advance, and you may only submit one request per month. Email notices are sent out on the 5th day of the following month. 

For example, if you submit an application for an April hike in February (on any date), you’ll be notified on March 5th. If you did not receive a permit through the lottery you can submit another request in March (a month after your first) to be notified on April 5th.

There are also options to obtain a permit 2-7 days prior. I recommend reading the NPS website which has extensive details about the rules and process for The Subway lottery permits.

Backpacking

All overnight backpacking trips in Zion National Park require a wilderness permit.

You can obtain permits two different ways. Advanced reservations can be made online. Permits become available at 10:00am MT on the 5th day of the month preceding your trip. For example, if you plan to backpack in March you’ll be able to make a reservation on February 5th.

The second way to obtain a permit is online the day prior. This is only available if campsites are still available and your request must be submitted by 5:00 pm the day before your trip. This is a much less likely way to get a permit, however, because typically campsites become fully reserved within minutes of reservations opening the month prior.

Canyoneering

Canyoneering requires a permit in Zion National Park. If this is something you’re interested in I recommend checking out the detailed Zion National Parks website for more information.

2 day Zion National Park itinerary FAQs

Can you do Zion National Park in 2 days?

Yes you can absolutely do Zion National Park in 2 days. Most of the parks popular hikes and features are located in the main Zion Canyon section which makes them easy and efficient to access in just 2 days.

How many days can you spend in Zion?

A 2 day Zion National Park itinerary is the perfect amount of time to see all the highlights. Keep in mind that some activities, like hiking Angels Landing, require a permit so plan ahead.

How long does it take to go through Zion National Park?

It takes 45 minutes to drive (or ride the shuttle) from the entrance of Zion National Park to the opposite side of Zion Canyon.

Which is better Zion or Bryce?

Zion is better if you’re looking for longer hikes, a variety of terrain and water features. Bryce is better if you’re looking for shorter hikes, hoodoos, or to escape the summer heat – which is possible at Bryce due to its high elevation.