Perfect Itinerary For One Day In Zion National Park

This is a great place to watch sunrise over Zion Canyon, and it’s a short 1 mile hike with minimal elevation gain, so a perfect hike for an early morning and easy to squeeze into one day at Zion National Park.

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

Hike Angels Landing

Angels Landing is one of my favorite hikes ever and it’s a must do even with only one day in Zion National Park!

It’s 4.3 miles to a stunning summit with views of Zion Canyon and the Virgin River. On the hike up, you’ll hit Walters Wiggles – a short but steep section of switchbacks shortly before arriving at Scouts Lookout.

Technically, you can hike to Scouts Lookout without a permit. However, the section of trail just past Scouts Lookout to Angels Landing (the famous “chains section”) requires a permit.

You can apply for permits several months in advance (read more about getting Zion permits here), or you can try and get one the day before.

Due to the dangerous nature of the trail (narrow trail with steep drop-offs) the number of people who can hike Angels Landing is limited via the permit system for safety.

This is considered one of the most dangerous hiking trails in the US.

If you’re unable to get a permit for Angels Landing you can still hike to Scouts Lookout for incredible views of Zion Canyon.

You can also hike The Narrows instead. The Narrows does not require a permit (unless you’re canyoneering from the top-down, but most visitors opt for the bottom-up hike because it’s permit-free and much less technical than the upper portion).

Angels Landing Trail Details
Distance: 4.3 miles
Elevation Change: 1,827 feet
Zion Shuttle Stop: Big Bend

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

In the afternoon, explore Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. This is the main road that leads through Zion Canyon, and has a ton of great hiking trails and viewpoints along it.

I think the best way to explore Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is by bike – you can rent traditional or e-bikes from Zion Outfitters, located just outside the main park entrance.

The road is 7 miles long (14 round trip), and fairly flat. Some popular stops along the way are Court Of The Patriarchs (0.1 miles) and Emerald Pools (3 miles, or you can just hike to Lower Emerald Pools which is 1.4 miles).

There is also a free shuttle that runs along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive for most of the year. When the shuttle is operating no private vehicles are allowed on this road in Zion.

However, if you’re visiting Zion in December (except the week of Christmas) through February you can drive your own vehicle along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a great way to see the park in a short amount of time, and a must-do with just one day in Zion National Park.

The Narrows

If you have time in the late afternoon, I recommend hiking The Narrows. This hike is upstream through the Virgin River and it’s a really unique hike in Zion.

If you’re visiting late in the summer the water may be warm enough you don’t need additional gear, but any other time of the year I highly recommend renting neoprene socks and hiking boots from Zion Outfitters.

When I hiked The Narrows in October the water was chilly and I was glad to have rented appropriate gear to keep my feet warm. I imagine that spring or early summer water is even colder, and water levels may be deeper due to snow melt.

The Narrows is an out-and-back hike. In total it’s 8.9 miles, but you can hike as much or as little as you want depending on how much time you have.

I recommend hiking in at least one mile so you can get away from the crowds and enjoy the river with fewer people around.

The Narrows Trail Details
Distance: 8.9 miles
Elevation Change: 695 feet
Zion Shuttle Stop: Temple Of Sinawava

One Day In Zion National Park Itinerary With Timestamps

With one day in Zion National Park this is my recommendation for how you outline your day:

• Sunrise (between 6:12a-7:42a depending on time of year) – Hike to Canyon Overlook
• 9:00a-1:00pm – Hike Angels Landing
• 1:00-4:00 – Explore Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
• 4:00-7:00 – Hike The Narrows

You may need to make some adjustments based on the time of your permit for Angels Landing. Hike times available on permits are before 9am, 9am-noon, and after noon.

If you’re traveling to Zion in the summer, I recommend getting a permit before 9am. The sunrise will be earlier, so you’ll still have time to get to Angels Landing after for your hike start time.

If you’re traveling to Zion in the winter I recommend requesting the 9am-noon permit time slot. Sunrise is later so you’ll need the extra time to return from your sunrise hike and get to the trailhead.

Where To Stay Near Zion

If you can, I recommend staying in the park so you can optimize your time with just one day in Zion National Park.

There’s only one hotel inside Zion National Park – Zion Lodge.

There are also 3 campgrounds – Watchman, South and Lava Point. South campground is closed for long-term rehabilitation projects, and Lava Point is in a remote part of the park that’s over an hour from the main entrance, so it’s not a good option for only one day in Zion National Park.

For in park accommodations, I only recommend Zion Lodge or Watchman Campground.

Hotels In Springdale

Springdale is located just steps outside of the main entrance to Zion National Park so it’s another great option for places to stay conveniently located near the park.

There are many options to fit all budgets:

• Bumbleberry Inn
• The Lodge At Zion Country
• Cable Mountain Lodge
• Flanigan’s Resort & Spa

Vacation Rentals In Springdale

You can find cozy cabins, luxury homes, or budget-friendly options in Springdale through platforms like VRBO:

• 2 bedroom/2 bathroom house
• 1 bedroom/1bathroom apartment
• Luxury apartment that sleeps up to 16

Staying In Towns Near Zion National Park – Hurricane & St George

Hurricane is about a 20-30 minute drive from Zion and offer budget-friendly options like Wingate by Wyndham and Econo Lodge.

St. George is about a 45-minute drive from Zion, so it’s less ideal for a short one day trip to Zion. However, it’s a larger town with a wider range of accommodations, from budget to luxury, as well as more dining options: 

• Best Western Coral Hills
• Comfort Suites
• Hampton Inn 

Driving, Parking & Zion Shuttle

Zion National Park is an easy park to drive in, however, when the shuttle is operating in Zion Canyon (March-November + Christmas week) you cannot drive your own vehicle on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

If you are visiting between March and November you will have to park your vehicle at the Visitors Center, or outside the park in Springdale, and take the shuttle to stops along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The shuttle is free and does not require a reservation.

Anticipate a bit of a delay in time to travel between stops if you’re taking the shuttle. Sometimes the lines can get backed up during busy seasons.

Note: Private vehicles are always permitted on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.

Parking in Zion can be tricky. If you arrive to the park early in the day (before 8am) you will likely find a spot at the Visitors Center.

Once the Visitors Center is full, there are several lots in Springdale (just outside the main entrance) where you can park and then take the Springdale Shuttle into the park before transferring to the Zion Shuttle.

With only one day in Zion National Park I highly encourage you to arrive at the park as early as possible so you can avoid lines and delays which will eat up your time in the park.

Zion Entrance Fees

The entrance fee for Zion is $35 per vehicle, which is good for 7 days. There are no timed-entry vehicle reservation requirements for Zion, unlike the Arches National Park reservations.

If you have an America The Beautiful National Park Pass your admission to Zion is free.

I’ve been an annual pass holder for several years and really love the convenience and savings from the card. It’s $80 per year and lasts for 12 months.

Since most parks charge $30-$35 to enter, if you plan to visit more than 2 parks in a 12 month period the America The Beautiful pass will save you money.

Suggestions For More Than One Day In Zion National Park

Personally, I recommend spending at least 2 days in Zion National Park if you can squeeze it in. Two days gives you a chance to see the park in a more relaxed way, and it gives you a second opportunity to win lottery permits for Angels Landing.

If you have even more time, check out this complete travel guide & itinerary for Zion.

However, if one day in Zion National Park is all you have time for I still highly recommend visiting. There’s a lot you can see in just one day.

Since you’re already in the southwest I recommend you see some other National Parks! There are 5 in Utah, all within a short drive of each other, as well as the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

From Grand Canyon to Zion National Park is only 4 hours, and there are lots of great things to see along the route.

Alternatively, you could head north from Zion to Bryce Canyon, spend one day in Bryce Canyon, drive from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef, spend one day hiking in Canyonlands, then see Arches National Park before ending your road trip in Salt Lake City.

If you’re on a road trip to see the American Southwest National Parks I recommend at least 7 days, but ideally 10 or more.

Here are some additional resource for your trip planning:

• Zion Itinerary & Travel Guide
• Bryce vs Zion: Which Is Better & Why?
• Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary And Travel Guide
• Arches National Park Itinerary And Travel Guide
• How To Spend One Day In Arches National Park
• Epic Road Trips From Las Vegas To Grand Canyon