2 Day Zion National Park Itinerary

Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is a geological wonder known for its stunning red rock formations, deep canyons, and rugged beauty. At over 200 square miles, visitors have an abundance of outdoor adventures to choose from. If you only have a few days to spend at Zion, this 2 day Zion National Park itinerary will help you make the most of your trip! 

How to Get to Zion National Park

There are several options for reaching your final destination of Zion National Park. Some people opt for the four-hour drive from Las Vegas, while others are on a parks road trip and drive in from the Grand Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, or surrounding areas.

Closest Airport to Zion National Park

If you live further away, like we do, you’ll arrive by plane. The closest airport to Zion National Park is St. George, Utah, about 45 minutes away. We had a connecting flight from Atlanta to Salt Lake City that took us to St. George. From there, we rented a car and made the easy drive to Zion.

If you’d prefer to take a shuttle from St. George to Springdale, Utah, which is right outside the park, you can find out more information at St. George Shuttle.

Where to Stay at Zion National Park

For your Zion National Park visit, you have several lodging options, including in-park and lodging in Springdale, located near the park entrance.

You can camp or stay at the Zion Lodge for lodging within the park. As with most National Parks, lodging books up sometimes as much as a year in advance. So, you will need to plan well ahead.

There are several lodging options in Springdale, ranging from AirBNBs to hotels to luxury accommodations. During our stay, we opted for affordable accommodations and chose the Holiday Inn Express Zion, which had positive TripAdvisor reviews. The hotel was well-managed, and we enjoyed our brief visit.

Shuttle & Parking at Zion National Park

Springdale, Utah, has a shuttle system that runs throughout the day, making it easy to get to Zion National Park. Hop on a Springdale shuttle, and you’ll be at the park entrance in minutes. 

If you choose to park at the visitor center, be aware that parking is limited, and you’ll pay an hourly fee. We made the mistake of parking at the visitor center once. After that, we left our car at the hotel and utilized the Springdale shuttle.

Zion National Park has a shuttle system to hop on inside the park. In fact, the Zion Canyon Shuttle is how you’ll access the park from March through December, as cars are not allowed on Canyon Scenic drive. The shuttles run frequently and make travel throughout the park a breeze. You do not need a ticket or reservation to ride the shuttle. 

2 day zion national park itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Zion for the First Time

Start Your Day Early: Breakfast & Park Tickets

You will want to get up and get going to make the most of your two days in Zion National Park. We purchased sandwiches and snacks for lunch the night before when we arrived. We purchased sandwiches from Sol Foods Market. After grabbing a quick breakfast at the hotel, we were on our way.

By arriving early, you should beat the crowds to the park entrance. We purchased a ticket for $35. Alternatively, if you have a national park pass or have purchased a ticket in advance, your time at the entrance gate should be even quicker. We were through the entrance within five minutes. 

The Visitor Center

Park Rangers provided a park map at the entrance, so we skipped the visitor center and headed straight to the Zion Park shuttle. The visitor center offers orientations, where you can sign up for guided tours and apply for permits. It also has a cute gift shop, so you’ll want to visit sometime. However, if you want to be on one of the first shuttles into the canyon, keep your visitor center stop brief.

Morning Hike: Emerald Pools Trail

Our first introduction to Zion National Park was the three mile Emerald Pools Trail hike, which did not disappoint. This picturesque hike provides views of the Virgin River and surrounding canyons.  

Start your hike at The Grotto (shuttle stop #6) and take the Kayenta Trail to the Upper Emerald Pools trail. It gets steep towards the end, but the view of the canyon below and the 100-foot waterfall make the hike worthwhile. 

Next, you’ll descend until you reach the Middle Pool. Don’t expect to be wowed here. 

Finally, you’ll reach the Lower Emerald Pool. Lower Emerald Pool is quite scenic and a great opportunity for photos. You’ll descend via the paved Lower Emerald Pools trail and finish at Zion Lodge (shuttle stop #5)

Lunch: Picnic at Zion Lodge

Now, it is time to enjoy lunch! We had a picnic lunch on the grounds in front of Zion Lodge. It is a great place to take off your shoes, rest, and relax! The Red Rock Grill has burgers and various lunch options if you’d prefer to dine at Zion Lodge.

Next Stop: Weeping Rock 

After you’ve rested and refueled, your next stop is Weeping Rock. You’ll take the shuttle north to shuttle stop #7.  

Weeping Rock is Zion’s shortest hike, at less than half a mile. The highlight is Weeping Rock, which gets its name from the water seeping through the sandstone cliffs, creating a gentle cascade resembling tears.

Afternoon Hike: Riverside Walk and the Narrows

Your next adventure is Riverside Walk. Hop back on the shuttle and head north to the Temple of Sinawava (shuttle stop #9). Here, you will find Riverside Walk and the infamous Narrows. 

The Riverside Walk is a two-mile flat, paved trail that meanders along the Virgin River. When It ends, the Narrows begins. No permit is required for the Narrows; however, it is closed when the water level is too high. During our April trip, the Narrows was closed due to snowmelt. Whether you traverse the Narrows or just enjoy a stroll on Riverside Walk, this is a stop you don’t want to miss. 

Dinner in Springdale

After a busy day, you will have worked up quite an appetite. We ended our first day in Zion with a delicious dinner at Bit & Spur Saloon, where we enjoyed fajitas, margaritas, and incredible views from the patio.

In Springdale, there are a variety of dining options to suit every taste bud. Reservations are recommended, as restaurants do book up in advance. 

Day 2: Zion Hikes with a View

You will want to begin day two, similarly to day one, with a quick, hearty breakfast. Trust me, you’ll avoid some of the crowds by getting an early start.

Morning Hike: A Challenging Hike to Scout Lookout & Angels Landing

The day’s first stop is the Grotto, shuttle stop #6, as you make your way to Scout Lookout. 

You’ll be hiking to Scout Lookout (and, if you get the permit, on to Angels Landing Trail) via the West Rim Trail.  

The hike to Scout Landing is the most challenging trail included in this itinerary. The 3.6-mile trail is breathtaking but may also leave you breathless due to the steep incline and lots of switchbacks. But it is absolutely worth it, as you’ll be rewarded with sweeping, awe-inspiring panoramic views! 

Lunch

When you return to your starting point, you will be ready for lunch. We returned to Zion Lodge’s grounds for a picnic lunch once again. Alternatively, you could dine at the Red Rock Grill or return to Springdale for lunch.

Shopping

If you’re ready for a break from hiking, this is a perfect time to shop for souvenirs. We browsed the gift shop in the Visitors Center. You’ll also find a variety of shops and things to do throughout Springdale and Zion National Park. 

Afternoon Hike: Canyon Overlook Trail

Once you have had a chance to re-coop from your morning hike, hop in your rental car (if you have one) and take the scenic drive along the Zion- Mount Carmel Highway to Canyon Overlook. Please note the shuttle does not run to Canyon Overlook. Canyon Overlook Trail is a few miles from town, offering several scenic stops.  

Canyon Overlook Trail is a 1-mile out and back trail that meanders along the canyon’s edge, offering jaw-dropping views of Zion. 

You’ll know you’re getting close as you drive through the tunnel, which is an experience in itself. As soon as you exit the tunnel, you’ll find a small parking lot on your right. If the parking lot is full, you can find additional parking down the road on the left. 

Dinner in Springdale

For our final night in Zion, we opted for a quick and convenient dinner. After two days of hiking non-stop, we were exhausted. While there are a lot of restaurants from choose from, a few of TripAdvisor’s highest rated restaurants include Oscar’s Cafe, MeMe’s Cafe, and the Spotted Dog. Make reservations in advance to avoid a lengthy wait.

Things to do in Zion National Park

This 2 day itinerary is focused around hiking, which is why we chose to visit Zion National Park. From hikes to walking in town, we walked over eighteen miles in two days. If you’re wanting to see Zion, but prefer shorter hikes, be sure to read my post “7 Epic Short & Easy Hikes in Zion National Park” for ideas and inspiration. For non-hiking activities, Zion has a variety of alternative outdoor adventures to choose from.

• Horseback Riding
• Ranger Led Activities
• Biking
• Birding
• Stargazing
• Canyoneering
• Climbing
• Kolob Canyons
• Backpacking
• Camping

Tips for Your Visit

Best Time to Visit Zion National Park

Consider visiting during off-peak seasons for a more serene experience, keeping in mind the weather and what you want to do during your visit. In the winter, you may have ice and snow, leading to trail closures. We visited during the spring and learned that because of the snow melt and rising water in the Virgin River, the Narrows are often closed during this time.  Summer is the busiest time of the year to visit Zion National Park.

Planning ahead and making reservations for popular activities or accommodations is essential whenever you decide to visit.

Timing Matters/ Avoid the Crowds

Zion National Park can get crowded, especially in the summer months. If you wish to avoid the crowds, start your day early. You’ll find fewer people on the trails.  

Hiking Safety & Etiquette

• Sturdy Footwear: Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good traction, as some trails can be slippery.
• Bring the Essentials: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a phone, and a park map on your hikes. 
• Weather Awareness: Be mindful of the weather, as flash floods can be a concern. Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. Check with a park ranger for weather-related advisories.
• Leave No Trace: As always, respect the park’s natural beauty by following Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all your trash and be mindful of the delicate ecosystem. Stay on the trail and do not touch, feed, or disturb the wildlife. 

Visit a Ghost Town

When your Zion National Park adventure comes to an end, visit the local Grafton Ghost Town, if time allows. The Grafton Ghost Town in Rockville, Utah, is worth a stop if you’re into history, photography, and, of course, ghost towns. This ghost town is highly photographed and has been the backdrop of several movies, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. We enjoyed visiting Grafton Ghost Town on our return to St. George. 

 Final Thoughts

As you can see, you can experience a lot of adventure in just two days with this 2 Day Zion National Park Itinerary. Zion National Park is packed with awe-inspiring landscapes that will take your breath away. Undoubtedly, you will have fun hiking, exploring, and taking in the epic views!  

So now that you have an itinerary in hand, it’s time to stop dreaming and start planning your visit to Zion National Park. Happy travels!

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