Zion National Park: 4 Day Itinerary

Welcome to your ultimate hiking adventure in Zion National Park, where breathtaking landscapes and majestic rock formations await! Whether you’re a hiking pro or a first-time visitor, there are so many incredible trails waiting for you. Imagine the awe-inspiring views from Angels Landing or the exhilarating experience of wading through The Narrows—each hike here is special and lets you truly soak in the beauty of nature. We’ve put together a fun and easy-to-follow hiking itinerary that highlights our favorites and includes helpful tips to make your journey even better. So, lace up your hiking boots, embrace the gorgeous scenery, and get ready to create some wonderful memories in this amazing national park!

Entrance Fee

$35 for a 7-day vehicle pass

Other options, especially if you plan on visiting Utah’s other national parks, is an America the Beautiful Pass. It covers the entrance fees for over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all national parks. If you have a 4^th grader in your crew, also consider checking out Every Kid Outdoors to get a free National Park Pass instead!

Lodging

Located in the middle of the park, the historic Zion Lodge offers both hotel rooms and cabin options. Reservations can be made on their website: Zion National Park Lodge.

Springdale, located right near the park’s south entrance, has the closest hotel options outside the park. On this last trip, we were actually in southern Utah for several weeks. We stayed in Kanab and entered the park through the east entrance. It was really lovely having the Zion-Mt. Carmel Scenic Highway to ourselves every morning😉

If you plan on camping, there are three campgrounds inside the park: the Watchman Campground, South Campground, and Lava Point Campground. The South Campground is currently closed for renovations. The Watchman Campground is open year-round, and Lava Point Campground is open seasonally, typically May-September; both are reservation-only. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov up to six months in advance.

There are MANY camping options outside the park as well. For options near the south (main) entrance, check out the Springdale area. For options near the park’s east entrance, check out the areas of Glendale, Orderville, and Kanab.

Dining

There is a seasonal snack bar, Castle Dome Café, and one restaurant, The Red Rock Grill. Both food options are near the main lodge at Shuttle Stop 5. A menu and operating hours can be found here: Zion Lodge Dining.

For dining options outside the park, check out the cities of Springdale and St. George near the south entrance and Orderville, Glendale, and Kanab near the east entrance.

Know Before You Go

My best advice for visiting this park is to be very flexible and come with plenty of patience. It can get quite busy, and many areas are only accessible by shuttle. Additionally, numerous trails may be closed or are frequently prone to closures, leading to overcrowding on the remaining trails.
The earlier you start your day, the better. Even in spring, the Visitor Center parking lot often fills up well before 9 AM.
For this itinerary, you will need to take the park shuttle for days 3 and 4, March through November. You will need to park in the Visitor Center Lot and pick up the shuttle from there. If you are staying in Springdale, you can take the Springdale Shuttle to the main entrance and then walk over to the park shuttle. The park shuttle is free, and does not require a reservation. A park shuttle schedule can be found here: Zion Park Shuttle.
I recommend downloading an AllTrails map for any trails on this itinerary. (Want to check out AllTrails+? Use this link for a discount- AllTrails+.)
The Narrows and Angels Landing are both challenging in their own way and both require some preparation. I personally prefer The Narrows because #1 all of our family is able to hike it- I would not do Angels Landing with kids under 12- and #2 our crew LOVES water hiking.😊
Permits for Angels Landing can be obtained through either a seasonal or day-before lottery. You can apply for both types of permits at Recreation.gov. For more information about the lottery and details on specific application times and dates, please visit the Angel’s Landing Permit Information page.
If you want to skip the hassle of the park shuttle, consider renting an E-Bike through Zion Peddler!

4-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Watchman Trail–

Distance: 3.2 miles round-trip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 600+ ft

Let’s ease your way into Zion’s beautiful chaos by skipping the shuttle trails on day 1. The first trail of the trip begins right at the Visitor Center, which is the perfect place to grab maps and use the restrooms. It is best to hike this trail early—not only is the morning mountain fog stunning, but you’ll also have fewer crowds and more shade from the hot sun.

To begin the trail, head towards the shuttle loading area and follow signs for the Watchman Trail. You’ll follow a paved path that hugs the south side of the Virgin River. After walking along the river section, you will cross the park road one more time before heading into and up the mountain. As you maneuver your way up the rocky switchbacks, the views are absolutely stunning. Several areas will have drop-offs, so please use caution near the edge as you wind your way to the top. Once you have reached the top, there is a small loop trail. I highly recommend walking it. It’s likely to be empty, and I think the views of The Watchman are even better on the mostly deserted loop. After the loop, enjoy a few more glances at the stunning views from the ridge before winding your way back down the mountainside.

Zion-Mt. Carmel Scenic Drive

Next, jump in your car—I am sure there will already be a long line of vehicles desperately waiting for your spot—and head toward the main park road. You’ll turn right onto the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and follow that all the way to the Canyon Overlook Trailhead—the first parking area will be right after the tunnel. On the way, be sure to check out the views at Canyon Junction Bridge, The Great Arch, and the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. After the Canyon Overlook Trail, don’t miss the Checkerboard Mesa overlook. The entire drive from the Visitor Center to the Mt. Carmel Junction is 25 miles, one-way.

Canyon Overlook Trail

Distance: 1 mile round-trip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 100+ ft

Finding parking for this trail, especially if you have a larger vehicle, will be your biggest challenge of the day. Two parking areas and roadside parking are available, but both lots are quite small.

Once you find a parking spot, the trail begins at the stone stairs near the tunnel’s east entrance. Except for the steep climb at the beginning, the rest of the trail is relatively flat. However, many areas have steep drop-offs, so please exercise caution when hiking with young kiddos. Although there are guardrails, little ones can easily slip through the large gaps. I don’t want to discourage you from taking this hike, as it is generally easy, so much fun, and offers breathtaking views, but I do want you to be prepared. You will essentially be walking parallel to the tunnel you just drove through, and the final overlook provides absolutely spectacular views of the canyon below.

And that’s a wrap on Day 1😊

Day 2

Today’s adventures are in Zion’s Kolob Canyon section of the park. The Kolob Canyon entrance is off of I-15 N, about 38 miles north of Springdale.

Double Arch via Middle Fork Taylor Creek Trail

Distance: 5 miles round-trip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 600+ ft

The parking lot for the Taylor Creek Trailhead is located just 2 miles up the main park road from the Visitor Center, and restrooms are available at the trailhead. The most challenging part of this hike are the first ten minutes and the last ten minutes, where you’ll tackle a set of over 100 stairs. After that, the trail features some ups and downs but is mostly flat. You’ll follow the creek the entire way and cross it multiple times (50+ crossings), but even in April, it was easy to navigate the rocks without getting wet. Along the trail, you’ll pass by two historic cabins and a small waterfall before reaching the double arch. And, although it is not a true arch- just two vast recesses in the massive rock wall, it is no less impressive as you turn the canyon corner.

Keep in mind that this trail has very little shade; even in April, it can feel quite warm. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection. If you plan to spend some time near the double arch — which is where we had lunch — you might want to bring an extra layer, the area around the arch is significantly cooler than the rest of the trail.

Kolob Canyon Scenic Drive

Enjoy the next four miles and the many pull-offs as you drive up the canyon to the Timber Creek Overlook Trail. This drive is absolutely stunning and is worth the extra trek to this area alone!

Timber Creek Overlook Trail

Distance: 1.2 miles round-trip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 200+ ft

The last stop of the day is the Timber Creek Overlook Trail. The trail is located at the end of the Kolob Canyon Scenic Drive. There is a large parking area and restrooms are available at the trailhead. The trail is easy to follow and features some rocky sections with loose gravel, so I recommend wearing hiking shoes or boots, even though it’s a short hike. The views along the way are gorgeous, and this trail is particularly beautiful at sunset! 😊

Day 3

Today is a park shuttle day. Park in the Visitor Center lot and head to the shuttle loading area. Take the shuttle to the very end (Stop 9) for your first trail of the day.

Riverside Walk (Stop 9)

*only do this if you are NOT doing the Narrows on Day 4*

Distance: 2 miles round-trip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 100+ ft

To hike this trail, take the shuttle to Stop 9 – Temple of Sinawava. The path is paved, easy to follow, and suitable for all skill levels. This hike is one of the busier ones in Zion, so you’re unlikely to have the trail to yourself. Stop 9 does have restrooms available near the trailhead.

As you walk, you will follow the Virgin River and wind your way through the impressive canyon walls. Around the 1-mile mark, the path ends at the water’s edge, marking the beginning of the Narrows trail. Although this section of the canyon is not as narrow as the actual Narrows, it is an excellent option for those who are unable or prefer not to hike the Narrows itself.

Big Bend (Stop 8)

After the Riverside Walk, hop back on the shuttle and take it to Stop 8—Big Bend. This area is stunning and actually one of my favorite stops in Zion. I highly recommend taking the quick trail down to the water and enjoying the area before jumping back on the shuttle and heading to the next trail.

Shuttle Stop 8 does not have restrooms available.

Emerald Pools Trail (Stop 6)

Distance: 3 miles round-trip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 600+ ft

For the Emerald Pools Trail, jump off the shuttle at Stop 6. Stop 6 has restrooms and a very nice picnic area if you and your crew are ready for lunch. If not, head across the main road towards the bridge. The trailhead to the Emerald Pools is just on the other side of the bridge.

This trail will likely be crowded no matter what day or time you visit, but I’ve hiked it many times and still think the views are worth the navigating the crowds. This is a very popular trail in a very popular park (I want you to have realistic expectations), so if you are looking for solitude, I would probably skip this!

The trail begins with a climb up and around the cliffside, providing incredible views of the canyon along the way. After approximately 0.7 miles, the trail splits. Take the left path, navigating through the narrow rock passage and descending the numerous stairs. The signage in this area is decent, making it relatively easy to follow.

From this point, you can either continue down further or take in the view of Lower Emerald Pool from the overlook area. Although the waterfall and pools often reduce to just a trickle, the impressive rock walls surrounding the area remain a sight to behold. After enjoying the view, you’ll need to head back up all the stairs you just descended.

Once you return to the trail junction, head left toward Middle Pools, which is just 0.1 miles away. Continue over the rocks and a small stream, then veer up the stone stairs on your left before turning right toward Upper Pool. Again, the trail is well-marked, making it easy to navigate.

The hike up to Upper Pool is rocky and entirely uphill. Many hikers choose to turn back at Middle Pools, but I highly recommend pushing on to Upper Pool, which is truly worth the effort. Here, you’ll find a small waterfall spraying from a crack in the massive cliff wall. After enjoying the sights at Upper Emerald Pool, head back down the same way you came.

This trail can usually be hiked in a loop, but the bridge is out at Shuttle Stop 5, so for now, it must be hiked as an out-and-back.

Court of Patriarchs (Stop 4)

After the Emerald Pools Trail, hop on the park shuttle and take it to Stop 4—The Court of Patriarchs. A short paved path leads up to the overlook, where you can get a beautiful view of the three mountain peaks.

If you did not hike the Riverside Walk today and were up for a little more hiking, the Sand Bench Trail can be accessed just across the street from Shuttle Stop 4. From stop 4, the Sand Bench Trail is 4 miles round-trip with 700 ft of elevation gain.

Day 4: Choose Your Own Adventure

Option #1

The Narrows- Bottom-Up Route (Stop 9).

Distance: ~9 miles round-trip to Big Springs and back

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Trail Route: Strenuous

Elevation Gain: 700 ft

Do not hike this trail if rain is in the forecast, as this area is prone to deadly flash floods.

Here are my two top pieces of advice for this trail:

1. Start your day early. The return trip will likely be crowded no matter what time you head back, so getting an early start can help you enjoy some solitude on your way out. This will enhance your overall experience for the day.

2. Consider renting equipment, especially if you’re visiting in the spring when the water is freezing. Additionally, water levels tend to be higher in the spring, and starting early means the canyon air will still be cooler. You can find rental equipment at Zion Outfitters just outside the park.

To access the trail, park at the Visitor Center and take the park shuttle. Ride the shuttle to Stop 9, then head to the Riverside Walk Trailhead. The Riverside Walk is an easy, one-mile paved path that follows the Virgin River through the narrow canyon. The trail ends at the water’s edge, where you can continue right into the canyon towards Big Springs. Note that you cannot proceed past Big Springs without a permit.

This entire trail is stunning, and since it’s an out-and-back route, you can choose to turn around at any point. Even if you don’t go the full 4.5 miles, I think it’s worth hiking at least 1 mile into the canyon.

Be aware that water levels can fluctuate daily throughout the trail, varying anywhere from ankle-deep to chest-deep depending on your location in the canyon. If you’re looking for a longer hike, consider taking a side trip to Orderville Canyon, which can add an extra 2-3 miles onto your journey.

Option #2

Angels Landing (PERMIT REQUIRED, Stop 6)

Distance: 5.4 miles round-trip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Trail Route: Strenuous

Elevation Gain: 1500+ ft

Again, check out the extensive permit information page here: Angel’s Landing Permit. Keep your permit and ID with you the entire trail. Also, I do not recommend this trail for children under 12. If you have kids with you and two adults, hike up to Scout’s Landing with them and then trade off doing the spine section while the rest of the group rests at Scout’s Landing.

To access this trail, take the park shuttle, which requires parking at the Visitor Center. Once you are on the shuttle, get off at Stop 6—The Grotto. From the shuttle stop, cross the street and the Virgin River to reach the West Rim Trail.

You will continue uphill for 2 miles on the West Rim Trail, where you’ll briefly experience a cool respite in Refrigerator Canyon. After that, prepare yourself to tackle the challenging 21 switchbacks of Walter’s Wiggles. At the top of Walter’s Wiggles, you will find Scout Lookout and the beginning of the narrow spine portion of the trail. This section does have chains for support, but it’s important to note how steep and narrow the trail is, with significant drop-offs on either side. This trail is not recommended for inexperienced hikers or those faint of heart. But like all challenging treks, the view from the top is spectacular.

And that’s a wrap on Zion National Park!

I hope you have an incredible adventure!

Looking for another Utah itinerary? Check out our Arches 2 Day Itinerary!