One Day In Zion

Zion Canyon Visitor Center

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What To Know

Parking in Zion is limited, however there are a few lots throughout the park: 

- Visitor Center, Zion Human History Museum, Zion Nature Center Parking Lot, There is a Shuttle that runs throughout Zion. Make sure to get to the park early the lines for the shuttle get crazy busy! The first shuttle is at 7am and the last is at 7pm. 

See the below list of Shuttle Stops and highlights at each one: 

1. Zion Canyon Visitor Center– Watchman Trail, Pa’rus Trail

2. Zion Human History Museum– Bridge Mountain Arch (views), Altar of Sacrifice (views)

3. Canyon Junction– end of the Pa’rus Trail, river access

4. Court of the Patriarchs– Court of the Patriarchs (views), Sand bench Loop

5. Zion Lodge– Emerald Pools Trail, Zion Lodge

6. The Grotto– Kayenta Trail, West Rim Trail, Angel’s Landing (bathrooms, water fountain and picnic areas)

7. Weeping Rock– Deertrap Mountain, Cable Mountain, Hidden Canyon, East Rim Trail, Observation Point, Weeping Rock

8. Big Bend– Angel’s Landing (views), Great White Throne (views), river access

9. Temple of Sinawava– The Narrows, Riverside Walk (bathrooms, water fountain)

A Day In Zion 

We arrived at Zion around 8:30 and had no issue parking at the Visitor Center. We changed into our gear to hike the narrows (see more below), and hopped on the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava stop. The ride to the last stop is about 45 min. The ride is beautiful and there is informative audio that plays and points out viewpoints along the way.  

The Narrows

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Hiking The Narrows was the highlight of our day! We rented out gear from Zion Guru. They were so knowledgeable and helped us get the gear we needed to enjoy this wild hike.

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Emerald Pools Trail Parking

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If you're feeling up to it and managed to stay dry while hiking the narrows, stop at the Emerald Pools for a short hike!

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After the morning hikes, stop at the Zion Lodge for a quick bite and a drink! Then head back onto the shuttle to the Visitor Center, jump in the car and drive the Zion Park Blvd. to the Canyon Overlook Trail. This is a great drive with many turnoffs to see the wonderful views. 

Zion Overlook

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This is an easy one mile hike with great views of Zion Canyon, the Towers of the Virgin, and a slot canyon. There are two small parking lots and some spaces along the road.

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If you have extra time, or more energy then I did here are a couple other recommended hikes! 

- Weeping Rock- Shuttle stop 7 (easy ¼ mile round trip hike) 

- Pa’rus trail- Near canyon junction and visitor center, 3.5 mile in and out                            (paved) 

- The Watchman

- Kolob Canyons Viewpoint- at the end of Kolob Canyons Rd (parking lot here), Timber Creek Overlook Trail (1 mile)

        - Sadly this area was closed due to a rockfall when I was visiting Zion. 

Zion Checklist (Google Doc)

docs.google.com