1 Day in Zion: How to See it All

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We were very fortunate to be able to spend several days in Zion on our most recent Utah family vacation. However, not everyone has that luxury. If you’re limited on time or just passing through, there’s still plenty you can see in just one day. I’ve come up with some itinerary options if you’re spending just 1 day in Zion.

If you only have 1 day in Zion, you’ll definitely want to hit the park’s most iconic spots. Zion is a stunningly beautiful place with dramatic rock formations, lush canyons, and towering cliffs. You won’t want to miss its highlights.

Is Zion Good For Kids?

Yes! Zion National Park is one of the best national parks for kids. If your 1 day in Zion is with kids, check out this list of the best things to do with kids in Zion. Otherwise, this one-day Zion itinerary allows you to maximize your time and experience the park’s best.

Where Should We Stay Near Zion?

Check out this list of the best places to stay near Zion. Whether you’re camping or looking for a lodge, I have several great options listed for you.

Morning: Scenic Drive OR One of the Longer Adventure Hikes

• Start early to avoid crowds and catch the early morning light on the canyon walls. Sunrise in Zion is a beautiful time to experience the park, especially if you’re visiting in spring or fall when temperatures are cooler.
• Scenic Drive: Start with a drive or shuttle ride along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. This 6-mile stretch is the main road through Zion Canyon. And you’ll get fantastic views of the towering cliffs. Note that in peak seasons (typically March to late November), the Scenic Drive is only accessible by the park shuttle, but in the winter months, you can drive it yourself.
• You can choose to stop at viewpoints like Court of the Patriarchs, Big Bend and The Grotto. These spots are perfect for photos and provide sweeping views of the iconic red rock formations.

Adventurous Hike: The Narrows or Angel’s Landing

Zion has a couple of world-famous hikes, and even if you’re spending just 1 day in Zion, you can definitely get some good hikes in. Many of the hikes in Zion are relatively short.

• The Narrows (5-8 hours, 9.4 miles round trip): If you’re up for an adventure, start with The Narrows (a slot canyon hike through the Virgin River). The hike can be shorter if you don’t want to do the full route, and you can turn around at any point. Since you only have 1 day in Zion, you may want to just do a few miles to see the beauty of the slot canyon, but without taking up your entire day.
• In the morning, the river tends to be quieter, and the canyon’s beauty is amazing.
  • What to know:
    • The river can be cold and fast, and there can be flash floods during monsoon season (usually July to September), so check weather conditions before you go.
    • You can rent gear to wear (bibs or dry suits), neoprene socks, boots and a stick just outside the west entrance to the park. This gear should definitely be worn in the colder months. We went in November and the water temp was 42 degrees.
• Angel’s Landing (3-4 hours, 5.4 miles round trip): If you prefer a more strenuous, but iconic, trail, Angel’s Landing is one of Zion’s most famous hikes. It involves steep, switchbacking paths and sections with chains to help you navigate exposed ledges.
  • What to know:
    • This hike now requires a permit. Your permit will be good for either before 9am, between 9-12 or after 12. That will determine where this fits into your day if you choose to do this hike. You can apply for a permit on recreation.gov.
  • This hike is challenging and can be dangerous, especially if you’re afraid of heights. But the panoramic views from the top are unmatched.
  • Do not attempt to do this hike in the rain. The chains and ground will be slippery, and people have died from falling off the cliffs.

Alternative Hikes: Riverside Walk and Emerald Pools Trail

If you prefer a shorter and more relaxed hike after your scenic drive, these are some good options:

• Riverside Walk (2 miles round trip, 1 hour): This easy, paved trail follows the Virgin River and leads to the beginning of The Narrows. It’s a beautiful walk, especially in the morning when the air is cool and the light is soft.
• Lower Emerald Pool Trail (1.2 miles round trip, 1 hour): If you’re looking for a moderate hike with a bit of shade and the chance to cool off, the Lower Emerald Pools Trail is perfect. It takes you to a small waterfall and a pool at the base of the canyon. There are actually 3 pools, each about .2-.4 miles apart, so it’s easy to see them all in one hike.

1 Day in Zion – Afternoon: East Zion & Kolob Canyons

If you did a long hike this morning, you may enjoy doing the scenic canyon drive in the afternoon. However, the above hikes I mentioned are in Zion Canyon, so you may feel like you saw enough just by driving to those trailheads. Here are a couple other scenic drives I recommend.

• Kolob Canyons: If you’re interested in seeing more remote and less crowded sections of Zion, drive 20 minutes north to Kolob Canyons. This area offers stunning views and short trails like the Taylor Creek Trail (5 miles) and Timber Creek Overlook (a 1-mile, easy hike).
• East Entrance: It’s a 12-mile drive to from the west entrance to the east entrance of Zion. Driving to the east entrance was absolutely stunning. It looks completely different than the west side of the park–it looks straight out of Cars Land. There are lots of big horn sheep on that side of the park, and lots of short hikes you can take. You also drive through two tunnels–one that is 1-mile long!

Evening: Watchman Trail and Sunset

• Watchman Trail (3.3 miles round trip, 2 hours): If you still have energy, the Watchman Trail provides great panoramic views of Zion Canyon and is one of the best places for sunset. The trailhead is near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
• Sunset at Canyon Junction Bridge or The Watchman: To end your day, head to the Canyon Junction Bridge, which offers a classic view of the Watchman peak, often lit up in warm colors at sunset. Alternatively, you can watch the sun dip behind the canyon walls from various vantage points along the Scenic Drive or near the Watchman.

Additional Tips For a Successful 1 Day in Zion

• Stay hydrated: Zion can get very hot, especially in the summer months. Bring plenty of water.
• Plan ahead: Zion’s shuttle system is essential in the busy seasons, so check shuttle schedules if you’re visiting from March through November. If you have only 1 day in Zion, you don’t want to spend most of it waiting in lines for the shuttle.
• Wear sturdy shoes: Some trails, especially Angel’s Landing and The Narrows, require appropriate footwear.
• Have the right hiking gear: Besides good hiking shoes, you’ll also want to make sure you have comfortable hiking attire. I recommend dressing in layers as well.

This itinerary packs in Zion’s highlights in a single day while giving you the flexibility to adjust based on your hiking preferences and fitness level!

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