Towering red rock walls, lush canyon floors, and some of the most exhilarating hikes in the U.S.—Zion National Park is a place that stays with you. Whether you’re climbing chain-assisted cliffs, wading through river canyons, or simply watching the sun light up the rocks at dusk, Zion is packed with moments that stop you in your tracks.
Here’s your guide to exploring Zion like a pro: where to stay, what to eat, how to get around, and the iconic experiences you can’t leave without checking off.
How Long Should You Stay?
You can get a solid taste of Zion in 2-3 days, but if you’re planning to hike Angel’s Landing and the Narrows, plus explore beyond the main sights, we recommend 3-4 full days. We spent five nights and loved having the flexibility to explore more hikes at our own pace, enjoy a few slow mornings, and really immerse ourselves in the park.
Where to Stay
Springdale
The charming town of Springdale is literally at Zion’s doorstep. We stayed at an Airbnb here and would 100% recommend it—easy walking distance to shops, restaurants, and the park entrance. Whether you’re grabbing coffee before a morning hike or strolling to dinner after sunset, staying in Springdale makes everything feel effortless.
- Cliffrose Lodge – Just steps from the entrance. Upscale rustic vibes, beautiful riverside setting, and a great base for early morning hikes.
- Cable Mountain Lodge – Location, location, location. You can walk to the visitor center and beat the crowds to the shuttles.
- Desert Pearl Inn – Spacious rooms, mountain views, and a relaxed, boutique feel. The pool is a major bonus after a long hike.
Camping
- Watchman Campground – Inside the park and walkable to the visitor center. Book well in advance.
- South Campground – Also inside the park, this one is first-come, first-served early in the season. Go early!
How to Get Around
From March through late fall, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles—which means you’ll be using the park shuttle or biking. Thankfully, shuttles run every 5 minutes and are efficient.
Renting Electric Bikes
One of the best impromptu decisions we made—and one we’d absolutely recommend to anyone visiting Zion—was renting e-bikes in Springdale. It’s such a fun, immersive way to experience the park. With no private cars allowed on the scenic drive, you’re free to cruise through the canyon in complete silence, surrounded by towering cliffs and birdsong instead of traffic.
We rented from Zion Cycles, which had a great selection and offered XS frame sizes (a must for this 5’1″ traveler!). We went with bikes that had gear shifts, which felt more natural and closer to traditional biking than the high-torque cruiser options—but it really depends on your style. A half-day rental (4 hours) gave us plenty of time to explore at our own pace and stop for photos, snacks, and those moments where you just have to pull over and take it all in.
Must-Do Hikes
Angel’s Landing
This is the park’s crown jewel—and for good reason. The final stretch of this hike is not for the faint of heart. It involves clinging to chains while navigating a narrow ridge with drop-offs on both sides. But the views? Next-level.
- Distance: 5.4 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft
- Permit Required: Yes, via seasonal lottery on Recreation.gov
- Tip: Do this early in the morning to avoid both the crowds and the heat.
The Narrows
A true bucket list hike—and it lived up to the hype. This hike takes you through the Virgin River, surrounded by canyon walls up to 1,000 feet tall.
We rented our gear from Zion Guru and were so glad we did. The waders kept us dry, and the booties (with socks underneath) made a huge difference in comfort. We debated getting dry suits but found them unnecessary—and the water wasn’t high enough to float back. The walking stick was absolutely essential for stability; the riverbed is full of slippery sandstone and hidden rocks. Mark even took an unexpected plunge!
- Distance: We did a 16-mile round trip to Big Springs and back—beyond the famous “Wall Street” section until the water was too deep to go further.
- Duration: Took us about 8 hours with a short lunch break. We made hot coffee/tea when we got back to Wall Street and it felt downright luxurious.
- Pro Tips: Bring a waterproof backpack, snacks, and check flash flood warnings before you go. The light filtering through the canyon walls creates unreal photo ops—it’s a photographer’s dream.
Watchman Trail
A sleeper hit for sunset. This moderate trail offers amazing views of the valley, which turns to soft pastels as the sun dips and fiery orange as it hits the canyon walls.
- Distance: 3.7 miles roundtrip
- Time: 2–2.5 hours
- Best Time: Sunset, hands down. One of the most peaceful and awe-inspiring moments of our trip.
Pine Creek Overlook
A lesser-known gem that’s easy and accessible. It has everything: a bridge, a cave-like overhang, and a sweeping vista. We did this one for sunrise. It was cold and windy, but watching the sun hit the red rock and light up the canyon was absolutely worth it.
Keyhole Canyon
This isn’t an official trail but we scrambled up a nearby rock formation and found a quiet perch with insane views. Totally unplanned and totally worth it.
Where to Eat
- Oscar’s Cafe – Big portions, strong margaritas, and tons of hiker-friendly fare. Their sweet potato tamales are iconic.
- King’s Landing Bistro – A more upscale spot with stunning views and seasonal dishes. Great for a post-hike date night.
- Camp Outpost Co. – Casual and fresh with great salads, sandwiches, and an outdoor vibe.
- Deep Creek Coffee – Your go-to for breakfast burritos, smoothies, and good espresso before a long day in the park.
- Whiptail Grill – Mexican fusion in a converted gas station. Don’t skip the goat cheese chile relleno.
- Zion Pizza & Noodle Co. – Great pizza and local beers, plus a fun shop next door to browse while you wait.
- Zion Canyon Brewpub – Laid-back brews and hearty fare. Try the elk burger.
Travel Tips
- Save on Park Fees: If you’re visiting more than 3 days, consider buying the $70 annual pass instead of paying $20 per person per day—it pays for itself fast.
- Visit in Shoulder Season: We went in late March and loved it—cooler temps, fewer crowds, and everything felt more peaceful.
- Shuttles Are Efficient: They run every 5 minutes. We never had to wait.
- Hydration is Everything: It’s the desert. Bring more water than you think you need.
- Download Maps Offline: Cell service is spotty once you’re in the park.
- Bring Layers: Temps swing hard between morning and afternoon, especially as you’re hiking.
- Mobility Friendly: Even if you’re not hiking, the shuttle ride through the canyon is stunning and worth it on its own.
- Souvenirs: Zion Outfitters has the best souvenir shirts—great designs, high-quality fabric, and a wide selection.
We clocked 40 miles of hiking in 4 days, snapped 2,853 photos on our big camera alone, and would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Zion is one of those places that makes you feel small in the best way possible. It’s humbling, exhilarating, and completely unforgettable.
See you on the trail.
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