The Best Zion Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors
Zion National Park truly blew my mind when we visited here a few months ago. The Red Rocks, Canyons, mountains and valleys was all just absolutely incredible. I want to help you make your Zion trip as amazing as possible too!
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a casual hiker, or just someone who wants to soak in the views, there’s something for everyone in Zion. Here’s everything I learned during my visit to Zion and what I want to share with you to help make your first time as easy and fun as possible!
🏔️ Angel’s Landing: One of the Best Experiences of my Life
Let’s start with Angel’s Landing. This trail is probably the most famous (and infamous) hike in the park. This trail is not for the faint of heart, but if you are brave enough to conquer it, it will truly change your life.
- Distance: 5.4 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: ~1,500 feet
- Time Needed: 3–5 hours
- Permit Required: Yes – apply for the lottery in advance on recreation.gov ( I reference this in my Angel’s Landing article below)
The first half is a steady uphill climb with a bunch of switchbacks. There are 21 of them towards the end to be exact. Don’t be upset if you have to stop and catch your breath at times, I had to do that a bunch and make sure I’m refueling and drinking water. It’s a tough climb but you got to keep pushing.
Then comes the real challenge: You can either stop at the summit of “Scout’s Lookout”, rest and take in the views there and then hike back down, or if you have the permit, you can hike through the “Chain Section”
The last half-mile is along a narrow ridge with sheer drop-offs on both sides. You’re literally holding onto chains bolted into the rock.
The hike is not as daunting as it seems when you’re doing it and the views are absolutely incredible. Not sure if you should do the hike or not? Check out my article on that here.
Yes, that is the Angel’s Landing trail you would hike up. The chains are very secure. It was very steep, but wow does it give you the biggest natural high you’ll ever experience.
💧 The Narrows: Hiking Through a River
This is hands-down one of the most unique hikes you’ll ever do. Instead of walking next to the river, you’re actually hiking in it and surrounded by towering canyon walls.
- Distance: Up to 9.4 miles round-trip (but go as far as you want and turn around)
- Trailhead: Temple of Sinawava (via the shuttle) It’s about a mile walk to the actual start of the narrows trail
- Gear You’ll Need: You can rent all this equipment at several stores right by the visitor center in Springdale.
- Water shoes or hiking boots you don’t mind soaking
- A walking stick for balance (the rocks are slippery!)
- Dry pants or a dry suit in cooler months (can rent in Springdale)
Tip: Start early to avoid crowds and to have better lighting inside the canyon. This hike is all about the experience, just take your time and enjoy it.
This truly is one of the most unique hikes in the country and even the world. The water can get very deep, but again what’s great is you can go as far as you want and turn back whenever. The whole experience of hiking it with other people is very cool and unique!
More Awesome Trails in Zion
Angel’s Landing and The Narrows are the two “MUST-DO” trails in the park. However if you’ve already done them and looking to hike some more, check out some of these other hidden gem trails:
🥾Emerald Pools Trail
This is a Zion classic and perfect for families or anyone looking for a beautiful, moderate hike. There are three parts to the trail: Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools. You can choose how far to go depending on your time and energy level.
- Distance: About 1.2 miles to the Lower Pool, 2 miles round trip to the Middle Pool, and about 3 miles round trip to the Upper Pool
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Waterfalls, shady alcoves, and (in spring and early summer) lush vegetation. The upper pool sits in a gorgeous rock amphitheater.
Tip: Go early or later in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
🥾Canyon Overlook Trail
This trail is short but packs a punch. It’s located just outside the east entrance of the Zion Mount Carmel Tunnel and gives you breathtaking views of Zion Canyon without much climbing.
- Distance: About 1 mile round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Sweeping views, cool rock formations, and a few narrow sections with railings for safety. Great for sunrise or sunset.
Note: Parking is very limited near the trailhead, so go early to snag a spot.
🥾Pa’rus Trail
This is the most accessible trail in Zion, and it’s perfect for strollers, wheelchairs, or just a relaxing walk or bike ride.
- Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Paved path, river views, and just a nice relaxing hike for people of all ages and abilities
Tip: Dogs are allowed on this trail (on a leash), making it the only pet-friendly trail in Zion Canyon.
Looking for More of an Adventure? (Affiliate Links)
Take a Guided Sunset Jeep tour of the park for an experience not many others can have.
Coming in from Vegas? Short on time? Take a day trip tour from Vegas to Bryce Canyon and Zion! Don’t have a car? No problem as this tour will pick you up!
For a guided canyon hike and UTV adventure in Zion, check out this tour!
If you’re looking to explore more of the park but your legs are sore from hiking, take a guided E-Bike Tour to see all the park from the ground! It’s truly breathtaking just walking and biking through the park as cars are not allowed in aside from Shuttles
🚌 Using the Shuttle System: What You Need to Know
Cars aren’t allowed inside the main Zion Canyon from spring through fall, so you’ll be relying on the shuttle system, which is honestly super easy once you get the hang of it.
Don’t make the mistake we did driving into the parking lot and trying to find a spot. Cost us a lot of time. Opt for the shuttle instead.
🟢 Springdale Shuttle
If you’re staying in town, hop on the Springdale shuttle (free) that takes you to the Zion Visitor Center. Buses re constantly running all day and the stops are clearly marked, so don’t worry about missing one.
🔴 Zion Canyon Shuttle
From the Visitor Center, take the Zion shuttle into the park. It has 9 stops, including the trailheads for The Narrows, Angel’s Landing, Emerald Pools, and more. this is the ONLY way you can access the trails, this is something we did not know before hand, but it’s very easy to get the hang of.
Tips:
- Angel’s Landing is stop 6
- The Narrows Trail is stop 9
- Shuttles run every 5–10 minutes
- No reservations needed
- Get there early as the first few shuttles beat the crowds!
🏡 Staying in Springdale: Your Base Camp for Zion
Springdale is the town right outside Zion’s gates, and it’s the perfect place to stay. You can literally walk from your hotel to the park entrance.
Looking for a more in-depth guide to Springdale? Check out the article on that here
Great Places to Stay:
- Cliffrose Lodge – Beautiful riverside location with views of the cliffs
- Cable Mountain Lodge – Practically steps from the park
- Zion Park Motel – A solid budget-friendly option
- Under the Eaves Inn (Where we stayed) – This is basically just like renting a small room. We got a bed and a bathroom and it was honestly perfect for us. Not too expensive and close to everything. Not like you’re going to be in the room much anyways. You also get free breakfast vouches to Oscar’s Cafe which is right next door.
Where to Eat:
- Oscar’s Cafe – Amazing breakfast, service was very fast, eggs and pancakes were delicious and I am not exaggerating when I say it might be the best coffee I’ve ever had.
- Switchback Grille – More mountain views, great southwest food
- Zion Brewery – Right by the visitor center. Great for a post-hike beer and burger with a view
📝 Final Tips for Visiting Zion
Here are a few extra tips I picked up that made the trip smoother:
- Utilize the Shuttles: See your nearest bus stop and plan ahead for it.
- Hydrate Like Crazy: It gets HOT, especially in summer. We brought liquid IV’s, Gatorade, water packs, granola bars, and tons of sugary snacks. (Link to waterpacks here) HIGHLY recommend getting one if you don’t have one already
- Use Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen are a must.
- UPF and Dri-Fit Shirts – These are also a MUST for men and women. Lightweight, sun-protection and quick dry. (Click the link to check out some of my favorites)
- Book Lodging Early: Springdale fills up fast, especially in peak months (March–October).
- Take Breaks: It’s easy to overdo it, especially with the elevation and heat. Take frequent breaks, don’t overdue it and don’t push yourself too hard. Most people that need medical attention here pass out from dehydration, not from the trail itself.
UTAH PACKING LIST – What to wear and bring
Final Thoughts
Zion truly blew me away and I hope this guide helps you make the most of your first visit. Whether you’re conquering Angel’s Landing or wading through the waters of the Narrows, there’s no wrong way to experience this incredible park.
This is truly a National park that I think everyone needs to experience at least once in their life. Even if you’re not a big hiker, it’s not far from Vegas and definitely worth a visit.
Have a Utah National Park Road Trip? Click the link here to see exactly how we visited all of Utah’s National Parks in less than a week without missing a thing!