2 Days in Zion National Park: Itinerary & Must-Know Tips
Zion National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why!
It was one of the first national parks I ever visited, and it’s what sparked my love for hiking and the outdoors.
With its massive red cliffs, narrow canyons, and iconic trails, Zion is a must-visit for anyone who loves hiking!
If you only have 2 days in Zion National Park, don’t worry, you can still see a lot.
Zion is one of the smaller national parks (it’s about 15 times smaller than Yellowstone), so it’s possible to hit the highlights even on a short trip.
This itinerary includes major hikes like Angels Landing (if you’re able to get a permit), the Narrows, and a few easier trails that don’t take up your whole day but still give you amazing views.
I will also go over how the shuttle system works, what to pack, where to stay, and other tips to help you plan your trip.
2 Days in Zion National Park Itinerary
With only 2 days in Zion National Park, I highly recommend starting your days early to avoid crowds and get a parking spot at the visitor center.
We visited in early October (Tuesday through Thursday) and got to the Zion Visitor Center between 6:30 AM and 6:45 AM each morning.
By 7:00 AM, the main parking lot was still open but filling steadily.
To be safe, try to arrive by 7:30 AM on weekdays and closer to 7:00 AM on weekends.
If the visitor center lot is full, your best option is to park in Springdale and either walk or take the Springdale shuttle into the park.
Most Springdale parking is paid, but we found a free lot behind Zion Pizza & Noodle Co with no signs restricting parking, so that area is worth checking out if spots are available.
Here is a map on where to park in Springdale.
If you’re staying at a hotel in Springdale, you could just leave your car at the hotel and either walk to the park entrance or take the Springdale shuttle!
Day 1: Scouts Landing, Angels Landing, and Par’us Trail
Breakfast & Coffee from Deep Creek Coffee Co
One of our favorite breakfast spots near the park was Deep Creek Coffee Company.
It’s located right in Springdale, just a 5-minute drive from the Zion Visitor Center.
They open at 6:00 AM, which worked out perfectly for our early starts.
Parking is pretty limited, they only have about six spaces, but we had no problem getting a spot when we showed up shortly after they opened.
The coffee and food here were great. We went here every morning during our trip!
You really can’t go wrong on what you get, but here a few things I had and recommend:
- Moki Smoothie
- Breakfast Burrito
- Bagel Sandwich
- Caramel Macchiato
- Vanilla Latte
- PB & Banana Toast
Hike to Scout’s Landing & Angels Landing (if you have the permit)
Angels Landing is one of Zion’s most iconic hikes, and for good reason.
Whether or not you have a permit for Angels Landing, the hike to Scout Lookout is absolutely worth adding to your 2 day Zion National Park itinerary.
The trail starts out relatively flat, then climbs steadily with a series of 21 tight switchbacks, known as Walter’s Wiggles.
They’re steep and do get your heart rate up, but you can easily take breaks to catch your breath and drink water as needed.
There’s a water fill-up station and restrooms at The Grotto (shuttle stop #6), so be sure to stop there before starting your hike since there is no water on the trail. There are some pit toilets at Scouts Landing.
We caught the second shuttle of the day at the visitor center and started the hike around 7:45 AM.
Starting early helped us avoid the crowds and hike in the cooler morning temperatures since there is almost no shade on the trail.
The trail was busy but not packed, and we saw people of all ages doing the hike, so while it’s challenging, it’s definitely doable for most people.
Scout Lookout is the turnaround point for anyone not continuing onto Angels Landing (the chains section), where a permit is required.
The views of Zion Canyon from Scouts Landing are incredible!
There’s plenty of space to take a break, eat a snack, and even explore a little further along the West Rim Trail, which is way less crowded and offers even more views.
Angels Landing Permit Info & Tips
If you want to hike the chained section to Angels Landing, you must have a permit.
We applied for the Day Before Lottery and were lucky to get a permit with a start time after 12:00 pm.
A few tips to improve your chances of getting an Angels Landing permit:
- You can select up to 7 different time slot choices so be sure to fill out all 7 to increase your chances.
- The before 9:00 AM slot is the most popular, but don’t forget to include mid-day or afternoon slots too. We chose 5 before 9:00 AM slots, one 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM slot, and one after 12:00 PM slot, and we got the after 12:00 PM slot.
- If you’re traveling with others, have each person apply to increase your chances.
- One permit can include up to 6 hikers.
- Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends. We got our permit for a Tuesday!
If you get a permit, be sure to screenshot or print the confirmation email.
Park rangers check for permits right before the chained section, and there’s no cell service up there to pull it up. Also be sure to bring your ID.
We ended up getting the after 12:00 PM time slot but were allowed to start around 11:45 AM. It probably depends on the park ranger and how busy it is.
While waiting for our start time, we explored more of the West Rim Trail and found a quiet spot to rest and take in the views.
If you’re waiting too, I highly recommend doing the same.
Starting the chains section, I felt both nervous and excited. The hike to Angels Landing is basically a narrow ridge walk with steep drop-offs on both sides, where you hold onto chains bolted into the rock for safety.
It’s only about half a mile each way, but definitely the most intense part of the hike. Some spots weren’t as scary as I expected, but others definitely got my heart racing.
Overall, it felt less intimidating than the videos I watched made it look.
Reaching the summit was an unforgettable moment! The views of Zion Canyon made all the effort worth it.
We stayed up there for a while, taking it all in before starting the hike back down.
I actually found the way back down slightly harder than going up, mainly because of the steepness. But by taking it slow and staying focused, we made it down safely without any issues.
➡️ Check out my blog post where I dive deeper into my Angels Landing experience and how I recommend preparing for the hike!
Take the Shuttle into Springdale for Lunch
After your hike, take the park shuttle back to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.
From there, you can either walk into town (it’s only about a 10-20 minute walk) or hop on the Springdale Shuttle, which picks you up just outside the park entrance and takes you into downtown Springdale.
This shuttle is completely free and stops at many of the restaurants and hotels in town.
Springdale has plenty of great lunch options, here are a few popular restaurants worth checking out:
- MeMe’s Cafe – A popular spot serving crepes (both sweet and savory), burgers, and salads. I liked their teriyaki burger!
- Whiptail Grill – A Southwestern-style restaurant located in a converted gas station. Try their tacos or the green chile cheeseburger!
- Oscar’s Cafe – A local favorite with large portions. They serve everything from enchiladas and burgers to salads and wraps. I liked their chicken and chorizo burrito!
- Zion Pizza & Noodle Co. – Perfect if you’re craving carbs after a hike. They offer pizza and pasta with great outdoor seating. I got their White Sun pizza, and it was good!
No matter where you choose, most places in Springdale are casual and hiker-friendly, so it’s totally fine to show up in your hiking gear.
Walk the Pa’rus Trail
If you’re looking for a relaxing walk or an easy sunset hike, the Pa’rus Trail is a great option.
It’s a flat, paved path that starts right from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, no shuttle required.
Just follow the signs near the visitor center, and you will easily find the trailhead.
This 3.5-mile round trip trail runs alongside the Virgin River, offering beautiful views and bridges to walk over.
It’s also the only trail in Zion that allows dogs and bikes.
We didn’t get the chance to do a sunset hike, but if you have time, this is one of the best spots in Zion to catch the sunset.
Tip: When we left the park around 4:00 – 4:30 PM on weekdays, the visitor center parking lot had several open spots. So if you’re arriving in the evening, there’s a good chance you’ll find parking without any trouble.
Dinner at Oscar’s Cafe
Oscar’s Cafe is a popular restaurant with big portions and outdoor seating.
It’s a casual place serving Tex-Mex, burgers, and sandwiches.
We got the chips with salsa & guacamole and the chicken & chorizo burrito. Both were good!
It was one of the pricier meals we had at around $60, but that is a tourist restaurant for you haha 😂.
Pick Up Narrows Rental Gear for Tomorrow
If you’re planning to hike The Narrows the next day, I recommend picking up your rental gear from Zion Outfitter the evening before.
They are conveniently located close to the Zion National Park entrance, which makes it easy to grab your gear the night before so you can head out early the next morning.
Evening rentals are available from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm the day before your hike.
We reserved our rental gear a couple days in advance through Zion Outfitter’s website, which made pickup easy.
Here’s what you will likely need:
- Canyoneering boots
- Neoprene socks
- Wooden walking stick
- Dry pants or dry bibs (depending on the water temperature, water level, and time of year)
Since we visited in October, we originally reserved the Dry Pants Package, but upon arrival, the staff let us know that water levels were chest high and dry pants would flood.
So, we upgraded to the Dry Bib Package for an additional $6 per person.
This package included dry bibs (like waterproof overalls), neoprene socks, sturdy water shoes, and a walking stick.
It was 100% worth it, especially since the water was around 50°F and came up to our chests in some spots (for reference, I’m 5’6”).
What to wear underneath: I wore leggings and a light crewneck sweatshirt under the bibs, and that kept me warm. I would also recommend bringing gloves since your hands can get pretty cold when they are wet and the sun hasn’t yet reached the canyon.
Pro tip: Start your hike around 8:00 AM to beat the crowds. When we turned around at 11:00 AM, there was a large crowd of hikers just getting started.
Day 2: Sunrise at Zion Canyon Overlook, The Narrows, & Watchman Trail
Watch the Sunrise at Zion Canyon Overlook
The Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is a short and easy hike that gives you a great view over Zion Canyon. I couldn’t believe how amazing the views were for such a short hike!
It’s one of the best spots to watch the sunrise in the park.
The trail is only 1 mile round trip and takes about 30 – 45 minutes.
There are a few short climbs up stairs and some drop-offs (but there are fences around them). The path is well-marked and manageable for most hikers.
Parking Tip: The main parking area is immediately to the right after exiting the Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel (if you’re coming from Springdale). Parking is limited, so plan to arrive around one hour before sunrise to get a spot. For example, in October the sun rises around 7:30 am, and we got there closer to 7:00 am and had to park farther down the road at a pullout.
The Narrows Hike
The Narrows is one of the most popular hikes in Zion and for good reason.
You’re hiking directly through the Virgin River, so your lower body will be in the water the majority of the time.
Most people hike a couple of miles, then turn around. We hiked for about 2 hours in and then 2 hours back out.
A common turnaround point is Wall Street, about 2 miles in.
To get there, take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to Stop 9 (Temple of Sinawava).
It takes about 45 minutes from the visitor center. From the shuttle stop, you will walk the paved Riverside Walk trail for about a mile, which is on dry land.
At the end, you will enter the river and begin the actual hike through the Narrows.
We brought our rental dry bibs with us and put them on once we got off the shuttle.
We hiked for about 4 hours total, turning around at Wall Street when the current got stronger.
Here is a map of the Narrows to see the iconic stops along the way, such as Wall Street.
Things to Know Before You Hike the Narrows
- Check the weather before you go. Flash floods are a serious risk in this area. Don’t hike if there’s any flood warning or potential of rain. You can check conditions here.
- If the flow rate of the Virgin River is over 150 CFS (cubic feet per second), the Narrows will be closed. Check river conditions here. This is most common in the Spring due to snow meltoff.
- Toxic cyanobacteria has been found in the river. Avoid getting water in your mouth and don’t submerge your head. Do not drink the water, even if filtered. Current info is available here.
- The water is cold year-round. In October, it was around 50°F. We rented the Dry Bib Package from Zion Outfitter, which included bibs, neoprene socks, water shoes, and a walking stick.
- Bring sandals or slides to leave in your backpack or car so you can change out of your wet shoes.
➡️ Make sure to read my blog post where I discuss more in-depth my experience hiking the Narrows in October!
Dinner at Zion Pizza & Noodle Co
After the Narrows, drop off your rental gear, change into dry clothes, and grab some food at Zion Pizza & Noodle Co.
They serve pizza, pasta, and salads, making it a great place to refuel after a long day of hiking the Narrows!
There’s a large outdoor patio that’s great in the warmer months.
Watchman Trail
If you still have some energy at the end of the day, the Watchman Trail is a great option for an easier hike or sunset hike.
It starts right behind the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, so there’s no need to get on the shuttle again.
This makes it especially convenient if you’re staying nearby or already parked at the visitor center.
The trail isn’t too difficult, making it a great way to get some hiking in after the Narrows without being too strenuous.
At the top, you will reach a viewpoint with a great look at Watchman Peak which is one of the iconic sights near the park entrance.
This trail is typically less crowded than some of Zion’s more famous hikes, which makes it a peaceful way to end the day.
If you’re hiking it for sunset, be sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight for the walk back, as it will get dark quickly after the sun sets.
➡️ If you have more time in Zion to do more hikes than I have listed, check out my blog post where I go over 10 of the best hikes in Zion National Park to find more trails!
Best Places to Stay Near Zion National Park
We booked our stay about two months before our trip, which limited our options.
Many hotels near Zion were already full or had higher prices.
To get better availability and rates, I recommend booking well in advance (4 to 6 months out).
Airbnbs Near Zion National Park
We stayed at this Airbnb in Virgin, which was about a 25-minute drive from the park entrance.
It was cheaper than staying in Springdale or inside the park and worked well for two people.
If you don’t mind the drive, this is a good budget option!
Springdale is the closest town to Zion National Park and the most convenient place to stay.
It’s right outside the park entrance, so you can walk in or take the free Springdale Shuttle to the Zion Visitor Center, where the Zion Canyon Shuttle starts.
Springdale also has the most restaurants and shops nearby but prices tend to be higher than other areas.
Best Hotels in Springdale
- SpringHill Suites – Mountain views, pool, and free breakfast
- Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton – Upscale riverside resort
- Hampton Inn & Suites – Free breakfast and outdoor pool
- Holiday Inn Express – Family-friendly hotel with scenic views
- Cable Mountain Lodge – Rustic-style lodge steps from the park entrance
- Desert Pearl Inn – Spacious rooms with kitchenettes
Tip: Staying in Springdale means you can walk or take the Springdale Shuttle to the park entrance. This avoids the hassle of finding parking at the Visitor Center, especially during busy times.
Check out this interactive map below for more places to stay in Springdale!
Staying Inside the Park: Zion Lodge
Zion Lodge is the only hotel inside the park and usually books out a year in advance.
It has a shuttle stop and a restaurant on site. Staying here is convenient but it requires early booking and a larger budget!
➡️ If you’re looking for an even more unique accommodation, check out my blog post where I discuss the 10 best places for glamping near Zion National Park!
Best Time to Visit Zion National Park
Fall (September – November)
Fall is my top pick for the best time to visit Zion National Park!
The weather is cooler, which makes hiking way more enjoyable.
Plus, the crowds start to thin out compared to summer, so you get more space on the trails.
Almost all the hikes are open, and the temperatures are comfortable, no extreme heat or icy trails to worry about.
Spring (March – May)
Spring is a close second!
The park looks great with all the greenery and waterfalls, and the temperatures are nice.
But The Narrows are often closed because of snowmelt causing high water levels.
So if hiking the Narrows is a must for you, keep that in mind.
Winter (December – March)
Winter is pretty quiet with fewer visitors, which is a plus.
The downside is some hikes, like Angels Landing, can be icy and dangerous.
Most trails stay open, but the cold weather might limit what you want to do.
Summer (June – August)
I would not recommend visiting Zion in the summer if you can avoid it.
It gets really hot, often over 90°F or even 100°F, which makes hiking less enjoyable and even unsafe during the day.
If you’re visiting in the summer, I recommend hiking early in the morning and later in the evening to avoid the intense heat and crowds.
The afternoons are a good time to take a break indoors to relax or swim at your accommodations if they have a pool!
Summer is the most popular time to visit Zion National Park though despite the hot weather so do be prepared for larger crowds.
Best Airport to Fly Into for Zion National Park
The best airport to fly into for visiting Zion National Park is Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas.
It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Zion and offers the most low-cost flight options and more affordable rental cars compared to other nearby airports.
We flew into Las Vegas and found the drive to Zion National Park to be easy and incredibly scenic.
The route takes you through the desert with mountain views. It’s a beautiful way to start your trip!
Tip: Be sure to fill up on gas and grab food before leaving Las Vegas. There aren’t many major towns along the road until you’re closer to Zion.
We grabbed lunch at Tacos El Gordo when we arrived in Las Vegas and stopped at PublicUs for breakfast on the way back (highly recommend the Death Cream if you like sweet coffee)!
Both spots were great, so definitely check them out if you’re looking for good food in Las Vegas!
Renting a Car for Zion National Park
To visit Zion National Park, you will need to rent a car, especially if you’re flying into Las Vegas.
We picked up our rental car at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and drove the 2.5 hours to Zion.
Once you’re in Springdale, you can leave your car at your hotel and use the Springdale Shuttle + Zion Shuttle system to get around the park.
If you plan to visit other parks like Bryce Canyon or the Grand Canyon, having your own car is essential.
We booked our rental car through Expedia and went with the cheapest option, which was Easirent.
This company is considered an off-site rental car company, meaning they aren’t located at the main rental car center.
After arriving at the Las Vegas Airport, we took the free airport shuttle to the rental car center, then waited for Easirent to send their separate shuttle to pick us up and take us to their lot.
Tip: Not all off-site rental companies run frequent shuttles. We waited about 45 minutes for ours, while other major companies had shuttles coming every 10 minutes.
We also ran into a surprise $25 out-of-state fee per day because Easirent doesn’t have a location in Utah.
This fee wasn’t disclosed when we booked through Expedia, so I recommend double-checking the fine print before booking with smaller off-site rental companies.
Overall, I don’t recommend Easirent, even though it was the cheapest option. The hidden fee and long shuttle wait made it more hassle than it was worth.
Zion National Park Packing List
Here’s what I recommend packing for 2 days in Zion National Park:
Must-Have Essentials
- National Park Pass or $35 entrance fee (which you can pay at the park)
- Permit for Angels Landing (if applicable)
- Trail maps (download offline on the AllTrails app)
- Daypack with hydration bladder or large water bottles
- Download Google Maps offline for easy navigation when you lose cell service
- Portable Phone Charger so your phone does not die while out hiking
Hiking Essentials for Zion
- Hiking Boots or Trail Shoes with good grip – These are my favorite hiking boots! They are sturdy and have never given me blisters. Make sure whatever shoes you bring have good grip on the bottom because the trails in Zion are sandy and rocky.
- Hiking Poles – optional, but helpful for some. We did not use these.
- Moisture-wicking clothes (avoid cotton) – Merino wool is a great clothing choice for hiking since it is moisture wicking and odor-free. UPF shirts with built-in sun protection are a plus!
- Hat, Sunglasses, & Sunscreen – These are essentials for hiking in the hot Utah sun!
- Snacks – Make sure to make a grocery run so you have snacks and food to bring with you on your hikes!
- Headlamp – if you’re hiking early in the morning or late in the evening
- Hiking Backpack – I love this backpack to wear while hiking to carry our snacks, water, clothing layers, sunscreen, and any other essentials. It is also folds down into a small bag, making it easy to fit in my suitcase!
What to Pack for the Narrows
- Quick-Dry Shorts/Pants or Leggings – I wore leggings under my dry bib while hiking the Narrows for extra protection against the cold water.
- Extra Socks and Shoes – I packed an extra pair of dry socks and shoes to change into after we were done hiking.
- Dry Bag for Electronics – We carried this hiking backpack while hiking the Narrows which carried our phones, snacks, and other essentials. Sometimes my husband had to carry this over his head when the water levels got high. For added protection, I recommend putting your phone into a dry bag.
Organizational Items for Packing
- Packing Cubes – Love these to save space in my luggage and organize my clothes!
- Hard Shell Suitcase – I am team hard shell over soft shell any day! It keeps its shape when packed to the brim unlike soft shell ones.
- Travel Backpack – My go-to personal item! It opens up like a mini suitcase and fits so much while still fitting under the airplane seat. I have the XL size.
- Toiletry Bag – I LOVE this toiletry bag! It fits all my toiletry items into one bag, and you can hang it on the bathroom door if you have minimal counter space.
Things to Know Before Visiting Zion National Park
Parking at Zion National Park
If you’re driving into Zion, get there early, especially during peak season.
The main parking lot at the Zion Visitor Center often fills up by 8:00 AM, and once it’s full, you will need to park in Springdale and take the Springdale Shuttle to the park entrance.
With only two days in Zion National Park, starting your mornings early is key to beating the crowds and getting a parking spot at the visitor center.
We visited in early October (Tuesday through Thursday) and arrived at the Zion Visitor Center between 6:30 and 6:45 AM each day.
By 7:00 AM, the lot was still open but filling up quickly.
To play it safe:
- Arrive by 7:30 AM on weekdays
- Aim for closer to 7:00 AM on weekends
If the visitor center lot is full, your next best option is to park in Springdale and either walk or take the free Springdale Shuttle into the park.
Most parking in Springdale is paid, but we did find a free lot behind Zion Pizza & Noodle Co with no signage restricting parking – a great option if spots are available.
Here is a map on where you can park in Springdale.
Zion National Park Shuttle System
From March through late November, Zion uses a mandatory shuttle system to reduce traffic.
You cannot drive your car on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during these months.
Shuttles run from:
- Visitor Center (Stop #1) to
- Temple of Sinawava (Stop #9)
They come every 5–10 minutes. It’s free and easy to use.
You just park your car at the Visitor Center and then will take the shuttle into the park.
Angels Landing Permit
If you want to hike the chained section of Angels Landing, you need to apply for a permit through the NPS lottery.
You can either apply several months in advance, or do the day-before lottery.
You don’t need a permit to hike to Scout Lookout, so if you don’t get the Angels Landing permit still do the hike to Scout Lookout. It is 100% worth it!
Zion National Park Entrance Fee
Zion National Park charges $35 per vehicle (good for 7 days). See the entrance fee information here.
If you plan on visiting more national parks this year, the America the Beautiful Annual Pass is $80 and covers entry to all U.S. national parks for an entire year.
If you’re planning on visiting all 5 of the national parks in Utah, then you should purchase the America the Beautiful Annual Pass to save money.
➡️ If you’re planning on visiting Bryce Canyon, make sure to check out my blog post where I compare Bryce Canyon vs. Zion National Park and provide a sample itinerary!
Final Thoughts on 2 Days in Zion National Park
Two days in Zion National Park may not seem like much, but with an early start and a solid itinerary, you can experience some of the park’s most iconic hikes!
From the challenge of Angels Landing to the scenic Pa’rus Trail and the unique hike through the Narrows, this itinerary covers a good mix of what Zion has to offer.
I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your time in the park and takes the stress out of planning.
Zion is a place worth coming back to, whether it’s your first trip or a return visit!
Be sure to read my other blog posts about my trip to Zion National Park!
- 10 Best Hikes in Zion National Park for Every Type of Hiker
- Hiking the Narrows in October: My Experience & Tips
- Bryce Canyon vs. Zion National Park Comparison [Includes Sample Itinerary]
- The Ultimate Travel Guide on Antelope Canyon to Zion National Park
- The Top 10 Best Places for Glamping Near Zion National Park
- My Experience Hiking Angels Landing + Tips to Prepare
- A 5-Day Zion National Park Itinerary: The Best of Zion
