A Guide to the Perfect Zion Getaway: Trails, Tips & Must-Sees

Beautiful viewpoint at the end of the Canyon Overlook Trail

Getting around Zion National Park

I recommend staying in Springdale for the easiest access to Zion National Park. The town has a free local shuttle system that stops at various points throughout Springdale and ends right at the park entrance. From there, you’ll need to enter the park and hop on Zion’s internal shuttle system, which takes you to all the major trailheads and viewpoints.

There are only limited areas in the park where you can drive your own car, and most of the popular hikes—including Angels Landing and The Narrows—are only accessible by shuttle.

The famous Zion Tunnel & scenic drive

If you’ve spent any time on social media, you’ve probably seen the famous tunnel in Zion National Park with its breathtaking views as you exit. This tunnel is located on Zion–Mount Carmel Highway.

• Pro tip: If you are coming from Springdale, the best views are actually on the way toward Springdale, not when you first enter the tunnel!

You’ll need to take this scenic road and tunnel to reach one of my favorite hikes in the park: Canyon Overlook Trail.

Canyon Overlook Trail

Canyon Overlook Trail is considered an easy-to-moderate hike at just 1 mile round trip, making it perfect for all skill levels. The trail leads about half a mile out to a stunning overlook with panoramic views of the entire canyon below. From up top, you can even see the winding road and mountain you just drove up.

The hike is relatively flat, but keep an eye on your footing—some sections are rocky, and parts of the trail run along the cliff’s edge without railings. If you’re lucky, you might spot mountain goats or deer along the way (we saw a few goats lounging in the shade during our visit!).

I recommend doing this hike on your first day to kick off your trip with both a scenic drive and a rewarding view. Plus, since it’s short, it’s a great option even if you’re arriving later in the day.

Angels Landing: Zion’s most famous (and feared) hike

The most famous—and arguably most thrilling—hike in Zion National Park is Angels Landing. To hike it, you’ll need a permit, which can be applied for on the Zion National Park website. These permits are competitive, so don’t wait until the last minute!

Angels Landing is an extremely strenuous and challenging hike, not for the faint of heart. Much of the trail runs along narrow cliffs. There are chains to hold on to for support. I can’t recommend enough that you do your research and know your limits before attempting this hike. And if you decide to skip it—don’t feel bad! I personally chose not to do it, and I have zero regrets.

The West Rim Trail to Scout’s Lookout

To reach the base of Angels Landing, you’ll first hike along the West Rim Trail to Scout’s Lookout. This trail begins at Shuttle Stop #6 and is about 5 miles round trip with roughly 1,500 feet of elevation gain. It’s considered a difficult hike, but much less intimidating than Angels Landing itself.

The trail is mostly paved or covered in gravel, making it relatively easy to walk on, and it’s wide enough for plenty of safe footing. There are several shaded spots to rest along the way—and trust me, you’ll want to take advantage of them! Be sure to bring plenty of water, as there are no refill stations along the trail.

This ended up being the most challenging but rewarding hike of our trip. Take your time, enjoy the climb, and don’t rush—the views along the trail are absolutely breathtaking. Honestly, I think the scenery during the hike is even better than the lookout itself!

One of the many scenic areas during my hike on West Rim Trail

The Narrows: A one-of-a-kind hike through water

Another can’t-miss experience in Zion is The Narrows, one of the park’s most famous and unique hikes. This trail actually takes you through the Virgin River, which winds through the towering canyon walls—making it unlike any other hike I’ve done.

Be prepared: the water is cold (even in summer!) and can flow quickly in certain areas. Good footwear is essential—you’ll want to pack sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support, or you can rent gear in Springdale before heading into the park. Even if you have your own shoes, I highly recommend renting walking sticks to help with balance and stability in the river. Some great spots to rent shoes and sticks include Zion Guru and Zion Outfitters, but if you only need walking sticks, Zion Peddler offers the most affordable option.

Certain sections of the hike can reach waist- to shoulder-deep water, so pack light and avoid bringing anything you don’t want to get wet. I recommend investing in a waterproof phone case and a small dry bag or waterproof backpack that can also hold water for drinking.

One of the best parts about The Narrows is that you can go as far as you want and simply turn around when you’re ready. Just be sure to plan for everything you’re wearing to get soaked, and bring spare shoes for your next day of hiking.

A unique viewpoint from inside the canyon while hiking the Narrows

Things to do in Zion (besides hiking)

If you’re not in the mood to hike—or just want a break between trails—there are plenty of other ways to enjoy Zion and the surrounding area! Start by exploring Springdale, the charming town right outside the park entrance. Wander through local shops, stop for coffee or ice cream, and take in the breathtaking red rock views that surround you.

Inside the park, there’s also a lodge with several restaurants where you can enjoy a meal outdoors or even have a picnic on the grassy areas nearby. It’s the perfect spot to relax and soak in the scenery.

E-bike rentals are one of the most popular non-hiking activities in Zion—and for good reason! They’re a fun and easy way to explore the park at your own pace, including areas that cars can’t access. There are several places in Springdale where you can rent e-bikes, but I recommend booking ahead, especially during busy months. Check out Zion Peddler or Zion Cycles for rental info and reservations.

Enjoy riding E-bikes on the main street in Zion National Park

Once you’re in the park, you can bike along the scenic road, stopping at viewpoints or trailheads along the way. Two great, easy hikes accessible by e-bike are Lower Emerald Pool Trail and Watchman Trail—perfect short stops to stretch your legs and enjoy the views.

One of my favorite activities near Zion is actually about 45 minutes outside the park: Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. We booked a UTV and sandboarding tour with Roam, and it was such an incredible experience.

I highly recommend doing this adventure at sunset, when the sand dunes glow in shades of pink and orange—it’s absolutely stunning. It’s also a fun way to switch things up and enjoy nature from a totally different perspective. Just a heads up: you will get dirty, but it’s totally worth it!

Sunset at the beautiful Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Planning

Not sure what to do on which days? Don’t worry—that’s one of the trickiest parts of planning a Zion trip!

My top recommendation is to do Watchman Trail or Angels Landing either early in the morning or after 2–3 pm during the summer months to avoid the intense midday sun. Both hikes can get hot and crowded, so timing makes a big difference in comfort and overall experience. For The Narrows, plan to head straight back to your hotel afterward to change into dry clothes—you’ll get wet, and no one wants to spend the rest of the day in soggy shoes. I actually did The Narrows and Coral Pink Sand Dunes on the same day, which was a perfect way to enjoy both without feeling rushed.

• Unless you’re an experienced mountain driver, I don’t recommend driving through Zion National Park at night. The park’s roads are narrow and winding, taking you up and down steep mountain terrain with limited lighting. Many stretches of road have no guardrails, and visibility can be challenging after dark. To stay safe, it’s best to plan your drives during daylight hours and only drive if you’re fully comfortable with mountain conditions.

• If you plan on visiting multiple national parks this year, be sure to purchase the America the Beautiful Pass ahead of time. This annual pass offers unlimited entry to all US national parks for one flat fee—it’s the most affordable option if you’re exploring more than one park. You can easily buy the pass online or at REI and have it mailed to you before your trip.

• This guide is written with the assumption that you’re staying in Springdale, which offers the best access to Zion National Park and its shuttle system. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider Hurricane, a nearby town that’s still convenient to the park.

• If your accommodation isn’t connected to the Springdale shuttle route, there’s a paid guest parking lot at the park entrance where you can leave your car before boarding the park shuttle. From there, it’s easy to explore all the major trails and attractions without worrying about parking inside the park.

• If you’re renting e-bikes, remember that rentals are usually for the entire day, so make sure to take full advantage. Plan your day so you can explore the park at your own pace, stop at viewpoints, and hit short trails along the way.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Zion page.