Zion National Park Itinerary

Zion National Park is the third most visited park in the United States—and for good reason!

Mesas and mountains, cliffs and canyons, Zion’s beauty draws in visitors from all over the world.

We’ll take you on an epic adventure from La Verkin up through the famous Zion Canyon, and exit out of East Zion—a little over 50 miles on an unforgettable journey.

Along the way, we’ll stop at inspiring overlooks, abandoned ghost towns, slot canyons, ancient pictographs, and more!

Shaka Guide gives you the freedom to choose where and how we explore Zion.

Because we have so much to see and do, we recommend you set out as early as possible—ideally before 7 a.m.

Have a few days to spend in Zion? Check out our itineraries for day-trip add-ons, already included as options in your audio tour!

Scroll down to Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace if you’d like to read about these options.

Please be aware that for this itinerary, we will assume that your tour will be traveling in a west-to-east direction.

The audio tour, itself, however, allows visitors to start in either direction: either west from La Varkin or east from Mt. Carmel Junction.

Important Information

Because Zion National Park is so popular, things can get a little crowded in the main Zion Canyon.

Since 2000, Zion has implemented a shuttle service to ease congestion and make for a more peaceful park experience.

Shuttle season is from February to November, and while the shuttles are in operation, personal vehicles are not permitted in Zion Canyon.

Be sure to read our Know Before You Go section for more information.

As of 2021, the Weeping Rock and Observation Point stops in Zion Canyon are closed indefinitely due to a rockslide that occurred in 2019.

As of this date, no plans for re-opening these trails have been released to the public.

And, as of 2022, you must enter a lottery if you’d like to hike Angels Landing, you can learn more about the lottery here.

Zion National Park Itinerary

Only have a day in Zion and want to be sure you’re seeing the best it has to offer.

This one-day itinerary takes you from La Verkin to Zion Canyon and out East Zion—capturing all of the highlights you won’t want to miss.

1. Kolob Canyons Visitor Center

Rachel Ennis

Approximate time: 20 minutes

As you pull in, be sure to check in at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center to show your park pass.

2. Timber Creek Trail and Kolob Overlook

Rachel Ennis

Approximate time: 1 hour

The Timber Creek Trail marks the end of the road here in Kolob Canyon and it’s a highly recommended stop.

It’s only a one-mile round-trip hike and even though it's an uphill walk on the way to the overlook, it’s all downhill from there!

When you reach the top, look east to Shuntavi Butte [shun-ta-vee] at the base of Timber Top Mountain.

3. La Verkin Overlook

Rachel Ennis

Approximate time: 15 minutes

At La Verkin Overlook, you’ll get a beautiful panoramic view of Zion Canyon, the Virgin River Gorge, Pine Valley mountains, and, of course, La Verkin itself.

To get there, we’ll take a 15-minute round-trip drive down a gravel road.

4. The Subway

John Fowler from Placitas, NM, USA, CC BY 2.0

Approximate time: 4 hours

We’re now passing one of the most popular canyoneering locations of Zion: The Subway.

The Subway requires a Wilderness Permit from the Zion lottery, so, in order to take The Subway, you really will need a ticket. You can take The Subway two ways: from the bottom-up or the top-down.

The bottom-up is less technical, requires no canyoneering, and begins at the Left Fork trailhead on our right.

5. Lava Point Overlook

Rachel Ennis

Approximate time: 15 minutes

Lava Point Overlook is a basalt cliff that overlooks a green volcanic valley filled with pinyon, juniper, and white pine trees.

From the over 2,400-meter-high overlook, you can see all the way out to the Paunsaugunt Plateau of Bryce and even the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

This viewpoint has no required hike, so as long as the weather is safe for us to travel, let’s continue on Kolob Terrace Road.

6. Grafton Cemetery

Rachel Ennis

Approximate time: 10 minutes

At Grafton Cemetery, you’ll find gravesites for pioneers as well as some Native Americans.

7. Grafton Ghost Town

Rachel Ennis

Approximate time: 15 minutes

Grafton is a ghost town with a somewhat unusual history.

While the majority of abandoned settlements were once mining towns—subject to the boom and bust nature of mining—Grafton is an agricultural ghost town.

Visitors today can see the abandoned houses and even go inside a few.

8. Zion Canyon Visitor Center

Rachel Ennis

Approximate time: 45 minutes

At the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, you can grab trail maps, browse the bookstore, and fill up your water bottles.

And if you’re doing any backcountry camping or canyoneering, the visitor center is also where you can pick up your Wilderness Permits.

This turn is immediately after the gate check on your right.

9. Pa'Rus Trail

John Manard

Approximate time: 1 hour

Does the line for the park shuttle look a little daunting? Well, there is another option for those in the know.

Rest assured, I am in the know. And lucky for you, you know me.

You can skip the line by taking the sunny Pa’rus (pah-roos) trail to the Human History Museum and board the shuttle there.

This is the only trail in Zion where you can ride bikes or walk dogs.

While it is both paved and pleasant to walk, it’s also 1.7 miles long, so it may not be suitable for everyone. Follow the signs at the Visitor Center if this sounds like a good option for you.

10. Zion Human History Museum

Don Graham from Redlands, CA, USA

Approximate time: 30 minutes

The Human History Museum features actually holds 300,000 historical artifacts, specimens, and art.

Here, you can also take a nice break and enjoy a free 22-minute film about the park. The real highlights, though, are the Ranger talks held on the back patio.

These talks cover topics like geology or wildlife, and every one of these experts has their own unique perspective.

You can even join a guided walk or activity. Check the visitor center for more info.

11. Court of the Patriarchs

au_ears

Approximate time: 10 minutes

These three white-capped peaks make up the Court of the Patriarchs. From left to right, we have Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the patriarchs of Judaism.

By giving the peaks these names, Minister Fred Fisher hoped to convey the reverence and awe this feature inspires.

So, feel free to hop out here and take a closer look at the Court for yourselves.

12. Zion Lodge and Emerald Pools

Rachel Ennis

Approximate time: 2 hours

Zion Lodge is the only place in the park where we can grab something to eat, and the shady cottonwood tree makes this an excellent spot for a picnic.

Not hungry? You can also stop here to use the restroom and refill your water bottles before we head out.

Zion Lodge is the most commonly used entrance to the Emerald Pools Trail.

If you’re lucky and the conditions are just right, you may be treated to sparkling, emerald-green water.

If you only hike to the Lower Pool, you’ll follow a short, paved path about a half mile long starting from the Zion Lodge.

If you prefer a longer, unpaved trail, enter at The Grotto, one stop down the road. Round trip distances are:

1.2 miles to lower,
2 miles to the middle and
a whopping 3 miles to the upper pools

13. The Grotto and Angel's Landing

Nicolas Vollmer from Munich [Allemagne]

Approximate time: 4 hours

Starting in 2022, the National Park Service requires a permit to hike Angel’s Landing. Permits are issued by lottery.

For more information, visit the Zion National Park website. At the trail’s narrowest portions, the path is just a few feet wide--not for those faint of heart!

Feeling a bit nervous? If a taxing adrenaline rush doesn’t fit your idea of a relaxing vacation, good news!

The majority of this trail is paved, and though you’ll need some stamina for scaling Walter’s Wiggles--a deceptively cute name for a series of merciless switchbacks-- most hikers find the majority of this trail to be quite accessible.

If you would still like to take part in the breathtaking views, but with less of the breathtaking climb, simply stop at Scout’s Landing.

The Scout’s Landing lookout offers much the same view of Angel’s Landing but is a great option for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground.

It’ll be worth the journey, I promise! You’ll find the Angel’s Landing trailhead just beyond the Grotto Bridge.

Take a moment to refill your water bottles at the shuttle stop before you head out.

14. Great White Throne, Weeping Rock, and Observation Point

John Dahlstet

Approximate time: 4 hours

Around 800 A.D., by rain or snow, water began working its way through the layers of what we now call “Weeping Rock.”

For over 1,000 years it percolated downward before encountering the impermeable Kayenta Formation.

Forced to move horizontally, the water diffused out of the soft limestone, washing away the formation as it went. Since this paved trail is a mere half-mile round trip, I recommend we explore it.

There are two other trails of note at this stop-- one is Observation Trail, the highest easily accessible viewpoint in Zion Canyon.

Observation Point is an incredibly strenuous 8-mile round-trip hike. If you’re up for the challenge, follow the East Mesa Trail until it splits off to Observation Point Trail.

The second is Hidden Canyon Trail. This is a short but steep trail, with dramatic views and drop-offs--not recommended for those with a fear of heights!

The views from this trail are stunning--including a standing arch and a secret slot canyon!

It’s about a little over a two-mile round trip, but due to the difficulty, plan on a longer than usual hike time.

15. Temple of Sinawava, Narrows, and Riverside Walk

Rachel Ennis

Approximate time: 2-4 hours

The Temple of Sinawavana stop has several fantastic hikes, including one of Zion’s best and most famous--“The Narrows.” At part of the gorge, the gap between the walls can shrink to a mere 9 meters across.

The water in The Narrows may rise as high as thigh level, so be sure that your group is prepared. There is no lookout on this trail, so simply travel as far as you like and then return back the way you came.

The bottom-up hike from the Temple of Sinawava does not require a wilderness permit, and is a fun, cooling trip through the slot canyon up the Virgin River.

Just be sure not to go past Big Springs unless you have a permit.

It’s about three miles to “Wall Street,”--the section of the canyon where the walls begin to narrow.

It’s very important that we know the weather before we hike The Narrows. Flash flood warnings should be posted at the beginning of the trail, but check the weather on your own as well.

No time for The Narrows? Just turn around after completing the highly recommended Riverside Walk.

This two-mile paved trail is appropriate for visitors of all fitness levels. As you walk along the hanging gardens, be on the lookout for Zion Snails.

These tiny, pinhead-sized black snails can only be found along the weeping walls here and nowhere else in the world! See if you can spot them!

One last note: the river water is not considered potable due to the presence of cyanobacteria. So, before heading in, be sure to fill up your water bottle and use the restroom.

16. Great Arch Viewpoint

James St. John

Approximate time: 10 minutes

When an arch is not freestanding, we call that a “blind arch.” Zion's blind arch can be seen along the roadway, or at several pullovers along its serpentine road.

17. Canyon Overlook Trail

Rachel Ennis

Approximate time: 1 hour

Canyon Overlook Trail is a highly recommended 1-mile hike. It leads to a beautiful observation point overlooking East Zion’s rugged landscape.

Though only moderately difficult in length and elevation change, this trail does lead visitors across slick rock, occasionally around areas with steep drop-offs.

If you want to check out Canyon Overlook Trail, after the tunnel, just pull into the first turnouts.

If they’re full, then just continue driving until another pull-off, then walk back to the trailhead.

The first turnouts may be full, as this trail is one of East Zion’s most popular hikes.

If they are full, continue driving until we find another pull then walk back to the trailhead.

18. Checkerboard Mesa

Rachel Ennis

Approximate time: 10 minutes

Best viewed from a distance, the white sandstone bears criss-crossed or “checkerboard” bands on its face.

While the Checkerboard Mesa Canyon trail begins a little further westward, the best viewpoint is a little further east, just past the mesa.

19. East Ranger Station

Clayton B. Fraser

Approximate time: 5 minutes

Interested in exploring even more of East Zion? At the Ranger station, we’ll have access to several famous hiking trails including Observation Point, the highest lookout in Zion.

The main vein, known as East Mesa Trail, branches into several other trails, including Observation Point—the highest lookout in Zion.

If you want to see the remnants of the Cable Mountain Pulley system, East Rim Trail will also be your starting point.

These trails are long and interconnected, so be sure to check our highlights or speak to the ranger for more information before you set out.

Optional Side Trips

Got some time on your hands for a multi-day adventure?

How about we head away from the crowds and do some real exploring— off the beaten path?

While taking your tour, I’ll point out several optional side trips.

When we get close, I’ll remind you how to get there, what’s available, and how long they’ll take.

If you decide you want the full Zion experience, Shaka Guides will be right there to guide you through all of the sections of the park.

This includes the little-known Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace.

Check out all the details below.

Kanab

Kanab P199, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

For explorers starting their tour from the eastern side of the park, they'll have the opportunity to first check out the town of Kanab.

Kanab has a lot to see and do: From its rich Western film history at the Little Hollywood Museum to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, to the stunning red rock landscapes of the nearby Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Kanab offers a perfect blend of culture and nature.

Visitors can explore the charming downtown area, filled with local art galleries and unique shops, or embark on guided tours to nearby slot canyons and ancient petroglyphs.

Here's some of the recommendations you'll find on your tour.

1. Dinosaur Tracks Trailhead

Approximate Time: 1 hour

Up first is a short scramble and hike to some ancient dinosaur tracks! Scientists think the animal that lest these was a Grallator—a three-toed, carnivorous dinosaur that looked like a raptor.

2. Sand Caves

Moqui Caves Flickr User respres, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Approximate Time: 1 hour

These Sand Caves, or Moqui Caves, aren’t natural formations—they’re actually man-made remnants of a short-lived sand mining operation that was here in the 1970s.

3.Peek-a-boo Canyon

Approximate Time: 10 hours

Utah's desert harbors many slot canyons and narrow passages carved by water erosion in sandstone.

Peek-a-boo Canyon, accessible via a short sandy hike, is a prime example.

It features the Moqui Steps, believed to be carved by Ancestral Puebloans over a millennium ago.

While visitors can't climb these ancient stairs, they remain a fascinating historical sight.

4. Elkheart Canyon

Image from Flickr by The Greater Southwestern Exploration Company

Approximate Time: 10 hours

The canyon was formed by the same forces that sculpt many slot canyons—water erosion.

Over time, water flowed through the sandstone, slowly carving away at the rock, creating the narrow walls and dramatic formations you see today.

5. Belly of the Dragon

Approximate Time: 1 hour

This man-made tunnel was originally constructed as a water culvert, but over time, the relentless water flow sculpted the sandstone walls and created a dramatic, ribcage-like appearance. That, combined with the tunnel's length and darkness, lends it the name "Belly of the Dragon."

Kolob Canyons

by Paul - Briden from Getty Images

The entrance to Kolob Canyons is located off of I-15, about 20 minutes north of La Verkin or 15 minutes south of Cedar City.

This less-crowded area of Zion National Park offers about a 15-minute scenic drive with several unique hikes to enjoy.

If visitors are driving South from Cedar City and have not yet picked up their park passes, there is a visitor center where you can purchase your pass.

Be aware that Kolob Canyons may close during snow events.

1. Taylor Creek Trail

hiker standing on the trail with mountain at the back Image from Flickr by Jack Miller

Approximate time: 3 hours

The first trail you’ll pass will be Taylor Creek Trail, a 5-mile round-trip hike with several unique sights.

The Fife and Larson cabins—the first homes built in Kolob Canyons—can be found here, as well as a double arch.

For those of you who love history, follow the trail to the end to find the waterfall used by Mountain Meadows Massacre perpetrator John D. Lee during his hideout from the law.

2. Horse Ranch Mountain

Approximate time: 5 minutes

As you pass the Taylor Creek Trailhead, cast your eyes ahead and slightly to the left.

You’ll see a summit towering over three small finger canyons.

That towering summit is Horse Ranch Mountain—the highest peak within the park’s boundaries.

The three finger canyons—Tucupit, Paria, and Beatty points, from left to right—are stunning.

Feel free to use one of the pull-offs to stop and appreciate them further.

3. Timber Creek Trail

by GeorgePeters from Getty Images Signature

Approximate time: 1 hour

This short, easy trail leads to a panoramic overlook of Kolob Canyons, the Pine Valley Mountains, and Red Butte.

If you only have time for one short hike while in Kolob Canyons, be sure to do this one!

Kolob Terrace

by Jim Cook from Getty Images

To reach Kolob Terrace from La Verkin, travel on UT 9-E until you reach the town of Virgin.

After passing Virgin, the sign for Kolob Terrace Road will be on your left.

Even if you choose not to do any hikes, the scenic drive will take about 45 minutes each way.

This can be a great way to take in the sights, even if you never leave the car.

Be aware that Kolob Terrace may close during snow events.

1. Tabernacle Dome

by Jim Cook From Getty Images

Approximate Time: 1 minute

As you pass the Subway entrance at Left Fork Creek, look ahead to spot the Tabernacle Dome.

This large, rounded white mesa may remind you of the Tabernacle Dome in Salt Lake City, for which it was named.

2. Cave Valley Trails

Approximate time: 2 hours

There are two mysterious archeological sites located in Cave Valley, both branching off of one short trail—only about a mile each way.

The first trail ends at a cave of ancient pictographs, and the second at an altar of animal bones.

These areas are still under study and very little is known about who created them, when, or why.

These ancient sites must be respected and not defaced in any way. When visiting, be sure that you do not touch anything.

Even the oils from our hands can damage the delicate pictographs.

These two trails are not as well-trafficked as some others and can be quite difficult to find.

For more information and details on how to get there, check out our hiking guide.

3. Firepit Knoll Volcano

Approximate time: 5 minutes

As you pass the Hop Valley Trailhead, take a look to your left and try to pick out the large, cone-shaped mountain.

What you see there is a volcanic cinder cone, leftover from an eruption occurring sometime around 300,000 years ago.

There are several cinder cones along Kolob Terrace—see if you can spot them as you continue winding your way to the summit.

4. Northgate Peaks Trail

By Efenzi from Getty Images Signature

Approximate time: 3 hours

This four-mile roundtrip hike beginning at Wildcat Canyon takes us to the Northgate Peaks.

Emerge from the ponderosa forest between the two Slickrock peaks, looking out at the valley far below and the North Guardian Angel to the South.

5. Lava Point Overlook

Approximate Time: 10 minutes

Take a stop at Lava Overlook perched high over the valleys below—no hike required!

The final stop along your ascent up Kolob Terrace, this stunning vista is about 7,900 feet up or about 2,400 meters.

From here, you can even see to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. What a view!

Explore Zion with Shaka Guide

From the depths of Zion Canyon, to the top of Kolob Terrace, there's no shortage of wonders to behold in Zion National Park.

Be sure not to miss a thing by traveling with Shaka Guide. Our comprehensive audio tour takes you from A to Zion, with all the need-to-know stops and stories shared along the way.

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

Check out our Know Before You Go article with all the travel tips you need to plan your trip!

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