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.

In this unforgettable road trip itinerary, we’ll guide you on a 50-mile scenic drive through Zion Canyon—from La Verkin to East Zion—packed with epic views, big highlights, and, if you choose, some off the main-route hidden gems.

Along the way, you’ll discover must-see Zion viewpoints, explore quiet slot canyons, wander through ghost towns, and even spot ancient rock art and pictographs. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a full national park adventure, these are the best stops in Zion National Park you won’t want to miss.

Important Information

Because Zion National Park is so popular, the main Zion Canyon area can get pretty crowded—especially during peak months. To help ease congestion and protect the park’s natural beauty, Zion has operated a mandatory shuttle system since 2000.

Shuttle season runs from February through November, and during this time, personal vehicles are not allowed in Zion Canyon. For details on how the shuttle works, be sure to check out our Know Before You Go and Shuttle Guide articles.

Closures: The Weeping Rock and Observation Point stops remain closed indefinitely due to a major rockslide in 2019. As of 2025, there are no announced plans to reopen those trails.

Permits: Beginning in 2022, a permit lottery is required to hike Angels Landing. You can learn more about how the lottery works here.

A permit is also required to hike The Subway, due to the route’s technical challenges and fragile environment. You can find more information about that here.

Zion National Park Itinerary

So... you’ve only got one day in Zion and want to make it count?

This one-day itinerary is packed with unforgettable stops—from iconic hikes and scenic viewpoints to hidden gems you won’t want to miss. To fit it all in, we recommend hitting the road early—ideally before 7 a.m.

Got more time to explore? Check out our day-trip add-ons included in the audio tour! Scroll down to learn about the stunning trails and overlooks in Kanab, Kolob Canyons, and Kolob Terrace—two lesser-visited areas that are totally worth your time.

Even better? These side trips are already included in your Shaka Guide tour. When we get close, I’ll let you know how to get there, what to expect, and how much time you’ll need—so you can choose your own adventure and see as much (or as little) as you like.

Just a heads-up: this itinerary follows a west-to-east route, but don’t worry—the Shaka Guide audio tour works both ways. You can start from La Verkin in the west or Mt. Carmel Junction in the east, whichever fits your plans best.

1. 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, you’ll take a 15-minute round-trip drive down a bumpy gravel road. But hey, sometimes, the journey is half the adventure.

2. Grafton Cemetery

Rachel Ennis

Approximate time: 10 minutes

At Grafton Cemetery, you’ll find the resting places of early pioneers alongside members of the local Native American community.

3. Grafton Ghost Town

Rachel Ennis

Approximate time: 15 minutes

Grafton is a ghost town with a history that sets it apart.
While most abandoned settlements in the West were mining towns—rising fast and falling just as quickly—Grafton was rooted in agriculture.

Today, visitors can explore the old homes, some still standing strong enough to step inside, and get a feel for what life was like in this once-thriving pioneer community.

4. Zion Canyon Visitor Center

Rachel Ennis

Approximate time: 45 minutes

At the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, you can pick up trail maps, browse the bookstore, and refill your water bottles.
If you're planning any backcountry camping or canyoneering, this is also where you'll need to get your Wilderness Permits.

The turnoff is just past the entrance gate—look to your right.

5. Pa'Rus Trail

John Manard

Approximate time: 1 hour

Does the shuttle line look a little... daunting? Here’s a pro tip: just skip it.

All you need to do, is take the sunny Pa’rus Trail from the Visitor Center to the Human History Museum and hop on the shuttle there—no waiting required.

This is the only trail in Zion where you can walk your dog or ride a bike, and it’s fully paved. That said, it’s 1.7 miles one way, so it’s not ideal for everyone.

Follow the signs at the Visitor Center if this sounds like your kind of detour.

6. Zion Human History Museum

Don Graham from Redlands, CA, USA

Approximate time: 30 minutes

Step inside to explore over 300,000 artifacts, specimens, and pieces of art that tell Zion’s story.

Need a break to beat the heat? Catch the free 22-minute film about the park—or better yet, head to the shady back patio for a Ranger talk. These expert-led sessions dive into topics like geology, wildlife, and more, each with its own unique flair.

You might even catch a guided ranger walk or hands-on activity. For the latest schedule, check in at the Visitor Center.

7. Court of the Patriarchs

au_ears

Approximate time: 10 minutes

These three striking, white-capped peaks form the Court of the Patriarchs. From left to right, you’ll see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—named after the patriarchs of Judaism.

It was Methodist minister Fred Fisher who gave them these names, hoping to reflect the awe and reverence these cliffs inspire.

This is a quick road-side stop, so feel free to hop off, snap a photo, and take in the majesty of the Court up close.

8. Zion Lodge and Emerald Pools

Rachel Ennis

Approximate time: 2 hours

Zion Lodge is the only place in the park where you can grab something to eat, and the shady cottonwood tree makes this the perfect picnic stop.

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

Zion Lodge is also the most commonly used entrance to the Emerald Pools Trail--an extremely popular trail that's family-friendly. If you’re lucky and the conditions are just right, you may be treated to sparkling, emerald-green water beneath the twinkling hanging gardens.

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

9. The Grotto and Angel's Landing

Nicolas Vollmer from Munich [Allemagne]

Approximate time: 4 hours

Thinking of hiking Angel’s Landing? You’re not alone. I mean, really not alone. In fact, so many people wanted to hike Angel's Landing, that starting in 2022, the National Park Service began requiring a permit, handed out via lottery. Yep—you now need to win the right to terrify yourself.

Check the Zion National Park website for the latest details.

Now, let’s talk trail.
At its most infamous point, the path narrows to just a few feet, with sheer drop-offs on either side. Chains are bolted into the cliff to hang onto—so if your palms are already sweating, no shame in stopping short.

Good news, though:
The trail up to Scout Lookout doesn’t require a permit. And while you'll still need to conquer Walter’s Wiggles—a series of 21 tight, relentless switchbacks with an aggressively cheerful name—the rest of the trail is paved and very doable with a bit of stamina.

Scout Lookout offers a killer view of Angel’s Landing without the death-defying finale. It’s a win-win for folks who like their hikes with a side of oxygen and dignity.

You’ll find the Angel’s Landing trailhead just past the Grotto Bridge.
Refill your water bottles at the shuttle stop—hydrated hikers are happy hikers.

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

John Dahlstet

Approximate time: 4 hours

Around 800 A.D., by rain and snow, water began working its way through the layers of what we now call “Weeping Rock.”And for over 1,000 years, that water 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, and creating the alcove known as Weeping Rock. 

There are also two very popular, but very challenging hikes here.

1. Observation Point
Craving a view that makes Angel’s Landing look downright average? Head for Observation Point—the highest easily accessible viewpoint in Zion Canyon.

It's a strenuous 8-mile round trip via the East Mesa Trail, with serious elevation gain. Translation: this hike isn’t messing around. If you’re up for the challenge, follow the East Mesa Trail until it splits toward Observation Point. There, you can claim your reward... sweeping, panoramic views—and, of course, bragging rights.

2. Hidden Canyon Trail
Shorter, but no less dramatic. Hidden Canyon is just over 2 miles round trip, but don’t let that fool you. It’s steep, exposed, and not for anyone with a fear of heights.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to dizzying vistas, a free-standing arch, and a tucked-away slot canyon that feels like Zion’s best-kept secret.

Give yourself extra time—it’s slow going in spots, especially if your legs start questioning your life choices.

Note: As of 2019, this stop is closed due to a rockfall. No re-opening date is released as of this writing in 2025.

11. Temple of Sinawava, Narrows, and Riverside Walk

Rachel Ennis

Approximate time: 2-4 hours

This stop marks the start of several great hikes, including one of Zion’s most iconic—The Narrows. In places, the canyon walls squeeze in to just 9 meters (30 feet) apart.

It’s my personal favorite hike in the park, hands down. And if you're hot-natured like me, wading through cool canyon water might just make it your favorite too.

The water can get as high as your thighs, so come prepared! There’s no official endpoint—just hike upstream as far as you’d like, then turn around when you’re ready.

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.

Writer's Tip: It’s very important that you know the weather before you hike The Narrows. Flash flood warnings should be posted at the beginning of the trail, but check the weather on your own. 

But, let's say you don't have time for The Narrows...or, maybe, you just don't want to get wet. Understandable. Just turn around after completing the highly recommended Riverside Walk.

This two-mile paved and accessible  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.

12. Great Arch Viewpoint

James St. John

Approximate time: 10 minutes

When an arch is not freestanding, it's called a “blind arch.” Zion's blind arch can be seen along the roadway, or at several pullovers along its serpentine road. Just safely swing in, and snap those pictures.

13. Canyon Overlook Trail

Rachel Ennis

Approximate time: 1 hour

This 1-mile hike comes highly recommended—by just about everyone. And especially by me. It leads to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the rugged beauty of East Zion.

The trail is moderate in difficulty, but expect a bit of adventure: you’ll cross slickrock and pass near some steep drop-offs. Despite the name, slickrock isn’t actually slippery—unless it’s wet from rain or snow.

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.

14. 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, towards the far-end of the park, just past the mesa.

15. East Ranger Station

Clayton B. Fraser

Approximate time: 5 minutes

Interested in exploring even more of East Zion? At the Ranger station, you’ll have access to several famous hiking trails, including Observation Point, the highest lookout in Zion. Since the rockslide has current closed the route via East Mesa, as of 2025, this is the only way to reach Observation Point. 

If you're interested in history, the East Rim Trail offers views of the remnants of the Cable Mountain Draw Works, an early 1900s pulley system once used to lower timber into the canyon.

These trails are long, rugged, and interconnected, so be sure to check trail conditions, maps, and current access with a ranger before heading 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 Shaka Guide tour, your friendly narrator will point out several optional side trips. When you get close, they will remind you how to get there, what’s available, and how long they’ll take. So, basically, 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.

So if you’re after the full Zion experience—from the iconic highlights to the hidden gems—Shaka Guide will be right there with you, every step of the way.

That includes the less-traveled Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace, two stunning park sections many visitors miss.

Check out all the details below and start planning your detour.

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

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." This stop is incredibly popular for its epic photo opportunitites.

Kolob Canyons

by Paul - Briden from Getty Images  

Tucked just off I-15, the entrance to Kolob Canyons is about 20 minutes north of La Verkin or 15 minutes south of Cedar City—easy to reach, but often blissfully overlooked.

This section offers a 15-minute scenic drive that’s short, sweet, and ridiculously stunning. Plus, you’ll find several trails that don’t come with shuttle lines or crowds. Imagine that.

Driving south from Cedar City without a park pass? No problem—stop at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center and grab one. It’s quick, painless, and ranger-approved.

Heads-up: If it snows, Kolob Canyons may close. Nature has the final say out here.

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. Taylor Creek Trail

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.

3. 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. You'll definitely want to use one of the pull-offs to stop and appreciate them further. 

4. 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 at the base of Timber Top Mountain.

Kolob Terrace

by Jim Cook from Getty Images

From La Verkin, take UT-9 East to the town of Virgin. Just past Virgin, you’ll see the sign for Kolob Terrace Road on your left.

Even if you skip the hikes, the scenic drive alone takes about 45 minutes each way—perfect for soaking in the views without ever leaving your car.

Heads up: like Kolob Canyons, Kolob Terrace may close during snow events, so check conditions before you go.

1. The Subway

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

Approximate time: 4 hours

One of the first sights you’ll pass is The Subway, one of Zion’s most popular—and visually stunning—canyoneering spots.

To hike The Subway, you’ll need a Wilderness Permit obtained through Zion’s lottery system. No permit, no entry—so make sure you have your ticket.

There are two ways to experience The Subway: bottom-up or top-down.

The bottom-up route is less technical, requires no canyoneering skills, and starts at the Left Fork trailhead, which you’ll find on your right.

2. 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.

3. Cave Valley Trails

Approximate time: 2 hours

Located just off a short trail—about a mile each way—are two intriguing archaeological sites in Cave Valley.

The first leads to a cave adorned with ancient pictographs. The second ends at an altar made of animal bones.

These sites are still under study, and much remains unknown about who created them, when, or why. Because of their delicate nature, it’s crucial to respect these sites fully—do not touch anything, as even the oils from our hands can damage the fragile pictographs.

These trails are less traveled and can be hard to find.

For more information and detailed directions, be sure to check out our hiking guide, or speak to a park ranger.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Lava Point Overlook

Rachel Ennis

Approximate time: 15 minutes

And finally, the best for last. 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.

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.

About the Writer: Rachel Ennis is a storyteller, nature nerd, and park enthusiast who believes every trail has a tale. Zion was her first love—the very first tour she wrote for Shaka Guide—and the moment she saw those towering red walls, something clicked. That spark of awe has followed her to every park since. Now, she’s on a mission to share the stories that live in the land and the spaces that make us feel small in the best 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!

Like this article? Share it on Pinterest!

RELATED ARTICLES:

The Ultimate Zion National Park Travel Guide 

When is the Best Time to Visit Zion National Park?

Zion to Grand Canyon North Rim - What You Need To Know

Zion National Park Shuttle - What You Need To Know

37 Hikes in Zion National Park- Zion Hiking Guide