Two Days in Zion National Park: The Essential Weekend Itinerary
Two days in Zion National Park is the sweet spot for experiencing the park’s most iconic trails without burning out. This itinerary divides your visit between the main Zion Canyon corridor on Day 1 and the quieter, equally stunning east side and Kolob Canyons section on Day 2. You will tackle Zion’s signature hikes, discover overlooked viewpoints, and still have time to enjoy a leisurely dinner in Springdale each evening.
At a Glance
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
- Estimated Budget: $120-200 per person (park entry, lodging, meals)
- Best Season: Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November)
- What You Need: Park pass, broken-in hiking boots, trekking poles recommended, 3+ liters of water per day, sun protection
Day 1: Zion Canyon Classics (Angels Landing or The Narrows)
Morning: The Narrows or Angels Landing (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Option A: The Narrows Bottom-Up
Start your Zion adventure with the park’s most unique hike. The Narrows takes you upstream through the Virgin River itself, wading through knee- to waist-deep water between towering 1,500-foot sandstone walls. Take the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava, walk the Riverside Walk to its end, then continue into the river. A half-day bottom-up hike of 3-5 miles round trip takes 4-5 hours and requires no permits. The water is refreshingly cool in summer and the canyon light filtering between the walls creates ethereal photo opportunities.
Gear essentials: Rent canyoneering shoes and a walking stick from an outfitter in Springdale the evening before. Waterproof bags for your phone and camera are a must. Neoprene socks help in cold water during spring and fall. Check river flow levels at the Visitor Center before heading in, as flash flood closures can happen during monsoon season (July-September).
Option B: Angels Landing
If you secured an Angels Landing permit, begin this 5.4-mile round-trip hike early to beat the heat and crowds. The trail climbs 1,488 feet through Walter’s Wiggles, 21 tight switchbacks carved into the cliff face, before reaching Scout Lookout. From there, the final half mile follows a narrow spine with chain handrails and 1,000-foot drop-offs on both sides. The summit views are among the most spectacular in any national park. Budget 3-4 hours for the round trip.
Afternoon: Emerald Pools & Weeping Rock (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
After your morning epic, refuel with lunch at Zion Lodge or a packed meal at the Grotto picnic area. Then take on the Emerald Pools loop. The Lower Pool trail is flat and shaded, perfect for tired legs, while the Upper Pool adds a moderate climb to a hidden alcove with a seasonal waterfall. Afterward, stop at Weeping Rock (0.4 miles round trip), a quick detour to a dripping sandstone overhang that offers welcome shade on hot afternoons.
Evening: Springdale Dining & Sunset (4:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
Shuttle back to the Visitor Center, then walk or drive into Springdale for dinner. The Springdale Dining Guide covers everything from wood-fired pizza to Southwestern-inspired fine dining. After dinner, catch the sunset from the Pa’rus Trail bridge or drive to the Canyon Junction viewpoint for golden-hour views of the Watchman and West Temple.
Where to stay: Springdale offers lodging at every price point, from budget motels to riverside boutique hotels. Book well in advance for peak season. See our Springdale Hotels Guide for recommendations.
Day 2: East Side Explorations & Kolob Canyons
Morning: Canyon Overlook & Checkerboard Mesa (7:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
Today, skip the shuttle and drive your own vehicle through the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel to the park’s east side. Stop first at the Canyon Overlook Trail, a short but rewarding one-mile round trip with a panoramic view of Pine Creek Canyon and the lower Zion Canyon. The morning light here is extraordinary.
Continue east along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, stopping at Checkerboard Mesa, where cross-hatched erosion patterns create a surreal, grid-like texture on massive sandstone domes. The pullout here is a photographer’s dream, and the area sees a fraction of the main canyon’s crowds. Take a short walk around the mesa base to appreciate the geological artistry.
Late Morning: East Side Hikes (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
Explore the Many Pools trail or simply wander along the numerous pullouts on the east side highway. The sandstone formations here, including petrified sand dunes and hoodoos, feel like a different world compared to the deep canyon corridor. This section of the park is often overlooked by visitors focused on the main canyon, giving you a more solitary experience.
Afternoon: Kolob Canyons (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Drive north on I-15 to the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park, about 40 minutes from Springdale. This detached section of the park features dramatic finger canyons with red and cream-colored Navajo Sandstone cliffs. The 5-mile Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive ends at a viewpoint overlooking Timber Creek and the massive Kolob formations.
Hike the Timber Creek Overlook Trail (1 mile round trip), an easy walk to a ridgeline viewpoint with sweeping views of the Kolob Canyons, the Pine Valley Mountains, and on clear days, the distant North Rim of the Grand Canyon. For a longer adventure, the Taylor Creek Trail (5 miles round trip, moderate) follows a creek through a narrow canyon to the Double Arch Alcove, a massive natural amphitheater.
Evening: Return & Farewell Dinner (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Drive back to Springdale or St. George for your final evening. If heading to St. George, our Best Restaurants in St. George guide has you covered. Reflect on two days of incredible hiking over a well-earned meal.
Essential Tips for 2 Days in Zion
- Day 1 hiking priority: The Narrows or Angels Landing should be your Day 1 focus since they require the most energy and planning. Save the easier hikes for the afternoon when you are tired.
- Narrows water levels: Check the daily flow rate at the Visitor Center each morning. Above 150 CFS, conditions become challenging. Above 200 CFS, the trail may be closed. Plan The Narrows for a day with a stable weather forecast.
- Angels Landing lottery: Permits are distributed through a seasonal and day-before lottery on recreation.gov. Apply early for the best odds. The day-before lottery opens at 12:01 AM the day before your desired hike date.
- Kolob timing: The Kolob Canyons visitor center has limited hours in the off-season. Verify hours before driving up. The scenic drive is open year-round, weather permitting.
- Refill water: Water stations are available at the Visitor Center, Zion Lodge, and several shuttle stops. Do not rely on natural water sources without proper filtration.
Extend Your Trip
Have a third day? Add a full Narrows day or explore hidden gems. Or combine this with a day in St. George to see Snow Canyon and the town’s dining and culture scene. For the ultimate regional trip, our Zion + Bryce Canyon Combo adds another iconic Utah park to your adventure.
