Is one day enough for Zion?

If you are as us only have 1 day to visit Zion National Park and wandering if it’s worth it - keep reading!

First of all - yes, it’s possible, at least in my opinion of not too extreme hiker 🙂

One thing to note: try to come to the park early because parking at their visitor center is limited and there is a chance you’ll need to park outside of the park and take a shuttle bus to get in. But no worries, shuttles come there often, so should be no issue.

Entrance fee: $35 per car or $20 if you come as a pedestrian or on bicycle 👌🏻 also with America beautiful membership card it’s free.

Once you inside, get a map and go to a shuttle stop. From March till November in Zion works shuttle service, meaning you can’t drive your car to individual hikes, you should use a shuttle instead.

We came to Zion with a 5 years old kid so our focus was on easy hikes. We did:

- Riverside Walk Trail at the Temple of Sinawava - 2.2 miles hike, mostly flat and goes along the river. There was plenty of shade and so many squirrels 🐿️ beautiful hike!

- Weeping Rock trail - easy 0.4 miles hike at the top of which you get to see an amazing view of water falling from a rock

- Grotto trail - easy 1 mile hike which basically takes you from a bus stop to the next bus stop. This one I don’t really recommend 🤷🏼‍♀️

Wanted to do Narrows hike as well but there was a flash flood warning, so it was closed.

If you plan to do Angel’s landing trail, you need to spend at least 2 days in the park because for it you need a permit and you can get one only at the park, near visitor center, and only for the next day, so plan accordingly.

At the bus stop number 5 there are some cafes and shops, so you can grab lunch there.

Overall I liked Zion for its beautiful views, variety of hikes and that it’s family friendly 😍

Would you like to visit Zion National Park? Or maybe you’ve been there already?

#lemon8partner #lemon8creator #zionnationalpark #zion #domestictravels

Zion National Park
2023/6/19 Edited to

... Read moreWhen visiting Zion National Park in just one day, it's essential to plan your itinerary to maximize enjoyment and efficiency. Start your visit early to secure parking at the visitor center, which is limited during peak periods. If parking fills up, you may need to take the shuttle, which operates frequently and offers a hassle-free entry to the park. Zion boasts a variety of trails suitable for all hiking levels, making it perfect for families. The Riverside Walk Trail is an excellent choice for families with young children, offering a flat 2.2-mile stretch alongside a serene river, abundant shade, and plenty of wildlife, including playful squirrels. Weeping Rock, another family-friendly option, is a short 0.4 miles and rewards hikers with breathtaking views of cascading water. Be aware that some trails, like the Narrows, may close due to safety warnings, such as flash floods, so always check local alerts before planning your hikes. For those considering the more challenging Angel’s Landing trail, it's recommended to allocate at least two days for this hike, as permits are required and need to be acquired in advance. Dining options are available at shuttle stop number 5, where visitors can take a break and enjoy a meal before heading back out into the park. Whether it's your first time or a return visit, Zion’s stunning views and diverse activities promise an enchanting experience for all its visitors.

Related posts

One Day in Zion: The Ultimate Itinerary
If you want to make the most of a day in Zion without feeling rushed, here’s how we did it: Start with dispersed camping outside the park – it’s peaceful, cheap, and lets you wake up close to the park entrance. Hike The Narrows – rent your gear nearby so you’re ready to walk in the river without
Bailey Dean

Bailey Dean

12 likes

A woman in purple athletic wear stands on a red rock ledge, smiling at the camera, with towering red cliffs and green trees of Zion National Park in the background, marking the first day of her visit.
A scenic view of the Lower Emerald Pool in Zion National Park, featuring a waterfall cascading down a red rock cliff into a tranquil pool surrounded by lush green trees under a clear blue sky.
A close-up view of the waterfall at the Lower Emerald Pool, showing water cascading down the vibrant red rock face, framed by green tree branches, highlighting the 1.2-mile round-trip loop trail.
Zion National Park Day 1
Zion National Park offers a shuttle service that operates within Zion National Park, beginning at the visitor center, just north of the Springdale park entrance. It typically comes every 10-15 minutes, though schedules can vary based on the time of day and the season. There are nine stops, and it t
Madison

Madison

8 likes

A person lies on a rocky peak, arms outstretched, overlooking a vast canyon landscape under a clear blue sky. The text reads: "MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE HIKE I'VE DONE."
A hiker walks along a narrow, sunlit cliffside path with a chain railing, offering expansive views of Zion National Park's canyons. The text reads: "LOCATED IN ZION NATIONAL PARK WALKING ON THE EDGE OF CLIFFS."
A dramatic view looks down into a deep, winding canyon with towering rock formations and sparse vegetation. The text reads: "VIEWS LIKE THIS THROUGHOUT DEFINITELY FOR THE ADRENALINE JUNKIES."
my all-time favorite hike i’ve done
📍 Angels Landing 🚶‍♀️5.4 miles ⏰2-4 hours ⛰️1,488 ft elevation gain 📍 Zion National Park Angels Landing in Zion National Park is one of the most spectacular day hikes in the world. The chain railing adds an element of safety! This is my favorite hike of all-time, you truly feel on top o
kalinawolf

kalinawolf

11 likes

a day trip to ZION NATIONAL PARK!
Zion Day Trip from Vegas 🌄🛻☕ A desert daydream just 2.5 hours away 🤍 Started with coffee at Canyon Coffee Co. in Springdale (SO good btw), then soaked in the views at Canyon Overlook 🌞, walked the magical Riverside Walk 🌿, and ended at the Lower Emerald Pools—waterfalls + red rocks = my love lang
Marcie 💌

Marcie 💌

8 likes

My US National Park Awards
It’s safe to say I’m a National Park lover. And after visiting more than 20 of them, here are my awards: ⛰️ The Best Single-Day Trip: Zion National Park is legendary for having some of the most famous hikes in the U.S.! Somehow, the nearly dozen hikes that Zion has to offer are densely packed
Selina Eshraghi

Selina Eshraghi

5 likes

A hiker sits on a cliff overlooking the vast, scenic canyon of Zion National Park, with a clear blue sky above. Pine branches frame the view, emphasizing the 6.75-mile Angels Landing trail.
Why you should visit Zion
Prepare to hike! Although the hike to Angels Landing in Zion National Park is only 5.4 miles up and back, most hikers take four hours to make the round-trip in which you will gain 1,488 feet in elevation. Fun fact I had to do this hike twice. With only 1 day or rest.🥾🏞️ #zionnationalpark #yo
Johanna

Johanna

6 likes

Travel to Zion
☀️Things to do in Zion National Park 📍location: Utah ⭐️ Rating: 10/10 💸 Average price: $35 per vehicle 🛁 Amenities: bathrooms and water spigot 1. Angels landing: I have never hiked it but it is on my bucket list! Super steep and you do need to get a special pass in advance for it. 2. Th
Abby Webb

Abby Webb

6 likes

A scenic road winds through Zion National Park, flanked by trees with early fall foliage and towering red rock mountains under a partly cloudy blue sky, inviting visitors to explore.
The Virgin River flows through a deep canyon with towering red rock walls and vibrant yellow fall foliage, illustrating the 1.9-mile Zion Riverside Trail leading to The Narrows.
A steep, rocky path descends into a vast canyon with layered red and white rock formations, showcasing the challenging Angels Landing hike, for which permits are needed.
VISIT: ZION NATIONAL PARK 🏕️🍁🥾
Zion National Park should be your go-to this fall!! DETAILS ⬇️⬇️ 📍Riverside Trail to the Narrows ℹ️ 1.9 mile paved hike along the river going to the narrows. This takes you to the entrance of the narrows but not in them! This hike is full of beautiful views and blue water! 📍 Angels Landi
kalinawolf

kalinawolf

24 likes

What you need to know about visiting Zion NP 🏔️
If you haven’t already visited Zion National Park, it should definitely be on your list. 📌SAVE THIS FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP Here is what you need to know: 📍Location: Utah 💲Entry Fee: $35, America the Beautiful Pass accepted ✈️ Closest airports: Las Vegas, NV + Salt Lake City, UT 🥾Best hikes: An
taylor taverna

taylor taverna

71 likes

A person sits on a rocky cliff overlooking the vast canyon of Zion National Park, with a river winding through the valley and towering red rock formations under a clear blue sky.
A steep, narrow, rocky trail with a metal chain railing on the left, offering a high-angle view of a winding road far below in the canyon, emphasizing the height.
A low-angle view of towering, rugged red rock cliffs and peaks reaching towards a bright blue sky, showcasing the dramatic geological formations of Zion National Park.
Zion National Park
If you are outdoorsy like me and love hiking you have to stop at Zion National Park! ⛰️ •we gad to put our names in a pool to get picked for a permit to go further up into angels landing which is so worth it 🥾 •if you do get a permit a few tips for angels landing: it’s a steep drop on one side
Emma Glore

Emma Glore

11 likes

Let’s talk about Zion National Park!
Here are some of my best tips and tricks for visiting Zion National Park! When to go: - Fall is great! Weather was perfect and not too hot, some crowds but not bad - The Narrows was not flooded and was perfect (more on the narrows later) - Summer is really hard because the crowds will be horr
IzzyThrills🌲

IzzyThrills🌲

29 likes

A DAY IN ZION 🏞️
#zionnationalpark #thenarrows #thenarrowszion #utah #hiking #wheretohike #utahthingstodo #wheretohikeinzion #go hiking 🥾 #hikingtrip
Hannah ㅤᵕ̈

Hannah ㅤᵕ̈

28 likes

Tips for Hiking the Narrows at Zion 🥾
Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park definitely requires some planning so here are my tips! 📝 1. Pre buy your gear from Zion outfitters we got the warm weather package that includes the shoes and walking stick ~$32 per person. You could pick up the day before your hike or if you get there ea
✈️ 📷 | Travel & Nature

✈️ 📷 | Travel & Nature

122 likes

Day 1: Heading to Zion
My first voice over since a lot of folks enjoy my adventures 😬🥰 Enjoy my congested voice from my allergies 🤧 . . . . . . #zion #wildflower #wildflowerzion #utah #roadtrip
Dorena💋

Dorena💋

0 likes

Don’t miss these 5 spots in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is one of the best national parks in the US. It has epic hiking, great views, wildlife, and more. I have visited the park twice, and done many of the hikes more than once. Here are some of my favourite spots that you should not miss inside of Zion National Park ! The Nar
Rebecca vanDijk

Rebecca vanDijk

34 likes

A woman in a red dress stands under Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, illustrating a one-week itinerary to visit 5 national parks. Text highlights Day 1: Fly into Salt Lake City and drive to Moab.
A woman in a red dress and hat views Delicate Arch in Arches National Park at sunset. The image is captioned 'Day 2: Arches National Park' and mentions 'Delicate Arch'.
A smiling woman in a red outfit sits on a rock at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park. Text indicates 'Day 3: Canyonlands National Park' and suggests visiting Dead Horse Point State Park.
Visit ALL of Utah’s Mighty 5!
Utah is home to some of the US’s most scenic national parks. These 5 popular national parks are commonly referred to as the Mighty 5, and they belong on everyone’s bucket list! And you can easily see them all on a week-long road trip, perfect for hikers, photographers, and adventure lovers. B
Shay

Shay

24 likes

Zion was an American Place!
📒Notes: it was an amazing Trip! It is 4-6 hours of a hike, but it was worth it!! It's so beautiful in person! There are a lot of people and a lot of slippery rocks. So be prepared for this hike! Zion National Park #lemon8diarychallenge #zion #hiking 🥾 #zionnationalpark #beautifulh
Esteffany Diaz

Esteffany Diaz

1 like

Kanab, UT & Zion National Park
Day 4 we drove from Page, AZ to a little north of Zion National Park. Antelope Canyon had been on my list of things to do, however you need to book a time in advance. With it being a Saturday, there were no slots available. We didn’t want to book far in advance because we kinda just went with t
Mikayla 🦋

Mikayla 🦋

18 likes

A view inside a narrow canyon in Zion National Park, Utah, featuring towering, layered sandstone walls. A rocky path leads through the canyon, with green trees and a bright blue sky visible above, illuminated by sunlight.
Place a day #28: Zion NP
Follow me around the United States. Every day this year, I will share one place with you. Daily adventures with a former nomad. This is Zion National Park in Utah. #nomadpics
Justin Vizaro

Justin Vizaro

31 likes

7 Day National Parks Road Trip ~ Utah & Nevada 🚙🏞️
This week long road trip is a must for anyone who loves the magic of national parks 🫶 Highly recommend traveling here in the spring when the weather is nice and the crowds aren't as bad. ☀️ Day 1-3 ~ Zion National Park I can't begin to describe the beauty of this place. We spent the mos
Taylor Munson

Taylor Munson

20 likes

A vibrant collage featuring the text "NATIONAL PARKS on my bucketlist" over a scenic canyon landscape. Icons like an airplane, lightbulb, and to-do list are overlaid, representing travel and planning for national park adventures.
Two stunning views of Arches National Park: the iconic Delicate Arch at sunset and another natural arch with snow on the ground, highlighting the park's unique rock formations.
Two images of Zion National Park: people wading through the Virgin River in The Narrows, and a panoramic view of the majestic canyon with lush greenery and towering red cliffs.
National Parks, USA
So many parks in the US that I didn’t even know existed. I wish I can go to them all one day. The US is so big that it’s was to forget that we have so many different destinations that are comparable to other places in the world. #travel #travelcreator #destination #bucketlist #Lemon8Di
frances ◡̈

frances ◡̈

102 likes

A person stands atop a red rock formation, resembling a hoodoo, under a blue sky. The image highlights three cool places in Utah, with other unique rock formations in the background.
A person walks out of the Moqui Sand Caves, a reddish-orange sandstone cave with carved walls, revealing a scenic canyon view outside. The text reminds viewers to look up while walking.
A person walks into the Belly of the Dragon, a dark, man-made tunnel with reddish-brown rock walls. The image emphasizes the tunnel's darkness and cold temperature.
3 Epic Places in Utah You’ve Never Heard Of
Utah is my favorite state that I’ve visited so far because there is beauty and other worldly landscapes around every corner, many of which aren’t so well-known. Here are a few of my favorite hidden gems in Utah, and they’re all close to each other! You can easily visit all 3 of these in one d
Shay

Shay

295 likes

Zion
One of the most scenic national parks. #zionnationalpark #zion #utah #Sony
ProiesWorld

ProiesWorld

41 likes

Two pairs of feet rest on a rock overlooking a vast canyon in Zion National Park, with the sun shining brightly. The image highlights Angels Landing as a bucket list hike.
A scenic view of a canyon in Zion National Park with a winding path. The text instructs hikers to start at Stop #6 and have their permit and ID ready.
Hikers navigate steep, winding switchbacks on a rocky trail in Zion National Park. The image advises preparing for these sections and wearing easily shed layers.
BUCKET LIST HIKE IN ZION NATIONAL PARK
📍Angels Landing 🚶‍♀️4.3 miles ⏰2-4 hours ⛰️1,488 ft elevation gain 📍Zion National Park Angels Landing in Zion National Park is one of the most spectacular day hikes in the world. The chain railing adds an element of safety! This is my favorite hike of all-time, you truly feel on top of th
kalinawolf

kalinawolf

5 likes

This Park is Only 30 Minutes from Zion!
I honestly can not believe that I had never heard of this park before, it feels like Sedona with the added bonus of exploring lava tubes! There are 3 different lava tubes but really most of them are more like massive caves. The first that you come across is for the brave, you will have to climb
Angeltraces

Angeltraces

34 likes

Zion: Day 1 Itinerary
⬇️ 🚶‍♀️Short walk to @zionnps Visitor Center from @flanigansresort (stop for coffee otw @zioncanyoncoffee) 🚍 Take the park shuttle from the Visitor Center to Stop 6 (The Grotto) 🥾 Hike the Kayenta Trail (see full details & must-see spots below) 🥪 Pack sandwiches for lunch (and lots of water
KC ✨

KC ✨

62 likes

What I Wore: Zion Edition 🏜️✨🥾
What I wore in Zion National Park! I took a trip with my family this summer and we spent the week exploring the Utah landscape & hiking inside the park! The first outfit is perfect for a day of frolicking through the fields of south Utah. It was hot and dry during our stay so this white midi
Hannah Crews

Hannah Crews

469 likes

Place a day #460: Zion part 4
I was a nomad for 5 years, and I have been on the move my entire life. Every day this year, I will share photos from my travels. This is Zion National Park in Utah. #nomadpics Zion National Park
Justin Vizaro

Justin Vizaro

11 likes

A person stands in a narrow slot canyon with tall, textured rock walls, looking up at the bright blue sky. The text "ZION National Park" is overlaid on the image, with a subtle rainbow effect.
A scenic view of a river flowing through a canyon in Zion National Park, with towering, reddish-orange rock formations and some green vegetation along the banks under a clear sky.
A clear river flows through a canyon in Zion National Park, flanked by lush green trees and massive rock walls under a vibrant blue sky. The word "Utah" is overlaid on the image.
🗺️📍My personal favorite national park, Zion! 📍🗺️
🗺️ Zion National Park is just breathtaking! It definitely takes the the top spot so far for my favorite national park! Have you experienced all the beauty Zion has to offer? Definitely a bucket list location! 🗺️ #hellolemon8 #travelwithme2023 #travelcreator #travelinspiration2023 #travel
Kearstin

Kearstin

291 likes

A first-person view from horseback shows the back of a light-colored horse on a rocky trail in Zion National Park. Majestic red rock mountains rise in the background under a clear blue sky, with desert vegetation lining the path. Another horse is partially visible on the left.
Your sign to go horseback riding in Zion!
#horsebackriding #travel #zionnationalpark #zion #horse #adventur e
Ashley

Ashley

27 likes

A woman in a beanie and plaid jacket sits on a red rock overlooking the stunning red rock formations of Zion National Park, with text "MUST DO HIKE IN Zion National Park" overlaid.
A person with a backpack walks along a dirt trail beneath a massive red rock overhang in Zion National Park, with text "JUST 3.1 MILES" overlaid.
A person stands on a rocky path, gazing at the towering red rock mountains and green trees of Zion National Park, with text "& 636 FEET OF GAIN" overlaid.
The perfect hike in Zion National Park
This trail in Zion National Park has got to be one of my all time favorites & best of all? No shuttle bus required to get to it! 📍 The Watchman Trail - 3.1 miles 636 ft of gain The trail actually starts at the visitor center, and is a pretty gradual and easy 3 mile round trip hike to a go
Kristen Reid

Kristen Reid

35 likes

POV: You’re hiking through a canyon river surrounded by towering red cliffs and it feels like a real-life movie 🎬💦 Day 2 of exploring Zion National Park and I can’t even explain how breathtaking The Narrows hike was — every step felt like walking into another world 🌍💗 The water, the rocks, the vibe
jaylxel

jaylxel

0 likes

Place a day #459: Zion part 3
I was a nomad for 5 years, and I have been on the move my entire life. Every day this year, I will share photos from my travels. This is Zion National Park in Utah. #nomadpics Zion National Park
Justin Vizaro

Justin Vizaro

14 likes

A wide view of the Virgin River flowing through Zion National Park, flanked by towering red rock canyon walls under a clear blue sky. The park's name is overlaid on the image.
A clear river with a rocky bed and sandy bank, bordered by massive red rock canyon walls covered with green vegetation. Distant figures are visible on the bank.
An upward perspective of a towering, multi-layered red rock canyon wall, showing water streaks and sparse green foliage against a bright blue sky.
Zion National Park
A must see National Park 🏞️ Be prepared for the heat. Bring LOTS of water. Can’t stress that enough. Bring small portable fans, cooling rags and really good hiking shoes. Wear lots of sunscreen as well. 🥾 The trails aren’t all that easy so be prepared. Most of them are in full sun and when i
CaliforniaGirl

CaliforniaGirl

19 likes

Day 2: Quick Trip to Zion
Zion is officially marked off my list, so where to next? 👀🏞️ #zion #fyp #hike #chubbycattle #zionnationalpark
Dorena💋

Dorena💋

0 likes

Zion national park, Utah🇺🇸
#utahnationalparks #zionnationalpark #nature #nationalparks #nationalparksusa
Castleberryrock

Castleberryrock

823 likes

A collage of three images showing hikers exploring narrow slot canyons in Zion National Park. The canyons feature towering, sculpted rock walls in shades of orange, red, and beige, with shallow water flowing through their bases.
A wooden bridge with metal railings extends towards majestic, reddish-brown mountains covered with green scrub, under a clear blue sky. This scenic view captures the grandeur of Zion National Park.
A river with clear, flowing water over a rocky bed, flanked by immense, dark reddish-brown canyon walls rising steeply towards a bright sky. Sparse trees line the riverbanks within the canyon.
Slot Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah 🇺🇸
Slot Canyon, Zion National Park, Utah 🇺🇸 #utahnationalparks #utahmountains #zionnationalparkutah #utahcounty #nationalparksusa
Crystal Angulo

Crystal Angulo

41 likes

See more