Zion National Park Weekend Itinerary (Two Days)
Zion National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States — and after finally making it there last November, I completely understand why. My husband and I tacked it onto a Southwest trip with a campervan rented out of Las Vegas, and despite only having two days, we left feeling like we'd genuinely experienced the park rather than just passed through it.
As a travel advisor who helps clients plan Southwest itineraries regularly, two days at Zion is one of my most frequent recommendations for people who want a taste of Utah's national parks without committing to a full week. Here's exactly how I'd spend them.
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My Experience at Zion National Park
When my husband and I found ourselves with an extra couple of days in the Southwest last November we knew we wanted to check off a bucket list destination - Zion National Park.
So, we rented a camper van on Outdoorsy - with pick up at the Las Vegas airport and made our way to Utah. Despite not having a ton of time, we still had an absolute blast. 2 nights / 2 days was just enough to get a taste of the park highlights and enjoy the dark skies giving way to incredible stargazing.
Visiting Zion National Park in November
Our trip to Zion was in November - considered to be the off-season for this extremely popular Utah park. The weather was on the milder side - in the 50s & 60s during the day and in the upper 30s-40s in the evenings.
November is a great time to visit for fewer crowds. We were able to park at the Visitors Center and hop on a shuttle to our selected trail head with very little wait. During peak season, expect to have to park in nearby Springdale and utilize shuttle systems for getting to/from the park due to the crowds.
I absolutely loved seeing this park in all it’s fall glory - the contrast of the trees changing colors agains the red rock formations was stunning.
How To Get To Zion National Park
The closest major airport to Zion National Park is the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, an approximately 2.5 hour drive. From there, you’ll want to rent a car or other vehicle to drive the remaining distance.
In lieu of a standard rental car, we opted to rent a camper van via Outdoorsy (think AirBnB for RVs). We opted to utilize Outdoorsy over other corporate campervan rental sites for the following reasons:
The rental rate included bedding & basic camp kitchen supplies - this was a selling point for us to not have to pack all of that gear.
The ability to coordinate an airport pick up: Our host, dropped the van off at the airport so it was ready for us to take off as soon as we landed.
The next closest major airport is Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), approximately 4 hours away. If you’re visiting other national parks in Utah like Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capital Reef or Canyon Lands, this may be the preferred airport to fly in and out of.
Pro Tip:
Keep in mind that access to the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, on SR-9 is limited and many RV’s will no longer be permitted to utilize the tunnel beginning in 2026. For more information on the vehicle requirements and restrictions, click here.
Getting Around Zion National Park
Zion Shuttle
Zion National Park utilizes a free shuttle system from April-December. Here's what you need to know about taking the shuttles:
No ticket or reservation is needed to ride the park shuttle.
During the shuttle season, visitors cannot drive personal vehicles on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. This includes before shuttles start for the day and after they stop running.
Shuttles arrive about every 5 - 10 minutes on the Zion Canyon Line (inside the park).
Shuttles take about 45 minutes to drive between the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the last stop at the Temple of Sinawava. This means a round trip takes about an hour and a half.
Be extra mindful of the shuttle schedule and do not plan to catch the final shuttle of the day for your return trip to the Zion National Park Visitor Center. If the shuttle is full, you may have to walk the 9-miles back.
From January-March, visitors may drive their personal vehicles within the park. Many of the popular trail heads have small parking lots so plan to arrive early and stay flexible in your plans.
Click here for the most up to date shuttle schedules and information
E-Bikes
When we visited Zion, we saw tons of people riding e-bikes along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive - it would be a great option for those looking for a little more autonomy with their transportation within the park.
There are several outfitters in the area that offer e-bike rentals. Perks of opting for e-bikes include:
Skip the shuttle lines
Get to trailheads early before the shuttles start running
Won't tire your legs out before you hit the trails
It's fun!
Where To Camp Near Zion National Park
BLM Campsite near La Verkin, Utah
We opted to camp off-grid for both nights that we were in Zion. Prior to our trip, I researched and pinned possible campsites, located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, in the area surrounding Zion on the app iOverlander. These sites were primitive - no hookups or facilities - but what they lack in amenities, they make up for in stunning scenery.
BLM Campsites
Night 1 - We camped just outside of La Verkin, Utah (approximate pin)* in the Hurricane Cliffs Dispersed Camping Area.
Night 2 - We camped just outside of Virgin, Utah (approximate pin)* off of Kolob Terrace Rd.
*Do your own research before camping in these locations to confirm they are still open to campers, that your vehicle can traverse the terrain to access these areas and get informed on all current rules and regulations for land use. As always, follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out everything you bring with you.
Perks of a campervan for primitive camping:
Having the van made these primitive campsites easy to enjoy as it came equipped with:
A leisure battery for operating an induction cooktop, lighting and a heater
A generator for extra power reserve, just in case
A water reserve for the sink and shower (we didn’t use the shower, but it was nice to have the option)
A cassette toilet (just remember, no pooping in the cassette!)
As we made our way back to Vegas to return the van, we just had to dump the cassette toilet gray water at a designated dump station.
If you prefer to camp at an established campground with amenities and hook-ups, the Watchman campground is a great option but often sells out, so be sure to plan ahead and book early.
Hikes in Zion National Park that Don't Require a Permit
The most popular hikes at Zion National Park is Angels Landing. Angel's Landing requires a permit and is known for it’s steep terrain along “the chains” and the payoff views. But, I know myself and my fear of exposure at heights and that trail would go together about as good as oil and water. It’s not that I mind heights so much - it’s mainly the fear of slipping to my death off the side of a steep cliff. If you could plop me right on the top of the view point, I’d be just fine!
If you’re looking for hikes in Zion that don’t require a permit or nerves of steel, try these other scenic trails:
View from the Scout Lookout Trail
Walters Wiggles
Scout Lookout Via West Rim Trail
3.6 mi. out-and-back
Rated Hard on AllTrails
The Scout Lookout is where one finds themselves before the final ascent up Angels Landing, one of the park's most popular trails. This challenging hike still has amazing views of the canyon with a lot less of the clinging to the side of the mountain for dear life sections of trail. Plus, you still get to take a turn up the infamous steep switchback section of trail known as Walters Wiggles.
The Narrows Riverside Walk ending
The Narrows Riverside Walk
1.9 mi, out-and-back
Rated Easy on AllTrails
Unfortunately, on our trip, we didn’t have quite enough time to rent gear to allow us to do The Narrows hike, but we still wanted to get a sense of what it would feel like between the canyon walls. So, we explored along the riverside trail leading up until we reached the end of the paved walkway. It was a beautiful, short hike following along the Virgin River and, in my opinion totally worth it even if you don’t plan to wade up river.
The Narrows
1-10 miles, out & back (not inclusive of the Riverside Walk)
Rated Hard on AllTrails
The Narrows starts at the end of the Riverside Walk where the trail dead ends into the Virgin River. The Narrows is an out-and-back route as you head up river and you can go up to 5-miles for a 10-mile round trip hike. As you wade up river, you will be surrounded by canyon walls.
Things to know:
The river water can be extremely cold. While this may be refreshing in the summer, the same cannot be said for other times of year. It's recommended to rent waders from a local outfitter for a more enjoyable (and safe) expereince.
The Narrows are prone to flash floods, always check the weather before heading out.
The Virgin River is prone to cyanobacteria, do not submerge your head, swim or drink the river water.
Emerald Pools
3-Miles Out & Back
Rated Moderate on AllTrails
The Emerald Pools trailhead is located across from Zion Lodge, following an easy flat trail to the Lower Emerald Pools (approx. .6mi). Lower Emerald Pools features a small waterfall cascading off the rock accessed via a paved trail. You can end your hike here or continue on to the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools. The trail to the Middle & Upper Emerald pools is steeper, but worth the climb for the stunning views. The best time of year for this hike is in the spring, following the rainy season when the water is most likely to be a peak flow.
Pa’rus Trail
3.3 miles, out-and-back
Rated Easy on AllTrails
The Pa'rus trail links the Visitor Center to Canyon Junction bridge while offering beautiful views of the Watchman. This paved trail is one of the most accessible in the park and is the only trail that allows pets and bikes.
Observation Point via East Mesa Trail
7 miles, out-and-back
Rated Moderate on AllTrails
For those looking for a substitute to Angels Landing offering similar sweeping views but without the chains, Observation Point is a great alternative. From here, you'll actually find yourself looking down on Angles Landing from above. The trailhead for the East Mesa Trail is located about one hour from the Zion Visitor Center and requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The hike itself only has about 650ft of elevation gain but is fairly exposed so be sure to pack more water than you think you'll need.
If you opt for this trail, another great place to check out is Checkerboard Mesa.
Two Day Zion National Park Itinerary
This two day itinerary assumes that you have two full days in the park i.e. arriving the night prior and departing the morning after.
Day 1
Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail (est. 3-hours) OR Observation Point (est. 3-hours)
Emerald Pools (est. 2-hours)
Explore Springdale
Day 2
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (1.5 hours round trip without stops via the shuttle)
The Narrows (est. time based on how deep you go in the canyon) and/or Riverside Walk (est. 1 hour)
Pa'rus Trail (est. 1.5 hrs)
Tips For Spending 2 Days In Zion National Park
Get an Early Start: As one of the most visited national parks in the US, Zion National Park experiences heavy crowds. I recommend arriving at the park as early as you can. Along those same lines, I would get out on the trails, especially the most popular ones, early in the day to avoid the bulk of the crowds.
Pack Extra Food & Water: It can be very hot in Zion, especially in the summer months. Pack at least 2 liters of water per person for your hikes - plus snacks, including salty and sweet to help replinish electrolytes and keep your blood sugar up. Additionally, I recommend keeping a cooler in your vehicle for a packed lunch as you most likely will not want to leave the park midday.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time for Hiking: Many hikes in Zion National Park have a lot of elevation gain or different terrain than you may be used to hiking at home. Give yourself plenty of time and allocate more time than you think you'll need to play it safe. And, don't forget to be mindful of the shuttle schedule so you can ensure your return trip to the parking lot.
Consult With A Park Ranger: These folks are experts and the best resource on the ground for information on trail conditions, water levels, and more.
Alway Remember to Leave No Trace: Pack it in, pack it out to help keep this park beautiful for generations to come as well as to protect the wildlife. Some shuttle stops will have trash cans for your convenience.
Use the Shuttle System: The Zion Canyon Scenic drive is closed to personal vehicles the majority of the year. To get a parking spot in the main lot at the Visitor Center, plan to arrive at the park as early as possible. If you miss out and the lot is full...
Use Springdale’s shuttle service: Springdale is the town locted just outside of Zion National Park and offers a shuttle service around the area. It will drop you off at Zion Canyon Village, a short walk from the park entrance where you can get on the Zion National Park shuttle.
Where to Eat Near Zion National Park
Stock Up on Groceries:
Full disclosure, we ate most of the meals in our van. Another perk of the campervan route, especially if you are traveling on a budget. We stopped at the Smith’s supermarket in Mesquite, NV en route to Utah. There are also several grocery store options in St. George, Utah before you get off of Interstate 15.
Some of our favorite camp meals in the van are below, this list is assuming that we are flying in/out of our destination and unlikely to be packing groceries.
Sausage & egg burritos - We like the pre-cooked sausage patties for this so all you have to worry with is making sure they are warmed through
Tacos with ground beef - Multiple uses for the tortilla shells!
Uncrustables - I LOVE a PB&J when I’m hiking. When you are flying to your destination, going the Uncrustables route helps reduce food waste of extra peanut butter & jelly at the end of the trip. Pop a couple in your day pack and they will be thawed and ready to eat by the time you reach the summit.
Canned coffees like La Colombe draft lattes - My husband isn’t a coffee drinker, so I just buy enough for the number of days we’re going to be out in lieu of a full bag of coffee grounds - 75% of which will end up getting tossed.
Bumbleberry Bakery:
We loved all of the pastries we stocked up on at the Bumbleberry Bakery in Springdale, Utah. It’s also connected to a great gift shop and Porters Restaurant. Be sure to try their signature bumbleberry pie. What’s a bumbleberry? Click here for the full story.
Other popular spots to eat near Zion National Park include Oscar’s Cafe, Spotted Dog and the Hangry Goat.
Lodging Options Near Zion National Park
For those that are not planning to camp, there are plenty of lodging options near the park entrance. Whether you’re looking for a traditional hotel or maybe a “glamping” experience, there is something to suit everyone.
Traditional Hotels Near Zion National Park
Glamping Near Zion National Park
Exploring More of the Southwest?
Zion pairs beautifully with other Southwest destinations. Here are a few guides to help you plan the rest of your trip:
Ultimate 8-Day Arizona Road Trip Itinerary — Grand Canyon, Sedona, Scottsdale and more, with a campervan-friendly route through the region's highlights
The 8 Best Hikes in Sedona, Arizona — If Zion has you craving more red rock hiking, Sedona is a natural next stop
Guide to Visiting Sedona in Winter — Visiting in the off-season? Sedona in winter is as good as it gets
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Hi, I’m Jess
I’m here to help you plan epic adventures. If you’re looking for authentic travel guides that mix luxe lodging and incredible dining with out of this world hikes and adventures, you’re in the right place.
