3 Day Zion National Park Itinerary: The Ultimate Way to Explore Zion in 2025
A 3-day trip to Zion National Park is the perfect amount of time to explore its legendary hikes, world-class viewpoints, peaceful riverside scenery, and hidden East Zion landscapes that most one-day or two-day visitors never reach. With this itinerary, you’ll experience Angels Landing, The Narrows, Emerald Pools, Canyon Overlook, scenic drives, sunrise spots, sunset trails, and optional hidden-gem additions. This guide is designed in a simple, smart, and efficient way so you can fully enjoy Zion without rushing through its most iconic sights.
How to Reach Zion National Park
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| Closest Airport | Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas) – 170 miles (2.5 hours) |
| Alternate Airport | St. George Regional Airport – 47 miles (1 hour) |
| Taxi / Ride Services | Shuttle companies run between Las Vegas, St. George, and Springdale; Uber/Lyft limited near Zion |
| Bus Services | Salt Lake Express bus to St. George, then shuttle/taxi to Zion/Springdale |
| Self-Drive | Easiest; Zion sits on UT-9 through Springdale |
| Car Rentals | Available in Las Vegas, St. George, and Springdale |
Zion Basics at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ideal Trip Length | 2–3 days |
| Best Months | March–May, September–November |
| Main Entry Town | Springdale, UT |
| Shuttle Required | Yes (Mar–Nov approx.) |
| Famous Hikes | Angels Landing, The Narrows, Canyon Overlook |
| Best Sunrise Spot | Canyon Overlook Trail |
| Best Sunset Spot | Pa’rus Trail |
What to Bring: Zion Packing List
| Item | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| 2–3 liters water/day | Desert heat is dehydrating |
| Trekking pole | Useful for The Narrows |
| Quick-dry clothing | Essential for river hiking |
| Sturdy hiking shoes | Rocky terrain |
| Snacks / packed lunch | Saves time in busy hours |
| Sunscreen & hat | Trails are exposed |
| Permit (if needed) | Angels Landing chains section |
| Headlamp | Helpful for sunrise/sunset hikes |
3-Day Zion National Park Itinerary
Day 1: Angels Landing, Emerald Pools & Zion Canyon Highlights
1. Start Early at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center (7:00 AM)
Arrive early for parking and to board the first shuttle. Morning is the best time to hike Angels Landing or Emerald Pools before crowds build.
2. Hike Angels Landing (7:30 AM – 12:00 PM)
Zion’s most iconic—and thrilling—trail. If you have a permit, you can hike the chains section to the summit. Without a permit, hike to Scout Lookout for an equally beautiful viewpoint.
Angels Landing Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | 5.4 miles round trip |
| Time Required | 4–5 hours |
| Permit Needed | Yes (chains section only) |
| Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Best For | Experienced and adventurous hikers |
Alternative:
If you prefer an easier trail, hike Observation Point (East Mesa Trail) instead.
3. Lunch at Zion Lodge (12:30–1:30 PM)
Refuel at Red Rock Grill or Castle Dome Café, or eat your packed lunch on the grassy lawn.
4. Emerald Pools Trail (1:30–3:00 PM)
Perfect midday hike with shade and waterfalls.
Emerald Pools Options
| Trail | Difficulty | Time Needed | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Pool | Easy | 45 min | Waterfall, grotto |
| Upper Pool | Moderate | 1.5 hrs | Cliff views |
| Kayenta Trail | Moderate | 1.5 hrs | Scenic views, fewer crowds |
5. Explore Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (3:00–5:00 PM)
Great stops:
- Big Bend
- Court of the Patriarchs
- Temple of Sinawava
6. Sunset on the Pa’rus Trail (5:00–6:30 PM)
A relaxed, paved riverside trail offering wide views of Zion Canyon.
Day 2: The Narrows + East Zion Scenic Drive
1. Hike The Narrows (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Start early for the coolest temperatures and lowest crowds.
The Narrows Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Time Needed | 2–5 hours (short version) |
| Trail Type | River hike |
| Permit Needed | No (bottom-up) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Notes | Check flash flood warnings daily |
Even hiking the first mile delivers breathtaking views.
2. Lunch + Rest in Springdale (12:30–2:00 PM)
Best options: Oscar’s Café, Café Soleil, Zion Pizza & Noodle Co.
3. Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway Scenic Drive (2:00–4:00 PM)
This drive takes you through the famous Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel into East Zion’s slickrock landscapes.
Top stops:
- Checkerboard Mesa
- Slickrock formations
- Multiple overlook pullouts
4. Canyon Overlook Trail (4:00–5:30 PM)
One of the best short hikes in Zion.
Canyon Overlook Trail Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | 1 mile round trip |
| Difficulty | Easy–Moderate |
| Best Time | Sunset |
| Time Needed | 45–60 minutes |
| View | A dramatic overlook of Zion Canyon |
Day 3: Kolob Canyons, Watchman Trail & Hidden Gems
Day 3 allows you to explore Zion’s quieter, lesser-known areas.
1. Kolob Canyons (Morning)
Located on Zion’s northwest side, this area is less crowded and incredibly scenic.
Kolob Canyons Highlights
| Spot | Feature |
|---|---|
| Timber Creek Overlook | Best viewpoint |
| Taylor Creek Trail | Easy-moderate hike |
| Kolob Canyons Road | Great for photography |
2. Lunch in Springdale or Kolob Area (12:00–1:00 PM)
3. Watchman Trail (1:00–3:00 PM)
A moderate climb with sweeping views of the valley and the Watchman peak.
4. Optional Add-Ons for Day 3
Choose any based on stamina:
- Riverside Walk
- Pa’rus Trail (bike rental in Springdale)
- Human History Museum
- Cable Mountain (for advanced hikers)
- Hidden Canyon (if open)
5. Final Sunset at Watchman Overlook or Pa’rus Trail
A peaceful way to end your 3-day Zion adventure.
Best Time to Visit Zion National Park (3-Day Trips)
| Season | Weather | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Wildflowers, mild temps | Best overall conditions |
| Summer | Hot, crowded | Longest daylight hours |
| Fall | Mild, colorful | Perfect for hiking |
| Winter | Quiet, cool | Peaceful, great for photography |
What to Do in Zion National Park (January–December)
| Month | Weather Overview | Best Things to Do | Recommended Hikes | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cold, possible snow | Photography, peaceful visits | Pa’rus, Riverside Walk | Upper trails icy |
| February | Cool | Wildlife viewing | Watchman Trail | Cold Narrows water |
| March | Mild | Early-season hiking | Canyon Overlook | Crowds increasing |
| April | Perfect temps | Wildflowers, hiking | Angels Landing | Busy season starts |
| May | Warm | The Narrows, scenic drives | West Rim Trail | Flash floods possible |
| June | Hot | Early hikes only | Angels Landing | Midday heat |
| July | Very hot, monsoon | Riverside Walk | Riverside Walk | Afternoon storms |
| August | Hot, stormy | The Narrows | The Narrows | Flash flood danger |
| September | Cooler | Peak hiking | Angels Landing | Crowds |
| October | Ideal | Fall colors, long hikes | Watchman, West Rim | Chilly evenings |
| November | Cool | Moderate hikes | Emerald Pools | Occasional ice |
| December | Cold | Winter photography | Riverside Walk | Short daylight hours |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 3 days enough for Zion National Park?
Yes. Three days is the perfect amount of time for Zion’s top hikes, scenic drives, and quieter viewpoints.
Do I need a shuttle to explore Zion?
Yes, the shuttle is required in Zion Canyon most of the year.
Which hike is best: Angels Landing or The Narrows?
Both are iconic. Angels Landing is more strenuous; The Narrows is cooler and good for most skill levels.
Is Kolob Canyons worth the drive?
Absolutely. It’s peaceful and offers big, dramatic canyon scenery without crowds.
Do I need a permit for any hikes?
Angels Landing chains section requires a permit. The Narrows bottom-up does not.
Can families follow this 3-day itinerary?
Yes. Simply swap Angels Landing for easier alternatives like Canyon Overlook or Watchman Trail.