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Zion is one of the most popular national parks in the U.S. because of its hikes, rivers, and mountain views. I highly recommend visiting Zion as part of a Utah “Mighty Five” road trip. So here are some of my favorite photos of Zion National Park to inspire your travel plans!
The Ultimate Zion National Park Guide
There are many incredible hotels, vacation homes, and glamping sites near Zion for every budget and preference. If you’re bringing an RV or motorhome, opt for Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort or Zion River Resort RV Park & Campground.
My top recommendations for Zion are to hike the Timber Creek Overlook Trail, rent e-bikes to ride the Pa’rus Trail and Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, hike Angel’s Landing, drive the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, hike the Canyon Overlook Trail, hike The Narrows, and do a horseback ride inside the park.
Here are my best photos of Zion National Park to inspire your next trip!
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Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef National Park Guides
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Plan The Rest Of Your Trip
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Photos of Zion National Park for Trip Inspiration
Recommended Tours in Zion
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need hiking shoes for Zion?
Yes, you need sturdy, water-resistant hiking shoes in Zion. If you’re hiking The Narrows, you’ll need to rent specialized equipment (shoes, pants, walking stick, etc).
Three days is a good amount of time to explore Zion National Park. Here’s my itinerary for 3 days in Zion National Park:
Arrival Day: Arrive at Zion as early as possible and head to the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center. Drive the scenic Kolob Canyons Road and hike the Timber Creek Overlook Trail (easy-moderate, 1 mile, out and back, 100 feet elevation gain).
Day 1: Rent e-bikes and start riding as early as possible. Ride the Pa’rus Trail, then the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Go all the way to the end of the scenic drive, and stop as often as you want. Hike Angel’s Landing on this day (strenuous, 5.4 miles out and back, 1500 foot elevation gain, long drop-offs). You’ll need a hiking permit, so plan your biking schedule to accommodate your permit time.
If you don’t want to hike Angel’s Landing, hike the West Rim Trail until it becomes the Angel’s Landing trail, then turn around. You’ll want to pack out your lunch and then have dinner in Springdale or back at your accommodation.
Day 2: Drive the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail, and stop at all the pull-offs on your side of the road. Keep driving out of Zion’s East Entrance. A herd of bison is usually visible on the right a few miles outside of the park. You can turn around if you get to Zion Mountain Ranch and haven’t seen the bison. Have lunch at Cordwood or Co-op Cafe before heading back into the park and stopping at all the pull-offs on the other side of the scenic drive.
Day 3: Hike The Narrows (Bottom-Up route via the Riverside Walk, 9.4 miles out and back). The Narrows hike averages about 6 hours, and the trail is the Virgin River, so you’ll be wading through ankle to waist-deep water. You’ll want to rent specialized equipment – shoes, a dry suit, neoprene socks, a waterproof bag, and a walking stick – and you’ll need to monitor the weather because flash floods, cold water temperatures, and high water levels can be very dangerous. Plan on this hike taking most of the day, and you’ll want to bring a pack-out lunch, plenty of water, and snacks.
If you don’t want to hike The Narrows, hike the Watchman Trail in the morning, have a picnic lunch or eat in Springdale, then in the afternoon, hike the Lower and Middle Emerald Pools Loop, and if you’re up for it, continue to the Upper Emerald Pool.
How should I dress for Zion National Park?
You need leggings/hiking pants, shorts, sturdy hiking boots, t-shirts, moisture-wicking socks, and a pullover. In the winter, you’ll need extra layers, gloves, and a beanie. Always have plenty of water and snacks with you.
Here’s my itinerary for 3 days in Zion National Park:
Arrival Day: Arrive at Zion as early as possible and head to the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center. Drive the scenic Kolob Canyons Road and hike the Timber Creek Overlook Trail (easy-moderate, 1 mile, out and back, 100 feet elevation gain).
Day 1: Rent e-bikes and start riding as early as possible. Ride the Pa’rus Trail, then the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Go all the way to the end of the scenic drive, and stop as often as you want. Hike Angel’s Landing on this day (strenuous, 5.4 miles out and back, 1500 foot elevation gain, long drop-offs). You’ll need a hiking permit, so plan your biking schedule to accommodate your permit time.
If you don’t want to hike Angel’s Landing, hike the West Rim Trail until it becomes the Angel’s Landing trail, then turn around. You’ll want to pack out your lunch and then have dinner in Springdale or back at your accommodation.
Day 2: Drive the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail, and stop at all the pull-offs on your side of the road. Keep driving out of Zion’s East Entrance. A herd of bison is usually visible on the right a few miles outside of the park. You can turn around if you get to Zion Mountain Ranch and haven’t seen the bison. Have lunch at Cordwood or Co-op Cafe before heading back into the park and stopping at all the pull-offs on the other side of the scenic drive.
Day 3: Hike The Narrows (Bottom-Up route via the Riverside Walk, 9.4 miles out and back). The Narrows hike averages about 6 hours, and the trail is the Virgin River, so you’ll be wading through ankle to waist-deep water. You’ll want to rent specialized equipment – shoes, a dry suit, neoprene socks, a waterproof bag, and a walking stick – and you’ll need to monitor the weather because flash floods, cold water temperatures, and high water levels can be very dangerous. Plan on this hike taking most of the day, and you’ll want to bring a pack-out lunch, plenty of water, and snacks.
If you don’t want to hike The Narrows, hike the Watchman Trail in the morning, have a picnic lunch or eat in Springdale, then in the afternoon, hike the Lower and Middle Emerald Pools Loop, and if you’re up for it, continue to the Upper Emerald Pool.
How many days do you need to see Zion National Park?
I recommend spending a minimum of three days in Zion National Park. Here’s my itinerary for 3 days in Zion National Park:
Arrival Day: Arrive at Zion as early as possible and head to the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center. Drive the scenic Kolob Canyons Road and hike the Timber Creek Overlook Trail (easy-moderate, 1 mile, out and back, 100 feet elevation gain).
Day 1: Rent e-bikes and start riding as early as possible. Ride the Pa’rus Trail, then the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Go all the way to the end of the scenic drive, and stop as often as you want. Hike Angel’s Landing on this day (strenuous, 5.4 miles out and back, 1500 foot elevation gain, long drop-offs). You’ll need a hiking permit, so plan your biking schedule to accommodate your permit time.
If you don’t want to hike Angel’s Landing, hike the West Rim Trail until it becomes the Angel’s Landing trail, then turn around. You’ll want to pack out your lunch and then have dinner in Springdale or back at your accommodation.
Day 2: Drive the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail, and stop at all the pull-offs on your side of the road. Keep driving out of Zion’s East Entrance. A herd of bison is usually visible on the right a few miles outside of the park. You can turn around if you get to Zion Mountain Ranch and haven’t seen the bison. Have lunch at Cordwood or Co-op Cafe before heading back into the park and stopping at all the pull-offs on the other side of the scenic drive.
Day 3: Hike The Narrows (Bottom-Up route via the Riverside Walk, 9.4 miles out and back). The Narrows hike averages about 6 hours, and the trail is the Virgin River, so you’ll be wading through ankle to waist-deep water. You’ll want to rent specialized equipment – shoes, a dry suit, neoprene socks, a waterproof bag, and a walking stick – and you’ll need to monitor the weather because flash floods, cold water temperatures, and high water levels can be very dangerous. Plan on this hike taking most of the day, and you’ll want to bring a pack-out lunch, plenty of water, and snacks.
If you don’t want to hike The Narrows, hike the Watchman Trail in the morning, have a picnic lunch or eat in Springdale, then in the afternoon, hike the Lower and Middle Emerald Pools Loop, and if you’re up for it, continue to the Upper Emerald Pool.
What is the best time of year to visit Zion National Park?
Zion National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Spring and Fall are the shoulder seasons and the best times to visit. Daytime temperatures will be pleasant in the 60s-70s, and the crowds will be more manageable than in the summer. And as long as you avoid Spring break weeks and Labor Day weekend, you can score some great accommodation deals during these months.
December – March are the best months to avoid the crowds and get cheap accommodation, but it can be too cold and windy to enjoy the higher elevations, and some roads and trails close because of snow and ice. Winter temperatures rarely get above 50 during the day and go below freezing at night, so bring layers. The Zion shuttle doesn’t run during these months, so you’ll need your own car to explore all of the park.
Summer is the peak travel season. You can beat some of the crowds and lines by going on weekdays, arriving early in the morning, and renting e-bikes to avoid the crowded shuttles. Days in June, July, and August are hot (temperatures can get in the 100s), and there’s little to no shade on many of the trails. So always have more water than you think you’ll need, a hat, and sunscreen. Accommodations are expensive and book up fast during these months, so make your reservations as far in advance as possible.
The monsoon season is from late July to September, when flash floods are common. You’ll need to monitor the weather continuously, and don’t attempt water hikes (such as The Narrows) if conditions are dangerous.
What is so special about Zion National Park?
Zion is one of the most popular national parks in the U.S. because of its canyon, hikes, rivers, and mountain views.
You can avoid some of the crowds at Zion by visiting in the winter, spring, or fall, avoiding holidays and Spring Break weeks, visiting on weekdays, and arriving at the park early in the morning.
Is 2 days enough for Zion?
I recommend spending a minimum of three days in Zion National Park, but if you only have two days, here are my recommendations:
Arrival Day: Arrive at Zion as early as possible and head to the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center. Drive the scenic Kolob Canyons Road and hike the Timber Creek Overlook Trail (easy-moderate, 1 mile, out and back, 100 feet elevation gain).
Day 1: Rent e-bikes and start riding as early as possible. Ride the Pa’rus Trail, then the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Go all the way to the end of the scenic drive, and stop as often as you want. Hike Angel’s Landing on this day (strenuous, 5.4 miles out and back, 1500 foot elevation gain, long drop-offs). You’ll need a hiking permit, so plan your biking schedule to accommodate your permit time.
If you don’t want to hike Angel’s Landing, hike the West Rim Trail until it becomes the Angel’s Landing trail, then turn around. You’ll want to pack out your lunch and then have dinner in Springdale or back at your accommodation.
Day 2 Option 1: Drive the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail, and stop at all the pull-offs on your side of the road. Keep driving out of Zion’s East Entrance. A herd of bison is usually visible on the right a few miles outside of the park. You can turn around if you get to Zion Mountain Ranch and haven’t seen the bison. Have lunch at Cordwood or Co-op Cafe before heading back into the park and stopping at all the pull-offs on the other side of the scenic drive.
Day 2 Option 2: Hike The Narrows (Bottom-Up route via the Riverside Walk, 9.4 miles out and back). The Narrows hike averages about 6 hours, and the trail is the Virgin River, so you’ll be wading through ankle to waist-deep water. You’ll want to rent specialized equipment – shoes, a dry suit, neoprene socks, a waterproof bag, and a walking stick – and you’ll need to monitor the weather because flash floods, cold water temperatures, and high water levels can be very dangerous. Plan on this hike taking most of the day, and you’ll want to bring a pack-out lunch, plenty of water, and snacks.
What is the best month to visit Zion National Park?
Zion National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Spring and Fall are the shoulder seasons and the best times to visit. Daytime temperatures will be pleasant in the 60s-70s, and the crowds will be more manageable than in the summer. And as long as you avoid Spring break weeks and Labor Day weekend, you can score some great accommodation deals during these months.
December – March are the best months to avoid the crowds and get cheap accommodation, but it can be too cold and windy to enjoy the higher elevations, and some roads and trails close because of snow and ice. Winter temperatures rarely get above 50 during the day and go below freezing at night, so bring layers. The Zion shuttle doesn’t run during these months, so you’ll need your own car to explore all of the park.
Summer is the peak travel season. You can beat some of the crowds and lines by going on weekdays, arriving early in the morning, and renting e-bikes to avoid the crowded shuttles. Days in June, July, and August are hot (temperatures can get in the 100s), and there’s little to no shade on many of the trails. So always have more water than you think you’ll need, a hat, and sunscreen. Accommodations are expensive and book up fast during these months, so make your reservations as far in advance as possible.
The monsoon season is from late July to September, when flash floods are common. You’ll need to monitor the weather continuously, and don’t attempt water hikes (such as The Narrows) if conditions are dangerous.
Can you pee in Zion?
There are lots of restrooms throughout Zion National Park.
Here’s my itinerary for 3 days in Zion National Park:
Arrival Day: Arrive at Zion as early as possible and head to the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center. Drive the scenic Kolob Canyons Road and hike the Timber Creek Overlook Trail (easy-moderate, 1 mile, out and back, 100 feet elevation gain).
Day 1: Rent e-bikes and start riding as early as possible. Ride the Pa’rus Trail, then the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Go all the way to the end of the scenic drive, and stop as often as you want. Hike Angel’s Landing on this day (strenuous, 5.4 miles out and back, 1500 foot elevation gain, long drop-offs). You’ll need a hiking permit, so plan your biking schedule to accommodate your permit time.
If you don’t want to hike Angel’s Landing, hike the West Rim Trail until it becomes the Angel’s Landing trail, then turn around. You’ll want to pack out your lunch and then have dinner in Springdale or back at your accommodation.
Day 2: Drive the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail, and stop at all the pull-offs on your side of the road. Keep driving out of Zion’s East Entrance. A herd of bison is usually visible on the right a few miles outside of the park. You can turn around if you get to Zion Mountain Ranch and haven’t seen the bison. Have lunch at Cordwood or Co-op Cafe before heading back into the park and stopping at all the pull-offs on the other side of the scenic drive.
Day 3: Hike The Narrows (Bottom-Up route via the Riverside Walk, 9.4 miles out and back). The Narrows hike averages about 6 hours, and the trail is the Virgin River, so you’ll be wading through ankle to waist-deep water. You’ll want to rent specialized equipment – shoes, a dry suit, neoprene socks, a waterproof bag, and a walking stick – and you’ll need to monitor the weather because flash floods, cold water temperatures, and high water levels can be very dangerous. Plan on this hike taking most of the day, and you’ll want to bring a pack-out lunch, plenty of water, and snacks.
If you don’t want to hike The Narrows, hike the Watchman Trail in the morning, have a picnic lunch or eat in Springdale, then in the afternoon, hike the Lower and Middle Emerald Pools Loop, and if you’re up for it, continue to the Upper Emerald Pool.
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This post of photos of Zion National Park is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post of photos of Zion National Park are entirely my own. Some of these links are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this post of photos of Zion National Park.
