Day Trips from Zion National Park. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Accessible Locations Within Day-Trip Distance

Bryce Canyon National Park, Snow Canyon State Park, Valley of Fire State Park (Nevada), Cedar Breaks National Monument, Dixie National Forest, and St. George, Utah, are all reachable.

Self-driving is the most flexible option for these day trips. Some guided tours from Springdale or Las Vegas visit Bryce Canyon National Park.

Organized Tour vs. Independent Travel

Independent travel gives maximum flexibility; set your own pace and choose your stops.
Independent travel needs route planning, navigation, and covering gas and car rental expenses.
Organized tours handle all logistics, letting you relax and enjoy the scenery.
Organized tours have less flexible itineraries and schedules, with limited time at specific locations.

Natural Escapes

Beyond Zion's main canyon, the surrounding region has diverse natural escapes, from other national parks to high-elevation forests.

Parks and Nature Reserves

All locations listed previously (Bryce Canyon, Snow Canyon, Cedar Breaks, Dixie National Forest, Kolob Canyons) are excellent natural escapes, each with distinct geological and ecological features.

Remarkable Locations

Kolob Canyons: Part of Zion, accessed separately, with unique formations and fewer crowds.
Pine Valley Mountains: Visible from Zion, with higher elevation forests and cooler temperatures.
No beaches are in the immediate vicinity. Zion is a mountainous, high desert rural area.

Time Required and Suggested Itineraries

Allocate sufficient time to experience these destinations.

Sample Day Plans

Bryce Canyon: A full day (8-10 hours, including drive time). Focus on scenic viewpoints and a short hike.
Snow Canyon: A half-day trip (4-6 hours). Explore unique trails and lava flows.
St. George: A half to full day. Explore the historic district, shopping, or dining.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Spring/Summer

Wildflowers: Spring and early summer bring a burst of wildflowers across the desert.
Wildflowers: Canyon landscapes come alive with blooms.

Winter

Snow: Winter provides snow-covered landscapes, especially at higher elevations like Bryce Canyon.
Snow: This creates unique photo opportunities with transformed scenery.

Financial Services

Bank Hours:Typically 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Mon-Fri
Local Banks:Springdale has limited bank branches
ATM Availability:24/7 in Springdale
ATM Locations:Banks, gas stations, Sol Foods Supermarket

Credit Cards:Widely accepted at most establishments
Cash:Useful for small purchases or remote vendors
Traveler's Checks:Rarely used; not broadly accepted
Currency:United States Dollar (USD)

Travel Tip

Check local operating hours for services, especially during off-peak seasons or holidays.

Cultural Excursions

Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of the region outside the park.

St. George

Visit historical sites related to Mormon pioneer history, including historic homes and the St. George Temple.

Grafton Ghost Town

A well-preserved pioneer village located near Rockville. It offers a tangible connection to the past.

Rural Villages

Towns like Rockville and Virgin offer a glimpse of rural life, including small farms and local craft shops.

St. George Historic District

Explore the city center, especially Ancestor Square, with preserved historic buildings.

Sites

St. George Temple: A significant pilgrimage site for Latter-day Saints.
Historic Homes: See examples of pioneer architecture.
Ancestor Square: A hub for preserved historic buildings.

Dixie National Forest

Surrounds Zion National Park and has varied recreational activities.

Forest Activities

Hiking: Numerous trails for various skill levels.
Camping: Designated campgrounds are available.
Scenic Drives: Routes through forests and mountains.

Multi-Day Extensions

Grand Canyon North Rim:2.5-3 hours from Zion, seasonal access (May-Oct)

Capitol Reef National Park:3-4 hours from Zion, unique geology and orchards

Arches/Canyonlands:5-6 hours from Zion, near Moab, often part of "Mighty 5" trips

Utah's Mighty 5:Popular route with Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands

Grand Circle Tour:Multi-week itinerary across Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico

Las Vegas:Short extension for entertainment, dining, shows

Planning Ahead

Road Trip: Multi-day extensions are best done by private vehicle for maximum flexibility.
Access: Grand Canyon North Rim access is seasonal.
Conditions: Check road conditions for high-elevation roads in winter.
Permits: Some park activities like Angels Landing may need permits.
Shuttle: Use the free Zion Canyon Shuttle for park access.

Itinerary Suggestions

These itineraries give frameworks for different trip lengths, helping you make the most of your time in Zion National Park. Adjust them to match your interests and energy levels.

-Hour Layover Highlights

1

Morning Drive

Drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (Hwy 9) from the east entrance. Take in scenic views and stop at Checkerboard Mesa.

2

Mid-Morning Hike

Park at the Visitor Center (or use Springdale shuttle). Ride the Zion Canyon Shuttle to Riverside Walk or hike the Pa'rus Trail.

3

Afternoon Exploration

Visit the Zion Human History Museum. Enjoy a short hike on the Watchman Trail or sunset from Pa'rus.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

Day 1: Arrive, check into Springdale lodging. Use Springdale Town Shuttle to park entrance.
Board Zion Canyon Shuttle to The Grotto stop. Hike to Emerald Pools (Lower, Middle, Upper).
Return to Zion Lodge for a meal or enjoy a picnic lunch. Late afternoon: Hike a section of the Pa'rus Trail.
Day 2: Early start, ride first Zion Canyon Shuttle to your chosen trailhead.
Option: Angels Landing (permit needed beyond Scout Lookout) or The Narrows (Bottom-Up, rent gear).
Day 3: Drive Zion-Mount Carmel Highway for final scenic views. Hike Canyon Overlook Trail. Explore Kolob Canyons.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

Days 1-3: Zion National Park immersion (follow 2-3 day plan; consider longer Narrows, canyoneering).
Day 4: Day trip to Bryce Canyon National Park (1.5-2 hours drive). Explore rim viewpoints and hike into amphitheater.
Day 5: Exploration or Relaxation. Day trip to Snow Canyon State Park or Kolob Terrace Road. Or rest in Springdale.
Days 6-7: Further Regional Exploration. Visit Cedar Breaks (if open seasonally) or return to St. George for urban amenities.
Departure from Las Vegas or Salt Lake City.

Long-Term Stay Recommendations

Accommodation

Consider renting a vacation home in Springdale, Rockville, or Virgin for better value and amenities.

Park Pass

Purchase the America the Beautiful Pass for unlimited entry if visiting multiple national parks.

Focus

Concentrate on exploring individual areas of the park in depth. Undertake more challenging multi-day hikes with permits.

Important Note

Remember to adjust itineraries to match your interests and energy levels. Always check current park conditions and permit requirements.

Day Trips from Zion National Park