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

Accessible Locations Within Day-Trip Distance

A Forest of stone National Park, Snow Canyon State Park, Valley of Fire State Park (Nevada), Cedar Breaks A Protected national landmark, 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 Vegas visit Bryce Canyon National Park.

Organized Tour vs. Independent Travel

Independent travel gives maximum flexibility; set your own pace and pick 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 particular 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 (A Forest of stone, Snow Canyon, Cedar Breaks, Dixie National Forest, Kolob Canyons) are excellent natural escapes, each with distinct geological and ecological features.

Noteworthy Locations

Kolob Canyons: Part of Zion, accessed separately, with unique formations and fewer crowds.
Pine Valley Mountains: Visible from Zion, with greater elevation forests and cooler temperatures.
Without 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 places.

Sample Day Plans

A Forest of stone: 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). Discover special trails and lava flows.
St. George: A half to full day. Explore the heritage 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 at great heights like A Forest of stone.
Snow: This creates unique photo possibilities with transformed scenery.

Financial Services

Bank Hours:Typically 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Mon-Fri
Local Banks:Springdale has limited bank locations
ATM Availability:24/7 in Springdale
WHERE To find atms: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 the heritage and cultural heritage of the region beyond the park's borders.

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 concrete connection to the past.

Rural Villages

Towns like Rockville and Virgin offer a glimpse of agrarian life, including small agricultural lands 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 instances 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, usually included in "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

Vegas:Short extension for entertainment, dining, shows

Planning Ahead

Road Trip: Multi-day extensions are best done via private automobile 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 frameis good for different trip lengths, assisting you maximize 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 make a 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 walk 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 Bus to The Grotto stop. Hike to Emerald Pools (Lower, Middle, Upper).
Come back to Zion Lodge for a something to eat 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).
On THE fourth day: Day trip to A Forest of stone 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 Sin City or Salt Lake City.

Long-Term Stay Recommendations

Accommodation

Consider renting a vacation home in Springdale, Rockville, or Virgin for more for your money and amenities.

Park Pass

Purchase the The national Parks Pass for limitless entry if visiting multiple national parks.

Focus

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

Important Note

Be certain to adjust itineraries to match your interests and energy levels. Always confirm the latest park conditions and permit requirements.

Day Trips from Zion National Park