What to do in Zion National Park if you want to see everything but only have 2 days?
Zion National Park is a protected area in southwestern Utah, in the United States. It covers an area of 229 square miles and is known for its stunning sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and unique geological features. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 900 plant species and 289 bird species. Some of the most popular attractions in Zion National Park include The Narrows, Angels Landing, and Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. It was established as a national park in 1919 and is now visited by millions of visitors every year.
What is the best time to visit Zion National Park?
The best time to visit Zion National Park is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons. During these times, the weather is mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from the 60s to the 80s°F (15 to 27°C) and cooler evenings. The crowds are also lighter during these seasons compared to the busy summer months.
Summer (June to August) is the busiest time of the year, with large crowds and higher temperatures, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C). However, summer is also an excellent time for activities such as hiking, river tubing, and rock climbing.
Winter (December to February) is the least busy time of the year, and the park is often covered in snow, creating a beautiful winter wonderland. However, some trails and roads may be closed due to snow and ice. The temperatures are also quite cold, with daytime temperatures ranging from the 30s to the 50s°F (-1 to 10°C).
Overall, the best time to visit Zion National Park depends on your preferences and what activities you want to do. But, spring and fall offer the best combination of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. With the exception of Spring and Fall Break.
What are the must-see sights in Zion National Park?
Zion National Park is filled with incredible sights and breathtaking natural beauty. Here are some must-see sights in the park:
The Narrows: This hike is a unique experience where you walk through the Virgin River in a narrow slot canyon, surrounded by towering cliffs.
Angels Landing: The hike to Angels Landing is challenging but rewarding, offering stunning views of the park from the top.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive: This 6-mile scenic drive takes you through the heart of Zion Canyon, with stunning views of the towering sandstone cliffs. During most times of the year, this drive can only be accessed via the required park shuttle.
Emerald Pools: A series of three pools located at the base of a cliff, offering a refreshing break from hiking and beautiful scenery.
The Watchman: A towering sandstone monolith that can be seen from various points in the park.
Kolob Canyons: This area of the park is less crowded and offers a unique perspective on the park's geology, with towering red rock formations.
Weeping Rock: This short hike takes you to a rock alcove where water seeps out of the rock, creating a beautiful waterfall.
Canyon Overlook Trail: A short, moderate hike that takes you to a stunning viewpoint overlooking Zion Canyon.
These are just a few must-see sights in Zion National Park, but the park is filled with many other incredible natural wonders and hiking trails. Be sure to check out the official Zion National Park website for more information and to plan your trip accordingly.
What are the best hikes in Zion National Park?
Zion National Park is a hiker's paradise with many incredible trails of varying difficulty levels. Here are some of the best hikes in the park:
The Narrows: A unique experience where you walk through the Virgin River in a narrow slot canyon. This hike can be done in a day or as an overnight trip. For most parts of the year, you will need specialized equipment that can easily be rented in Springdale.
Angels Landing: A challenging but rewarding hike that offers incredible views of the park from the top. The last section of the trail is steep and has chains to hold onto. This trail now requires a permit to hike it.
Observation Point: An 8-mile round-trip hike that takes you to a stunning viewpoint overlooking Zion Canyon.
Emerald Pools: A series of three pools located at the base of a cliff, offering a refreshing break from hiking and beautiful scenery.
The Subway: A challenging 9-mile round-trip hike that takes you through a slot canyon with pools and waterfalls.
West Rim Trail: A 14-mile trail that takes you to the top of the canyon with incredible views of the park.
Riverside Walk: A 2.0-mile round-trip hike that takes you along the Virgin River to the entrance of The Narrows.
These are just a few of the best hikes in Zion National Park. Be sure to check the official Zion National Park website for more information and to plan your trip accordingly, as some hikes may require permits or have seasonal closures.
What is there for kids to do at Zion National Park?
Zion National Park offers a variety of activities and experiences for families with children. Here are some things that kids can enjoy in the park:
Junior Ranger Program: The Junior Ranger Program is a great way for kids to learn about the park's natural and cultural resources through interactive activities and ranger-led programs.
Easy Hikes: There are several short and easy hikes in the park that are suitable for families with children, such as the Riverside Walk, Lower Emerald Pools, and Pa'rus Trail.
Ranger-led Programs: The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs for children, including guided hikes, campfire programs, and interactive activities.
Wildlife Viewing: Kids can enjoy spotting wildlife in the park, including deer, squirrels, and a variety of birds.
Scenic Drives: The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a great way to explore the park and take in the stunning views from the comfort of your car in the winter or park shuttle at all other times. However, we highly suggest exploring this area via bikes. The road and bike paths are flat which means it’s a great alternative to the shuttle. There are very strict rules regarding bikes on the road, so be sure to read over them before heading out.
Rock Climbing: For older kids, rock climbing is a popular activity in the park. There are several outfitters in the area that offer guided climbing trips.
Tubing on the Virgin River: During the summer months, tubing on the Virgin River is a fun activity for kids of all ages. Note: tubing is done outside of the park.
These are just a few examples of things kids can enjoy at Zion National Park. The park offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages, making it a great family destination.
What to do in Zion National Park if you want to see everything but only have 2 days?
Zion National Park is a beautiful park with many things to see and do. While it's challenging to see everything in just two days, here are some of the top things to do to make the most of your time:
Day 1:
Hike The Narrows: The Narrows is a must-do hike in Zion National Park. It's a unique experience where you walk through the Virgin River in a narrow slot canyon. The hike can be done in a day, but it's recommended to start early. You can rent water shoes and walking sticks at the Zion Adventure Company.
Enjoy the shuttle along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive: The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a 6-mile scenic drive that runs through Zion Canyon. It's a great way to see the park and its stunning views.
Take a scenic drive along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, which offers stunning views of the park and several stops for exploring, such as the Checkerboard Mesa and the Canyon Overlook Trail.
Visit the Zion Human History Museum to learn about the park's history and cultural significance.
Watch the Sunset at the Canyon Overlook Trail: The Canyon Overlook Trail is a short, 1-mile hike that takes you to a stunning viewpoint overlooking Zion Canyon. It's a great place to watch the sunset.
Day 2:
Hike Angel's Landing: Angel's Landing is a challenging but rewarding hike. It's a 5.4-mile round-trip hike that offers incredible views of the park from the top. The last section of the trail is steep and has chains to hold onto. (NOTE: this is not a trail for kids)
Visit Emerald Pools: Emerald Pools is a series of three pools that are located at the base of the cliff. It's a short hike and a great place to cool off after a long day of hiking.
Drive Kolob Terrace Road: Kolob Terrace Road is a scenic drive that takes you to the Kolob Reservoir. It's a great place to take a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery.
Visit Kolob Canyon: Go for a few hikes and enjoy the sunset.
Why is a GyPSy Guide essential for Zion National Park?
GyPSy Guide is an app that provides GPS-guided audio tours and is a useful tool for visitors to Zion National Park. Here are a few reasons why a GyPSy Guide can be essential for your trip:
Self-Guided Tours: A GyPSy Guide provides self-guided audio tours of Zion National Park, so you can explore the park at your own pace and on your own schedule.
GPS-Guided Navigation: The app uses GPS technology to guide you through the park, providing turn-by-turn directions and alerts for upcoming points of interest.
Insider Information: The audio tours provide insider information about the park's history, geology, wildlife, and other interesting facts that you may not learn otherwise.
Safety: The app provides important safety information about the park, such as weather updates and trail conditions, to help keep you safe during your visit.
Convenience: A GyPSy Guide is a convenient way to explore the park without the need for a tour guide or map. You can use the app on your phone or other mobile devices.
Overall, a GyPSy Guide can be a useful tool for visitors to Zion National Park, providing valuable information, navigation, and convenience to help you make the most of your trip.
We have loved GyPSy Guides since 2018 and look forward to using them every time we visit a new area, and now we are a GyPSy affiliate! This means when you use our links to purchase a guide we get a small commission with no extra cost to you. Thank you for using our links!
Always remember to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for hiking. Also, be prepared for varying weather conditions, as temperatures can change rapidly in the desert. Zion National Park is a spectacular natural wonderland in southwestern Utah, United States, known for its unique geological features, narrow canyons, and towering sandstone cliffs. The park offers numerous activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, camping, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing. With over 900 plant species and 289 bird species, the park is also a sanctuary for a diverse range of flora and fauna. The best time to visit Zion National Park is during spring and fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are lighter. The must-see sights include The Narrows, Angels Landing, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Emerald Pools, and Kolob Canyons. The park offers some of the best hiking trails in the country, including The Narrows, Angels Landing, Observation Point, and The Subway. For families with children, the park offers various activities and experiences, including the Junior Ranger Program, easy hikes, and ranger-led programs. Zion National Park is a true gem of the United States and is visited by millions of visitors every year.
Enjoy your time at Zion National Park!
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