Planning Your Visit • 5 min read

Extending Your Zion National Park Itinerary

Some trips are measured in days. Time in Greater Zion is measured in memories you take home. Zion National Park anchors a region filled with striking state parks, blue-water reservoirs, and breathtaking scenery.

Although it’s impossible to experience every facet of southwest Utah in a single weekend, this itinerary offers insight into some must-see highlights, capturing the best of Greater Zion in a short time span.

Day 1: Settle In

Start day one in St. George, a convenient base for exploring Greater Zion over the next four days. Getting here is straightforward. You can fly into St. George Regional Airport or make the drive from Las Vegas or Salt Lake City.

You will find plenty of lodging options that fit different travel styles, including familiar hotels, boutique inns, vacation rentals, and glamping stays. Many places are close to trails, golf, and local attractions, which makes it easy to get out and explore each day.

After you settle in, head out for dinner and a walk around town. Evenings move at a relaxed pace here, which makes it easy to unwind and ease into the rhythm of the trip.

Evening Activity

Grab tickets to a Broadway-style show in the middle of Padre Canyon. Tuacahn Amphitheatre, an outdoor facility, produces high-quality shows and concerts throughout the year. Watch the stars on stage as well as above.

Bonus Activity

Anytime you have a minute, insert a stop at a historic site. Take a ghost tour or enjoy historic Ancestor Square and Green Gate Village on a walk downtown.

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Day 2: Exploring Zion National Park

The secret to a great day at Zion National Park? Arrive early. The park entrance is approximately 45 minutes from St. George. Start your day at the Visitor Center to check for weather, wildlife, and trail alerts, and take this time to ensure you’re prepared for the adventures ahead.

Once you fill up your hydration pack and put on your sunblock, it’s time to hit the trails. Hiking in Zion is one of the park’s main attractions, and trails range from family-friendly loops to grueling 12-mile treks. Permits are required on some of the more strenuous hikes, like Angels Landing, so check requirements ahead of time. There are also drivable viewpoints like Lava Point Overlook, where you can take in the scenery without the hike.

Where to Eat

Pack your lunch in (and out!) or stop for a bite in the nearby town of Springdale. For dinner, satiate your post-hike hunger at one of the many tasty options on your way back to home base.

Bonus Activity

Stay up late for some stargazing in Zion National Park. As an accredited Dark Sky Park, it is one of the best places to stargaze in the country.

Day 3: A Day on or Near the Water

After a full day in Zion National Park, day three shifts the pace toward the water. Start the morning with a stretch or a casual walk to loosen up, then head for one of the reservoirs surrounding St. George, where the focus turns to play and cooling off.

At the reservoirs, the options stretch across the shoreline and onto the water. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating offer an easy way to spend the day, while nearby trails invite hiking and mountain biking. Sand Mountain adds another layer of adventure with open terrain for off-roading. Mix water time with land-based exploring and settle into a day built around sunshine and open space.

Sand Hollow State Park

Just 25 minutes from St. George, Sand Hollow State Park offers clear water and open shoreline. Spend the day swimming, paddling, boating, or relaxing on the sand. Fun fact: it is a fun destination for scuba diving.

Quail Creek State Park

Cool down at Quail Creek State Park, a smaller and lesser-known state park only 20 minutes from St. George. Primarily a fishing destination, this scenic reservoir also encourages swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating with onsite rentals.

Gunlock State Park

About 20 minutes from St. George, Gunlock State Park is a quieter reservoir known for calm water and scenic desert surroundings. It is a great spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming..

Couple standing atop the Cinder Cone with view of Snow Canyon State Park

Day 4: Departure

Start the last day of the trip the right way: by fueling up at one of Greater Zion’s breakfast restaurants. Afterward, here are two options to make the most of your last day in Greater Zion:

Take a Morning Hike

Sneak in one more hike before you head out. The nearby Snow Canyon State Park, Zion’s “little brother,” has trails that wind through soaring cliffs, petrified sand dunes, and petroglyph sites. Another favorite is the Veyo Volcano – technically, a cinder cone – which does not have an established trail but is open to hikers nonetheless.

Treat Yourself to a Slow Morning

If you prefer to spend your remaining hours of vacation relaxing and exploring the culture and arts, St. George delivers. There are 16 art galleries and museums in the area, and if you’re lucky, you may catch one of the town’s annual art festivals. Or, you might opt for a morning ride on rental bikes.

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