Zion National Park - 1-Day Highlights
Explore Zion's stunning red rock canyons without needing permits. This itinerary includes the Emerald Pools, Riverside Walk, and Canyon Overlook trails, plus scenic shuttle rides through Zion Canyon.
Unscheduled
Zion Canyon Visitor Center
Start here to get maps, check trail conditions, and catch the shuttle. Rangers can help plan your day.
Arrive early! Parking fills by 9am in peak season. Take first shuttle to Temple of Sinawava.
Temple of Sinawava - Riverside Walk
Paved 2-mile roundtrip trail along the Virgin River to the Narrows entrance. Hanging gardens and towering canyon walls.
Shaded and relatively cool. Great for hot days. You can wade into the river at the end if you want.
Weeping Rock
Short 0.5-mile roundtrip to an alcove with dripping water and hanging gardens. Note: May be closed due to rockfall - check current status.
Quick stop between other hikes. Refreshingly cool under the overhang.
Emerald Pools Trail
Lower Pools (1.2 miles RT, easy) or continue to Upper Pools (3 miles RT, moderate). Waterfalls and lush pools in a desert canyon.
Lower pool is paved and accessible. Upper pools trail is steeper with some exposure. Best water flow in spring.
Zion Lodge Lunch
Red Rock Grill at Zion Lodge offers burgers, salads, and Southwestern fare with canyon views.
No reservations for lunch. Outdoor seating has best views. Also has a snack bar for quick bites.
Canyon Overlook Trail
1-mile roundtrip trail with stunning views of Pine Creek Canyon and lower Zion Canyon. One of the best bang-for-buck hikes in the park.
Trail starts just east of Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. Parking is very limited - arrive early or late afternoon.
Pa'rus Trail
Easy 3.5-mile paved trail along the Virgin River. Bikes allowed. Great for wildlife - deer and wild turkeys common.
Perfect cool-down hike. Connects Visitor Center to Canyon Junction. Nice in golden hour light.
Watchman Trail Sunset
3.3-mile roundtrip moderate hike to a viewpoint overlooking Watchman peak, town of Springdale, and lower canyon.
Start 2 hours before sunset to reach viewpoint for golden hour. Bring headlamp for walk down in dark.