Last month, Andy and I celebrated our 20-something anniversary. We spent 24 hours in Zion National Park to commemorate the big day. The park is special to us because we met, got engaged, and married in Zion.
Back then, Andy was a recent U of M college graduate traveling west without an end destination in mind. I was getting the heck out of Dodge (Missouri, not Kansas) for the summer. We met while working at the Zion Lodge; the rest is history.
Although Andy and I met that summer, I had previous ties to Zion National Park because my dad was a park ranger there for ten years. The Oak Creek housing area behind the old visitor center was my childhood home from ages 2-12. So, altogether, I lived in Zion for 15 years.
As a hobby, I’ve helped countless friends and family plan ways to maximize their park visits. So with our recent trip fresh on my mind, I thought I’d share suggestions for ways to spend 24 hours in Zion National Park during cooler weather.
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Are 24 Hours in Zion National Park Enough?
The short answer is yes, but I want to clarify that our quick trip did not include anything on the east side or the Kolob Canyon. Leaving out East Zion was a hard decision, but I’ll make some notes in the text where a hike or drive there could be substituted. Also, Kolob Canyon isn’t attached to the canyon floor by any roads. So, it really is a separate destination requiring an additional day(s).
My favorite length of time for an active vacation in Zion National Park is 2-3 days.
One additional note: Andy and I also chose to power through about six miles of hiking, including one challenging route, and we did not travel with kids. With so many different hikes on the canyon floor, finding something that matches your desire and fitness level is easy.
Arrival
If possible, I suggest arriving in the late afternoon with plans to get an early start the next day. We drove down from Salt Lake City and arrived at the park around 4:30 pm. We had reserved a campsite at the Watchman Campground. So, we opted to set up camp first before it got dark.
An alternative would be to book a hotel in Springdale and take a scenic drive* through the tunnels and out to the east side of the park while there’s still daylight. Then, turn around before it gets dark and check into your hotel.
Las Vegas is much closer than Salt Lake City. So, you might be able to arrive earlier and squeeze in the Canyon Overlook trail on the east side while you are there.
*This drive is slow and includes switchbacks and heights. If you get carsick, consider Dramamine, and take small sips of water every 5-15 minutes to help with the elevation gain.
After we set up camp, we went to Springdale for dinner, and we were in bed by 8:30 pm.
Our Favorite Restaurants in Springdale:
- Zion Pizza & Noodle Co. – dinner only
- Oscar’s Cafe – breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Bit and Spur – dinner only
24 Hours in Zion National Park – The Next Day
Andy and I skipped the visitor center since we had already been there several times. Instead, we broke camp, grabbed coffee, and jumped on the up-canyon shuttle at around 9 am. If you want to check out the visitor center, it opens plenty early, at 8 am.
We rode the shuttle into the canyon and hopped off at the Zion Lodge, where we worked when we met! We ate a hearty buffet breakfast upstairs, and the buffet menu hasn’t changed in thirty years–no joke.
If you don’t feel the same sense of nostalgia for the Zion Lodge, hop across the street and hike the lower, middle, and upper falls of the Emerald Pools trail. The Emerald Pools trail is heavily traveled, but less so in late Autumn, and it thins out as you get to the middle and upper falls.
Active people sometimes unfairly label the Emerald Pools trail as too basic or “easy.” Still, if you’ve never been to Zion National Park before, it’s the perfect starter experience, and I consider it a can’t-miss for first-timers.
After Andy and I spent some time at the lodge, we hiked the lower Emerald Pools trail and joined the Kayenta trail over to the Grotto.
After a quick bathroom break at the Grotto, we hooked up with the trail again to hike to Scout’s Lookout. Scout’s Lookout is on the way to Angel’s Landing, and you can hike there without a permit. However, you will need a permit if you want to go to the top of Angel’s Landing, and we didn’t even try to secure one. We’ve done the full Angel’s Landing trail several times, and Scout’s Lookout is a gorgeous substitute if your hopes for a permit are dashed. Sure, you’ll miss out on Angel’s Landing bragging rights, but Scout’s Lookout has views for days.
Visitors who are scared of heights may be happier on solid ground anyway. Permit or not, you’ll still experience Walter’s Wiggles, a series of 21 steep switchbacks.
Right before you get to Scout’s Lookout, if you head a few hundred feet up the West Rim trail, there’s another incredible overlook. You can see up the canyon, the top of Angel’s Landing, and down the canyon.
Although steep uphill climbs can cause the thighs and hammies to burn, steep downhills can be a miserable toe-crushing experience if your feet slide forward in the toe box of your hiking boots. To prevent this, try the heel lock boot-lacing technique. We passed plenty of people gingerly stepping or hiking down sideways to save their toes.
Riding the Shuttle to the End of the Canyon
Once we were back down on the canyon floor, we hopped back on the shuttle for a ride to the Temple of Sinawava, where the famous Narrows hike begins with the Riverside Walk. Having experienced the Narrows several times as a day hike, through-hike, and an overnighter, we had no plans to do it. It’s a hike best-suited for a hot summer day. Even in the best of circumstances, the water is cold, and it can cause hypothermia. Also, it’s rainier in the fall, and the Virgin River can swell to dangerous levels in a matter of minutes. If you are determined to hike The Narrows come hell or high water, and you may experience both, consult a ranger at the visitor center. Tell them I said no, and see if you can convince them to say yes. Ha!
Don’t get me wrong, The Narrows is an iconic ZNP hike, but it’s wise not to get attached to the idea of experiencing it if you’re only spending 24 hours in Zion National Park and the weather is cold.
While we were at the Temple of Sinawava, Andy and I really only wanted to revisit where we got married so many years ago. We started laughing when we discovered that there are now trash cans and recycle bins in the exact location where we said, “I do.” How romantic!
When we asked a man to take our photo, he started moving to a spot with a mountain view. We said, no, no, no, we’re in the right place. Thank you.
The Temple of Sinawava was our last stop. After that, we hopped back on the shuttle and rode it back to our car near the south entrance. We left the park around 4:30, ate a quick dinner at the Zion Brewery in Springdale, and we were back on our way to Salt Lake City.
Even though our trip was short, it didn’t feel that way. We left with tired legs, full bellies, and new memories.
Autumn Weather is a Wildcard
With only 24 hours in Zion National Park, the autumn weather can be tricky. The afternoon we arrived, it was pushing 80 degrees. However, that night, it was like someone flipped a switch. We experienced rain and gusty wind all night, and it was 34 degrees the following morning. Fortunately, our tent kept us warm and dry. Regardless of the season, desert weather temps can vary wildly between the morning and the afternoon.
Dressing in layers is a must, and I’ve linked some of my favorites below. Although Andy and I are wearing coats and hats in most of the photos, we shed layers and put them back on several times throughout the day. It’s normal to get hot and sweaty as you’re hiking but freezing cold once you stop moving. I didn’t link any gloves, but we both wore a light pair most of the time, even when we were down to our short sleeves.
Despite the cooler temperatures, bring plenty of water. You may be surprised at how thirsty you get in the dry climate and higher elevations. Plan accordingly. You won’t feel as sweaty as you hike, but you’ll need to replace your fluids regularly.
- Cotopaxi Fuego hooded jacket – Deep Ocean Stripes*
- Patagonia – tank top wicking base layer
- Cotopaxi Fuego hooded jacket – Maritime & Raspberry*
- Hiking boots – I wore these straight out of the box for over eight miles. They are lightweight with comfy cushioning, and you can’t beat the price point.
- Patagonia – 1/2 zip long sleeve wicking base layer
- Smartwool – full cushion hiking socks
*The color of my Cotopaxi Fuego hooded jacket is no longer available. So, I linked two I would love to wear, and several other color combos are available via each link.
Want more Tips or Info?
The front-country and backcountry hikes in Zion National Park are some of my favorites. So, if you have any questions about them or hiking gear, please let me know in the comments.
Thank you for being here!
