A One Day Guide to Zion National Park

Lauren Barrett

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Zion National Park is located in southwest Utah surrounded by a playground of National Parks: Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches, and Capital Reef. Zion is known for its winding rivers, lush trails, emerald pools, flowing waterfalls, hanging gardens, harrowing hikes, and majestic slot canyons. We spent all of our time in Zion Canyon, the most popular place to begin hikes. Our trip here is remembered for what we saw and sadly for what we didn't see. We made a fatal mistake, so make sure you continue reading to find out what you can't miss when you go here. 

The Logistics ​

• Drove by rental car from Lake Powell on our Out West Road Trip
• Traveled with my parents and brother
• Stayed in Kanab, Utah
• Stayed 2 nights and visited the park for 1 day

The Itinerary
Day 1
My memory at this park isn't as clear as some of the other parks and, unfortunately, I didn't document as well as I did with my other trips, but I will try my best to remember. 

• We started hiking to The Narrows. The Narrows are one of my most beautiful and majestic sites to behold at any National Park. It makes tons of lists for Must See Spots, not just in Zion itself, but for all of the National Parks. As we were hiking, we thought we had made it, took a couple of pictures and turned around. We later discovered, much to our chagrin and disappointment, that we never did make it. We were severely let down because the pictures themselves of The Narrows are something to see. While we did get a nice scenic hike out of our walk there, we missed out on the final destination. 
• We did the Upper and Lower Emerald Pools Trails. You'll be greeted with some nice waterfalls.  But I got a little scared because at some points you walk very close to the edge and there's a big drop off. 
• We had lunch in the park. 
• We drove along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive which zigzags through the park and offers great view. 
• I believe that's all we did. 

The Narrows

Other Suggestions/Recommendations

• The Narrows, please don't make the same mistake. You can rent boots and waterproof neoprene socks at many places around the park. 
• Angels Landing if you are full of adventure and don't scare easily and also if you are an experienced hiker. This is one of the most dangerous hikes in all of the national parks. 
• Watchman Trail, an underrated hike in Zion Canyon. 
• Canyon Overlook Trail for all ages and abilities
• Observation Point - Hard but one of the highest places

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​My name is Lauren, and I was born in New Jersey, grew up in West Virginia, went to college in Pennsylvania, and now live and work in North Carolina. I'm a high school teacher of the deaf and hard-of-hearing by day, a cross country coach by the afternoon, a writer by night, and a full time mom to an amazing toddler. I love my faith, running, watching baseball, chocolate, scrapbooking, pretending I would actually do well on the Amazing Race, re-watching The Office, listening to Bobby Bones, and helping out all moms.