r/ZionNationalPark

Hi All,

My fiancé and I are staying in Alton UT between Zion and Bryce (we know it will be a lot of driving) from September 13-17 this year. I have done some research and have put together the below itinerary looking at this sub and using AI (would be happy to change it)!

Sun. 9/13 – Bryce: Arrive mid-afternoon; Queen’s Garden + Navajo Loop (3–4 mi) followed by sunset from the Bryce Amphitheater rim.
Mon. 9/14 – Bryce: Fairyland Loop (8 mi) early, then scenic drive to Rainbow Point and the southern overlooks.
Tue. 9/15 – Zion: West Rim via Scout Lookout (7–9 mi) — hike the Angels Landing approach, skip the chains, and continue up West Rim as the crowds thin.
Wed. 9/16 – Zion: The Narrows bottom-up (6–8 mi) from Temple of Sinawava; make this your full classic Zion Canyon day.
Thu. 9/17 – Zion/East Zion: Observation Point via East Mesa (6.8 mi) early, then depart. If midday departure makes that too tight, do Canyon Overlook (1 mi) + East Zion scenic stops instead.

We are fairly avid outdoors people and are used to strenuous hikes and western terrain. We don’t want to be stuck in crowds and fighting with people to go on hikes even though we are going during a popular time. We plan to rent e bikes and would appreciate any feedback on good hikes, views, and food!

Thank you all so much in advance!

Hi Everyone,

Going to Zion soon from NYC.

The only thing on my list is the Mount Carmel Tunnel really but I'm open to anything people suggest a "cant miss".

Any suggestions for the tunnel? I'd be driving from Hurricane. Looking to capture the iconic view of course but I know I cant stop. Possible to make several trips?

What else did you all do in Zion that you really loved? I'm an open book with a 3 day stay.

Just got back from Dry Tortugas and used a cooler backpack for beer. Thought it was waterproof until it leaked and soaked the ladies bag next to me on the ferry ride.

Been to the Narrows with a regular backpack and when I go again, I’d like a dry bag.

Got to thinking, is there something I can use as a cooler AND a dry bag? Looking for any recommendation. Thank you!!

Hi all -

I am desperately wanting to hike angels landing in October and am so confused by the process of getting approved / where to even go to get a pass. Any advice and recommendations would be super helpful !!!

I’m planning to go into the park tomorrow at 6:30-7am… will the park rangers be at the entrance? And if they aren’t there, can I buy the pass on my way out?

I’m not a resident so I don’t want to take a chance being caught if I don’t have a pass.. do they check once I’m in the park?

Thanks!

I am planning a trip to visit few national parks in Utah and Arizona from Vegas in the 1st week of October over 5 days.

I have these 2 options:

------------------Option 1 ---------------- (Clockwise Vegas - Bryce canyon - Zion canyon -Page - Grand canyon - Vegas)

Day 1 - Vegas to Bryce, visit Bryce Amphitheater, Queen's garden/Navajo loop

Day 2 - Bryce to Zion, Scout Overlook and Canyon overlook( if time permits)

Day 3 - Narrows in Zion and travel to Page, Horseshoe bend

Day 4 - Lower Antelope canyon in the morning and travel to Grand canyon south rim, cover main points

Day 5 - Grand canyon to Vegas

----------------Option 2--------------- (Anti-clockwise: Vegas - Grand canyon - Page - Bryce - Zion - Vegas )

Day 1 - Vegas to Grand canyon south rim, cover main points

Day 2 - Travel to page , visit lower antelope canyon and horseshoe bend, travel to bryce canyon

Day 3 - Visit Bryce Amphitheater, Queen's garden/Navajo loop and travel to Zion

Day 4 - Narrows in the morning and Scout overlook post lunch.

Day 5 - Zion to Vegas.

I need to return to Vegas by 1-2pm on Day 5 so i have to start early.

Out of the 2 options, Option 1 gives me more time in Zion.

Option 2 gives me one full day in Zion without any travelling except my stay to Shuttle start point.

I know Day 1 in both the options have lot of travel time but can it be manageable since we are 2 drivers?

Day 4 in both options have lot of activities but are those manageable?

I am more inclined towards option 2.

Please feel free to suggest any changes or modification.

From September 2025, just left the original audio and pacing as it was.

no background tracks or cuts coming down the ridge last year.

Open it on YT app to look around.

asking for my friend. it’s for our last day of our 10 day hiking trip around utah in october. we fly out of vegas that night

from her: “they both look prettyyyyy cool and we can hit either of them after kanaraville and idk which is more fun or if we should just scenic drive them both or what”

looking for some recs thank ya in advance!

Any suggestions for personal items??
What to take for clothing? It is getting cold at night?
We are sleeping in a tent!

Any tips for first time visitors!!!

Hi all!

I’m renting a car from Vegas and driving into Zion with my dad who has limited mobility at the end of the month for some plein air painting throughout the park.

My thought is to leave before noon, get to the visitor center around 3pm, visit the history museum, ride the shuttle bus to some easy trails/lookouts for painting and hanging out, (dad’s mobile enough for short walks and inclines, just needs a few breaks) then shuttle back to the car and drive through the tunnel / highway 9 to our hotel in Kanab for the night.

Where’s the best place to park? Are lots clearing up around this time on a Sunday or is it packed all day?

Should I change our plan at all? Welcoming any advice/suggestions on shuttle stops and trails with a great walking/scenic payout ratio.

We’re super excited, I can’t stop looking through everyone’s photos and experiences here. Can’t wait to add in my first ever visit to a national park! I cheer and applaud all the avid hikers out there, and give thanks in advance for your advice on doing as little hiking as possible hahaha.

Going in October, heard mountain lions are more active in Kolob side, will be more focused on the deer rather than me but …anyone have any concerning encounters when hiking solo in Kolob?

Hi all-

I’m planning a trip with my girlfriend from September 19-26. Flying into Las Vegas and getting a rental car. We’d like to see Zion and Bryce. I have read a lot about the parking issues, and the hotel options in Springdale are either booked up / very pricey. I have stayed at the Desert Pearl Inn before, was sad to see it booked up for that week; I would have booked again in a heartbeat.

What other options are out there? I’ve seen a lot of people commenting on Hurricane/La Virken. I came across “Zion’s Tiny Getaway” in Apple Valley which looked interesting; does anyone know anything about this? Are there any other hidden gems in close driving proximity to the park?

My biggest concern is starting off every day stressed about driving 45min-1hr to park and having troubles parking. I understand by mid-late September tourism may slow down a bit, but it seems everyone has caught onto that. Would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on the daily traveling / if there are some happy in betweens with $/driving.

Look forward to hearing input. Thanks!

Update: Booked the Red Cliffs Lodge in Springdale from 19th - 23th. Looking for somewhere outside of Springdale (Kenab?) with an easier drive to Bryce Canyon / Horseshoe Bend / other fun adventures. Happy to hear any suggestions! Thanks all - appreciate all of the input!

I never knew they dropped the 6am shuttle start, and I like that the crowds were thinner then.

That is heartbreaking. The narrows is peaceful and amazing at 6am, and a zoo at 7am. I am genuinely devastated! That first morning shuttle was the best!

Why would they do this?