Welcome to Vacation Races' guide to the perfect itinerary at Zion National Park! If you're planning a trip to this breathtaking destination, you're in for a treat. Zion National Park is a true natural wonder, featuring towering cliffs, stunning vistas, and a variety of outdoor activities for all ages and abilities. With so much to see and do, planning the perfect itinerary can be a bit overwhelming. But fear not! We'll take you through a step-by-step guide to experiencing the best that Zion has to offer, from must-see hikes to hidden gems and everything in between. So grab your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure you won't soon forget!
Lodging
Camping Outside the Park
Campsites inside the park fill up fast, and if you miss the opportunity to snag one of those campsites, your best bet is to find a reputable campground, like Range RV, outside the park.
Range RV is about the closest you can get to Zion National Park without staying inside the park or in town. The campground is 40 minutes from the main park entrance and is ideal for RV and trailer campers. The campground offers both full and partial hookup sites. Full hookups include water, sewer, and power. Partial hookups include water and power.
From the campground, you can see impressive views of Wire Mesa to the north. Plus, if you're running the Zion Ultras & Trail Half Marathon, Range RV is just a 5 minute drive to the race expo and staging area for the ultras. Sweet!
Range RV also offers picnic tables at each site, bathrooms & showers, laundry, and wi-fi. Plus, a pool and spa are in the works! Check out their website for rates and to book your site!
Camping in the Park
Camping inside the National Park is a great way to get the most out of the park. When you stay within park boundaries, you don't need to worry about getting there early to find parking in the morning.
South Campground: This is the largest campground in Zion and is located near the park entrance. It offers both tent and RV sites, and is open year-round.
Watchman Campground: This is another popular option, offering tent and RV sites as well as some electric hookups. It's located near the park's visitor center and is open year-round.
Lava Point Campground: This is a more remote option, located at a higher elevation in the park. It offers fewer amenities, but also offers a more secluded camping experience.
Hikes
First and foremost, there are a few hikes that are a must-see when visiting Zion. The most accessible hike is the Riverside Walk, which is a paved, flat trail that follows the Virgin River for about two miles. This trail is suitable for all ages and abilities and offers stunning views of the canyon.
Another popular hike is the Emerald Pools Trail, which is a moderately easy hike that takes you past three pools of waterfalls. The Lower Emerald Pool is the easiest to reach and is a great spot to cool off on a hot day.
For more experienced hikers, the Angels Landing hike is a challenging but rewarding trail that offers breathtaking views of the park. This hike involves steep drop-offs and narrow paths, so it's not for the faint of heart. If you're up for the challenge, however, the views are truly spectacular.
Food
When it comes to food, there are a few standout options in the area. One popular spot is the Zion Canyon Brew Pub, which offers a wide variety of beers and tasty pub food. Another great option is Bit & Spur, which offers delicious Southwestern-style cuisine.
Activities
In terms of other noteworthy sights, be sure to check out the Zion Human History Museum, which offers fascinating insights into the park's cultural and natural history. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is also a must-see, offering stunning views of the park's natural beauty.