Zion National Park:

A Two-Hour Day Trip from Las Vegas That's Worlds Away

Most people don’t land in Las Vegas thinking “national park.” But they should. In just two hours, you can swap neon for sandstone and slot machines for some of the most stunning natural beauty on Earth.

Close enough for a quick reset and far enough away to feel like another world, Zion National Park delivers. The red rock cliffs, winding canyons, and wide-open sky make it a perfect counterbalance to Vegas energy, whether you’re visiting for the weekend, hosting a group trip, or lucky enough to live here full-time.

What To Know

• Drive Time: The gem of Utah, and also the state's first national park, Zion is~2 hours from the Strip on I-15. Car rentals are straightforward in Vegas, and so are larger vehicles if you want to go big. Sites like Outdoorsy or RV Share can set you up with a camper or RV, sometimes delivered right to you.

• Entry Fees: A 7-day pass to Zion is ~$35 per vehicle. Better move: grab the America the Beautiful pass for $80/year, which gets you unlimited entry to every U.S. national park for the year. The proceeds go straight to preservation, one of the few “tourist taxes” we’ll always endorse.

  
  

• Entry & Parking: Technically open 24 hours, 365 days a year, the gates of Zion officially open at 8:00 am. Expect parking to be full already. Yes, really. Get there early to grab one of the extremely limited parking spots on site, oversize spots actually available (!), or shuttle in from Spingdale if you miss it.

• Best Times to Visit:

  • Late Spring (April to early June): Ideal temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and flowing waterfalls. Trails are accessible, and crowds are moderate.

  • Fall (mid-September to November): Cooler weather, golden foliage, and fewer tourists. A great time for longer hikes.

    
    

• Worst Times to Visit:

  • Summer (late June to August): Extremely hot (often over 100°F), crowded, and flash flood risks in canyons like The Narrows.

  • Winter (late November to February): Cold temperatures, icy trails, and limited shuttle services. Some areas may be inaccessible.

• Shuttles: From spring through fall, cars aren’t allowed inside the Scenic Drive. Use the free shuttle from the Visitor Center, which runs frequently throughout the day to all trailheads in the park. 

  
  

• Park Amenities:

  • Internet/Cell Service: Limited - screenshot maps, reservations, and any needed information before entering the park

  • Restrooms & Water are available at several of the shuttle stops, including the Zion lodge with the park's only restaurant outlet

ALWAYS check the park's site directly for current information, including trail closings, flash floods, and up-to-the-minute information on the park.

TOP TRAILS

Zion’s park service has done an excellent job distilling trail options by difficulty in a quick, visual graphic that’s easy to understand. Make sure to check it out before you lock in your plans, and be realistic about your resources (time, energy, sunlight). Here are some of the top picks:

Angels Landing

• Distance: 5.4 miles round trip

• Elevation Gain: 1,488 ft

• Permit: Required only for the final 0.5-mile chained section

• What to Know:

  • Most people stop at Scout Lookout via the West Rim Trail: a solid, scenic workout that doesn’t require a permit.

  • You’ll climb Walter’s Wiggles, a tight zig-zag set of 21 switchbacks. Brutal, iconic, worth it.

    
    

The Narrows (Bottom-Up Day Hike)

• Distance: Varies (you set your turnaround point)

• Elevation Gain: N/A – you’re hiking in a river

• Permit: Not required for bottom-up access

• What to Know:

  • Trail = the Virgin River. You will be wading, often waist-deep, in cold water.

  • Bring or rent: neoprene socks, water shoes, and a walking stick. Walking stick rentals are available in the visitor center or at the trailhead

  • Always check the flash flood forecast before starting; this hike can be dangerous if storms hit upstream.

Emerald Pools

• Lower Pool: 1.2 miles, easy-ish

• Middle Pool: 2 miles, moderate incline

• Upper Pool: 3 miles, steeper, with some light scrambling

• What to Know:

  • The pools themselves vary by season. They're not always emerald; they're not always impressive. But the views along the way make the full route worth it.

Canyon Overlook Trail

• Distance: 1 mile round trip

• Elevation Gain: Minimal

• What to Know:

  • A high-reward, low-effort hike. Perfect if you’re short on time.

  • Some ledge exposure, but manageable for most.

  • Expect crowds.

Observation Point via East Mesa Trail

• Distance: ~6.7 miles round trip

• Elevation Gain: Moderate

• What to Know:

  • The classic main canyon route is closed from rockfall and expected to reopen soon. This alternate route from the east side is still open.

  • A longer drive to get there, but fewer crowds.

  • Wide, gradual path = more chill, less climb than the original route.

Pa’rus Trail

• Distance: ~3.5 miles round trip

• Elevation Gain: None – it’s fully paved

• Dog Friendly: ✅ The only one in the park

• What to Know:

  • Flat, exposed, almost no shade.

  • Best done early or late to avoid direct sun.

  • Great for strollers, wheelchairs, or just easing into park life.

  
  

Reality Check: Emergency rescues happen more than you'd think, and often because someone underestimated how intense the terrain is. Don’t be that person. Be realistic about your body and its current abilities. Hydrate, snack, be smart.

Food & Fuel

Food and beverage are a passion of ours, and honestly, this could be an entire guide on its own. But there’s only so much time and so much room, so here’s the streamlined version:

Zion isn’t exactly a food town, and while there are some solid options nearby, availability is limited, especially if you’re plant-based, gluten-free, or just trying not to eat fries and gas station jerky every day.

Whether you’re camping or staying in a hotel, a little prep goes a long way. Think: high-protein snacks, fresh produce, hydration, and a mini fridge/cooler when/where possible.

Stock Up In St. George

This is your last real chance to stock up before things get remote and overpriced. St. George has all the heavy hitters: Costco, Walmart, Smith's, Albertsons, Natural Grocers, plus plenty of recognizable brands and grab-and-go stops if you're short on time. Whether you're loading a cooler or just grabbing that oat milk creamer you can’t live without, this is your moment.

Snacks

• Dried fruit, protein bars, jerky, nut butter packets—things that don’t melt, crush, or crumble into dust the second they hit your bag.

• Bonus points for options high in protein or electrolytes. You’ll thank yourself two miles in.

• If you’re bringing fresh stuff (fruit, wraps, veggies), pre-portion them and stash in reusable containers or baggies that fit your daypack.

Pack a trash bag. Nature doesn’t need your granola bar wrapper or any evidence you were ever there.

Where to Stay

Zion has options. From luxe pillows to dirt-level sleeping pads. Here’s how to decide where you want to crash:

Hotels & Lodges

Springdale has everything from standard chains to boutique stays. It’s the closest you’ll get to turn-down service in a national park. Just book early, they fill fast in peak season. Need help booking? We can do that.

Glamping & Hot Springs

Think safari-style canvas tents with actual beds, lights, and maybe even a fire pit. You’re outdoors-ish, but with outlets. Great for groups or people who love the idea of camping more than actual camping. Want a curated glamping rec? We’ve got you.

Tent Camping

Inside the park: South and Watchman are the two main campgrounds, and they book fast. Reserve ahead. Outside the park: More flexible options, including BLM land and private campgrounds. You’ll trade convenience for space, but it’s often quieter (and cheaper).

Car Camping

Fold down your seats. Add a pad, window covers, and maybe a battery fan. Boom—bedroom on wheels. Great for early mornings, late arrivals, or those just passing through.

Hybrid Setups

Rooftop tents, truck beds, SUV conversions, or backseat builds. These are perfect for the well-ish adventurer who wants flexibility without hauling a trailer.

RVs & Trailers

If you’ve got one, great. If you’re renting, learn it before you hit the road.

• Watch a walkthrough (ideally of your exact model)

• Know your hookups, tanks, clearance, and how to level

• Make a checklist for setup and teardown—yes, seriously

RV Resorts = full hookups, Wi-Fi, and sometimes a pool.

Boondocking = no amenities, just you and the land. Rewarding if you’re self-sufficient.

Whether you're glamping or cowboy camping, your sleep setup can make or break the trip. Plan like comfort matters, because it does.

📩 Want help finding the best setup for your crew? We book hotels, glamping stays, and can even put together a camping kit with the essentials (food, gear, the right creature comforts) so all you have to do is show up.

PRO TIPS:

• Get Out Early! So many reasons… the parking lots fill almost immediately. So, that. Then, don’t be the person embarking on the most strenuous hike of your life at noon with the sun blazing in the sky. Be smart… get out before it’s too hot and the UV is too high. You’ll also beat the crowds and enjoy an added layer of quiet beauty that can’t quite be translated into words.

  
  

• Cell service in Zion is deeply unreliable. Save your info before you go.

  
  

• Snap the trailhead signage before each hike. Those signs are packed with real-time notes you’ll want to remember 20 minutes in.

  
  

• AllTrails? Love it. But it’s community-based. Use it for offline maps and elevation profiles, but confirm big details with the park directly.

  
  

• Supplies. There is a Dick’s Sporting Goods almost immediately off the strip if you prefer to basically hit the airport and then hit the road. If you have a bit more time and flexibility, we recommend the shops in St. George, which are lower priced, and (lower taxed) than basically anything you'll purchase in Clark County, Nevada.

  
  

• Got a trailer or RV? If you’re heading east through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, you’ll need a ranger escort ($15 fee). Totally doable—but not necessary unless you’re set on seeing that side.

• Bicycles are allowed on the Scenic Drive and Pa’rus Trail, but keep in mind that shuttle buses can’t pass moving bikes, so pull over if needed.

• Leave No Trace (And No Trash) If you bring it in, pack it out.

• Passes: National ≠ State Know the difference.

  
  

• Don’t leave food or valuables in sight. Break-ins happen, even in beautiful places.

  
  

• Check the weather before every hike. Flash floods move fast and show no mercy.

  
  

• Shake out your shoes before putting them on. Spiders. Enough said.

FINAL NOTE

Zion is one of the most iconic, over-photographed, and under-prepared-for national parks in the U.S. It’s drop-dead gorgeous. But it’s also wild, harsh, and full of surprises that’ll slap your expectations if you’re not ready.

You don’t need to be perfect out there. You just need to be prepared.

This guide is part of what we do at Yes & Well: a not-so-typical wellness company helping people build better habits, experiences, and lives—on the road and off. We believe wellness should feel fun, flexible, and a little bit wild.

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